The ABC’s Murdoch Makeover: How Australia’s Public Broadcaster is Becoming a Haven for News Corp Alumni

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The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has long been celebrated as a bastion of independent journalism, free from commercial and political influences. However, recent trends suggest a growing infiltration of former News Corp and Sky News personnel into the ABC’s ranks, raising questions about the broadcaster’s commitment to impartialityand its susceptibility to external media agendas.

The Influx of News Corp Alumni

Several high-profile journalists have transitioned from News Corp-owned entities to prominent positions within the ABC:

  • David Speers – Formerly the political editor at Sky News Australia, Speers joined the ABC in 2020 as the host of Insiders. His move was seen as a significant shift, bringing a political commentator from a commercially driven newsroom into the public broadcaster.
  • Dan Bourchier – With a background at Sky News Australia, Bourchier has taken on multiple roles at the ABC, including presenting news bulletins and hosting radio programs. His career move reflects the increasingly porous boundaries between commercial and public media in Australia.
  • Chris Uhlmann – A seasoned political editor, Uhlmann has worked at both the ABC and commercial networks. In 2024, he joined Sky News Australia, further demonstrating the fluid movement of journalists between public and private media sectors.

These are just a few examples. The ABC’s top political reporting and commentary roles are increasingly being filled by individuals with deep ties to commercial media, particularly outlets owned by News Corp or Nine Entertainment, controlled by former Liberal Treasurer Peter Costello.

Platforming Commercial Media Narratives

Beyond personnel shifts, the ABC has been criticized for amplifying narratives originating from commercial media outlets, particularly those owned by News Corp and Nine Entertainment. This practice raises concerns about the ABC’s editorial independence and its role in perpetuating politically motivated perspectives.

For instance, in February 2025, News Corp publications launched a campaign comparing the ABC’s funding to subscription services like Netflix, arguing that taxpayers receive less value from the public broadcaster. This talking point was soon echoed within the ABC’s own coverage, prompting internal and external debates about the broadcaster’s funding and value proposition.

Similarly, Nine Entertainment’s media empire—through outlets like The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian Financial Review—has consistently driven stories attacking the ABC’s legitimacy, only for ABC presenters to pick up and discuss these angles without challenging their framing.

The Erosion of Editorial Independence

The integration of former commercial media journalists into the ABC and the platforming of external media narratives have serious implications:

  • Editorial Influence – Journalists carry their professional experiences and editorial perspectives with them. An influx of personnel from commercially driven, often politically aligned media organizations could subtly shift the ABC’s editorial stance, leading to changes in how news is framed and reported.
  • Public Perception – The ABC’s reputation as an impartial public broadcaster may be compromised. If the audience begins to perceive the ABC as just another outlet recycling Murdoch or Costello-approved talking points, it loses the credibility that makes it distinct from commercial media.
  • Government and Political Pressure – The Liberal Party has spent years attacking the ABC, with consecutive governments cutting its funding and questioning its legitimacy. As a result, the broadcaster has become more hesitant to challenge the Coalition, overcorrecting for perceived bias by leaning harder on Labor ministers while allowing LNP figures to walk away unchallenged.

The ABC Needs to Choose Its Future

Australians rely on the ABC for rigorous, independent journalism—not just another version of Sky News with softer lighting. The ABC needs to:

  • Stop hiring from the Murdoch ecosystem as its first instinct when filling major political reporting roles.
  • Stop amplifying narratives pushed by News Corp and Nine Entertainment unless they are independently scrutinized.
  • Stop backing down in the face of Liberal Party pressure, instead treating all political parties with equal scrutiny.

The ABC is still one of the most trusted institutions in Australia, but that trust is not unlimited. If it continues to drift towards the very media empires it was meant to counterbalance, it will lose the one thing that makes it valuable: its independence.

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Will McAvoy

Will McAvoy is ACN’s seasoned lead anchor, known for his sharp wit, no-nonsense approach, and dedication to truth. With decades of experience in journalism, Will is passionate about holding power accountable and challenging misinformation. He brings a gravitas and depth to ACN’s reporting, often diving into complex political issues with clarity and integrity.

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