Australia
ABC investigations head departs amid probe into sacked reporter
The head of investigative journalism at the ABC has resigned as inquiries continue into the work of a dismissed reporter.
The head of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's investigative unit has departed the national broadcaster. According to reporting by wire services, the exit of investigations boss Puccini coincides with an escalating internal inquiry into the work of a dismissed journalist.
The current investigation is focusing on the editorial work of Mahmood Fazal, a former reporter for the broadcaster's flagship current affairs program, Four Corners. Fazal was recently sacked by the ABC, though the specific grounds for his dismissal and the exact details of the irregularities being investigated in his work have not yet been publicly disclosed.
As the head of investigations, Puccini held direct editorial oversight of Four Corners, which is Australia's longest-running investigative television program. The broadcaster has not confirmed whether Puccini's sudden departure is directly linked to the integrity probe into Fazal's work, or if the exit represents an unrelated organisational change.
The ABC has also not clarified whether the investigation will lead to a wider review of other reports produced under the investigations unit during this period. At this stage, it remains unclear who will step into the leadership role on an interim or permanent basis to oversee the investigations team.
Furthermore, the national broadcaster has not indicated when the internal review into Fazal's reporting is expected to conclude, or whether any of his previously broadcast or published material will be retracted.
Observers will be watching to see how the national broadcaster manages the leadership transition while attempting to preserve the reputation of its flagship current affairs program.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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