Introduction
In Australia, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press are highly valued accomplishments nowadays. However, with such freedom comes responsibility as a number of ethical issues related to publishing information are raised.
Main body
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy expressed his concerns regarding a row of issues that are related to the functioning of mass media including broadcasters, printed press, and online recourses. How should the freedom of the press be understood? What mechanisms of regulation should be developed in order to guarantee the high-quality work of mass media specialists?
According to Conroy, the present Press Council, and the current ACMA, the two existing establishments aimed to control the work of all mass media in Australia need adjustment. The Minister offered to develop a new document regulating the mechanisms of state censorship. This document is aimed at creating a new two-tier system controlling the work of all mass media in Australia.
The reaction of the representatives of Australian mass media appeared to be rather ardent as they saw a threat to their normal functioning in this initiative by the government. For example, Mr. Andrew Bolt representing the modern-day tribune of the people said that Australian media never faced such a danger.
References
www.abc.net.au