ABC has referred the matter to the ABC Ombudsman for an independent review to determine compliance with editorial policies and identify any further action needed.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has retracted two Four Corners episodes led by sacked investigative journalist Mahmood Fazal, due to concerns about the veracity of sourcing in Meth Highway and Cocaine Nation, which originally aired in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Fazal’s departures followed an internal investigation into his involvement with an external podcast that operated without final ABC approval and included advertising, leading to broader questions about editorial standards and independence.

Fazal, who spearheaded the episodes and was dismissed earlier in 2026, reportedly had past associations with organized crime, a factor cited in scrutiny of his work and access to criminal contacts.

The affected programs — Meth Highway and Cocaine Nation — are at the center of the review, with their sourcing and factual accuracy under formal examination.

The ABC emphasizes that the decision to remove the episodes is separate from Fazal’s internal dismissal and from the external review, underscoring its commitment to editorial integrity.

As part of the process, the ABC is assessing whether the programs met sourcing standards and veracity requirements before finalizing any findings.

In the wake of Fazal’s departure, ABC appointed Joel Tozer as Four Corners executive producer to overhaul commissioning and standards, including introducing a commissioning and standards editor role filled by Patricia Drum.

The external podcast run without final executive approval, proceeded with advertisements, and ended after two episodes amid public disputes between Fazal and Naumenko; Fazal denies receiving payment for the podcast.

Senator Sarah Henderson questioned Fazal’s hiring given his past associations, suggesting Four Corners may have fallen short of standards.

Reports indicate Fazal worked on a podcast called Word on the Street with contributor Ryan Naumenko, with a dispute over payment contributing to ongoing tensions.

ABC managing director Hugh Marks stated the investigation into Fazal’s external work had concluded and Fazal was no longer employed by the ABC, with some details withheld.