
The ABC has responded to a review which identified widespread racism at the organisation, saying it is the job of the national broadcaster to reflect the views of the nation it serves.
The review found that culturally diverse staff at the ABC had been subjected to racial slurs, offensive comments, and pay discrepancies.
But the ABC said while that was regrettable, it was in line with its Charter. “Some people in the past have accused us of being out-of-touch with mainstream Australian values. But I think what this shows is that we are very much attuned to the character of the nation,” a spokesperson said. “How can we claim to represent Australians if we don’t casually discriminate against minorities?”
But critics say the fact that the ABC has admitted it has a racism problem is un-Australian. “To me this just proves that the ABC doesn’t understand ordinary Australians,” commentator Ian Childs said. “If the report had identified systematic racism, but then denied that racism existed and told everyone to lighten the fuck up, then I’d be more convinced that they are reflecting the true essence of this country. But owning up to it is very out of step with what this nation stands for”.