ABC News in Turmoil: Four Corners Pulled, HR Exec Quits, Staff Strike, and More

Overview

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has been involved in several distinct developments, including the withdrawal of two Four Corners programs due to sourcing concerns, the resignation of an HR executive following media inquiries, a staff strike, and an Ombudsman finding regarding the use of AI-generated video. The following report consolidates these events into a single, factual summary.

Four Corners Programs Withdrawn

Program Removal

The ABC has removed two episodes of its Four Corners program—"Meth Highway" (2024) and "Cocaine Nation" (2023)—from all platforms due to concerns about the accuracy of sources used. The programs were produced during the tenure of former reporter Mahmood Fazal.

Reporter Termination and Investigation

Mahmood Fazal’s employment with the ABC was terminated on May 28, 2026. The ABC stated the termination followed an investigation that found Fazal breached editorial policies by appearing on an unauthorized podcast titled "Word on the Street" with Ryan Naumenko. The ABC noted the podcast did not receive final approvals as required by its external work guidelines. The ABC stated the decision to withdraw the programs is separate from this investigation.

The matter has been referred to the ABC Ombudsman for an independent review of whether the programs complied with editorial standards. The ABC stated it will consider further action after the review is complete.

"A deeply worrying precedent for the ABC to remove investigative journalism from its flagship program." — Mahmood Fazal

Reporter's Response

Mahmood Fazal stated on Instagram that he was not informed of the investigation prior to the retraction. He described the move as "a deeply worrying precedent for the ABC to remove investigative journalism from its flagship program."

Background on Reporter

Fazal, a former sergeant-at-arms for bikie gang The Mongols, joined the ABC in 2021 and Four Corners in 2023. His reporting utilized his connections with underworld figures. In 2024, Fazal was alleged to have passed threatening messages from a crime family to another journalist; Four Corners previously issued a statement supporting him.

ABC HR Executive Resignation

Resignation

Josh Keech, an ABC executive responsible for employee relations and safety, resigned on April 17, 2026. His resignation followed questions from the media outlet On Background regarding a team-building day he organized on a yacht owned by businessman Tom Snow. The ABC stated it did not pay for the yacht trip.

Sequence of Events

After the media outlet submitted questions, ABC executives met. Keech's resignation was announced to his team at 3:30 PM and to the wider department just after 4:00 PM on April 17. The ABC confirmed his departure with an internal note thanking him for his service but declined further comment.

Background and Context

Keech led the ABC's employee relations team during ongoing pay bargaining negotiations with staff and unions. The team experienced significant staff turnover, with six in-house employment lawyers leaving between January 2025 and April 2026, leaving one remaining counsel.

Related Incidents

• In December 2025, according to three anonymous sources, Keech threatened a union staffer and an ABC delegate with defamation proceedings after they described his conduct as "union-busting tactics."
• In September 2025, Keech wrote to a union warning of potential "psychosocial risk of harm" from a campaign encouraging anonymous staff messages to management.
• Sources stated Keech had previously said he had never lost a bargaining vote in his career. The ABC subsequently lost two votes during the negotiations.

Outcome

The ABC and staff unions have since reached an in-principle pay agreement that is expected to be approved.

Additional ABC Developments

Staff Strike

Union member staff voted down the ABC's pay offer twice in March 2026, resulting in a 24-hour strike. The ABC then changed its policy regarding union officials' access to work sites. Union officials visiting ABC properties will now be escorted by an ABC representative from the People & Culture team, security, or another ABC staff member, rather than by a union member or delegate.

Ombudsman Finding on AI-Generated Video

The ABC's independent ombudsman found the broadcaster had quoted an AI-generated video that falsely attributed remarks to Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun. The ABC News team accepted the findings and stated it is reviewing its verification processes.

Appointment of News Director

Simon Robinson, executive editor of Reuters, has been appointed as the new director of ABC News, replacing Justin Stevens. The appointment followed a global search. ABC managing director Hugh Marks confirmed the appointment.

Appointment to Journalism Role

Ginny Stein, a former ABC foreign correspondent, has been appointed Head of Discipline for Journalism at the University of Technology Sydney's School of Communication.

Other Media Industry Developments

Karl Stefanovic

On a separate note, Karl Stefanovic, host of the Today show, expressed regret for his previous on-air support for the COVID-19 vaccine campaign. Speculation continues about potential replacements for Stefanovic on Nine's Today show, with sports presenter James Bracey mentioned as a candidate.

Kyle Sandilands

A police complaint was filed on April 15 by Jennie Hill, founder of activist group Mad F***ing Witches, regarding on-air remarks by radio host Kyle Sandilands. Victoria Police confirmed receipt of the report and stated that after investigation, no criminal offences were detected.

Sky News (News24) Rebrand

Sky News Australia rebranded as "News24" and applied for its trademark. The ABC, which established its rolling news platform in 2010 as "ABC News 24" and retains the trademark until 2030, expressed concern regarding potential confusion.

News Content Dispute

News.com.au published an interview with a sexual assault survivor that included criticism of The Australian's podcast Shadow of Doubt. The Australian published a rebuttal, asserting the articles contained errors. News.com.au reporter Nina Funnell stated that no corrections had been made.

Tony Abbott Appointment

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott was appointed federal president of the Liberal Party while retaining his board position at Fox Corporation.