Cotton Australia is awaiting a response from ABC’s Ombudsman to its formal complaint following the broadcast of a Four Corners story on NT cotton titled ‘Water Grab’ On August 19 this year.

The program portrayed a one-sided view of the industry, disregarded legitimate scientific research, made conclusions based on repeated claims by activists, promoted the since-failed electoral ambitions of a key opponent of the industry, and irresponsibly raised alarmist claims about possible catastrophic outcomes and a devastated tourism industry.

In a strong example of collaboration, Cotton Australia was joined by the NFF, NT Cotton Growers Association, NT Farmers, NT Cattlemen’s Association and representatives from the NT Government and its departments, in analyzing the dispute coverage and delivering a response.

All parties then signed a formal complaint to the ABC Ombudsman and also wrote to ABC’s own Media Watch which has shown no fear in publicly criticising programs from its own media stable.

An analysis of the resulting media coverage from media monitoring organisation Media Monitors has revealed the failure of the Four Corners program to gain any significant coverage for its erroneous views from other media.

The report shows that Twitter’s keyboard warriors were loudest in their response with ABC’s channels, particularly in the NT, responsible for most of the traditional media coverage.

CA CEO Adam Kay said the program, which lacked journalistic and scientific rigour, has damaged the reputation of the ABC which has many outstanding journalists in its ranks. “We have been contacted by rural, regional and metropolitan ABC reporters who are upset with the way Four Corners has orchestrated this story, disregarding their local knowledge and contacts and overlooking evidence that should have been included as a matter of balance.”

Mr Kay said he will await the response from the ABC Ombudsman before deciding if any further action should be taken.