Close Relationship Between Politician Tony Abbott and Media Mogul Murdoch
Again the words ‘real democracy’ come into my mind and the realisation that we do not have one. I read article after article of how those in power are influenced by the wealthy elite. If they are media moguls they can make or break careers due to their editorial power. There should be laws against any interference by those in elite positions and those in power. This undermines one vote one value and shapes the country through the eyes of the few who may see very differently to the majority.
This article is interesting as the author knows Keith Murdoch, Rupert’s father. He spoke of clashes with his mother and other members. I met his sister Helen who funded my trip to Russia with Dr. Patch Adams. That was where I saw the link between clowns and peace. That is where I deeply learned humanity.
This author speaks of fascism and is making a clear link. This is totalitarianism that is not interested in the views of others. It is ironic given views appear in newspapers but the key question is – whose views? Fox is clear it has a Republican right wing agenda. Given the political influence how come there is no restriction on private media organisations promoting specific views. Clearly the Republican’s or Liberals tend to represent the right wing or wealthy industrialists the Democrats or Labor (Labour) parties are typically associated with the left (unions, working class). Clearly the latter is not going to own a television station. So how is this fair that one group can pay its way to influence the mainstream, is that not taking away their voice or giving them the voice they want to give them. This in my view is indoctrination and moves us away from democracy. Perhaps that is why the author is linking to fascism. Do as we say! Some call this management or leadership, it is neither in my view. A true leader is principled and guides rather than controls, offers a vision to inspire. Feels a sense of purpose. Authoritarianism is normal in business as people who are in control are used to telling subordinates what to think and do and they comply as they want to be in favour and not lose their job. So each of us give up our independent thought or ideas to belong so we feel secure.
The other factor here is commercialism a public media outlet such as the ABC in this case. This is a way of removing the competition but it is clearly designed to remove the voice of the left side of politics which makes clear the person advocating for this action is doing so from a political motivation not the good of the people. Therefore ideology over the will of the people is at the centre. Moreover this ideology is to ensure a voice is heard and believed by the people rather than being a servant to that voice. Again this is the difference between politics and democracy. One seeks to influence the voice the other seeks to represent the voice. That is how we know democracy doesn’t exist. Politicians would be public servants if it did. If I say I love the ABC I would be categorised as a left wing tree hugger or some such. What if I loved it because I enjoy the quality of journalism that investigates the truth of matters, that exposes important issues like fracking, corruption, illegal activities etc. I would question those who oppose that and why do they not want corruption made visible? Why do they not want people questioned? Why they are not interested in the other side? I think the author of the article is making it clear.
The politicians around the world have done the public a disservice by allowing external interference in their parties and taking donations giving some people disproportionate influence. This is what undermines the will of the people they are granted the power to represent. If they are doing this they are clearly not the people’s choice. the apathy in the public is because they know they are not heard. Things will change but I guess people have to really suffer before they actually take action. Most are so busy with jobs, kids and life they don’t have the time. We are very disconnected as communities so we can be easily influenced by media and those in the spotlight as we may not take the time to find out the truth of matters.
Here is the article.
.https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/tony-abbott-the-abc-and-rupert-murdoch,611
Tony Abbott, the ABC and Rupert Murdoch
Tony Abbott’s declaration of war on the ABC is a chilling reminder of how much he’s in Murdoch’s debt and where it all may lead, writes Rodney E. Lever.
I WAS BORN IN 1932. It was a big year.
It was the year that Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany. The words “fascist” and “Nazi” became part of the international lexicon.
It was also the year of the birth of the Australian Broadcasting Commission ‒ the ABC ‒ as a public institution.
When Hitler claimed power in 1932 through a distorted election result, his first act was to nationalise all the media in Germany and place it in the hands of his regional party leader in Berlin, Joseph Goebbels — a short, skinny man who adopted the title of Propaganda Minister. He was given total control of all Germany’s newspapers, radio stations, book publishing and even television — at which time in its development Germany was leading the world.
Thirteen years later, Joseph Goebbels was to hand cyanide capsules disguised as lollies to his six little daughters and his wife, before ending his own life with a bullet in the brain.
When I woke this morning to listen to the ABC news, it was a shock to hear an commercial radio station interview with Prime Minister Tony Abbott replayed as a news item on the ABC. Abbott was not just hinting that the ABC should be offered to commercial interests. He was setting up a scenario with would allow him to do so.
My feeling of shock was not generated by the concept that the national broadcaster should be offered to commercial interests. It was generated by the fact that I recognised immediate exactly what commercial interests!
The man who had most opposed the original formation of the ABC as a free national broadcaster was the head of a family with whom I had a long association. Keith Arthur Murdoch had launched a massive campaign through his newspapers in the early 1930s, claiming that government controlled radio was a danger to the nation.
This was far from the truth, because the ABC provided a magnificent coverage of the events of World War II, right up to the Japanese surrender, and every other major event from Olympic Games and all forms of sport, as well as news, reported by some of the most talented radio journalists Australia has even known. Its record of independence and political balance is leagues ahead of Australia’s commercial radio and print media.
The nature of reporting is that mistakes occur in all media from time to time, but deliberate twisting of the truth in favour of a business advantage is a danger to society — as we in Australia have learned all too often.
(Image via facebook.com/anggos)
Regular readers of Independent Australia will also know that I had a personal friendship and working relationship with Keith Rupert Murdoch from our mutual mid-twenties to our mid-forties — an association that ended when I finally detected elements of his personal character with which I did not want to be associated.
Recent events in Rupert Murdoch’s life have been documented in various books, including the most recent Sex, Lies and the Murdoch Succession by Paul Barry — the current ABC Media Watch host.
His association with Prime Minister Tony Abbott has become as close as his earlier ones with Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and various U.S. presidents and congressmen. Murdoch’s politics have been as convoluted as his choice of wives. Essentially, his interest is only what he can get for himself and his family.
His family has always been central to his life, yet his family relationships with his mother and his children have been stormy at times and less than agreeable to all.
Tony Abbott’s words on the radio this morning are a chilling reminder to me that this great lion of the jungle will place Australia at his mercy if he is given the opportunity, whatever happens to his crumbling interests in Britain and the USA.
The words “fascism” and “Nazism” may begin to appear again in our nation.
(Image via news.com.au)
You can follow Rodney E. Lever on Twitter @rodneyelever.
