The ABC’s political discussion program ‘Q&A’ has apologised for allowing an offensive Twitter name to be broadcast during Monday night’s program.
The interactive show broadcasts Twitter posts relating to the on-air discussion across the screen throughout the show, but the user name ‘AbbotLovesAnal’ slipped past the program’s social media producers last night.
Mark Scott, the Managing Director of the ABC was quick to apologise to the Prime Minister for the mishap.
Earlier today the Prime Minister told reporters that he hadn’t had time to replay but hoped the station’s management were taking tighter control over the program.
“I just hope that the ABC management get on and do what they said they were going to do with that program.
“I think it is a bit out of control and I think it’s important for the ABC not just to talk about tighter management structures, tighter management control on that particular program, but actually do it.” Mr Abbott said.
Communication Minister Malcolm Turnbull also called for the show to implement tighter management practices.
“The tweet should obviously never have been put on the screen and the fact that it was underlines the need for better supervision of the program.” Mr Turnbull said.
To make the situation worse ‘AbbottLovesAnal’ quickly became a trending discussion on the social media platform on Monday night.
The slip-up comes just week’s after the Prime Minister lifted his ban on government Minister appearing on the program.
The show was embroiled in controversy after it allowed former terrorism suspect Zaky Mallah to appear on the show. At the time the Prime Minister called for ‘heads to roll’ at the ABC and demanded that the show was moved from the broadcasters entertainment division to it’s news department.
The Prime Ministers ‘hands on’ approach to the ABC might not be a popular stance though. Respected TV industry website TV Tonight is currently holding it’s annual survey and reports the independence of both the ABC and SBS is a hot topic.
