‘Chilling effect’: ABC criticises regulator over finding Four Corners breached impartiality rules

The ABC has accused Acma of failing to understand the obligation of journalism to hold public officials to account, with managing director Hugh Marks warning of a broader impact on investigative reporting. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The ABC’s managing director has rebuked the national broadcasting regulator, arguing its criticism of a Four Corners story was unfair and could have a chilling impact on investigative journalism in Australia.

Hugh Mark’s direct criticism of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma) on Thursday morning was been labelled “disappointing” by the regulator’s chair, Nerida O’Loughlin, who has not ruled out a formal regulatory response.