NT: Leaked ABA report a matter for the ABA: govt

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2004
NT: Leaked ABA report a matter for the ABA: govt

DARWIN, April 20 AAP - The Australian Broadcasting Authority's investigation into the
sponsorship of Alan Jones' Sydney radio program was a matter for the broadcasting regulator,
the federal government said today.

Communications Minister Daryl Williams today declined to comment on revelations a draft
report into the probe found the Macquarie Radio Network had breached broadcasting standards.

The ABA later dismissed a complaint that the network had failed to properly disclose
Telstra's sponsorship of the Alan Jones radio program.

"Until I've been briefed I don't want to make any comment about it," Mr Williams said.

"It seems to be that it's likely to be a matter that should be left with the ABA, it's
within their realm of responsibility and on that basis I suspect when I'm properly briefed
the government won't be saying anything."

He said any further investigation of the issue was up to the ABA.

"That's a matter for the ABA," he said.

"I think (ABA Chairman) Professor (David) Flint's view is that the processes were proper
and the matter is concluded."

The ABA today said the draft report, leaked to ABC Television's Media Watch program,
had been flawed.

Prof Flint said the report had been prepared by a young ABA lawyer and had not contained
enough evidence to substantiate its conclusions.

AAP km/pw/jlw

KEYWORD: MEDIAWATCH WILLIAMS

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