Greg Sheridan of The Australian was right to observe of the ABC that, "Running Snowden's mischief required neither courage nor journalism".

The PM gas now said that the ABC advertised the Guardian's story, which is contrary to the ABC's charter.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/abc-advertised-guardians-spy-story-tony-abbott/story-e6frg996-1226772306626

However it is rather typical of the ABC that departed from its independent and publicly-responsible course of years ago.

The large issue is ABC's principles and ethics in reporting. Its unspoken, informal editorial policy appears to be at odds with the staid formal editorial policy that it advertises.

After dining on a steady diet of right wing clap trap nonsense from Murdoch, the conservatives are aghast when confronted with the fairness and even handedness of the ABC. The shrill calls of "silence those heretics" goes up from the usual suspects, not the least being Murdochs very own band of reactionary journalistic hacks. What do the detractors think the best payback for ABC independence and fairness is, nothing less than cutting off their funding will do, the conservatives believe that will put the kibosh on the commie bastards down there at Aunty. no more of that un-Australian anti Abbott reporting.

Paul yes quite true.
It however is also true many, from any party you can name, thinks the ABC is biased.
And sometimes I think some questioners are.
But if you think about it the Audience for ABC and Fairfax news papers seem to be several points upon the IQ scale.
We tangle often, you a refugee from old school Labor, me the property of present and future Labor [reform is coming]
I think the best defense from the true right is remembering why we are so proud to be left of them.
Just now the true thinking Liberals must be at least a bit concerned.
Abbott talk is becoming a joke, his words seem to come from a working concrete mixer.
And his explanations? along with Christopher Pyne are private school like twaddle.

Belly: It however is also true many, from any party you can name, thinks the ABC is biased. And sometimes I think some questioners are.

The Questioners questions are vetted before the show starts & they don't promise that you will get your question asked. Who next to be allowed to ask a question is dictated by the "man upstairs" who whispers in the panels ear. I used to work in this industry many, many years ago. One of my many hats.

Belly: But if you think about it the Audience for ABC and Fairfax news papers seem to be several points upon the IQ scale.

Well, they think they are anyway. Usually Uni students or academics or representatives of a particular group that the Forum wish to push.

There is no way that the Media will allow someone to ask a question that will totally gazump a Panel Member, that's why they vet the questions. Sometimes they will ask you for a list of your questions you wish to ask when you arrive. They will tell you which one you will be allowed to ask if you get picked. This also saves on doubling up, or that's what they say their reason is. You are not allowed to ask a question that hasn't been submitted. Mostly, when you apply to be part of the audience, they will ask if you want to ask a question, if you do, you are asked to submit those questions. Then they pick who will be in the audience. If your questions were in the too hard basket there is no way you will get to be a part of the audience.

Left, Right or the One in the Middle, no "Party" tells me what to believe or not to believe according to their particular Dogma, because they all Lie.

What's this got to do with Spying?

Jay what a lot of rot!
Did you infer this forum is biased?
And come you can not think every question to every politician is put up before the question is asked?
I think I see the problem! you think so far out side the square our thoughts are so different, we can never agree.
ABC has, as most medea has, young girls asking the questions.
And desperate to make a name for them selves try to unsettle those they question.
I find both sides of politics feed such folk,by not confronting a truth.
Questioners far too often ask stupid questions because that is the best they can do.
BUT worse far too often they put their own personal views in the form of a question, that must be confronted and harshly during the interview.

Belly: Jay what a lot of rot! Did you infer this forum is biased?

No, I did not. I was talking about TV programmes & you know it. Either that, or you are angry about something & taking it out on this forum.

Belly: And come you can not think every question to every politician is put up before the question is asked?

Again, I was not talking about asking the "truth" question at TV Forums, but at the pre-election promises. But, once again, you knew that.

Do I think outside the box. Yes I do. I not ashamed of that, quite the opposite, in fact. Maybe, with any luck, it will get people thinking. I've said it before. I do not blindly accept everything "my Party" tells me & reject everything "the other Party" tells me, as a matter of course. I don't have "a Party." All Partys lie.

Belly: ABC has, as most medea has, young girls asking the questions.
And desperate to make a name for them selves try to unsettle those they question. I find both sides of politics feed such folk,by not confronting a truth.

Yes, you are right. Political Uni Students are sent along to TV forums by their respective Parties with pre-discussed questions to submit to Channel Producer who allocates who & which questions will be asked. Then they throw in a couple of outsider Groups to stir things up & one really stupid question. All with a view to enhance the Programmes view-ability.

Belly: BUT worse far too often they put their own personal views in the form of a question, that must be confronted and harshly during the interview.

That what the "stupid" questioner is for.

Please sort your anger out on your problem, not on me. Thank you.