Local Government
IN THE FRAME: Sunbury Leader journalists accused of fabricating photographs and worse
Two local newspaper journalists have been accused of fabricating elements of a story that appeared in their own publication, the Sunbury Leader, a part of the News Limited stable.
Local activists in Sunbury expressed concern to VEXNEWS yesterday that a story appearing on page five of this week’s Sunbury Leader contains a photograph of three members of the “Sunbury Liberation Front”, a group pledged to removing Sunbury from the City of Hume. The group has a website that appears in some respects to borrow the writing style and unique approach to issues at VEXNEWS. Their use of the word ‘patriot’ does not make them immune from scrutiny though.
Embarrassingly enough, a senior member of the Leader’s editorial team appeared on ABC Radio this week talking up the story to present Raphael Epstein, appearing to be unaware that some of his staff had posed as members of the “Front”.
STEVE MEDCRAFT IS TOUGH ON CRIME BUT WAS HE INVOLVED IN A DECEPTION?
The first member – with face mostly obscured by balaclava but handlebar moustache and baby blues still clearly visible – is Sunbury gadfly Steve “Jack” Medcraft who is frequently quoted in popular journals on the subject of pervs, pinkos and pedophiles, rightly advocating tougher sentencing for all who cross his sights. His views on recently departed entertainer Michael Jackson would probably not be welcome at the memorial service.
Medcraft is an uber-conservative former Hume councillor from the Sunbury region and is a live-spark in local politics. We don’t question his right to form a political movement for any legitimate purpose. He is believed to be using it as a springboard to re-claim his seat on the Hume council.
Indeed, we think local council boundaries should be much more flexible, with communities able to make their own choices about which municipality they’re in and even if they wish to form their own new one. As long as they’re fully informed of the costs and benefits, it should be up to them. However opponents of Medcraft’s demand for change in Sunbury’s status say the leafy town is subsidised by the rest of its Hume municipality to the tune of at least $2 million per annum.
That aside, scandalously the two members appearing in costume behind Medcraft – VEXNEWS can reveal – were two members of the staff of the Sunbury Leader.
Media insiders say that fabricating stories or photographs within stories is a significant breach of journalist ethics, contravening several of the journalists’ code of ethical obligations.
JEFFERSON AND GEORGE IN THE FRAME
Sources say that on the left of the Rupertswood cannon is Sunbury Leader editor Andrew Jefferson. He is wearing goggles and a hat previously used in Sunbury Leader photo shoots and – according to those familiar with the matter – are kept in the Leader’s office.
On the right is believed to be another Sunbury Leader journalist George Ierodiacounou or at least a costume owned by him. Evidence obtained by VEXNEWS clearly demonstrates that the same costume and T-shirt has been used on Ierodiacounou’s site “Kite Mag”. Leader sources suggested today that Ierodiacounou had left the employ of the Leader for reasons not related to his involvement in this scandal.
Appearing in a photograph as members of a “revolutionary movement” to beef up the image for publication is one thing, but Sunbury locals say their concerns run even deeper.
HAS STEVE LEARNED TO READ AND WRITE?
They say while Steve Medcraft has many strengths and can always be found for rent-a-quote moments denouncing some lightly sentenced loser or predatory perv that he is simply not a wordsmith of the kind in evidence on the Sunbury Liberation Front site.
They are convinced that one of the two journalists appearing in the photograph have an involvement in the website that was the subject of their story. While they have no evidence proving these links, they tell VEXNEWS it worries them that local journalists would be willing to fabricate a story or part of a story by creating a website and participating in an invented political movement to plug into a story.
Media insiders tell VEXNEWS that such a blatant breach of journalist ethics would make those involved unemployable as journalists.
Mr Jefferson, the youthful editor of the Sunbury Leader wrote on his Facebook page:
Jefferson’s future in journalism will depend on him not being involved in faking up news in any respect.
We have asked Messrs Jefferson and Ierodiacounou to respond to these serious claims. They were not immediately available for comment.
