Media Release 26 July 2016
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| MEDIA RELEASE | 26 July 2016 |
| Two more publications join the Press Council |
| Two more publications have joined the Australian Press Council, adding to the more than 900 print and online media outlets that have committed themselves to the Council’s standards of ethical journalism and its mission to advocate for press freedom. |
The new members are:
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| “It is important for the Council to represent as close to 100 percent of print and online publishers as possible if we are to continue successfully to resist any attempt at government regulation of the free press, whether directly or by stealth," Prof Weisbrot said. "Increased diversity of membership also provides the Council with a richer range of experience and perspectives, strengthening our standards of practices and our processes. |
| “This is why we are increasingly active in encouraging membership from country and community publications, from the multicultural press and from new entrants into online publishing.” |
| The General Manager of Echo Publications, Simon Haslam, said his organisation “supports the Council's championing of free media in the face of unprecedented government restrictions”. |
| “We also see the need for an independent media body to handle complaints in the increasingly fragmented online world,” Haslam said. “In these times of technological, social and commercial change, it is more important than ever that examination of government and commercial power be continued by bodies with a commitment to high standards of journalism like The Echo, in order that independent views and opinions can continue to be heard against the cacophony of the Internet and the loud voice of big business interests.” |
| The Managing Editor of Independent Australia, David Donovan, said: “Independent Australia is delighted to join the Australian Press Council, which we believe does valuable work enforcing ethics and media standards in Australia. |
| “As a responsible media organisation that has always abided by the MEAA code of ethics, we welcome the opportunity to now be formally held to such standards, as well as this formal recognition of Independent Australia as an established and fully-fledged news organisation.” |
| The Australian Press Council was established in 1976 and is responsible for promoting good standards of media practice, community access to information of public interest, and freedom of expression through the media. Press Council membership encompasses most of the major newspaper and magazine publishers in Australia, accounting for approximately 95 per cent of circulation. |
| For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Michael Rose, the Press Council’s Director of Research and Communications, on 0451 978 276 or by email at michael.rose@presscouncil.org.au. |
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| Australian Press Council Address: Level 6, 309 Kent St, Sydney, 2000 Phone: (02) 9261 1930 or 1800 025 712 Fax: (02) 9267 6826 Email: info@presscouncil.org.au Web: http://www.presscouncil.org.au |
