...And here was deluded me, after watching news on TV thinking the only news that mattered was sporting results and share prices! A major feature lacking in TV news is currency.

Lexi I agree with you that the programs like Today Tonight, & the other one are pure dross, I find the equivalent on 10 no better, in fact perhaps worse because of the ego of the presenters on display.

I can understand your attraction to the ABCs propaganda shows, stacked with lefties pushing their barrow, but I have given up on them.

I am finding our community channel, Briz 31 are doing better stuff all the time.

OUG I suggest you get a $50 set top box, as they are worth watching more often than any other free channel.

SBS is great for the documentaries that used to be the attraction of the ABC, but their news & current affairs can be hard to take. I do object to being talked down to, by someone who has little idea of their topic, a bad habit SBS people have developed.

As for the news damaging kids, just let them watch the ABC if your worried. Even a 10 year old should be able to see through their spin, & exposure to it may prepare them to resist more subtle, & better contrived spin, when they encounter.

If I want to find out what the socialist are up to I watch the ABC. Thankfully most have seen through the Green/Homosexual/ feminist/earth worshipping dogmas that they have insisted on pushing for 50 years. I think they gave up along time ago in trying to be balanced. If I want to get a more rounded view I will read Bolt or the Australian. The Australian has rusted on old lefties like Adams who is always good for a laugh and some talented balanced writers.

That's why I read papers (the Herald in particular as it has the least rubbish); because if I personally don't care about the Israel-Palestine conflict, or celebrity news, or some cannabis-bust, or how Obama's popularity is faring; I simply skip the stories entirely.

As a result, I can read any relevant political or science news at a leisurely pace, and be finished with the entire paper within five minutes.

Unfortunately, news is yet another victim of the all mighty dollar, whereby, it is often the ratings that matter rather than the news it's self.

Of cause, as a result of this race to be the top rated news broadcaster,we now have many cases of trial by media which, apart from entruding on ones private life, also make it very difficult for the justic system to make a case at times.

We no longer have the innocent until proven guilty sinario.

Like, who knew of the guy that is now accused of killing young Daiel, or, how many of us think the so called Dr Death is guilty.

How many of us have formed an opinion about Chapel Corbey?

All curteousy of the news and their appetite for the top spot.

There is not too much news

What is lacking these days in newws media is reporters.

They used to train their own reporters, now they go to Uni and come out fully fledged opinionators who give their own opinion on matters.

There is no such thing as reporting the facts and letting the readers/viewers/listeners form their own opinion.

If I want another opinion on a matter i will seek out a commentator.