The corporation emphasizes that trust and accuracy drive its decision to remove content and review editorial practices.

The ABC reiterates its commitment to high editorial standards and says trust hinges on upholding these standards and taking concerns about journalism seriously.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has removed two more Four Corners episodes and edited another, citing concerns about anonymous interviewees and verification standards.

The removals are separate from an ongoing investigation into Fazal’s podcast appearance, with an ABC Ombudsman review into Cocaine Nation and Meth Highway also underway.

Fazal, who was sacked in May after his podcast appearance drew scrutiny and sponsorship concerns from an online casino, remains at the center of ongoing criticism and scrutiny.

Fazal—an award-winning journalist and former bikie member who reported on crime and terrorism—has publicly defended his work while facing continued scrutiny from the network and the public.

Guardian Australia has sought comment from Fazal on the unfolding controversy.

Former Four Corners executive producer Sally Neighbour and Media Watch have suggested Fazal’s associates may have played multiple roles across stories while masked.

In the wake of the removals, leadership changes have been announced in the investigations unit, with Morag Ramsay becoming acting head of investigations and current affairs, under the oversight of the Foreign Correspondent executive producer during the transition.

Fazal expressed shock at the removals and warned that the ABC’s process could threaten independence and public-interest journalism.

The ABC notes that aside from the edited material, the rest of the affected episode remains online with an editor’s note, reaffirming its commitment to editorial standards.

The remaining content of the episode The Postcode Wars remains available online with an editor’s note explaining the edit.