ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
The Australian Bolshevik Channel has been forced to defend itself again today, this time from the hand that feeds it.
On the eve of the most important election in recent memory, popular news and current affairs programme, Four Corners, is set to screen an episode entitled “Inside Morrison’s Death Cult Church” which has attracted criticism from many in conservative and progressive circles.
Media commentators say it’s not the first time that the ABC has managed to offend Australians from all walks of political life with the same piece of content. Nevertheless, a spokesperson from the Office of the Prime Minister has labelled the timing and content of tonight’s programme “extremely offensive” and “inappropriate”.
“The Prime Minister attends Horizon Church in the Sutherland Shire. He does not attend Hillsong Church. While they are both members of the Assembly of God organisation, they are not the same,” said the PMO’s Office in a short statement provided to The Advocate.
“Scott Morrison categorically denies the Four Corner’s allegations that Horizon is a ‘death cult’ and the very suggestion of that is extremely offensive. Scott is disappointed in the timing and contents of this programme, considering most of it is ‘factually incorrect’ and ‘designed to inflame’ untoward feelings toward Pentecostalism in general,”
“However, it is water off a duck’s back for the Prime Minister. He is a big fan of the ABC shows that aren’t news-related. Shows such as Antiques Roadshow and Grand Designs. He will not be watching the programme nor commenting on the matter further.”
The Advocate reached out to the ABC for comment but as it was after lunch, the public affairs team had gone home on the light rail.
More to come.
