Work, conflicts take McGlue off the ABC

CORPORATE intelligence provider John McGlue’s expanded business has forced his departure from Liam Bartlett’s show on ABC radio and the cessation of his regular column in The Australian.

Mr McGlue’s company Castle Gates Australia merged recently with the WA arm of public relations firm Porter Novelli.

ABC manager local radio Steve Altham said the decision for Mr McGlue to leave the show had been mutual.

“John’s position makes it difficult for him to do what he needs to do for us. It creates conflict issues for him, which in turn created problems for us,” he said.

Mr Altham admitted there had been conflict issues involving Mr McGlue’s clients before the merger but those had been closely monitored.

“There has always been editorial overview of the program. But now he has gone from corporate intelligence to more of a PR role,” he said.

It is understood Mr McGlue approached the ABC about the conflict issue.

He said increased work commitments due to Castle Gates expanding into the eastern states and his directorship of Porter Novelli had contributed to his decision to reduce his media exposure.

“My work prevented me from putting in the time such a program requires,” Mr McGlue said.

“And with my role in Porter Novelli there was the issue of managing potential conflicts. I felt it best to err on the side of caution.”