David Anderson, the Managing Director of ABC, has released a statement defending the network's journalism and his role in protecting journalists from external pressures.

This comes in response to the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) stating that ABC staff have lost faith in Anderson, passing a vote of no confidence in him. The MEAA claims Anderson has failed to defend the ABC and its staff from outside attacks, damaging the ABC's reputation as a trusted and independent news source. The MEAA has called for immediate action from Anderson to regain staff confidence.

"I am proud of the ABC's journalism and the great work of our journalists," Anderson said in his statement. "On behalf of ABC staff and in the interests of the Australian public, I have and will continue to robustly defend the work of our journalists, who often face significant external pressure themselves."

Anderson plans to meet with staff in the coming weeks to address their concerns. The backlash against Anderson has been prompted by a series of incidents, including the recent dismissal of broadcaster and activist Antoinette Lattouf. Lattouf was dismissed three days into a short-term radio-hosting contract after allegedly disobeying instructions not to post contentious material on social media. Lattouf's dismissal led to threats of a walkout by ABC journalists and she has launched action in the Fair Work Commission.

It has been revealed that Lattouf was the subject of a high-level lobbying campaign directed at the ABC in the days before her dismissal, including by a group called Lawyers for Israel.

"Union members at the ABC have today passed a vote of no confidence in managing director David Anderson for failing to defend the integrity of the ABC and its staff from outside attacks. The vote was passed overwhelmingly at a national online meeting attended by more than 200 members of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance," the MEAA stated.

"The message from staff today is clear and simple: David Anderson must demonstrate that he will take the necessary steps to win back the confidence of staff and the trust of the Australian public," said Adam Portelli, acting Chief Executive of MEAA.

The MEAA has passed a motion outlining steps for senior management to regain staff and public confidence, including backing journalism without fear or favour, supporting staff facing criticism, addressing security and inequality issues, developing a fair social media policy, and upholding a transparent complaints process.