Oz Media Groups Call For Press Freedom

by Robyn Preston

May 10, 2007

An alliance between the country’s biggest media organisations saw the launch of the ‘Australia’s Right to Know’ campaign today in Sydney, a project committed to the right of free speech.

News Limited, Fairfax, the ABC, Commercial Radio Australia, SBS, Australian Associated Press (AAP), Australian TV networks 9, 7, 10 and regional TV broadcasters, joined the campaign.

Media executives argue that Australian laws now contain more than 500 restrictions on what the public is allowed to know.

They say they want state and federal governments and the courts, to be more forthcoming with public information and move toward a level of democratic freedom that exists in Ireland, Canada and New Zealand.

Fairfax Media chief executive David Kirk said freedom of the press was indispensable to the operation of democracy and it was time to join together to defend it.

“I believe it is significant that we came together so quickly to form this coalition,” Mr Kirk said in a media statement.

“It took little persuasion. The need was obvious. Ours is a strong, united and determined coalition,” Mr Kirk said.

“Our efforts will be directed both in Canberra and with the community at large – to educate the public about these issues, and the vital stake they have in them as well.”

‘Australia’s Right To Know’ was launched at a press conference led by News Limited chairman and chief executive John Hartigan, Mr Kirk, ABC managing director Mark Scott and Commercial Radio Australia chairman Michael Anderson.

An annual report released by the international media organisation Reporters Without Borders, ranked Australia 35th on the worldwide Press Freedom Index, a drop of four places within a year.