Why we need a Media Freedom Act The ABC has made the decision not to appeal the Federal Court ruling that the AFP’s warrant to conduct a raid of the ABC’s Ultimo offices was valid. It has decided it can’t litigate its way to reforming fundamentally bad laws. This further stresses the need for a Media Freedom Act. “The principle…
The Federal Court recently ruled that the AFP raids on ABC offices in Ultimo were valid. The ABC have today announced they will not lodge an appeal. This decision is unsurprising, and comes as a result of the current legislative landscape. Once again, another sign we need a Media Freedom Act. ABC’s Managing Director, David Anderson, said “This outcome demonstrates…
Whatever you think of Assange, his case has broad implications. There are two images of Julian Assange that display the deeply contradictory views of his supporters and his critics. The first is of Assange at the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in London, microphone in hand, addressing the media gathered in the street below. That low-angle image captures the hero…
A free press is not about special treatment for the media, but ensuring our governments are held to account, writes Professor Peter Greste. The ABC’s failed court bid is yet another blow — and we should all be worried. On Monday, the Federal Court issued a judgment that I suspect will come to be seen as a pivotal moment…
Media Release: Federal Court judgement confirms the need for a Media Freedom Act In a major blow to press freedom in Australia, the Federal Court has ruled that the search warrants the Australian Federal Police used to raid the ABC last year were valid. The AJF believes the case underscores the urgent need for a Media Freedom Act, to…
According to the CPJ, US journalist, Michael Yon, was barred from entering Hong Kong by immigration authorities, on 05 February. Yon has been critical of China’s Communist Party in his coverage of the Hong Kong demonstrations. Read more here. Photo credit: Reuters / Hannah Mckay
MISSING: Citizen Journalist, Chen Qiushi Yet another journalist is missing in China which already has an appalling track record for restricting press freedom. Chen Qiushi and Fang Bin have documented the outbreak of Coronavirus from Wuhan since the outbreak, broadcasting from their mobile phones. Thousands rely on the two men for the latest from the province where the virus was…
Colombia Journalism Review published a piece drawing attention to a report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University, which surveyed journalists from 16 countries to determine their working conditions and the attacks they face. The report, titled ‘Fighting Words: Journalism Under Assault in Central and Eastern Europe’ notes the similar patterns, or tactics used, which…
In an interesting piece from Washington based Global Investigative Journalism Network, GIJN explores how they’re working with Gannett’s regional-based data and investigations team to implement tech that helps rebuild readers’ trust in investigative journalism. They’re using ‘Trust Nuggets’, which are essentially bite-sized bits of information on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind any investigative story, sprinkled throughout the broader piece. In…
Philip Jacobsen, 30, is an award winning young journalist who has been critical of environmental degradation and reported on alleged corruption in Indonesia. Jacobsen’s passport was confiscated in December in Palangkaraya, and on January 21 he was detained under the suspicion of committing a visa violation against the 2011 immigration law. This means he could face a sentence of up…