Disputes within the ABC over broadcasting of controversial topics are as old as Aunty herself. And on this day in 1972, the Commission's current affairs director resigned over a televised report criticising the post office service.
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Lachlan Shaw fell on his sword after a meeting with the ABC's general manager. At contention was a televised interview with a union heavyweight who criticised the Post Office of mismanagement and overcharging of the STD phone system, which at the time was one of its responsibilities before a separate telecommunications department was formed.
Mr Shaw's decision came after the executive producer of the 'This Day Tonight' program Tony Ferguson was put on 49 days' recreation leave.
Mr Shaw's decision was seen by colleagues as a show of support for Mr Ferguson and protest against political pressure being applied to the ABC. Adding their voice to the protest was the Australian Council of Salaried and Professional Associations who urged ABC management to "refrain from further interference with the selection of material and the programming of current affairs programs".
"Members of Parliament attempt to emphasise or restrict certain issues in ABC programs by putting pressure on either the ABC commissioners or the ABC general manager, or both."
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
