CANBERRA, Today: Australian broadcasters will be asked to explain themselves over their coverage of the Christchurch terrorist attack as part of an investigation into the networks’ reporting on the atrocity by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The investigation – reported by Mumbrella Australia ed Paul Wallbank – will focus on the perpetrator’s live-streamed footage of the shootings that was broadcast on Australian television.
Foxtel, Nine and Seven all showed excerpts from the live stream, with most clips finishing before the attacker entered the mosque.
In addition to what was shown on television, ACMA’s Nerida O’Loughlin also said it was concerned about content made available on broadcasters’ websites, saying that while sites are beyond its legislative powers, it will work with the Australian Press Council to reviewing coverage of the attack.
O’Loughlin will also write to Australia’s commercial, national and subscription broadcasters requesting urgent information on the nature, extent and timing of the broadcast of content relating to the shootings, in particular from the day of the attack.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for social media platforms to cease their video streaming services until they could be sure of preventing content such as Friday’s live stream going to air.
- Read the full Mumbrella story here
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