The Australian's Explosive Response to Press Council Ruling on Drumgold Coverage
In an unprecedented display of defiance, The Australian newspaper has unleashed a scathing 4,000-word rebuttal against the Australian Press Council (APC) following a ruling that found the publication breached editorial standards. The APC determined that three articles by columnist Janet Albrechtsen about former ACT prosecutor Shane Drumgold were misleading, unfair, and inaccurate, prompting a dramatic front-page story, two comment pieces, a detailed timeline, and a thundering editorial from the Murdoch-owned broadsheet.
A Bizarre Clash Given News Corp's Dominance
This vehement attack on the press watchdog is particularly striking because News Corp, the parent company of The Australian, effectively controls the APC as a majority member, contributing up to 70% of its annual $1.7 million budget. The council's ruling centered on Albrechtsen's coverage of the Bruce Lehrmann trial, where Drumgold served as prosecutor. In 2024, the ACT Supreme Court noted that Walter Sofronoff's extensive communications with Albrechtsen during an inquiry created an impression of bias, with 273 interactions suggesting potential influence.
Drumgold filed a complaint alleging that Albrechtsen's pieces misrepresented the court's findings. Despite The Australian commissioning two independent legal opinions in a last-ditch effort to sway the APC, the council upheld its decision, emphasizing it was solely assessing compliance with editorial principles, not legal arguments.
Drumgold's Reaction and Press Council's Defense
Shane Drumgold responded to the newspaper's outburst with a pointed LinkedIn post, stating, "Who needs the truth, when you have a whole newspaper ... Sorry seems to be the hardest word." The APC countered The Australian's criticism by clarifying that its process was thorough and fair, not a "kangaroo court," and involved careful examination of the stories in question.
Other Media Highlights from the Week
In related news, ABC veteran Michael Rowland announced his departure after nearly four decades, sparking sensationalized headlines about his wife's health. Rowland clarified that while his wife had been unwell, she had recovered, and reports exaggerating her condition were inaccurate.
Additionally, a story in South Australia's Sunday Mail highlighted the educational divide between public and private schools, though it was marred by a headline typo. The media world also mourned the passing of Anna Murdoch-Mann, described as a foundational figure in News Corp's growth, with tributes noting her role as a journalist and novelist.
In commentary, libertarian writer Brendan O'Neill defended Prince Andrew against what he called a "medieval witch hunt," while the ABC unveiled its new documentary unit with Diabolical: the Epstein Files, set to air in March, focusing on investigative journalism.
