Even before the latest Murdoch revelations, I thought that some sort of official inquiry into the Australian media (i.e. all proprietors and media forms, including the ABC) is warranted in light of the rapid changes in communications technology over the past decade or so.

The fact that Murdoch, who owns 70% of the newspaper market here (including the only major daily paper in several capital cities), has been exposed for illegal acts in the UK, is all the more reason for an inquiry here. Also, that Murdoch sees himself as a 'kingmaker' in Australian politics, and that his flagship newspaper has 'declared war' on a political party is of further concern.

Let's have the inquiry, with suitably broad terms of reference. Let those with most to hide keep on bleating - they doth protest too much, methinks!

I note that Mr Rowswell has edited his author profile, which now reads

>< Brendan Rowswell is a Melbourne based lobbyist and public affairs professional. ><

It used to read:

>< Brendan Rowswell is a Melbourne based lobbyist and public affairs professional.

Brendan holds a Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in Political Science and History. He is completing a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management at the University of Melbourne.

Brendan was an adviser to a member of the Howard Government from 2004 to 2007 and remains active in the Liberal Party. ><

Why the coyness? Surely he doesn't think that his background as a Liberal Party hack is irrelevant to his credibility in writing this article. It's Liberal Party spin - nothing more, nothing less.

YES! and =US= Labor/Green left ABC filth do not stop bringing down police officers in the UK sending reporters to prison just watch out!
WE also must be stopped at all costs, from putting links to newspapers from America and Great Briton further muddying the issue with truth.
After all in Australia truth is not seen much in media reporting its about comment not news.
I however get great joy and comfort in knowing truth will out,and soon.
That we will see the power privilege fair, and bought, and paid, for influence of the Murdock team/gang look now at UK papers every day, gee stop them some one!
British press is actually reporting these issues what? Murdock's Dad would be rolling in his grave.
In his day he wrote the headlines for them in Australia at least.

On July 10 the Herald Sun published the following online comment from Mark of Panania "Someone needs to assassinate Julia Gillard NOW before she totally destroys our way of life"

Given this and the recent politically motivated right wing terrorist attacks in Norway I think a debate about media ownership in Australia is very relevant to the sleaze committed by News International. Would even go further and include the corporate espionage and anticompetitive behaviour of News America in the debate.

The neocons like to talk about smoking guns. Well here we have an arsenal.

It goes without saying that Fairfax, the ABC, SBS and anyone else should be included.

Besides all that the Ho Hum google results raised a chuckle: am reminded of a certain chair sniffer with the same political affiliation and a rhyming surname.

morganzola is correct: public affairs professional = spin monster

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/phone-hacking/8664704/CNNs-Piers-Morgan-told-interviewer-stories-were-published-based-on-phone-tapping.html
In this section of OLO you will find posted in the last week, this mans words .
Used at that time to try to prove nothing was going on.
Here is words are used to? well one way or another he lies.
Yes threats suggestions we Labor greens left should be deported/desexed/taxed out of existence/ashamed of our selves can be read here.
However while keeping federal police busy it only shows we are now not the lucky country but increasingly the bigoted one.
Shock jocks?maybe but first look at Tony Abbott and his front bench!

Actually when I chose my OLO name I was thinking of a pigs rear end as in pigs bottom (just in case the real word ending with UM is taboo on this site)

Meanwhile my very favourite Truth Telling journalist, writer, and academic too, is Chris Hedges especially via his books:

The Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy & The Triumph of the Spectacle
and
The World As It Is: Dispatches on the Myth of Human Progress.

You might also like to check out the essay he wrote for Truthdig in response to the slaughter in Oslo.

The Liberals claim the need for industrial relations reform, rejection of the Carbon tax and anything that is not within their political ideology, especially when it comes to reviewing the media and their "godfather".
What access do the public have to balanced information in the media, South Australia has three newspapers The Advertiser, The Australian and The messenger each owned and controlled by Newscorp.
Thats why a review of the media is needed, to once again have balanced news.