Media wars

Over the last week, the media have been following the struggle of media magnate Kerry Packer in his quest to be the first person in Australia to own everything. Packer's "assault" on the Fairfax newspaper empire has been heralded as the greatest threat to a free press in an age.

Most are now (only too) familiar with the gruesome details. As a television media magnate, Packer should be limited to 15% of any print empire. This, the Labour government proclaims, is the best way to ensure that the press in Australia does not become monopolised by one or two major players. In fact, the Australian media are dominated by no more than three very wealthy men. And when it comes down to the wire, Labor is reluctant to enforce even its own weak legislation.

Whether it's billionaire X or trillionaire Y who controls our press, you can be sure of one thing. The only news they'll print is the news they want you to hear.

If you want an independent news service, if you want your newspaper free of big business impurities, stick with Green Left Weekly. The profit made by Green Left every year is written in red ink. We leave the black to Black and Co.

Every week, Green Left struggles to bring you the stories that none of the big boys will print. National, international and closer to home, Green Left will cover what you won't read elsewhere. So whether it's Packer, Black or Murdoch who owns your local rag, you can be certain of one thing: Green Left Weekly — it's your newspaper. n

From GLW issue 176