Q&A review leader Ray Martin describes Zaky Mallah outcry as a ‘political issue’
Journalist Ray Martin, who has been charged with leading an inquiry into ABC show Q&A, has described the furore surrounding the appearance of Zaky Mallah as a “political issue” and described the decision to ban ministers from appearing on the show as “silly”.
Former terror suspect Mallah’s appearance to ask a question on the show triggered a wave of outcry in the media led by Government ministers, leading the ABC to ask Martin and former SBS managing director Shaun Brown to review the last 22 episodes of the show for political bias.
Appearing as a guest host on Channel Seven’s Sunrise this morning Martin said of his decision to accept the role: “I thought it was about time for a little balance. I thought the rants and raves were a bit crazy about that thing so I think it’s at least time to have a look.
“I can’t imagine Australia without the ABC, that doesn’t mean it can’t be better. It’s clearly a political issue at the moment in terms of terror and I think we’ve already started looking towards the next election.”
Great to see Ray took a rationalists approach to this whole issue.
Laughable that Ray Martin is “investigating” this issue.
It is sad that the government have sharpened such an assault. Shame on them.
I’m just fascinated that he’s meant to be independently reviewing it, but has already formed a suspicion that all is OK:
“I suspect that [host] Tony Jones was as tough on the Labor Government as he is on the Coalition right now.”
Regardless of the outcome, it seems strange that he’d offer such a comment in advance of any investigation outcome.
Any rational person has to dismiss this hysterical, over-the-top outrage by the govt/Murdoch media as a total crock.
Mallah did nothing wrong, Q and A did nothing wrong. The ABC did nothing wrong except cravenly cave in to pressure and apologise for something it shouldn’t have. The worst offender on the program was Ciobo who said something completely outrageous for a government member and worthy of outrage and fury.
None of the makers of this confected fury and outrage can point to anything specific that Mallah said which justifies any of the hysteria, which doesn’t fall over with a seconds examination. And the hypocritical Murdoch media have given Mallah far more extensive and hagiographic exposure than the ABC anyhow.
This whole affair is concocted for political and ideological reasons only. And I’m sure Ray Martin, and any rational person, can easily see this.
Its a political distraction for a disastrous government learning to put one foot in front of the other. One minute they argue for free speech and the next they shut it down when it suits their political intentions. If Labor had elected Albanese as leader they would be head and shoulders above this mob.
Why even bother having the review if Ray Martin is involved. We alll know what he is going to say. The whole affair has become ridiculous.
Is this the same Ray Martin of ACA and 60 Minutes? What does he have to offer apart a background in dodgy tradie and the newest wonderbra sensation journalism. The world is going mad.
It’s a politically smart move to have Ray investigate this, what with his ‘wise old man’ currency in the ‘heartland.’
They’re obviously not paying old Ray enough to help out with the review – otherwise why did he need to resort to the Sunrise gig this morning.
Whilst he is at it, can he please publish a report into how the Normie Rowe vs. Ron Casey fight got out of control on live TV on Midday in the early 90’s. It was outrageous and an error or judgement to have these men on live television and should involve a full review of Midday at the time. I’ve been waiting over 20 years for heads to roll…..
Martin has no objectivity.
It’s like having your mum judge the class beauty contest.
Joseph….what can any sensible person say to you that will change your mind? That’s right, nothing.
Well maybe finally the conservatives will get the message “only talk to the media who tow the line” give them the morning talking points let therm lead you with predetermined questions ! Unfortunately the conservatives already have 90% of the votes of those listening and watch right wing talking heads – if they really think they can continue this childish attack they are in for a big shock. I detest the views of Mallah – but in our democracy he has a right to express his opinion providing he does not break the law . The public are smart enough to sort our the dribble from the the sensible . If we start banning people because of dumb comments what happens to Barnaby Joyce?
Woo Hoo! No “Team Abbott” frontbenchers to apear on Q&A.
Surely ironic that Abbott expects the ABC will not take unfair advantage of this free kick.
Abbott expects the ABC to do the right thing while in “Minister Coventry”..
What would happen if Bronwen Bishop was running Q&A?
Abbott turns a blind eye to bias in the Parliament every sitting day.
(but only because it sits him)
Heads should roll.
@ Robbo
Ray Martin was chosen for exactly the same reason that Gerald Stone was chosen for the last review foisted on the ABC by hostile, scrutiny-shy right wing govts. Because they are both hard nosed commercial operatives, who have worked for Packer and Murdoch, and can’t be easily accused of complicity with the ABC. Except by zealots of course who will never be satisfied except by a ‘guilty’ verdict. See our govt and Murdoch media.
And Ray Martin will find exactly the same as Gerald Stone…’no institutional bias’. Because as inconvenient as this is for a paranoid right wing vision of the ABC as Dante’s commie hell, it’s actually the case. As any rational person will adjudicate when looking at what the paranoid right wingers loathe…the facts.
And this bloke was hand picked by Mark Scott to conduct an internal inquiry, looks like he’s already made up his mind.
SHOCK! sensible point of view!
Well done Ray. I was hoping you would take a stance!
It is all very sad. Is it true that Tony Abbott received his Rhodes Scholorship for boxing Mumbrella? It’s looking that way. Garry
The LNP is looking increasingly foolish while this Q&A controversy continues. Australian TV viewers are being ruled by decree which is undemocratic. Let’s see what Malcolm Turnbull does with his Q&A invitation. It’s a test of strength for the Communications Minister.