UPDATE: The Sunbury Liberation Front’s leader “Che Evans” however was quick to respond and even phoned from his “secure facility” to the VEXNEWS bunker:
Comrade, I feel compelled to reply to your recent posting replete as it is with errors. Clearly this is propaganda being spread by the Jackboot wearing Hume imperialists.
These are the facts:
■ Membership of the SLF is available to all. Many have joined as our cries of “Freedom Freedom” reverberate throughout our fair land. Perhaps Mr Medcraft is one of them. Perhaps not. We can neither confirm or deny who has joined our righteous struggle to free ourselves from underneath the jackboot of totalitarism
■ Our glorious leader sent the Sunbury Leader the same communique’ as you. seeking to promote our cause
■ We were contacted by the Sunbury Leader seeking to interview us for their blessed rag. As usual the security of our operatives was of paramount concern. The Leader did assist us in providing suitable disguises for our freedom fighters.
■ All of the people in the photo are genuine members of the SLF. Perhaps your source should recheck. Perhaps they are miffed with a good natured ribbing that they have suffered at our hands.
P.S the peoples information division secretariat are flattered that you would compare their writings to your own musings. As a mark of respect you have been nominated for the highest award available in our movement, The grand high order of the Bogan.
Yours in freedom.
Discussion
91 comments for “IN THE FRAME: Sunbury Leader journalists accused of fabricating photographs and worse”
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I am digusted in this story, after all I should know all about fakes. I am one of the biggest fakes in Federal Parliament but to date, I haven’t been found out, that is because I make myself look busy handing out flags.
This should be taken to Media Watch, how irresponsible, makes a mockery of Local Press. Hold on they have always been a mockery
The question should now be asked of Nick Miller, who appeared on 774 ABC radio this week talking up the Sunbury Liberation Front: did you know you were discussing an article that was invented by your editor and senior journalist?
Both of them should be sacked. Wait a minute… the other one should be sacked… Hang on…
Medcraft is up to his neck in this. The paper is run like his house magazine. Every second story is planted by him with quotes by him and no one else. Who is he? One-term councillor and failed state candidate. Never get between Jack and a microphone. Get a job.
Medcraft his name says it all.
Med = Tampon.
Tampons suck blood.
SHAME SHAME SHAME
Sunbury residents when asked would initially prefer their own bailiwick but to do so would mean higher rates. When this is explained to them they hesitate. Perhaps if redneck Steve (or is it Jack?) Medcraft were not involved Sunbury might have a better chance of being removed from the City of Hume. Most people there can’t bear the sound of him. Ann Potter brings some sense to the Sunbury delegation on Hume Council but the Socialist Left on the Hume Council would prefer to have Steve’s running mate Krogerite Ogilvie rather than a patriot from the Labor Right.
How do you know it was Steve Madcraft and not his identical twin, Jack Medcraft?
And does it make any bloody difference?
Little weezle journos trying to get ahead, one sacked and what will happen to the editor, I agree with Hinch, SHAME SHAME SHAME
Medcraft is a vile pig, I hope he has a little ACCIDENT.
Sunbury Leader is a disgrace.I understand that George I. has been made ascapegoat for this scandal – I think Andrew jefferson must go also!
Calling Anne Potter a patriot is a big call, she is the most least factional person I have ever seen, mention a faction and she runs for cover she hates them both sides equally, but given the results of Hume recently the poor girl is stuck with either supporting idiots on the SL or staying neutral. I suggest she stay neutral as she can’t win either way
question is:
is that andrew jefferson, editor of the Sunbury Leader in the photo? If it is, he should resign in disgrace!
My people harken unto me. Trust your leader. I walk the streets of Sunbury as a mighty benevolent war lord. Truth and virtue are in my heart. Ask yourself this question; Who would benefit from discrediting our righteous cause? Only Hume City Council and their cadre of lickspittle apologists and toadying sycophants. Stay the course my children. All is well
I believe this may be evidence that the term “patriot” is becoming overused by others nowadays Andy.
