UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, News Corp has retracted a highly anticipated piece detailing Communications Minister Anika Wells’ extravagant $100,000 trip to New York, just hours after its publication. The article, which sparked intense debate over taxpayer usage, was initially published on September 12, 2024, but was mysteriously pulled by the media giant shortly thereafter.
The story, headlined “Eye-watering cost to spruik social media ban,” was based on leaked documents from Senate Estimates revealing the hefty expenses incurred during Wells’ trip. This trip aimed to promote the Let Them Be Kids campaign, a News Corp initiative advocating for a social media ban for children under 16. Critics are questioning why News Corp, an organization that spearheaded the campaign, would retract a story that could undermine its own advocacy.
Sources informed that the article was pulled by editor-in-chief Mick Carroll due to its critical tone, which clashed with the positive narrative surrounding the campaign. The trip, which included Wells and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, was intended to showcase the importance of the ban, yet the revelations about the costs have led to significant backlash and scrutiny.
The story gained traction quickly, circulating among nearly 200 journalists in a Press Gallery WhatsApp group. However, by the following morning, the article was no longer accessible online. Subsequent coverage by 2GB and other outlets further fueled the growing expenses scandal, leading to a flurry of inquiries directed at Wells.
In the days following the initial report, multiple media sources, including The Australian Financial Review and Guardian Australia, began publishing their own investigations into Wells’ expenses, which reportedly complied with existing guidelines. Notably, The Daily Telegraph broke the first major follow-up story from within News Corp, addressing the unfolding scandal just days later.
Despite the controversy, James Campbell, the national weekend political editor for News Corp, defended Wells, asserting she had “done absolutely nothing wrong.” His comments reflect a shift in coverage, as some outlets within News Corp adopted a softer tone amidst the scandal.
In a statement regarding the retraction, a News Corp spokesperson denied any external influence on editorial decisions. “All decisions on editorial coverage have been made by editorial independent of government interference or executive directive,” they stated.
As the world’s first social media ban for children under 16 came into effect earlier this week, this incident raises critical questions about transparency and the ethical implications of government spending. The policy, championed by the Let Them Be Kids campaign, is viewed as a pivotal moment for the Albanese government and Wells herself.
With the fallout from this story expected to continue, observers are left wondering how this will impact the future of both the government and the ongoing campaign. As the debate intensifies, Wells is scheduled to appear at the National Press Club, where questions surrounding her expenses are likely to dominate the agenda.
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Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
