Australian media does good job: Fairfax
A public inquiry into the media is told that Australian media are doing a good job. It has been found out that the media did not commit any “atrocities” that require an overhaul of the entire system.
Greg Hywood, Chief Executive of Fairfax Media, asks “what needs to be fixed?” By saying this, he pertains to the media. And with the outcome of the study of Fairfax, he says there is no need for statutory regulation on the press; not even for additional powers for the print media watchdog.
In the statement of Mr. Hywood to the Independent Inquiry into Media and Media Regulation on Wednesday in Sydney, he said that
“Fairfax Media does not believe there are problems with integrity, accuracy or conduct of the media that warrant further regulation.”
“Freedom of speech and a responsible media independent from government is essential to a strong democracy and a strong economy. The media is not perfect. (But) it does a good job for the people of Australia,” he added.
Readers may learn to distrust the press if the government plays a role of watching over it, according to Mr. Hywood.
Since the press is already highly regulated at present, Mr. Hywood suggests that people with complaints must go directly to the organization. If this should not be enough, they can go to the Australian Press Council or they could also take legal action.
Mr. Hywood also emphasized that if there is any third party that is charged to regulate the press, this will lead to “pushing, prodding, and bullying” of the media.
To ensure quality of the work of the press, there are already professional codes for journalists, Journalist Code of Ethics, Australian Press Council’s statement, and in-house codes of conduct.
The former Chairman of the Australian Press Council, Professor Ken Mckinnon, is the one pushing for the print media watchdog to be given additional powers.
Source: BUSINESSSPECTATOR.COM.AU
