CJ, I agree with most of your post but do think that "the most extreme are invariably from the far "right"" is a matter of perspective. I agree that we have some from the right who regularly horrify me with hwo extreme their views are but they are matched from the left who do as well.

The Left and Right are not the only categories where that's the case. I'm regularly dismayed by the venom from some of the anti-feminists and by comments from others which I'd expect feminists to disown but which are ignored in favor of easier targets. Some extreme's on both sides of that debate.

I expect a lot of the perception of a lack of balance which some might have is more a reflection of where their own views sit.

R0bert

Sancho writes
'Oh, and Turnbull just Newspolled the lowest approval rating of his career. Wouldn't it be nice for him if he had some friends in the online media who might help prevent further scrutiny of his conduct?'

Why would any conservative vote for someone who is even more delusional about climate change than our Prime Minister. Personally I would vote for Mr Rudd before Mr Turnbull. The Liberals have shot themselves in the foot. Here we have the most incompetent Government since Gough Whitlam and yet the opposition can't make any ground. It does say something about the mentality of voters but also about the state of the Liberal party.

I guess Left or Right is all a matter of perspective for individual OLO’ers to decide as their relative position is often “topic” sensitive. I have yet to see any of the mainstream media in news or current affairs provide the broad spectrum of articles or opinions to compare with OLO.

Rather than criticize OLO, perhaps The Age should consider why their turf is shrinking?

Where in mainstream media, can we find broad spectrum reporting, critical analysis, investigative journalism? Where else can we find interesting, entertaining, thought provoking or informative commentary on critical issues?

Sure we have extremes at either end of the spectrum, not to mention the passion that often accompanies these. We have a right to these diverse views and to express them. We also accept that we don’t have the right to be right, which is possibly where the media falls down; they are not exposed to interactive feedback and as a result, are becoming isolated

"Where in mainstream media, can we find broad spectrum reporting, critical analysis, investigative journalism?"

Programs like:

4 Corners
Sunday (when it was on)
Lateline
Landline
7.30 Report
ABC News Radio
Mainstream print journos like Megalogenis, Grattan, Kelly, Sheehan, Waterford, etc.

There's plenty around. When you add them all up you get broad spectrum reporting, critical analysis and investigative journalism.

I agree with others here that Graham does go on a bit, but the basis of his argument is sound. The original piece is a news item, not a opinion piece, and on that basis doesn't belong on OLO. Its political orientation is irrelevant.

Also, weighing in to the left-right discussion - it always intrigues me that the centre is always left out of the balancing act. Somehow, the centre is routinely considered to be sane, rational, moderate and open to innovation, when in reality it's the very opposite. The centre is every bit as reactionary and vengeful as the extremes it so despises. Ironically, it often goes to 'extreme' lengths to protect its turf (aka the status quo).

Throughout history, virtually all the great progressive changes were initiated and fought for by 'extremists', often at great personal cost. Yet, the centre - perched on its moral high ground as both the guardians and controllers of 'majority' opinon - vigilantly maintains its own fiction that all extremism is violent and antisocial.

i pretty much agree with cj morgan and sjf, though wondering if sancho has a point. no question that young has his hobby horses, and the god-on-their-side christians and climate crazies and IPA loons can be tiresome. but they are usually just entertaining, and somehow young's lack of quality control is part of the energy of the site. and in between the loons there are some excellent articles, and excellent contributions from posters.