Wed Sep 25 10:00:20 UTC 2024: ## ABC Chair Calls for Return to China Amidst Global Tensions
The ABC’s chair, Kim Williams, has publicly expressed his desire to reinstate the national broadcaster’s presence in Beijing, highlighting the crucial role China plays in global affairs. Speaking at the Lowy Institute, Williams emphasized the need for robust reporting from the country, acknowledging its profound economic, political, and diplomatic influence. He emphasized the ABC’s commitment to rebuilding audience trust in news amidst a challenging global landscape.
The ABC’s previous correspondent in China, Bill Birtles, was forced to leave the country in 2020 after being questioned by Chinese officials. The broadcaster has since relied on journalists based elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific to cover China.
Williams acknowledged the challenges faced by international journalists in reporting from sensitive regions, citing the recent experience of the ABC’s South Asia correspondent, Avani Dias, who was denied a visa extension in India.
However, he stressed the importance of providing trusted news and combating disinformation in an increasingly complex world. This, he argued, is not only in the national interest, but also crucial for global stability and democracy.
The speech comes amidst a broader focus on journalistic ethics and combating attempts to undermine democracy. Williams referenced the ongoing independent review into an editing error in an ABC News story regarding a 2012 Afghanistan mission, and emphasized the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity. He also highlighted the growing distrust in traditional media and the need for outlets like the ABC to rebuild trust by providing accurate and reliable news.
Williams concluded by emphasizing the intertwined relationship between freedom and truth, and the potential danger of tyranny in the absence of both. His call for a return to China, combined with his broader focus on combating misinformation and promoting journalistic integrity, underscore the ABC’s commitment to providing trusted and valuable news in a world increasingly dominated by competing narratives.
First Piper 