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The Forum > Article Comments > The failure of Australia’s political media > Comments

The failure of Australia’s political media : Comments

By Peter McMahon, published 8/12/2006

Political journalists need to recall that fair and accurate reporting and informed debate are essential for a functioning society.

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Following this link; http://www.safecom.org.au/do-not-disturb.htm
and read Mungo McCallum's excellent review of Robert Mann's book - Do Not Disturb: Is the media failing Australia?

• See also the ABC Radio National transcript of interview with RM. An excerpt from this review reads:

"It is certainly true that the Howard years have produced a major shift in attitudes, and that even the broadsheets are now dominated by conservative columnists: there is no longer a shortage of right-wing Phillip Adamses. But the problem goes deeper: journalism itself has become more cautious, more ready to toe the line."

• and

"The situation appears hopeless, but not desperate, because the public seems not to care. David Marr cites the ongoing issue of asylum seekers as an instance where the clear dereliction of the media has been matched by the callous indifference of its audience. Guy Rundle suggests that this is part of a more general cultural change in which the neo-conservative right has become the paramount force in Australia."

http://www.theage.com.au/news/reviews/do-not-disturb/2005/09/08/1125772645221.html

• I'll give the last words of this post to Noam Chomsky who said

" The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum - even encourage the more critical and dissident views. That gives people the sense that there's free thinking going on, while all the time the presuppositions of the system are being reinforced by the limits put on the range of the debate."

• And this is exactly what the Murdoch press does here in Straya.
Posted by Rainier, Sunday, 10 December 2006 10:10:29 PM
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I thought that Peter made an interesting point (possibly unintended) by referring to a "youngish print journalist (who afterwards went on to have a successful career as a senior staffer in state politics)." Politicians, staffers, journos and "independent" commentators (such as Dr McMahon or the illustrious Kevin Donnelly) seem interchangeable. This changeability is not entirely healthy given that the role of the press in helping to keep politicians accountable. Lord Northcliffe's famous dictum is that "news is what someone, somewhere is trying to suppress; the rest is just advertising." Politicians are simply trying to advertise their wares, while making sure the damaging stuff doesn't get out. They now get media training and are endessly reminded to "stay on message" ie repeat the slogan and try and avoid getting sidetracked into actually SAYING ANYTHING.

Sadly, the public doesn't seem to expect (or demand) anything better. Most people expect politicians to lie, they just want the lies to be palatable.....

As for the ignorance of journalists, Lord Northcliffe (again) defined journalism as "a profession whose business is to explain to others what it personally does not understand."
Posted by Johnj, Sunday, 10 December 2006 11:27:30 PM
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"..the author is essentially saying: "this horse doesn't run very fast," while looking at a burro." wrote Demos
Bingo!

Our celebrity journo's wouldn't be there if they were any smarter or more cluey. Their dimness and lack of useful curiousity are primary critieria in their unwritten job descriptions. What fool of a businessman or politican would smile on a journo who cites last years lies or an interviewer who has the wit to interrupt the regurgitation of propaganda to demand honest answers to pertinent questions?

Real journalism is not in many powerful peoples interests (no conspiracy reqd), and since we're too dim to notice or care that the TV, radio & print news is pap, why should they? Just don't pretend its a democracy.
Posted by Liam, Monday, 11 December 2006 12:11:09 AM
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The media, especially the commercial media pander to the lowest common denominator. An audience that is entertained and mesmerised by the likes of Australian/American Idol , Big Brother and another repeat of the Simpson’s, A Current Affair, CSI ect isn’t likely to be capable of analysing content. The weather on breakfast shows are vehicles for flogging motel resorts as opinions and book advertising is sold as information to pre-commuters. The news on commercial FM radio not evolved since the 1980’s is nothing more than a string of arrogant slogans. Those who are likely to recognise the propaganda that is now called news are unlikely to be watching television or listening to commercial radio. I doubt the propaganda which is now offered as news is a government conspiracy. The most likely explanation is that journalists, editors and producers are simply intellectually lazy and poorly trained. This allows their bias not only filter through in their alleged reporting but at times gush through. In the case of the old guard such as the Oaks and Milnes’ and the rest, when I hear their reports I only hear old men pompously feathering their egos. Sadly for them they have become like an aging brat pack expecting more mileage from their past glory rather than maintaining hard work to keep fresh and intellectually agile. They have become as old and tired as the government. The media have even built two shrines to parade their peacocks – ‘Meet the Press’ and ‘Insiders’.
As for the news paper media, I didn’t realise they still report news. Every metropolitan and national news paper I have read over the past decade has been only opinion and infomercial. It appears journalists working for many regional newspapers are the only professional journalists. Perhaps the reason is that regional journalists have to live amongst those they write about. That said, take out the sports page and probably nobody would buy a newspaper.
Posted by West, Monday, 11 December 2006 10:39:25 AM
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My, my you all have such short memories !!

Does anyone remember the hatchet job done on Margo Kingston by the press barons ? She actually tried to create a "mainstream" press blog (SMH). They nearly killed her ! Go to: http://webdiary.com.au/ and see what remains of her legacy to open journalism.

While you're feeling adventurous, have a look at:
http://www.yourdemocracy.net.au/

It also allows for open and frank journalism and discussion.
Posted by Iluvatar, Monday, 11 December 2006 10:54:06 AM
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Harsh comments for the season of goodwill, comrades!

There appears to be a lot of bile but little in the way of constructive suggestions as to how we could create alternative media in this country.

Guardian, Independent, whatever, the point was that the ACTU and fellow travellers could feasibly create a web based daily alternative to mainstream reporting. While it would make sense to get some sympathetic foreign investment it is not the crucial point.

If we want alternative views and media then we can create them
Posted by westernred, Monday, 11 December 2006 12:15:47 PM
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