ABC Apologizes for Editing Errors in Afghan War Reports

An independent review found that additional gunshots were inadvertently added to footage, clearing the ABC of deliberate misinformation.

The ABC's 2022 reports on the 2nd Commando Regiment included inaccurately added gunshot sounds, but an investigation found no deliberate intent to mislead.
The review, led by former ABC executive Alan Sunderland, concluded the errors were the result of attempts to produce clean and effective sequences.
ABC News director Justin Stevens issued apologies to audiences, commandos, and former DEA official Bret Hamilton for the editing mistakes.
The investigation also found that Hamilton's comments regarding war crimes were taken out of context, prompting further apologies from the ABC.
Recommendations were made to review ABC's editorial policies and training to prevent future errors, with further actions under consideration by ABC leadership.