(MEAA/IFEX) – The following is a 28 April 2005 MEAA media release: Turning Up The Heat: Australia’s press freedom report 2001-2005 September 11, the Bali bombing, war in Iraq and the ongoing war on terror have all contributed to a dire health report for press freedom and independent media in Australia, according to the Media, […]
(MEAA/IFEX) – The following is a 28 April 2005 MEAA media release:
Turning Up The Heat: Australia’s press freedom report 2001-2005
September 11, the Bali bombing, war in Iraq and the ongoing war on terror have all contributed to a dire health report for press freedom and independent media in Australia, according to the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
The Media Alliance, which represents more than 10,000 journalists across Australia, has targeted cuts in ABC funding, anti-terror legislation and amendments to ASIO and freedom of information laws among the key issues affecting journalists in Australia today.
The Media Alliance will release its first report into Australia’s press freedom record at the 2005 Press Freedom Media Dinner in Sydney on Saturday 30 April.
Turning Up The Heat: The decline of press freedom in Australia 2001-2005 documents how governments, law enforcers and individuals have contributed to increased “media management” – ultimately tipping the balance against the public interest and democratic values.
“Journalists have been like the proverbial frog in a pot of cold water that is slowly brought to the boil. We do not notice the incremental changes, until it is too late,” said Alliance federal secretary, Christopher Warren.
“Each change on its own may be bearable or of limited impact. But taken as a whole, the attacks on journalists and increasing government restrictions have posed a major threat to Australian press freedom since September 11, 2001,” he said.
Former Media Watch host, Sydney Morning Herald’s David Marr will launch the inaugural Alliance report at the 2005 Press Freedom Media Dinner on Saturday 30 April at the Star Room Darling Harbour, Sydney. Network Ten’s Sandra Sully will host the fundraising event and will be joined by other speakers, including Premier Bob Carr, Richard Neville and John Birmingham.
Dinner tickets are $120 or media tables are also available. To purchase tickets, call 1300 65 65 13 or visit http://www.alliance.org.au for more information.
The Media Alliance represents more than 10,000 journalists across Australia.
