In theory the media should diversify a nation’s democracy, serving as a channel through which many different groups can participate in national debate. Yet with the high levels of media ownership concentration in Australia, are we hearing the voices of the many or simply the few?
CPD Researcher & intern Rob Harding-Smith submitted this report as part of research commissioned for Avaaz who are using this in their submission to the independent media inquiry being conducted by the Department of Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy.
A free, open and diverse media that has the unhindered power to inform the population on issues of public interest has always been a crucial component of a functioning democracy. A free and diverse media sector can enforce transparency and accessibility in politics and can help to ensure thatleaders within government and business are accountable for their actions.
