News coverage tells us that former Prime Minister
Tony Abbott has been nominated to the board of
global media giant - Fox Corporation - the television
arm of the Murdoch empire.

The nomination comes a day after 92 year old Rupert
Murdoch announced he would be stepping down as
chairman of the corporation in favour of his son
Lachlan. Also nominated to the board of directors
was tech executive Peggy Johnson.

Both Abbott and Johnson will be considered by shareholders
at their general meeting in November.

How will this affect Australia? What kind of an impact
if any, will a former Australian Prime Minister make?

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull lashed out at the
92 year old media mogul's "shocking" legacy saying he
had created an "anger-tainment ecosystem" and left
America the most divided it's been since the Civil War.

Mr Abbott has been contacted for comment.

Your thoughts please.

What are the Usual Suspects going to do, the past his use by date old Rupert has finally given it away at 92. Who will do their thinking for them now.

Hi Paul,

Here's some food for thought:

According to the Sydney Morning Herald:

" Rupert Murdoch may have technically stepped back from
running the media empire he built over many decades, but
don't be fooled by his new title of chairman "emeritus"
of News Corp and Fox - an honorary title typically retained
after retirement from academia - he will still be calling
the shots."

Unless of course his health deteriorates.

Would Marcia Langton be a better choice in Tony Abbott's place ?

Newly appointed CEO Lachlan Murdoch nominated former
Prime Minister Tony Abbott because he said Mr Abbott
brought "skills, experience and perspectives."

The nomination will be considered by shareholders at
the media giant's annual meeting in November.

Prof. Marcia Langton is tied to the Voice and
is busy assisting the government of the day at
every step to see the "generous request" made in
The Uluru Statement from the Heart come to fruition.

Tony Abbott has had a lot longer wait than most worn out politicians to get a cushy sinecure in retirement. That's the only thing worth commenting on if you must fuss over hasbeens.

I don't know why we needed a copy of a news report already out of date in the 24 hour cycle to get to one of the poster's interminable, "Your thoughts please".

Good on Tony Abbott if he wants the job. It is no business of mine or anyone else's what a private citizen dies with his or her time. The person who wrote the original news item that Foxy copied out didn't ask what we thought about it.

Mind you own bloody business. Leave the crap to Malcolm Turnbull, who Murdoch wouldn't give a job delivering his papers.

Abbott's appointment will have no "impact" on anyone or anything. Particularly if he doesn't get the gig; and that will be decided by people actually involved in the business.

I apologise to ttbn for not asking for his permission
prior to bringing up this topic for discussion.
However, his record concerning anything that I post,
or any opinion that I express on this forum is always
considered by him to be stupid. That's why I took the
risk and brought up this topic anyway despite knowing
what his reaction would be. Sometimes in life you do what
you gotta do. And of course the Moderator approved it.

I would not dream of saying that the discussions he brings
up are rather questionable. I'll let the numbers who
respond to his speak for themselves.

Thanks anyway for having your say ttbn. Always glad to hear
your wisdom.

You get the moderator's approval before posting do you Foxy. Graham has never told me to get approval from him. No other posters have mentioned having to do so either. Perhaps you can't be trusted?

You are back to the 'numbers'. I don't worry about them. As long as I have the right to voice my own opinions, or bring to other's attention something I think they might be interested in, I'm happy.

You are not like that. You keep 'score'. You treat responses as things to brag about, a la the number of 'likes' that people have on the coarser type of social media, giving no heed to the fact that many, if not most, of the responses are against your Leftist blah.

I have no self-esteem problems, as you seem to have (you have my sympathy there: having to be defensive all the time must be very wearing), and posters on OLO do tend to have a go at people they disagree with more than they do supporting people they do agree with. Also, much of the silence comes from just not being able to respond to self-evident information. Or lack of knowledge prevents a response. People get stumped: and that’s it.

So, as long as I get my message out, I'm happy. The handful of people active on OLO are not the only ones who get it.

I'm quite a humble fellow, actually; very glad I don't have your ego problem.

ttbn, do you lack the ability to comprehend?

Foxy said; "I apologise to ttbn for not asking for his permission prior to bringing up this topic for discussion", she went on to say in the same paragraph; "And of course the Moderator approved it". Like every topic for discussion on the Forum, it has to be approved by the Moderator.

ttbn also said; "what a private citizen dies with his or her time." Old Rupert is 92 not out, and you never know he might bat on to 100. Then again he might not.

p/s, Foxy do you recall the time when ttbn believed HE should have some say on what should be allowed to be posted on this Forum. The Forum would then be nothing but the silly opinions of a half a dozen white Anglo Old Farts, all approved by ttbn, nothing like broad based opinion is there.

