Listener sues ABC

The ABC is being sued by John Casley, the secretary of the People Yes Party, who claims his reputation had been "severely and permanently injured" by an exchange with ABC 774's Jon Faine iin July 2010.

The writ claims Faine not only described the caller as racist but then announced he had been banned from calling in:

"You're not welcome to come on and spruik a political party, and, John, owing to your repeated racist utterances on the program, as you are well aware, you have been banned," Faine allegedly said.

The writ claims:

• The words used during the broadcast were calculated and intended to pour ridicule and scorn on Mr Casley
• The conduct of the ABC showed a conyumelious disregard for Mr Casley’s reputation
• The ABC published the words with reckless indifference as to the truth of the facts
• The words were gratuitous and unprovoked in that they had nothing whatsoever to do with the topic

Casley claims his reputation was severely and permanently injured.

He is seeking damages, including aggravated damages and interest.

Read more in The Herald Sun here
Read more from John of Brighton's website here