Journalism is in crisis but public funding could help

The recent ACCC report argues that journalism is a public good in crisis, and so there is ample justification for government action.

There’s no saving traditional news

Understanding the forces that drive the online economy is crucial for Australia’s policy makers and citizens.  Economic reality means that while we can put a leash on Google and Facebook, there’s no saving the traditional news model.

ACCC turns its guns on the digital platforms

While there are no quick fixes, the ACCC’s final report into digital platforms in Australia finds that powerful tech giants like Google and Facebook warrant close competition scrutiny.

Fixing Facebook

If Facebook was an experiment in creating a true “marketplace of ideas,” the results are disappointing, naively utopian and sometimes dangerous. Yet the platform has no easy solution for the daunting problem of moderating its two billion subscribers.

Governments are making fake news a crime – but will it stifle free speech?

Whenever governments get involved in policing the media – even for the best-intended reasons – there is always the possibility of corruption and a reduction in genuine free speech.

Cash for clicks?

The decision of the Herald Sun to pay its journalists cash bonuses for extra page views and subscriptions could have major implications for the future of the news industry and its role in our democracy.

The problems of policing the post-Christchurch internet

The Australian Parliament has passed legislation to punish social media platforms showing violent videos, but is the reaction to the Christchurch massacre right in principle and can it be effective in practice?

Australia’s media should reflect its cultural diversity

As we face a growing tide of unregulated hate speech, the role of the media is crucial in normalising diversity and demolishing the “othering” of difference that divides us. So how is the Australian media faring in the diversity stakes?

Australians turn their back on the news

A new survey suggests that Australians are less interested in news and consume less of it than people in similar countries. Two thirds of Australians have no interest in politics at all. What are the consequences of this growing apathy for Australian public debate?

5 ways to improve election coverage

Political parties examine their election results and look to improve, but media organisations seldom question their role or performance. Here are five ways they could help provide better electoral coverage.

Rugby Australia vs Israel Folau

A hearing on Wallabies star Israel Folau’s alleged breach of contract over his social media posts is set to pit Rugby Australia’s code of conduct against issues of fairness and even human rights.

How fake news gets into our minds, and what you can do to resist it

The way our memory works means it might be impossible to resist fake news completely but thinking like a scientist could help. This involves adopting a questioning attitude that is motivated by curiosity, and being aware of personal bias.