ABC investigations boss leaves as Four Corners probe continues
The announcement comes alongside a deepening investigation into the work of sacked Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal. The long-running current affairs program falls under Puccini's oversight.
ABC investigations chief Jo Puccini departs as Four Corners probe persists
Public broadcaster ABC announces Jo Puccini is leaving her role as head of investigations and current affairs following her 25-year tenure. The news arrives as a deepening investigation continues into former Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal, whose work has been under scrutiny over accuracy concerns. Puccini had oversight of both Four Corners and Background Briefing, programs that recently removed three reports due to factual discrepancies.
Acting news director Donna Field expressed gratitude for Puccini's contributions, highlighting her role in producing award-winning journalism. Puccini, who joined the ABC in 2000, accepted the transition with pride, acknowledging the impact her work had on the public. Three of Fazal's programs have been withdrawn due to accuracy issues, including episodes titled "Cocaine Nation" and "Meth Highway."
The ABC Ombudsman is conducting an independent review of whether the programs met the broadcaster's editorial standards. Meanwhile, ABC apologises for a Race Around the World episode featuring remarks about mining magnate Gina Rinehart, despite the Ombudsman finding no breach of editorial policies. The apology comes as several senior managers at the broadcaster departed for unrelated reasons shortly before Fazal's reporting.
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