Ha, and people say that internet citizen journalism lacks the professionalism of traditional journalism. There are some great interviews with top journalists about the future of journalism at http://www.ourblook.com/component/option,com_sectionex/Itemid,200076/id,8/view,category/#catid69
Che, or Andrew, or George, or Jack, or Steve (this is getting ridiculous…)
What you don’t seem to understand is that it is simply not a party political issue. Sure Kennett created the City of Hume, but the decision to excise Sunbury from the council is just a question of cost/benefit to residents. A previous report (and common sense) says that it couldn’t be done without slogging people much higher rates. Where is the benefit?
You picked the wrong moment dude. Everywhere there is evidence of improvements to the town courtesy of Hume and the state gov. You might not like the flavour of the leadership, but the people who live here don’t seem to.
Prove the benefit and you will get more support. Medcraft failed to demonstrate it (or anything else) and failed repeatedly at the ballot box.
CHE, CHE, CHE che,
I tried to warn you about imitating patriot and comrade. You would have to be a DODO to think the truth would not seep through the cracks of the SLF veneer eventually. The fiction of CHE and SLF was exposed like ours your brother US astroturfer grass roots organisations, that is a righteous front. Extreme right!
“All a big tent strategy seems to be doing is attracting a bunch of clowns.” Tom McClusky (The Pink Purge)
Sean, You’d be better off worrying about the content of your own blog.
Well to all my admirers thanks for the kind words especially you Sean!And as far as those weak gutted pricks who use anonymous as their name go ahead, “make my day” and no Ann I didnt call you that. I am looking for a bridge big enough however to have THAT accident for you sweetie.LOL
I cant believe that something as humorous as this could get my lefty mates so agitated but then again when blogs like yours Sean can get people like Brendan to come out and say what he did it doesnt surprise.
Keep an eye on this page something big is going to happen!! Remember the saying “Never take a knife to a gunfight”
Yes Sean, the little girl holding her dads doodle was not a good look.
Sean did nothing wrong after all we publicised the site in our newspaper, oh bugger I forgot to do the research though
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25500214-5001026,00.html
If Medcraft had the same image that young Sean promptly removed from his site YOU would no doubt be bagging the living suitcase out of him!
It was not the site in question – it was more the image of the little girl holding her fathers don stras. Why did Sean use that particular image on his blog?
maybe because it was an awkward photo, and only evil people like DODO’s would see anything other than that
Jack sorry horsie or is it Steve Harry or George or which ever name you wish to use today. You must now confirm that all 3 (sorry 5 now) of your fellow fictitious rebels involved in making up the issue, story and the website – actually live in Sunbury!
We would ask CHE although I believe as Nick Miller mentioned on the radio he is fictional.
don – stras? well if it is immoral I guess you are the expert.
First up PHIL, I am NOT Jack or Steve or Harry for that matter. Now if you did not find the image offensive thing put it up on your blog, and leave it up there.
Now we know that is not true – everyone in Sunbury knows who avoids the question, deals out personal abuse and tries to expose people – who the hell is Phil? Do you have an unusual obsession with this guy?
Dr Phil, he is visiting next month
REALLY sensational – where will he be? LUV Dr Phil!
Well I certainly support this site as it treats Politicians and party hacks with the contempt they deserve. All you frothy lefties get so touchy when someone takes the stick to you dont ya.
And piggy wiggy you are by name and nature sweetie and I dread to ask who you are referring to. I reckon Jack is a great bloke
To the horses patut remember that song: I’ve been to Bali too!
And Glen Milne Payne what is your obsession with DODO?
And Peter or Phil Garret make sure your missus puts the kids seatbelt on in the back seat as he wasnt the other day. THATS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ME.
Comrade CHE that you have not in fact shown the mistakes, we were all enjoying the humor until you attempted to turn it into a real story and allowing your good newspaper to be used as an avenue for running small minded vendettas.
