From: Sent: Friday, 31 October 2008 3:42 PM To: Katya Quigley Subject: Re: Media Watch Inquiry

Hi Katya

I write the satirical news stories that appear in column. It is our policy, as a matter of strict journalistic ethics, never to reveal the identity of confidential sources that we've made up. Let's just say that from my house, I can see many Republican campaign insiders.

Regards, Dom

On Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 15:07, wrote:

Hi Katya,

Yes, it does seem that they've lifted a fictional quote from the Chaser column in the previous day's Herald. I'm assuming the quote was just made up by one of The Chaser's writers, but you're probably best off checking this with Dom Knight who co- ordinates that column. I've cc'ed in him this email. It goes without saying that we're delighted to see The Chaser finally being recognised as a serious news source.

Chris.

From: Katya Quigley To: Chris Taylor; Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 2:55:56 PM Subject: Media Watch Inquiry

Hi Chris and Craig

I have been trying to get in touch on the phone but cannot get through to you, so please excuse the email as my first point of contact. I had sent this to your abc accounts but didn't realise you weren't checking them.

We're interested in the Sun-Herald article that appeared on 26 October in relation to Sarah Palin, which quoted a supposed Republican insider as saying:

"It doesn't matter that Palin's costing us a fortune for her wardrobe," one insider said. "What matters is that she's costing us the election."

It appears that this has been taken from the Chaser article in the SMH the previous day. Can you please confirm if this is the case? In addition, where did the quote come from originally? What is your reaction to this appearing as a legitimate quote in the World news section of the Sun-Herald?

If you could get back to us as soon as possible that would be great.

Many thanks

Katya Quigley MEDIA WATCH ABC Television