Soren wrote on May 16^th, 2014 at 3:57pm:


The news agenda in Australia is still driven by the print media - Fairfax and News Ltd. If you have any doubt about this, look.at the arguments on this site, and the sources used to back them up.

The print media is morphing into the online media, based on advertising revenue. With the exception of the ABC, consumers don’t pay for the news, advertisers do.

And this is exactly Rupert’s argument against the ABC and BBC - he sees public broadcasters as unfair competition to his media monopoly.

Interestingly, the clash between social and mainstream media is sometimes pronounced. Look at the response to JuLiar’s Blue Ties speech. Look at the Arab Spring. Look at the challenge sites like Wikileaks apply to publishing laws.

Whether it’s the Arab Spring or the manufactured popular call to ditch the witch, the mainstream media still crafts the message. It still sets the agenda. Freedom of speech is heavily mediated, same as it ever was - far more than it ever was. Before newspapers, pamphleteers might have needed a bit of capital, but they could influence popular opinion far more easily than individuals today. While there were also political forces at play, pamphleteers managed to spark revolutions in both England and France.

Martin Luther managed a reformation with a proclamation on a church door.

Despite print sales killing paper-generated ad revenue, the Fourth Estate is stronger than it’s ever been in history.

freediver wrote on May 16^th, 2014 at 6:25pm:


That’s a hard one, FD. 79%?

It’s just a stab in.the dark.

Do we have freedom of thought Karnal?

I think you are conflating what is readily visible (the media you are talking about) with what people actually think and express in a highly diffused way.  MOST people are not on twitter, most people do not listen to talk radio, commercial or ABC.  Others, like me and probably you and loads of others, listen to both, look at mainstream and niche media - but get their bearings from elsewhere, not the media (well, I do).

I think it is the suburban progressives, not the Alan Jones demographic, that has its mind made up for it by mainstream progressive media. Progressivism is about new thought and most people are busy with their lives to devout quality inner life to this stuff. They have an inclination to appear caring and with-it but would run a mile if they actually had to articulate and reason through their agreements and disagreements.


Conservatives, on the other hand, know what they know in their bones but  may need help with articulating it - and so Alan Jones does that very well for them. But he couldn't talk them into something they don't want or like.

freediver wrote on May 16^th, 2014 at 6:05pm:


Whoa there FD - what "gaping holes" exactly are you talking about, and how exactly does it set me apart from mainstream Australian sentiment? Specifics please, if you would. I'm interested in these extensive insights you have with mainstream Australian sentiment. Do you go around conducting surveys for a living?

freediver wrote on May 16^th, 2014 at 6:05pm:


Thanks FD - you seem to have quoted some posts where you are doing all the talking. Not really sure what that says about my words.

freediver wrote on May 16^th, 2014 at 6:05pm:


Hmmm thats funny - I thought it was me constantly reminding you that the first 20 pages contains extensive clarification of my positions, including about 4 specific scenarios to demonstrate instances where I would curtail freedom of speech. Gee, you even thanked me for what you said were honest responses.

freediver wrote on May 16^th, 2014 at 6:05pm:


Gee I don't FD - since thats your term not mine. I have no idea what a "progressive muslim" is supposed to be. What doesn't exist is Gandalf the self confessed progressive muslim, a charge that you have brought up several times now.

FD's in overdrive tonight.

Soren wrote on May 16^th, 2014 at 7:13pm:


Progressives, eh?

All non-public media relies on advertising. This is nothing to do with progressives or conservatives, merely audience-share. Different segments of the market consume media differently.  Advertising targets them specifically - increasingly so.

FD likes to have a chuckle about conspiracy theories, but I’ve actually bought things from the ads on FD’s very own site.

Believe it or not, there’s a pretty Muslim gal in a hijab staring at me right now. FD’s selling me Muslim dating sites while he rails against the Muselman.

Not bad, eh? Freedom of speech or spineless apologetics?

I wonder if she’s under 9 and ready for marriage.

In Iran, This is a  Threat To Morals And Public Order

This is what at the moment is exercising the dour dumb mullahs and militia-men of the Islamic Republic of Iran.They rounded up the performers and then, after a huge outcry from abroad, have -- for now -- released them. But they're not happy, they'll make sure to get even.