John Laws' actions
highlight need for the ABC
16.7.99
John Laws' commercial
transaction with the banks highlights the need for Australia to maintain
its national public broadcaster.
Though not reflecting
the professional ethics of journalism, Mr Laws reminds us of the reason
commercial media exists, when he says: "I just find it quite extraordinary
... that you people are so amazed that an individual like me should
use a little entrepreneurial skill and go out and make some money."
(SMH 14.7.99)
The influential
role played by media in Australian democracy makes it too important
to be left only in the hands of operators which exist to make profit,
either directly from their media organisation or by using it as a vehicle
to promote other financial interests.
Independent public
broadcasting must thrive if the community's entitlement to full and
factual information is to be met. Only public broadcasting - independent
from government and from commercial influence - can operate without
fear or favour.
Through funding
cuts and appointment to the ABC Board of political allies antagonistic
to the ABC's survival as an independent and comprehensive public broadcaster,
the Federal Government is seriously undermining the ABC's capacity to
fulfil this role.
Penny Wright
National Spokesperson