Four Corners boss departs as scrutiny builds

It comes as the broadcaster continues investigating a reporter’s involvement in a crypto-backed podcast.

Four Corners executive producer Matthew Carney has resigned after the program’s 2025 season wrapped, ending a three-year tenure at the ABC’s flagship investigative unit.

He will remain in role until a replacement is appointed, with the broadcaster emphasising the decision is not connected to an ongoing internal probe into one of the program’s reporters.

Leadership shift amid probe

The ABC launched an investigation earlier this month after Four Corners journalist Mahmood Fazal co-launched a podcast backed by a cryptocurrency gambling operator.

As The Sydney Morning Herald details, Fazal has since been stood down pending the outcome.

Carney initially signed off the external project before withdrawing approval when the program’s commercial links, including gambling ads, became clear.

“It’s important we hold our teams to the highest editorial standards,” an ABC spokesperson said. “We won’t comment further while this process is under way.”

Mahmood Fazal

Editorial pressure and internal discipline

Sources told The Australian Carney is leaving for personal reasons, and the ABC has stressed there is no suggestion the resignation is related to the probe.

The ABC has not provided a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion.

Main image: Matthew Carney 

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