SA: ABA set to investigate talkback host

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2004
SA: ABA set to investigate talkback host

ADELAIDE, Feb 13 AAP - The Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) appears likely to
investigate the commercial dealings of an Adelaide talkback radio host.

An Adelaide newspaper last month alleged radio FIVEAA talkback host Leon Byner had
offered to use his show to provide positive cover for Adelaide Lord Mayor Michael Harbison
in return for payment.

The paper said it believed Byner had wanted to use his show to road test or float council
policy and wrote an application letter indicating his intentions.

It later reported Mr Byner had also offered media training to companies for $10,000.

Mr Byner was suspended from FIVEAA last month pending an internal inquiry.

An ABA spokesman today said a board meeting next Thursday would discuss a recommendation
by staff to investigate Mr Byner's dealings.

"The ABA is likely to conduct an investigation once the ABA board meets," the spokesman said.

"There's been a recommendation from staff to the board that the ABA commence an investigation."

ABA chairman David Flint told ABC radio today: "This (an investigation) in no way means
we've made a judgment on whether or not there's been a breach of the standard, but we
feel that we have sufficient material which in the public interest means we should investigate."

AAP la/sjb/de

KEYWORD: BYNER

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