Leaked tapes challenge Ben Roberts-Smith trial findings

This week, Sky News aired recordings of journalist Nick McKenzie discussing the Ben Roberts-Smith trial. The recordings, labeled as “explosive confessions,” include McKenzie speaking with a witness about the trial's legal strategies. He mentioned that Robert-Smith's ex-wife and her friend were briefing him about the case. In the recordings, McKenzie expressed concern over breaches of ethical conduct, stating, “I shouldn’t tell you,” about sensitive information. He claimed that if the lawyers involved knew what he was sharing, he would face serious consequences. The discussion also touched on a police investigation related to Roberts-Smith. Sky News presented this story with a strong headline, emphasizing the potential impact of the revelations on the legal and media fields. The report also included comments from a solicitor questioning the integrity of the trial and McKenzie’s discussions. Some speculation arose about whether McKenzie had crossed ethical lines in his reporting. In contrast, The Nightly chose a more restrained approach. It only summarized the Sky News story and did not include any additional commentary or dramatic language. The Nightly is owned by Seven West Media, which has connections to Roberts-Smith, raising questions about its coverage. Nine, the media company that employs McKenzie, defended him. A spokesperson stated that after reviewing the recordings, they found no breaches of legal or ethical standards. McKenzie has won multiple journalism awards, reinforcing his reputation in the field. This situation continues to unfold as Ben Roberts-Smith appeals the court findings that labeled him a war criminal.