From Fairfax:
The ABC will make an imminent announcement on the closure of its fact-checking unit, just three years after it was created as a bold experiment in holding politicians and other public figures to account.
Fairfax Media understands senior staff in the ABC’s News division were scheduled to be briefed on the decision on Tuesday afternoon before an official announcement on Wednesday.
It is understood the ABC plans to absorb some Fact Check staff into the broadcaster’s Interactive Digital Storytelling Unit, based in Brisbane. While the ABC may use some form of fact checking for statements in future election campaigns, the standalone unit will be disbanded.
ABC officials confirmed at recent Senate estimates hearings that politicians have made both formal and informal complaints about ABC Fact Check verdicts.
That’s a poor start, Ms Guthrie.
