Adjudication No. 602 (October 1992) [1992] APC 72

ADJUDICATION NO. 602 (October 1992)

Mr Andrew Dickson, a former freelance contributor to the Ballarat News, complained that he had been censored by the paper's management when attempting to provide readers with is explanation of his departure from the paper.

Mr Dickson claimed the paper was suppressing relevant facts be deleting a line from his final column: "A disagreement with the new management of the new Ballarat News has caused me to, as unionists say, 'withdraw my labour'".

The Ballarat News claims that it was justified in editing the sentence in question. According to the paper there was an internal disagreement with Mr Dickson insisting on a significant increase in payment for the column and management not being prepared to accept such a demand. It claims it is unaware of any other "dispute" between the paper and the complainant.

Whilst mr Dickson may be disappointed that he is unable to communicate his reasons for departing as a columnist, it is difficult to see this as an example of "direct interference with editorial independence". This matter is essentially about the value placed on a column by the author and by the publication.

When the paper would not accede to his request for higher payment Mr Dickson exercised his right to "withdraw his labour" and discontinue his column. In turn the paper exercised its right to edit his column. That this was to be the last column was made clear. There was no obligation upon the paper to provide further explanation. The Press Council cannot dictate what newspapers choose to publish about the departure of a regular columnist in such circumstances.

The complaint is dismissed.