Journalists at the former Fairfax-owned mastheads have written to their bosses warning that their editorial independence could be compromised by the media company hosting fundraising events for political parties.
The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), The Age and The Australian Financial Review (AFR), all owned by Nine following its merger Fairfax, reported on a Nine-hosted Liberal Party fundraiser that took place on Monday night at the Willoughby TV studios.
Seats went for $10,000 a head to dine with the prime minister, Scott Morrison, communication minister Paul Fletcher and other Liberal ministers, according to reports.
Print journalists reminded their CEO Hugh Marks and managing director of publishing Chris Janz of their obligation to be politically independent and follow Fairfax’s Charter of Editorial Independence, which Marks said Nine would adopt following the merger.
“The former Fairfax mastheads have a long history of political independence. If this has changed and we are now associated with the Liberal Party, this should be conveyed to staff,” the letter on behalf of the SMH, The Age and the AFR house committees reads.
“A decision to host fundraisers for Labor or other political parties would be of equal concern. We strongly object to our reputation for independent journalism being compromised by the hosting of party political fundraisers. This can only serve to make the job of working journalists more difficult.”
A Nine spokesperson says its management and board have been strong in the support of the charter.
“We participate actively in our democracy and speak to all parties to press our case around regulation and other political issues that concern our business and the ability of our people to perform their role,” the spokesperson says.
“We took the opportunity last night to present our case to the Liberal Party at their business forum and today to the Labor Party at their event and dinner with their leader.”
It comes as the media industry, including Nine, has been publicly campaigning for a stronger free press. The Australia’s Right to Know coalition, which includes Nine, News Corp Australia and the ABC, is currently developing a $20 million multi-platform campaign to highlight laws which have made reporting more difficult.
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