The Gillard Government is expected to announce an inquiry into aspects of the media within days after a vigorous debate on ownership, democracy and privacy in the ALP Caucus today.
But the inquiry is not expected to include the contentious issues of media ownership concentration, particularly of Rupert Murdoch’s News Ltd, owner of The Australian.
Stephen Conroy will soon release the terms of reference of a proposed Senate inquiry into the media after weeks of talks with Greens leader Bob Brown.
While some Labor MPs have been calling for an inquiry into News Ltd and its control of newspapers in Australia others have argued they do not wish to be seen to be running a Greens’ agenda or to antagonise the “Murdoch empire”.
• Senator Bob Brown, Greens Leader: Diverse media key to democracy
The Greens are in final discussions with the Government about the type and scope of a media inquiry. Given those discussions, we have deferred our motion in the Senate, Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.
“The need for an independent umpire, among other possible improvements, should be assessed as part of an inquiry into the media industry,” Senator Brown said in Canberra.
“Information is the currency of democracy and we need a review to assess whether the media industry has been devalued.”
“A robust inquiry which can promote media diversity and ensure the public’s recourse when wrong behaviour occurs would serve Australia well.”
Earlier on Tasmanian Times:
Wilkie challenged to put up. The Wilkie response
Rupert … my part in his (near) downfall
Andrew Wilkie presents the inaugural Tasmanian Times Lecture
