Local News

A Current Affair journalist arrested in relation to child porn investigation

Police seized Ben McCormack's computer from Channel Nine's offices this morning.

A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack has reportedly been arrested in relation to child abuse material.

The veteran journalist for Channel Nine is understood to have been taken to Redfern police station and expected to be charged sometime today.

Staff were reportedly asked to leave the office while police raided A Current Affair’s Willoughby offices in North Sydney and seized his work computer.

McCormack’s arrest was the lead item in Channel Nine’s 3pm news bulletin and the station has been quick to distance themselves from the investigation.

“I can confirm that officers from the New South Wales police have been at TCN (Television Corporation Nine) this morning investigating matters relating to a staff member at A Current Affair,” Mr Wick wrote in an email.

“It’s a personal matter that does not relate to the program or Nine. We are co-operating with the police. However, we are not in a position to comment any further as this is an ongoing investigation.”

McCormack’s lawyer Sam Macedone told The Daily Mail he met with the journalist hours after the police’s office raid.

“I did meet with Ben earlier… and I do believe he will be charged, with what though, I’m not sure,” Mr Macedone said.

“I can’t say a lot more about it… they might charge him then interview him, or interview then charge him.”

McCormack has been involved in several child abuse stories for the show over the years, including calling Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes’ victim Sarah Monahan, who shared her story on A Current Affair, to inform her.

This begs the questions… will A Current Affair do a story on their own reporter?

Related stories