ABC CORONATION PANEL BLATANTLY STACKED

ABC CORONATION PANEL BLATANTLY STACKED Australia’s leading member-based monarchist organisation has slammed the decision of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to give pride of place to republican activists and include just two monarchists on its live coronation speaking panel of nine, claiming the move is nothing short of un-Australian. To ensure a fair, balanced and respectful commentary of coronation proceedings, the Australian Monarchist League (AML) is calling on ABC’s managing director David Anderson to immediately intervene ahead of the broadcast on May 6 to restore faith in our national broadcaster. “With falling ratings around the country and the ever-growing perception of bias, one would have thought the ABC would’ve done itself a favour and ensured that on such an historic occasion as the coronation of Australia’s King it would source a balanced commentary panel,” said AML National Chairman, Philip Benwell. “The inclusion of multiple senior republicans such as Australian Republic Movement (ARM) Co-Chair Craig Foster, presenter Stan Grant and activist Teela Reid on a broadcast which should be focused on the history and tradition surrounding a coronation ceremony clearly demonstrates bias in the ABC broadcast.” "In particular, the inclusion of ARM Co-Chair Craig Foster in its live coverage of an historic coronation event is highly inappropriate. The coronation procession and ceremony are not political footballs or invitations for an anti-Crown activist to opine about the various merits of different political systems. It is a sacred moment of consecration to time-honoured oaths between a King, His God, and the people whom he will serve." To add insult to injury, the ABC’s decision to have ARM Co-Chair Nova Peris on Q&A the Monday following our King’s coronation without adequate representation from a constitutional monarchist, just highlights how the ABC is intent on putting republicans on a pedestal and leaving monarchists in the background. The Australian Monarchist League remains optimistic that Australians will see through our national broadcaster’s clear republican agenda and calls on the ABC to rectify this situation ahead of tomorrow’s broadcast. [ENDS]