The ABC has accused News Corp and the Daily Mail of amplifying misogynist social media abuse by publishing articles that included “vile” Twitter criticism of an outfit worn by News Breakfast host Lisa Millar.
Millar was subjected to trolling for the skirt she wore on Monday’s show, leading to two news stories that included screenshots and abusive tweets, first in the Daily Mail and then in news.com.au on Tuesday.
The former foreign correspondent turned breakfast host abandoned Twitter in 2021 after a torrent of abuse about everything from her interview style to whether she smiles, but it has not stopped the critics.
“Giving anonymous social media bullies publicity on a national platform is participating in perpetuating antisocial behaviour and the very serious issue of online abuse of women,” an ABC statement said.
“Especially on the eve of International Women’s Day, we ask for a more responsible approach to reporting on these issues.”
Enough.
— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) March 7, 2023
Enough of the abusive comments about Lisa Millar, and other female presenters.
And enough of amplifying the bullying by republishing offensive comments.
Do better. https://t.co/wL9O31XrBy
The ABC’s director of news, Justin Stevens, said republishing sexist abuse of a high-profile woman is unacceptable.
“Media outlets that amplify this disgusting anonymous trolling need to take a good hard look at themselves and their standards,” Stevens said.
“The relentless and vile bullying Lisa Millar is subjected to on social media, particularly Twitter, is unacceptable. She is an outstanding broadcaster and journalist and does an incredible job.”
Guardian Australia understands Stevens also appealed directly to News Corp’s corporate affairs chief, Campbell Reid, to reconsider publishing stories like that.
Some of the more offensive tweets have been removed from the story since the ABC complained.
Millar has responded in an Instagram post that the coverage on the eve of International Women’s Day “perpetuates abuse and proves to all of us how far we still have to go”.
“I would prefer to be thinking about the amazing contribution women around the world make, whether it be in their private or professional lives,” she said.
The ABC was approached for comment by a news.com.au journalist at 6.42am, but the broadcaster said it was not going to dignify any “vile comments” being made about a presenter’s clothes by responding to them.
“If news.com.au was genuine in its concern about such behaviour, it wouldn’t amplify it by republishing the comments it describes as ‘sickening’, accompanied by a screenshot,” the spokesperson said.
The news.com.au story was positioned as critical of the trolls and headlined “‘Just plain gutless’: Aussie Twitter users slam online trolls for sickening Lisa Millar comments”.
The story ended with: “Millar returned to the set on Tuesday morning alongside co-host Michael Rowland wearing a green long-sleeve blouse and black slacks.”
The ABC said it regularly receives queries concerning abusive comments “under the guise of concern” but that these stories “are republishing abuse”.
The news.com.au journalist asked the ABC: “I just wanted to check in to see how Lisa was doing and to see if she or the ABC wanted to comment on the behaviour of the trolls online for a story?
“If so, can you please provide a statement regarding how Lisa is doing, what ABC’s reaction is towards people making these inappropriate comments online, how the ABC plans to take action, if any, against those making inappropriate comments and what the ABC will do to ensure comments like this are regulated or prevented in the future.”
News Corp and the Daily Mail have been approached for comment.
