An investigation by the ABC’s independent ombudsman has found that two episodes of the investigative program Four Corners breached several editorial standards, citing problems with verification, fact-checking and the handling of anonymous sources.

The report found that the episodes did not meet ABC standards relating to accuracy, fair and honest dealing, and editorial independence. According to the ombudsman, viewers were given a misleading impression about the identities of some contributors, the basis for their information and the level of confidence that could reasonably be placed in their claims.

The investigation focused on two programs produced by former ABC reporter Mahmood Fazal: Cocaine Nation and Meth Highway. Both episodes had already been removed from the ABC website following an internal review into the use of anonymous interviewees.

The ombudsman made seven recommendations, including changes to the ABC’s editorial standards concerning anonymity, additional legal and editorial training for Four Corners staff and greater support for less experienced journalists.

The ABC said it accepted all seven recommendations and had already begun implementing them.

The latest findings follow an earlier ABC review that concluded its policies governing anonymous interviewees had not been followed to the required editorial standard. In total, the broadcaster has withdrawn three Four Corners episodes and two Background Briefing episodes connected to Fazal’s reporting, while material was also removed from another Four Corners program.

Fazal’s employment with the ABC was terminated in May following an internal investigation into his appearance on a podcast with a former underworld figure. He had previously worked for publications including VICE, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

Fazal subsequently lodged an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission, although the matter was later removed from the hearing schedule. The ABC said it understood that he was no longer pursuing the claim.

In a social media statement, Fazal disputed the broadcaster’s handling of his work and said he believed different standards were being applied retrospectively to his reporting. He has previously said his access to certain sources was one reason the ABC hired him.

The controversy comes during wider changes among senior ABC management. Jo Puccini, who oversaw Four Corners and Background Briefing as head of investigations and current affairs, announced her departure after 25 years at the broadcaster. Simon Robinson began as the ABC’s new news director on September 14, replacing Justin Stevens.

The ABC is also facing scrutiny over another Four Corners episode. The Australian Communications and Media Authority recently found that the March 2025 program Sacrifice, which examined redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial, had unduly favoured one perspective. ABC managing director Hugh Marks rejected that finding and said the broadcaster stood behind the program’s production team.

SOURCE: ABC News, September 22, 2026.