Hi Paul,

I suspect that ttbn is an attention seeker.
He thrives on provocation - and is happiest
when people react. So he sets out to insult
and attack to get reactions. People will react
when the right buttons are pushed. I used to
think he was a teenager - trying to stir .

He loves to set standards for others.
I suspect that deep down he doesn't mean what
he writes. Anyway, the best thing is not to read
what he posts. There's never anything of substance
there anyway. Does anyone really read what he writes?
They should he's so "knowledgeable" don't you know.

Hiding behind anonymity to attack others.

Yet surprisingly he can't see any relevance in this
discussion regarding Tony Abbott's nomination. That
surprises me for someone of his so called intelligence.

The fact that the Murdoch empire had/has so
much influence in this country - he can't see the
importance and relevance of who gets nominated to the board
of its television arm is amazing.

Probably if anyone other than myself had suggested this as
a topic - it would be a different story.

I'm that "awful" woman don't you know. And he's so perfect.
And humble as well. Maybe he's got good reasons to be humble?

But enough already.

Now back to the topic.

Would the position be a perfect fit for Mr Abbott?

I suspect that it would.

The perks, salary, prestige of the position. However,
will he be able to rise to the Murdoch expectations.
That remains to be seen - when and if he gets the job.

This must be an exciting time for him and his family.

Foxy & Paul,

I have read neither of your posts because I know they would fool of crap. See my other post for my suggestion to Foxy. You could join Foxy at the childcare centre Paul; you would probably have to follow her lead - as you usually do. Some of those little tackers would have intellects much more sophisticated than yours.

Of course you read them ttbn, how else would you know they are; "fool of crap"? I only asked about your lack of comprehension.

Well, being with Fox at least keeps him off our backs as a bureaudroid !

ttbn,

I explained to you on the other discussion that I already
run Storytime Sessions and Book Clubs for a large Municipal
Library. As well as having my own grand-children on visits.
Plus I have been invited as a volunteer at an aged care
facility run by a large public hospital here in Melbourne.
I was there recovering after a fall as part of the hospital's
Transition Care Program. Anyway, it seems that they miss me
and want me back.

So, you see, I have enough on my plate at the moment. But
as you know - being kept busy stops you from getting bored
and is important for your mental well being.

Anyway, thanks for your suggestions. Although I am sure that
Paul also has his plate full as well.

Perhaps you could look into ways to keep yourself busy?
It might do you some good.

Just a thought.

Regarding a perfect fit for Mr Abbott?

I think that Mr Abbott should be given a chance to
contribute to the position. I don't think of him
as a "hasbeen." His years in politics and now in the
UK as a consultant - can't just be brushed aside.
He's still a young man with much to contribute given
a chance. How well he'll do is of course up to him.
But I think he should be given a chance to show what
he can do. Lachlan Murdoch seems to have confidence
in him or he wouldn't have nominated him for the job.

Tony Abbott is a Rhodes scholar and a first-class intellect with decades of political experience who is getting >$400 000 pension whether he works or not. Sitting on the board of one of the best news organisations in the world is a fitting retirement.

The concentration of media in Australia's Murdoch
hands is close to 70% of the metropolitan newspaper
readership nationwide and has press monopolies in the
newspaper capital cities. However, it's more than that.
These newspapers also set the radio and television agenda
every day and therefore frame the political debate.

Lord David Putnam says that the media has a duty of care
to the people to protect their "fragile democracy."
It also has a duty to inform not inflame.

Can the Murdoch media under Lachlan Murdoch make people
less cynical, more engaged and more likely to participate
in the democratic process with Tony Abbott and all of his
qualifications, on its board?

Murdoch doesn't get $ 1Billion/year from the Taxpayer to run an indoctrination rort, the ABC/SBS do !
Don't see the Lefties getting upset about that ?

A well-informed population is vital in a democracy.
Informed not inflamed as Lord David Putnam stated.
Not one brainwashed by
ceaseless and increasingly hysterical spin.
And then brain scrubbed by
commercial television and radio toadies and shock
jocks all adding their influence.

There's no denying the concentration of media to be
found in Australian Murdoch hands. They have
control close to 70% of the metropolitan newspaper
readership nationwide and as stated earlier they
have press monopolies in the capital cities.

