Pro-Voice supporters outraged after 9 News labelled referendum as ‘divisive’


Channel 9 has become the latest broadcaster to come under fire for its reporting on the Voice to Parliament, after the referendum was labelled “divisive” in a news bulletin.

Australians supporting the Voice have taken to social media to call out the “despicable” act that involved Sydney newsreader Amber Sherlock reading out the phrase “the divisive Voice to Parliament” at the start of an intro to the next story.

The incident occurred on Monday evening and was used to highlight Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Adelaide “for a special keynote speech”, the annual Lowitja O’Donoghue Orations.

In the speech, Mr Albanese addressed his support for the Voice and called on Australians to “do one better”, while dismissing claims it would divide the nation.

Sherlock later crossed to reporter Mike Lorigan to highlight Mr Albanese’s success at the talk, but pro-Voice supporters were upset with the use of the word “divisive”.

“So Channel 9 are now officially referring to The Voice as ‘the divisive Voice to Parliament’ in their news reports? Just disgraceful,” one Yes supporter tweeted.

They later added they heard the word “by chance” and initially believed they had misheard the comment.

“When I replayed, I couldn’t believe (Sherlock) said that,” they said. “It is kind of frightening.”

Another supporter labelled the wording as “despicable” and “outrageous”, stating she felt “quite shaken”.

Independent journalist Belinda Jones called on Channel 9 to say sorry, arguing it needed to make clear its position on the Voice so “viewers know exactly why they are presenting a particular narrative”.

Meanwhile another Twitter user justified why the Voice wasn’t “divisive” referring to Mr Albanese’s earlier address in Adelaide.

“Just heard the PM’s full speech from Adelaide on the voice to parliament. It was a magnificent speech followed by a standing ovation. He didn’t ‘mock’ anyone and it wasn’t divisive,” they wrote.

“These people just … make things up as they go along.”

News.com.au is not suggesting Sherlock purposely referred to the Voice as divisive.

Darren Wick, Nine’s director of news and current affairs said: “Our news teams have been reminded about using emotive language when reporting news stories.”

The criticism aimed at Channel 9 comes a day after Indigenous leader Warren Mundine accused the ABC of bias regarding the Voice.

Mr Mundine, a well-known advocate for the “No” campaign, strongly criticised the national broadcaster during a heated interview on the upcoming referendum, arguing it failed to address the hurtful comments made by “Yes” supporters towards their “No” counterparts.

“It’s about time you’ve got a balanced view and started calling out these people that make these racial attacks,” he said.

The ABC defended itself, with journalist Madeleine Morris – who is standing in for Michael Rowland who is on leave – ending the interview.

“We’re going to leave that there, we are absolutely giving platforms to the ‘no’ campaign and ‘yes’ campaign and as the ABC we will continue to (do that),” she said.

Mr Mundine also pointed the finger at the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) for “crossing the line” with its “Our Vote, Our Future” campaign which is encouraging Australians to update their enrolment details or enrol if they haven’t so they can participate in the Voice.

The AEC has publicly rejected Mundine’s claim of bias.

The Indigenous leader later called on the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to stand together and denounce the divisive rhetoric, after expressing concern the referendum was dividing Australia.

The Voice to Parliament referendum will be held between October and December this year.



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