ABC journalists have threatened to walk off the job as the wrongful dismissal case launched against the broadcaster by radio host Antoinette Lattouf escalates.
Also on Wednesday, a federal Cabinet minister was drawn into the dispute.
About 80 employees at the ABC’s Ultimo headquarters in Sydney cited concerns of “outside interference” and issues in its handling of complaints against staff as the dispute escalated beyond Lattouf on Wednesday.
“MEAA media members at the ABC today called on managing director David Anderson to urgently meet with staff and address growing concerns about outside interference, culturally unsafe management practices and to stand up for journalism without fear or favour,” the media union posted on Twitter on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, secret texts from a private WhatsApp messaging group emerged, showing discussion between Lawyers for Israel members, including a call to action to pressure Anderson and ABC chair Ita Buttrose to sack Lattouf.
“It’s important ABC hears from not just individuals in the community but specifically lawyers so they feel there is an actual legal threat,” one message reads.
“I have basically written to them and told them I expect a proper response, not a generic one, by COB today or I would look to engage senior counsel.
“I know there is probably no actionable offence against the ABC but I didn’t say I would be taking one – just investigating one. I have said that they should be terminating her employment immediately.”
Another read: “Why is the ABC allowing this woman to host a radio show?” and a member responded: “Exactly, which is why we need to stamp it out.”