RSL Welcomes ABC Correction of Afghanistan War Report and Demands Care in Reporting

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) says it welcomes the action of Australia’s national broadcaster to correct ‘false depictions’ in a story it ran in September 2022 on a special forces mission in Afghanistan.

A story on the ABC’s 7.30 program included added gunshots to footage used in a war crimes story and speculated Australian troops had broken the rules of war. The ABC apologised to those falsely depicted and expressed regret for the editing errors, including to the members of the 2nd Commando Regiment.

RSL National President Peter Tinley said the admission by the ABC was important and a warning to media organisations to take care when reporting on Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations.

“Our service personnel frequently operate in extremely dangerous conditions, often at great personal risk, and this should not be compounded by misleading reporting of their missions,” Mr Tinley said.

“Media organisations need to exercise the highest standards of accuracy, responsibility and care when reporting on conflicts and war zones. If it’s good enough for our troops to be held to high standards, then those who report on it are equally culpable.

“This is simply not good enough from the national broadcaster. The media has a unique role in informing the Australian public during conflict, and as a publicly funded broadcaster, the ABC, in my opinion, must maintain the highest standard.

“Misinformation and rushed narratives can have real-world consequences for veterans, serving personnel, affected communities and the Australian public,” he said.

“While the media plays a critical role in informing the nation, recent global conflicts have highlighted how easily facts can be distorted or misunderstood in fast-moving, highly charged environments.

“The media also plays a significant role in building and maintaining national resilience, so we are prepared for the next operational deployment of our troops.”

Mr Tinley emphasised that Australians rely on credible journalism to make sense of international events, form opinions and understand Australia’s strategic and humanitarian responses.

“We understand the challenges of reporting on wars and conflict zones, with reporters putting themselves in harm’s way to bring the truth home.

“But truth cannot be sacrificed for immediacy or sensationalism. Accurate reporting is not just a professional duty; it’s a public service

“In this case, it was appropriate and welcomed for the ABC to apologise and correct the narrative,” he said.

ENDS