CHE you need to pull Jack in line before he damages our good astro turf campaign with his misdirected vendettas, attacks, threats, false allegations, cyberstalking and harassment of the innocent.
“I’m not paranoid when everyone is out to get me!” Tom McClusky
My name is pegasus my name means horsie!
Tom, you are the most sane person on this site. The leader staff are doing a big diservice to Jack and his comrade Jaco. My news is that Jaco will resign after getting his $80,000 as mayor and the man in the top hat will take over, pity that no one at Hume will talk to him, hence his attempt to leave the building.
Now Tom what is the matter with you,I dont have any of those afflictions they are a product of your imagination. And sorbonne you must be eating too many magic mushrooms because jacko isnt going anywhere he is keeping hume under control. And by the way the intelligent ALP members DO talk to me not the three duds left out of the voting
I get you the 3 duds being Helen, Vic and Geoff, biggest waste of brainspace in Local Government, believe me Jack you don’t have the brightest wicks talking to you, but in your terms they are probably like Einstein.
Any publicity is good publicity as they say. I thing the SLF has played its opponents like a fiddle
Go Che and your mates
So now we know your pets at Hume are the sooks. Pity they will never amount to anything while jacko is in the seat of power because they are irrelevant when decisions are made.
Hey sorbone I just hope these three clowns dont take any trips on Council money as they may find themselves being put under heavy scrutiny
should be jacko and little jack who find themselves under scrutiny with the developer and the mates rates network in sunbury
Now to all those dickheads who went to the extreme to have an expert try and compare the eyes under the balaclava with mine guess what. It wasnt Jack it was Steve.
You know what is good about this story its the fact that we really pissed you clowns off with some simple Political humour. Bet you cant guess who Che is Ann, You will be shocked because she is closer to you than you think!! Go lions.
Bravo I figured out it was Steve before you Jack! Poor old Phil has devoted half of his blog to the SLF, boardering on cyber stalking.
However Che’s gut them bluffed but before you get into a lather I thought I would post the disclaimer from the SLF site, below
The Sunbury Liberation Front ( SLF) is a satirical site aimed at using humour to expose a serious issue within the Sunbury Community. The SLF does not advocate anything other than silly comments, and arguably school boy humour. We do not advocate or support violence or unlawful behaviour of any kind. Any person who advocates violence, intimidation or the destruction of property will be reported to the Sunbury Police. In case we haven’t been clear enough, ” IT’S A JOKE PEOPLE”. Relax there is no need to rush to your government issued fridge magnet and ring the National Security Hotline. While we may be a bit of a joke, the issue of Sunbury out of Hume is not. We will be keeping the heat on in the build up to the next election. If you want to express your support for Sunbury out of Hume our best advice is to remind our politicians of your views. Feel free to post your views via our web email site. Any thing deemed worthy ( or funny enough) will be posted on the site. Keep the struggle alive. Viva La Revolution. Viva Sunbury
Our secret email address comrade. Click on it to contact our freedom fighters
sunburyliberationfront@gmail.com
Ooops forgot to throw a now in there, so Sean, Ann, Phil and Sue would think I was Jack, Steve or Wayne! Here goes, N O W
i think the point being missed is not the SLF spoof itself but the issue of the media using it as a story when it was manufactured by them. not good journalistic traits even their own have called them as idiot and lazy and why is George out of a job exactly?
Let me make one thing very clear the SLF doesnt admit pedophiles or people who find offensive material including pictures of kids with adults in compromising positions into our group.
Greetings oh revolutionaries. The SLF’s glorious and wise leader, Che Evans has requested that I communicate with you. Che is concerned that too many people are getting too worked up in relation to our site of freedom. The next thing you know the coolaide will be being passed around. Please read the disclaimer as posted. People this is a joke. It’s meant to be a tongue in cheek poke at Sunbury Life; Nothing more. Those of you who are expending vasts amounts of time( Sean, Phil) ranting about the SLF and scheming its demise should take a chill pill. Relax enjoy, maybe even contribute a conspiracy theory or two. I Carlos salute you
Exactly, Koko. Who cares about the SLF, and who these jokers are? Jack/steve, you’re getting very upset (and using language that really is inappropriate and offensive), but for my part I don’t care what you do or stand for.
