Vic: Fed opp calls for indepent inquiry into radio claims

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2004
Vic: Fed opp calls for indepent inquiry into radio claims

Opposition Leader MARK LATHAM says an independent public inquiry is needed to discover
whether Prime Minster JOHN HOWARD was pressured by radio broadcaster ALAN JONES to reappoint
the head of the national broadcast watchdog.

Rival broadcaster JOHN LAWS yesterday claimed that Mr JONES boasted about instructing
Mr HOWARD to reappoint Australian Broadcasting Authority chairman DAVID FLINT in exchange
for his support before the 2001 federal election.

Mr LATHAM's told ABC regional radio that the allegations are very serious.

He says an independent public inquiry is needed to find out the facts of the matter.

Mr LATHAM says Mr HOWARD's been put in the middle of sledging between rival broadcasters.

He says there's no problem with people having friendships, as long as there is no undue
influence.



Mr JONES has denied ever speaking to Mr HOWARD about Mr FLINT and says Mr LAWS' comments
are a case of sour grapes.

AAP RTV bw/gfr/rhw

KEYWORD: FLINT LATHAM (MELBOURNE)

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