7am Antoinette Lattouf on beating the ABC in court
Jul 9, 2025
Antoinette Lattouf, co-founder of Ette Media and a journalist, shares her remarkable journey of fighting back after being wrongfully terminated by ABC for a Human Rights Watch post on Gaza. The Federal Court's ruling in her favor has sparked discussions about media independence and lobbying influences in journalism. Lattouf candidly addresses the moral dilemmas journalists face and the need for more robust protections against censorship. Her victory not only vindicates her but also prompts a reevaluation of social media policies within major broadcasting organizations.
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Fired After Lobbyists' Pressure
- Antoinette Lattouf was abruptly fired from ABC local radio on day three of her five-day contract.
- The firing followed an orchestrated campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists pressuring the company due to her views on Gaza.
Fight for Public Benefit
- This case raised serious questions about ABC's independence and resistance to external political pressures.
- Lattouf saw her fight as about public benefit and holding powerful institutions accountable, beyond just her own case.
Personal Risks for Justice
- Lattouf accepted personal and professional risks including losing freelance work to fight for journalistic integrity.
- She viewed her legal battle as bigger than herself, aiming to expose injustice and defend free speech.