It has been interesting to see people get into a lather about the media inquiry announced this week. For what it’s worth I don’t think the terms of reference go far enough. One only has to look at reporting of matters of vital importance to see that some outlets prefer to publish more spin than professional journalism.
We may have an opportunity to engage in the discussion about the impact of technology on the distribution of media – it remains to me seen.
From a newsagent perspective I would welcome an inquiry into the distribution of print media. This was deregulated in 1999 under the direction of the Howard government and done in such a way that the job was not completed.
While magazines and newspapers are certainly in more outlets – a win for consumers – newsagents have been left with ma magazine distribution model which makes them less competitive than other retailers – a loss for consumers.
I’d welcome an inquiry reviewing deregulation and the impact on our 4,000 or so mum and dad businesses.
It won’t happen because it does not suit the politicians and because the magazine distributors are the masters of spin when challenged by authorities on the damage of their model to family run newsagencies.