The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has removed a third investigative episode led by former reporter Mahmood Fazal, bringing the total number of withdrawn or edited programs to five since his sacking in May 2026. The latest action follows an internal review of Fazal’s work, which concluded that several of his reports failed to adhere to the ABC’s editorial standards regarding the use of anonymous interviewees. The affected content includes the Four Corners episode Silent Orders, which investigated hitmen operating in Sydney, and parts of other programs such as Background Briefing and a co-reported Four Corners piece. Acting news director Lee Glendinning informed ABC staff on Monday that the broadcaster had decided to remove these materials to uphold its commitment to journalistic integrity. The removals come amid ongoing scrutiny of Fazal’s reporting practices, which came under fire after he appeared on an unauthorized external podcast in early 2026. This incident raised concerns within the ABC about the reliability of sources used in his broadcasts. As a result, three of Fazal’s previous works, Cocaine Nation, Meth Highway, and Remy was 12 when she became a drug dealer, were already pulled from the network’s platform. The internal review, conducted after Fazal’s termination, found that the use of anonymous interviewees in multiple episodes did not meet the ABC’s verification protocols. In a statement, the corporation emphasized that maintaining public trust required strict adherence to its editorial guidelines, leading to the decision to remove the content. Fazal, a former member of the Mongols bikie club and an award-winning journalist known for his coverage of crime, violence, and terrorism, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He claims that his reports underwent rigorous editorial processes and that his access to sensitive sources was a key reason for his hiring. In a social media post following the removal of the Four Corners episodes, Fazal expressed shock at the decision, arguing that the ABC’s actions risked setting a dangerous precedent for independent journalism. He also alleged that his proximity to certain sources was later used against him, suggesting potential bias in how his work was evaluated. The ABC has also made changes to its leadership structure in response to the controversy. Jo Puccini, who oversaw programs such as Four Corners and Background Briefing, recently resigned after a 25-year tenure at the broadcaster. Her successor, Morag Ramsay, currently serving as executive producer for Foreign Correspondent, has taken on the role of acting head of investigations and current affairs. This shift reflects broader organizational adjustments as the ABC continues to navigate the fallout from Fazal’s case. Separate from the internal review, the ABC Ombudsman is conducting an independent inquiry into the earlier removed episodes Cocaine Nation and Meth Highway. The final report from this investigation is pending, though it is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding those withdrawals. Meanwhile, the ABC has issued an editor’s note for the Postcode Wars episode, in which Fazal briefly discussed visiting a drug “trap house.” While the segment has been edited, the rest of the episode remains accessible online. As the situation unfolds, the ABC reaffirmed its dedication to high-quality journalism and the importance of maintaining public trust. Fazal has been contacted for further comment, and the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation could influence future decisions regarding his past work. For now, the broadcaster remains focused on ensuring that all content aligns with its editorial standards and ethical obligations.
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