ABC dismisses 'ludicrous' China pressure claim
Posted
Updated
Controversial film: The Ten Conditions of Love is about Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer (Reuters: Jason Reed)
ABC managing director Mark Scott says suggestions that the ABC decided not to screen a controversial film about Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer because of pressure from China are "ludicrous".
The film's producer, John Lewis, has told the Australian newspaper that the ABC told him the film was scheduled to show on December 17 last year.
"If I were to be asked, is the ABC kowtowing to China for some reason, I'd say I don't know but it looks awfully like it," he said.
Mr Scott was questioned in Senate Estimates yesterday about why the documentary, called The Ten Conditions of Love, had not yet screened.
This morning he told Radio National the film was still scheduled to be shown, and he took a swipe at The Australian over its coverage of the issue.
"It was never locked in for December 17 I'm told, and we will be showing it this year," he said.
"The suggestion that somehow the ABC has buckled under pressure is absolutely ludicrous and it's particularly ludicrous coming from a News Limited newspaper, given their long corporate and complex relationship with China over many years."
Mr Scott questioned The Australian's motives for choosing to run the story on the front page.
"I think if you look at the history of News Limited around the world, they've never been very friendly towards public broadcasting," he said.
"I think today's coverage is in a sense consistent with that line. And of course Sky News, of which News Limited is a significant shareholder, wants to be Australia's international broadcaster."
Sky News is competing with the ABC to secure the $20 million contract for the Australia Network, which is now run by the ABC, and has strongly attacked the ABC's decision to broadcast a 24-hour news channel.
In November last year Mr Scott outlined plans to extend the ABC's reach overseas, arguing that the public broadcaster had a role to play in "soft diplomacy".
The ABC broadcasts to 44 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Mr Scott wants it to also be shown in China.
But he says the issue of the ABC showing the documentary has not been raised in discussions with Chinese officials.
"We all knew that Chinese officials didn't like this film but there's been no specific representation on the ABC purchasing this film," he said.
Last year Chinese officials pressured the Government over its decision to grant a visa to Ms Kadeer.
Search ABC News
Featured Video
-
Video
Thailand's Prime Minister has rejected calls for his resignation despite a huge protest in Bangkok.
-
Video
Authorities want to reduce the population of wild horses in the Alpine region due to their impact on fragile ecosystems.
-
Video
A powerful cyclone has hit Fiji, damaging homes and suspending public services.
-
Video
Skier Jessica Gallagher becomes the first woman in Australia to win a medal at the Winter Paralympics.
The ABC News Online Investigative Unit encourages whistleblowers, and others with access to information they believe should be revealed for the public good, to contact us.