This story is about whether the editor and a journalist were involved in creating the very story they were reporting on. It’s about journalistic ethics.
It doesn’t matter what denials or otherwise that the SLF make – they’re irrelevant. I want the Leader to answer the questions raised by vexnews. Is the story a fake?
That’s the story.
Comments have been turned on at the SLF. Please no personal attacks. Remember its all about silly fun. Those of you who are so worked up should ask yourself. Do you really think any of the rubbish on the site is true? If you do you need to take the silver foil helmet off you head, brush the KFC crumbs of your stomachs and get out more. I know the daylight may hurt your eyes but trust me its good for you. Remember the internet is not real life and people don’t care what any of us think. I mean I read the crap on your blogs and forget it almost instantly. Most people with a life do the same with the SLF
Viva Sunbury Viva anti psychotic medication
All for fun, but when the story is fabricated by local journos it’s a worry, surely there is more newsworthy matter available. What will they do next, fabricate an email about a UTE.
Whether we like them or not we would like to think that Journo’s are impartial and they want to keep everyone on side so they can be fed the next story.
it is all well and good that it is a joke but the issue is that it was used to generate a story.surely there is more happening about town than this and rent a quote jack.
maybe take a leaf from Carlos tome and get out of the office talk to real people with different views that don’t rely upon sitting at your ‘puters playing games and speed dialing the mo with the mouth when you need a story line.
Goony and KoKo,
Who started the story? Che has said that The Leader responded to contact from the SLF. They have nothing to do with the site admin as I understand it. Do you really think that any group that allows a Gorilla suit to be associated with them wants to be taken seriously. Take your medication and lighten up champ
ah but billy boy the ones who run the site are the ones who authorised and wrote the story, so an email ones self from ones home ‘puter can be “contact from the SLF” i suppose
i know it is a run up but the fact that an attempt was made to write a credible local story about it when there is so much more to write about in the town is damming of those involved.a bit like causing an accident so you can film it for sale to the media. and if they were not involved why is George out of a job now?
Sorry to ruin your conspiracy theory KOko but I know for a fact that George resigned weeks ago to run his own kite mag.
These guys are wankers.
Comrades tis me the identified one willing to fight oppression and civil libertarians who endanger our freedom.The SLF is still the most informative site in Sunbury and has a multitude of willing members asking for more. As the news hits my desk I will forward my opinion to you. To all those frothy lefties watch 7 news tonight for your Stevefix!! Gee I hate the way that bloke gets coverage how does he do it? Jack..
Actually Liz, several sources within the Sunbury Leader have admitted (verbally and in writing) that it was editor Andrew Jefferson and senior journalist George Ierodiaconou in the photo. End of story.
I don’t think they have ever denied being in the picture as background models dressed up. But the claim that they are behind the website is clearly untrue as stated by Che Evans himself.
See above ‘all in the photo were SLF members’ as per the caption under the photo in the Leader. Do you think the photo is the only link and surely you do not think this all about who the fictitious CHE is – let’s leave it at that.
I work for a major construction company and I dont see what all the fuss is about. My [deleted] has visited the SLF site and she tells me its obvious this website is tongue in cheek. Get a sense of humour please and move on.
I love Che. He’s hot
I am a member of the SLF and proud of it
Laurie C What a coincidence. I have a [deleted] too
Comrades they have arrived.The SLF fridge magnets and stickers for dedicated revolutionaries. Limited numbers are available but first you have to swear to uphold the pledge.
And we also now have our own anthem that it is more stirring than the richmond tigers song.
Jack in the top hat is the laughing stock of Sunbury, he has no job, and couldn’t even get on the news tonight even how hard he tried.
Can I suggest an umpriring gig at the All stars game would have gave him more publicity tonight.
