ABC asks PR firm if it paid money to journalists covering launch of Chinese service

April 13, 2015 12:52

The ABC has asked its Chinese public relations firm whether it provided payments to Chinese journalists covering the launch event of its Australia Plus web portal.

Today’s Australian Financial Review Rear Window column noted there were questions over whether the public broadcaster had followed the standard Chinese business practice by giving journalists envelopes, containing around 200 Chinese Yuan (AUD $41), at last week’s event.

An ABC spokesman confirmed to Mumbrella it was asking its PR company whether payments had been made, insisting the only gifts it had authorised were Lavender Bobbie Bear toys.

Last week, the public broadcaster launched AustraliaPlus.cn, a portal that will broadcast a combination of Australian stories including business, education and travel aimed at a mainland Chinese audience as well as Chinese living in Australia.

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Nic Christensen

Nic Christensen worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2016, in roles including deputy editor and media & technology editor. He is former media writer for The Australian and has also worked as a reporter for The Daily Telegraph and senior producer for Radio 2GB.

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