My objective is balanced reporting, and there seems to be several examples where this is not so for ABC publications.

Nothing to do with Dawson. Dawson, or anyone, has every right to present her side. The issue is the the ABC is only presenting one perspective, and is doing nothing to ensure it presents a balanced perspective.

I believe that most should agree that reporting of sensationalist views of vocal minorities without balance is unacceptable, regardless of political persuasion, personal views etc.

If this practice of one-sided reporting continues, in this case against greyhound racing, then there are mechanisms to make the source accountable, and prevent recurrence. It also provides a basis for the media organisation to be provided with appropriate contacts. The intention is that the right contacts are used for the balancing input for proposed publication.

By not responding to unbalanced reporting, despite having the resources to do so, State Regulators fail in their responsibility to protect the industry over which they have unilateral control.

In my opinion, someone should be doing it. It would make sense for there to be a media unit to be nationally funded. But that would be anther topic.

And the proposed action against the ABC would be proactive. Although a rebuttal will never overcome the perceptions from any unbalanced reporting, it at least puts the ABC on notice to be accountable in the future.

I generally like what you are saying. However, my post was essentially about the Press Council reference. Not worth it.

Also note that the ABC article included two official statements from the industry and council so they will reject out of hand any complaint about bias. Technically, they will be right.

And it is about Dawson - she has a bee in her bonnet. Note that everything she writes is couched very carefully so as to avoid saying most or all greyhounds are a problem. Her own business is concentrated on misfits so she is always going to emphasise that end of the spectrum.

In the other case the ABC reporter was justifying his time spent attending the vet conference. Had to write about something.

By all means, the ABC and other media should have a comprehensive summary of the truth and the data - supplied by whoever - updated and repeated regularly (staff will change every so often but the bias will remain, as it does at SMH). That's the only course worth following out of these cases. Otherwise, the horse has bolted - don't chase it. It's too late.

The further problem is RSPCA which, to the best of my knowledge, has no formal brief to address or ban greyhound racing. Yes to cruelty and mistreatment but not racing. The Vic branch was ordered to stay out of that game by the state government. NSW did the opposite with Baird's help. So the industry story should go to all RSPCA branches and HQ in Canberra as well as the media.

Lets see how the horses deal with the post racing rehoming ......they cant hide behind anyone, anymore .....the truth is coming out

EXTERNAL LINK
Look how quick the ABC accuse channel 7 of theft.when the shoe is on the other foot!!!