However it is more than that because these newspapers
also set the radio and television agenda every day and
therefore frame the political debate.

Yes the media does have a duty of care to the people
to protect their fragile democracy and inform not inflame.

Currently many people are cynical, less engaged and
many are less likely to participate in the democratic
process.

Will this change under Lachlan Murdoch? Will Mr Abbott
be able to exert much influence? What will the shareholders
want done?

Interesting times ahead.

Foxy,

There you go again with the left whinge talking points.

Newscorp does not own a monopoly, there are many newspapers to choose from it is just that most people prefer to read Newscorp papers and find their diversity and quality hard to beat.

Your logic would have the top athletes banned because they win most of the races.

Perhaps that is your problem Foxy.

No one glued to the ABC & Guardian for their news & information is ever going to know what is happening in the world.

There you go again Shadow Minister - using
labels that don't apply. If you find News Corp,
Sky News, et al, high-brow media - then of coure
I have to respect your opinion. However opinions
are not facts and no matter what you claim - the
facts disagree with you about the Murdoch media
influence.

Hasbeen,

It's not my problem. It's our problem.
The media needs to inform, not inflame. Listening
to Sky News, Bolt, Credlin, and Co - you won't
be informed - you'll be inflamed. But of course
it's you choice. I actually use a wide variety of
sources - not just the ABC. It's a professional
habit.

Foxy,

I never said that Newscorp was highbrow. Those were your words.

I read the Australian every day. What I find are articles on each side of every argument and from people of every political persuasion. Something that you won't find in the Fairfax papers, the ABC or the Guardian.

While I read all these publications I rely on the Australian for quality journalism. Other publications such as the Telegraph and other papers are produced for other demographics which is emblematic of Murdoch's skill in knowing the market. Something that Fairfax or the ABC could learn from.

Shadow Minister,

I read many sources - I don't restrict myself.
I've done that for years. And will continue to do.
It's how I was raised. Not only to look at both
sides of the coin but around the edges as well.
Plus my views are not set in concrete.

Anyway, I enjoy talking to you. And I learn a lot.

Shadow Minister,

Are you familiar with the Liberal State Senator
for Victoria - James Paterson?

Village idiot,

No, but I guess that you are about to defame him.

Foxy,

Do you read The Australian or other Newscorp papers? If not your variety is probably limited to a narrow political spectrum.

Village idiot,

What are you banging on about, defame whom, Old Man Rupert, The Mad Abbott, YOU?

You really are the village idiot.

You said "Are you familiar with the Liberal State Senator
for Victoria - James Paterson?"

I guess that you are also suffering from dementia or did you fall and hit your head again?

I actually admire Senator James Paterson.

He keeps me informed via emails.

Hi Foxy,

The Village Idiot used to call me the Village idiot, did so a million times, and in his confusion he is now calling you the Village idiot, what a Village idiot.

Foxy posts;

"Are you familiar with the Liberal State Senator
for Victoria - James Paterson?"

Village idiot responds;

Village idiot,

"No, but I guess that you are about to defame him"

I asked;

Village idiot,

What are you banging on about, defame whom, Old Man Rupert, The Mad Abbott, YOU?

The Village idiot comes back with;

"You really are the village idiot.....I guess that you are also suffering from dementia or did you fall and hit your head again?"

Unfortunate that's what drugs do to YOU, when taken with the 'Kool Aid', total confusion. Hopefully Nursey will be along soon with his medication

Hi Paul,

I'm having problems with my eyesight so I make many
typing mistakes. I'm not sure to whom Shadow Minister
was directing his village idiot posts. I admire the
young Victorian Liberal Senator. We communicate via
emails. And as I've stated previously, to me it's
the person and the policies that matter.

Hi Foxy,

That's okay, I had the cataracts removed from my left eye last Wednesdays. When they say I'm one eyed they're right, or left whatever the case may be.

Me thinks the Village idiot was directing his comments at himself, he'll be okay once Nursey bring his medication, and he lays off the 'Kool Aid' for a while.

I've got to go in an have my eyes checked as well.
But at present I've got so much on my plate that
I keep putting it off. I've got an appointment next
week at the endocrinology department at the hospital
Not sure what that means. But we'll see.

We've got heaps of new people moving into our apartment
building. It's so nice to have neighbours of different
ages and and different ethnic groups.
Already making friends. The building now has a friendlier
vibe.

