Media criticised for ‘lack of diversity’

NATIONAL: There is a lack of diversity in the Australian media with only a couple of players holding the megaphone, an inquiry into the media has heard.

It was no secret that the Independent Inquiry into Media and Media Regulation was set up in the context of at least one Australian newspaper publisher carrying out political campaigns, media commentator Dr Margaret Simons said.

“We have a narrow … range of points of view that get significant air play,” Dr Simons said.

Dr Simons said elements of the Australian media had looked to American practices and made a deliberate decision to move to the right, because it was seen as a successful business move.

“There is a lack of diversity in Australia in terms of ownership,” she said.

Dr Simons said it was undemocratic that only a couple of players were dominating the discussion.

“It creates tension if the megaphone holder is not living up to his self-proclaimed standards,” she said.

Dr Simons argued for more funding and less restrictions for the Australian Press Council.

News Limited is set to make its submissions to the inquiry later on Thursday morning.

AAP