ABC investigative program found in breach of standards

The ABC has faced criticism over programs aired by its Four Corners program. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

A culture of secrecy and inadequate fact-checking at the ABC's leading investigative program has been criticised by an independent watchdog.

The ABC ombudsman on Tuesday found two episodes of the Four Corners program led by a bikie-turned-journalist had breached editorial standards.