ABC Letter of apology

Dear

Thank you for your email regarding a story broadcast on the ABC's Behind the News program about the current crisis in Lebanon.

While the intention of this story was to communicate a most complex situation to a young audience, the ABC acknowledges that the content failed to meet the requirements of balance and impartiality. The story has been removed from the ABC website. The content is currently being reviewed and revised material will be posted in due course.

Regretfully, in its attempt to be simple and concise, this story did not represent key relevant viewpoints effectively.  Some of the descriptions were over-simplistic and inappropriate.

Behind the News has an important and significant role to play in bringing complex issues to young audiences.  The editorial standards of accuracy, impartiality and balance are key benchmarks of the program's success.  The specific errors in judgment in relation to this particular story are regrettable and not indicative of the program's overall high standards.

Thank you for bringing this matter to the attention of the ABC.

Yours sincerely,

Denise Musto,
Audience Liaison Manager,
ABC Audience and Consumer Affairs