The ABC has apologised to mining magnate Gina Rinehart over a controversial satirical video that sparked widespread criticism, while the broadcaster’s head of investigations, Jo Puccini, has also departed the organisation amid growing scrutiny over editorial standards.

ABC managing director Hugh Marks issued the apology after an internal review examined the short film, which was broadcast as part of the program Race Around the World. The segment featured a fictional scenario involving violence against Ms Rinehart and was criticised by politicians, business leaders and members of the public.

While the ABC’s independent ombudsman found that the video did not breach editorial policies, the broadcaster acknowledged that the content had fallen short of community expectations. Marks said the ABC apologised to Ms Rinehart and anyone affected by the publication of the material.

The broadcaster also announced changes to its editorial guidance on the depiction of violence, saying it would review how standards apply differently across news and non-news content. The controversial segment has since been edited on ABC platforms to remove the material in question.

The controversy comes as the ABC faces broader questions over its editorial processes following concerns about previous reporting by former Four Corners journalist Mahmood Fazal. The broadcaster removed several stories connected to Fazal’s work after concerns were raised about the accuracy of some sources, prompting further internal reviews.

Jo Puccini, who had served as ABC head of investigations and held senior roles across the organisation for more than two decades, announced her departure on the same day as the apology. ABC executives praised her contribution to public interest journalism and her role in building investigative teams.

Puccini said she was proud of the journalism produced during her time at the broadcaster and described her years at the ABC as a privilege, but said it was time for a new chapter.

The developments mark a challenging period for the national broadcaster as it attempts to rebuild public confidence while reviewing its editorial practices. The ABC says it will continue assessing its processes to ensure future content meets community expectations and its own editorial standards.