The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has parted ways with Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal following an investigation into his participation in an external podcast that was sponsored by an online casino. The former sergeant at arms of the Mongols bikie gang joined the national broadcaster in 2021.
Employment terminated
ABC managing director Hugh Marks told Senate estimates on Thursday that Fazal's employment had been terminated after the investigation. "It's inappropriate for me to go into the details of the investigation but the outcome of the investigation is the findings have led to Mr Fazal no longer being paid by the ABC," Marks said.
Podcast approval withdrawn
Last year, Fazal appeared in an external podcast about underworld crime with Melbourne producer Ryan Naumenko, who described himself as once having associated with the mafia. Fazal, a Walkley award-winning journalist, initially received approval to take part in the podcast, but it was withdrawn after the first episode contained gambling advertisements. An ABC spokesperson stated in October: "Mahmood's immediate manager endorsed him taking part in a podcast interview, based on the information provided to him."
Investigation scope
Fazal had been on leave during the investigation. Marks clarified that the probe did not concern Fazal's past involvement with organised crime. "It was very important under our enterprise agreement that we were very specific as to the scope of that investigation," he said. Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson claimed Four Corners had failed to uphold ABC standards by employing Fazal, but Marks rejected this, stating, "People are able to move on in their careers."
ABC's response
In November, Marks told the National Press Club the ABC was being careful after the federal court found it had unlawfully terminated Antoinette Lattouf's employment. "When something goes wrong, follow the process," Marks said. Fazal's lawyer, Rebekah Giles, stated in October that "Mr Fazal agreed to be interviewed by Mr Naumenko believing he had his manager's approval to do so."
Fazal's last Four Corners episode, about the sovereign citizen movement, aired in August. He has been contacted for comment.