He is no where near smart enough to dream up this web site let alone write the copy.
My Sunbury children. Why do you fight and bicker so? The SLF is an organisation dedicated to the welfare and health of Sunbury villagers. To fight amongst ourselves to to allow our foes to divide and conquer. Put aside the malice and hubris in your hearts. Turn to the righteous and peaceful path of the SLF. Join us, I emplore you. Sunbury will benefit from a strong united people who present an impregnable wall of resolve. Let us link our hands in patriotism and love. Let us sing koombaiya and dream of a better land, life and future for our children. I will lead you through the wilderness into the promised land.
Che, just hide your head in the Apex Park Toilet block with your great mate and go away.
Nookie my child. I feel the pain in your heart that causes you to lash out in this way. Your negative energy pervades your life and will destroy you if you let it. Renounce the hardness and fear in your heart. Come dance and sing with my merry band of revolutionaries. Together we will lead you back to the true path of righteous deliverance. I sense your pain and self loathing brought about by 15 years of betrayal. Dare to live, Dare to love. Dare to stand on top of Mount Lion and shout aloud. I’m a Sunburian and I’m proud. Hold your head high. Proudly don your blue singlet, flannelette shirt and blundstones and claim you birthright. I love you my child
Che’ for Mayor of Sunbury. You heard it hear first
Vote 1 Che. Vote early vote often
Now vaughan you shouldnt be so bitter I cant help it if the media outlets want someone who presents the facts with conviction. Obviously you must have been watching channel 31.
And I dont mind making people laugh it is good for your health. Perhaps you should try and lighten up comrade and join the movement for your healths sake. Nookie please dont talk so rudely to our glorious leader he is fragile at the moment because of some harsh words. Love not war!!
I have just got my fridge magnet and put it on a picture of jamie rudd
Is Jack/Steve unemployed after all he has done for local developers?
I can’t believe it!
Thank you for the email CHE, yes the prank is very funny. That was a clever tactic to infer there is a non existent group out to discredit a fictitious front. I’m very happy that you have figured “Carlos” out seeking to use your, (our) noble cause for another agenda.
“We’re watching this case very closely” I’m Tom McClusky.
This just in. The SLF has announced that they have joined forces and formed an alliance with the feared and respected separatist movement the Bulla Liberation Front(BLF)
Thus iz the most sugnificant alliance since Juck Olgilvie signed on with the Socialist Left. The S.L.F is truly now an even greater force to be ruckoned with.
Why did the Socialist Left form an alliance with Ogilvie. Is that the reason Vamvakinou is being opposed for preselection by 2 candidates one of whom is a metalworker organiser?
Nothing wrong with Maria but beware of bears in the woods. Bearham wants a regular income and has his eyes on this safe seat.
When Bearham was Mayor,did anyone else notice how he resembled Mayor McCheese? Yep the old ham sandwich kid how ironic he resembles a McDonalds character.
Scarlet pimpernel 16.02 Why is she being opposed by 2 candidates?
Well it could be a muslim conspiracy for power!
Come on scarletpimp no need to further lower your tone to racial vilification. AND the constant references to “ham sandwitches” is old boring, tiresome – let go of the past son, move on, before you are placed in the sin bin. I would not be basing your campaign on that unless of course you like to lose.
Neither candidate is Muslim.
Comarades, tune in to Sunbury Community radio 3NRG 99.3 FM at 1.20 pm Saturday July 4th for Che’s address to his people
I listened to Che on the ridio and I was confused They guy hud a rilly strange uccent that I couldn’t inderstand. Ut was vury cunfusing
Che should try AW next time.His first effort was the best radio I have heard for a long time
Excellent point Kylie Marx but what is the scarlet pimps obsession?
Ham sandwiches and mentions of Muslims such dangerous territory those who have so little worth to society
is one big laff
Laurie C, never been to a Stawell gift?
At least the gorilla was closer to the action than the critics who were 120 mtres away