Alan Kohler is one of Australia’s most experienced commentators and journalists. Alan is the founder of Eureka Report, Australia’s most successful investment newsletter, and Business Spectator, a 24-hour free business news and commentary website. He also hosts Inside Business, a half-hour Sunday programme on the ABC, is the finance presenter on the ABC News - and producer of the nightly graph (or two).
The federal budget revealed a worrying trend for the Australian economy, with disinflation a factor in the revenue slippage that led to the deficit.
The long-standing correlation in global economic data is being challenged. It reveals profound tensions underneath the world's central bank-inspired stability.
Hedge fund manager David Hobart says the key to investing is being aware of the emotions that drive markets – and how you manage your own.
Tim Toohey says yield hungry investors will search outside Australia for markets that offer better returns.
After months of campaigning against 'wasteful' Labor management, Tony Abbott will be aware similar scrutiny will apply to his government, should the Coalition win.
The federal budget revealed a worrying trend for the Australian economy, with disinflation a factor in the revenue slippage that led to the deficit.
Google's new product announcements typically impress. But this latest announcement about Google Music shows that the company is happy to copy other incumbents and not blaze its own path in the digital music scene.
The newly created role of the social media adviser is one shrouded in mystery. Part PR, part digital media specialist, it's yet to fully understand its place in Australian politics.
Whispers in Canberra suggest Bill Shorten is canvassing the numbers for support on a huge Labor carbon pricing backflip after the election.
The US Supreme Court's decision whether to take up any of the petitions against climate change regulations could shape or shatter the Obama administration's efforts to solidify its climate change agenda.
CEOs outline changing views on corporate spending and profits, their economic expectations and political dissatisfaction, including advice for Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott.
UK-based Zeebox wants to be the intermediary for all social media-television interactions. It will not only have to lure viewers, but the networks themselves.
Independent MPs, Senate challenge Conroy's insistence that reforms be passed by end of next week as media companies cry foul.
Business Spectator is available on all of your devices so you can access the latest news and commentary where and how you like
Comments on this article
Comments PolicyWith the orchestrated reaction of a largely monopolised media the Government has already won. The monopolies have made the point which would not have had such great credibility had it only been a Government "claim"
The media Empires pursued the wrong target, legislation they could have easily coped with, and through their reaction put the real issue on the agenda and in clear view of the electorate. It has demonstrated that it views with one eye and not through the mode of diversity
It doesn't really matter which way the legislation goes now - the vital point has been made that the media in Australia through its monopolisation has become a contender for political power of itself. That is something no democracy can tolerate. Diversity must return and the media as a whole regain effective neutrality in political battles that belong elsewhere.
To Phil Clarke, would this also apply to the media wing of the ALP/Greens, the ABC?
Since I said "largely" - yes the article would apply. If I had said "totally" it would not
The undefined "community standards", who's standards are they, ours, or Conroy's.
Pleased to see some backbone displayed by the Independents, and the greens for a change. But in saying that I wouldn't trust Oakeshott as far as I kick him. Wouldn't be the first time he used his political position for personal gains in exchange for his support.
The media is there to keep the public informed and options available. Some still believe the media is anti Labor, far from it. Sure they have criticised Labor on many of its policy handlings, but with just cause. The simple fact is their record in this area is not all that crash hot. Criticism of Coalition policies has occurred, some of you lefties just don't want to see it, however they are not in government, Labor is. You want the media to be honest and fair, well that exactly what they are doing, reporting actual facts, not assuming facts.
Contrary to what Phil is trying to tell us, be rest assured Conroy and friends definitely want this legislation passed. This is about controlling the media. A previous commentary in this forum indicated Gillard and Labor were taking a hard left turn. Well a left turn only leads to socialism and state control of assets.
Controlling the media goes a long way to ensuring we, the public, only hear what the government wants us to hear. That's why Conroy has given this desperate deadline to get this legislation through both houses. But in true dictatorial fashion he demands it be passed but has no real plan in place to follow through with the policy.
Well good for the Independents, including Thomson and the Greens saying just hang on a minute, there's no detail. Don't you think we should discuss this first.