“Given that in Australia there is freedom of expression and he (Rupert Murdoch) pays the piper and calls the tune, there is little one can do directly to change The Australian’s agenda. It will probably continue to support big business, champion America’s foreign policy, oppose action against climate change and stifle dissenting voices. Even though this paper has a disproportionate influence on politically active, highly educated people, it is not invincible. If like minded people were to contest The Australian’s biased views revealed in Bad News through social media, correct misinformation and suggest steps to a more transparent and equitable society, then a positive outcome might be achieved. Newspapers can no longer afford to ignore public opinion and need to enter into discourse with their readers to stay relevant. The old business model does not work and their only hope of staying viable in the long term will be through courting new readers. Accuracy and fairness are basic values in journalism, not a luxury to be discarded at the whim of a media mogul. We are living in an age of digital democracy (blogs, Facebook, etc.), which means Everyman (and woman) can have a voice. Editors and journalists who ignore Twitter are Twits. If we wage war through social media, what are our chances of reforming The Australian? ”

Sarah Biron · 2 years ago · 10 votes · 5 comments