Seven reporter blurs army role

A Channel 7 reporter based in Afghanistan has been criticised after appearing in what appeared to be his Army Reserves uniform -he also fulfills as a role in public relations for the Defence Department.

Questions have been asked over a conflict of interest and how it translates to network allegiance.

On Anzac Day, Captain Darren Curtis reported for Seven from Afghanistan, dressed in what appeared to be his army uniform. He has presented numerous stories for Seven from the Middle East last year.

But Seven head of news Peter Meakin denied it was a conflict of interest.

"He's been involved with the Army Reserve for quite some time and has access to Iraq that you probably wouldn't normally get,'' Meakin told the Sunday Telegraph.

"I can see the point you're making about someone wearing two hats - or maybe a hat and a helmet.''

A Defence spokeswoman confirmed that Curtis held two positions, as a journalist and a captain.

"While he is in uniform, he's one of ours,'' she said.

"He still works for Seven but he's an Army Reserve captain so he does a bit of stuff for us occasionally.

"If he's putting out a press release, his capacity is not as a journalist.''

A source who has also worked in the Middle East said Curtis's roles raised questions of "allegiance''.

Meakin said he would "look into'' the issue.

Source / Photo: Daily Telegraph