The ABC has issued a stern email to staff, warning employees - especially high-profile radio and television personalities - against voicing their opinions about marriage equality.
The memo comes after Lateline host Emma Alberici called Australia's handling of same-sex marriage an "indictment" on both sides of politics on social media.
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Former ABC boss Mark Scott talks about bias
In an outgoing interview with ABC's Media Watch, Mark Scott talks about the kind of journalism he believes the ABC does, and how bias is perceived by other press.
In an all staff email, the ABC's editorial policy manager Mark Maley said approximately 40 per cent of Australians oppose changing the country's marriage laws. He also said the national broadcaster "does not have a position on the issue".
"It is very important that we are impartial and that all perspectives are given a fair hearing and treated with respect by the ABC," he said.
"In this charged environment I would also urge everyone to be circumspect on social media - advocating for one side or the other will make it more difficult for the ABC to be seen as impartial. The more high-profile you are the more important discretion is."
Delay on ##SSM is an indictment on both sides of #auspol Since 2004, 22 bills have been introduced in the Parliament https://t.co/egy2pc4Stf
— Emma Alberici (@albericie) August 8, 2017
Maley also reminded employees to use the term "same-sex marriage" instead of "marriage equality".
"Some people will inevitably be offended by arguments and statements made by both sides," he said. "That cannot be avoided and we should not censor any debate conducted in good faith. However ... we should not be seen to condone or encourage prejudice and discrimination."
The all-staff email has ruffled feathers at the ABC. One senior employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said many staff feel the email is heavy handed.
It used to be a crime for Aboriginal men to marry white women #justsaying
— Emma Alberici (@albericie) August 9, 2017
The ABC's internal guidelines for personal social media use state an employee's personal life is very much their own business, however a person's actions shouldn't "detract from your job or damage" the national broadcaster's reputation.
"It would almost certainly be damaging editorially for a political reporter to express a strong personal opinion on a contentious news story that they may ordinarily cover, or for a local radio producer to tweet something derogatory about the local mayor," the guidelines state.
An ABC spokeswoman said the staff email was "not prompted by any particular individual or incident".
"The social media policy is consistent with many other professional and media social media policies," she said. "The ABC will be covering the same-sex marriage debate the same way we cover all stories: with accuracy, impartiality and a diversity of perspectives."
Same-sex marriage has dominated the airwaves this week. On Tuesday morning, Today host Karl Stefanovic described the government's plan to spend millions of dollars on a non-binding postal vote as "complete BS".
"Why do we elect officials if not to make decisions that reflect our beliefs?" he asked Channel Nine viewers. "Let's get on with it. Pull your fingers out in Canberra and get on with it."
The ABC's Alberici, meanwhile, was praised for her hard-hitting interview with Mathias Corman on Monday evening. The Lateline presenter opened the interview with a gut-wrenching story about her daughter's friend, who was recently kicked out of home because he is gay.
"Whilst you and your colleagues are bickering in your party room, aren't you concerned about the message you send to young, vulnerable gay and lesbian Australians?" she asked the finance minister.