Dear Paul,

Some interesting news. The President of Lithuania is
coming to Australia in October. He will be leading a
delegation and visiting Melbourne and Canberra.
Lithuanian Clubs will be hosting a reception for them.
And they will of course be meeting not only the PM but
also state Premiers and other MPs.

History in the making.

Hi Foxy,

Will you be there in October? BTW The 2 Lithuanian girls on MKR (Ch 7) last night were eliminated, their cold beetroot soup, and potato sausage Lithuanian national dishes, I believe weren't a hit with the judges. Although their honey layered cake desert, another Lithuanian treat scored well.

Having a pair of 'Grey Nomads', staying with us for a little while, nice folks, had a sing song last night after the wife watched MKR. Their old bus/home, has broken down and they were stranded here, its now with a local mechanic for repairs. Me thinks life's adventure sometimes has its pitfalls.

Dear Paul,

I'm ashamed to say that I don't watch MKR.
I think I watched "Midsomer Murders," instead.
I love the series. Plus I'm not that keen on that
French guy on MKR. I used to watch "Master Chef,"
and loved those judges. MKR - no thanks.

No I won't be going to meet the Lithuanian President.
My health unfortunately at the moment prevents that from
happening. Still it is exciting for the communities.
He, his wife and the delegation will be very welcomed.

Hi Paul,

The cold beetroot soup and potato sausage does not
sound very impressive. No wonder they got eliminated.

Borsch - served hot is what most Lithos like. And as
far as potato dishes go? There's potato pudding (Kugelis),
served with sour cream and bacon bits. Then potato pancakes,
and of course there's potato-meat dumplings or zeppelins
(cepelinai) called that because of their shape.

They're hearty rich dumplings and take quite a bit of
preparation and effort but well worth it.

It sounds like the girls didn't make much of an effort.

Village idiot (aka pauliar)

I forget that I am debating with someone too stupid to understand English. Maori living in Australia are not indigenous.

I see that you still love your black uniforms, did you get that from your boyfriend Jono Doig?

I live in New Zealand not Artyrower.

Village idiot,

"Maori living in Australia are not indigenous" Where did I say they were? An Inuit living in Hawaii is not indigenous to Hawaii either. That's Aotearoa not what ever you said, in Aotearoa undesirable aliens are deported, or locked up, they just haven't got to you yet.

Nah, Doig may be sharing a cell with NATIONAL PARTY MP and convinced paedophile, JAMES HAYWARD, I don't know, you would be more familiar with that than me.

village idiot,

You said that your ancient wife (living in Aus) was an indigenous Maori.
She/it is either indigenous or Maori. That's why you are the village idiot.

Doig the paedophilic senior green appreciates your frequent visits and looks forward to you joining him again.

Village idiot,

I never referred to my wife as an Australian indigenous Maori, you are full of it,Polynesians never populated Australia.

As for your other comment; CAN YOU provide evidence that I make "frequent visits" to the paedophile Doug, you are only trying to insinuate by association, or should I do a cry baby act like you, and have a whinge to the MODERATOR. You seem to have special licence on this site to continually make reference to paedophiles, despite Mr Young's claiming that he had zero tolerance for such behaviour, not in your case it seems.

Village idiot,

Why do you keep on talking to yourself?

Why are you always such a crybaby and why do you keep on bring up paedos?

Village idiot,

Are you not the sooky-baby who recently cried to the moderator that I had said something nasty about YOU. No, you are getting confused, you post to yourself being the Village idiot as you are.

Village idiot,

You have run crying to GY plenty of times like a little snowflake. You are a complete grub who has been banned plenty of times for being a vile creep that happy lies and defames people.

Being a decent human being has never been an ambition of yours

If snide remarks are made then they should be part of a post not just a snide remark.
The tactic of constantly hijacking discussions by snide remarks is pointless such as Paul1405's contributions 90% of the time. It only serves to expose his/its grotesque mentality !
Either stick to the thread or say nothing, there's more than enough stupidity doing the rounds !

Indyvidual,

Kindly set an example yourself before preaching
to others. You're the one who makes snide
remarks and does not contribute anything to discussions.

Indy,

What a hypocrite, who constantly goes off topic with his demands for a "Boot Camp for Children", idea of a National Service, and lets sack 95% (your number) of public servants?

sack 95% (your number) of public servants?
Paul1405,
If they're incompetent or corrupt what would you do with them ?
Foxy,
re
You're the one who makes snide
remarks
Only in replying to yours !

Indyvidual,

I react to your snide remarks not the other way around.

As for what would I do if they are incompetent?

I would not have hired incompetents in the first place.