After almost 18 months, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has responded to Cotton Australia’s call for an investigation into the Four Corners episode ‘Water Grab’ (August 2024), finding the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) breached the accuracy and impartiality provisions of its Code of Practice.

This latest finding in favour of Cotton Australia comes on the back of Four Corners again being found to have breached the Code with a story called “Cash Splash” a few years ago, again following action by Cotton Australia.

The industry has a gutful of the attacks from the ABC, and based on the latest findings against the ABC, the Chair and CEO have secured a meeting with Hugh Marks, the Managing Director.

The response from the ABC in both instances has been to say they do not agree with the regulator. Unfortunately, ACMA has no powers to penalise the ABC as it can with commercial organisations. This almost makes the ABC above the law. As well as discussions with the Managing Director, Cotton Australia will pursue change through the Communications Minister’s Office and through questioning of the ABC in Senate Estimates.

Read the ACMA media release and Investigation report.