Last week, you would have noticed that the front page of nearly every newspaper and digital front page in Australia had a redacted document drawing readers’ attention to the issue of media freedom.
The Australia’s Right to Know coalition, which the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) is a member, has also launched television commercials, a website, a social media campaign, and radio spots.
Why are we doing this?
Media freedom is vital to an open society, a strong democracy, and cultural vibrancy.
In recent years, many legal provisions that undermine and threaten the Australian public’s right to know have been passed by the Federal Parliament under the guise of various national security concerns and national security legislation.
We’re calling for greater protection for whistle-blowers, the decriminalisation of journalism and greater transparency for government.
On behalf of all media organisations, for over a decade Australia’s Right to Know coalition (ARTK) have tackled some of these issues on a legislative case-by-case basis, providing submissions and evidence to Parliamentary inquiries and lobbying the government of the day for change. This has been challenging as there has been no incentive for governments to curb these powers because of public disinterest or unawareness of their cumulative impact.
How can you get involved?
To find out more about the campaign, the organisations involved, and the key pillars of needed reform, head to www.yourighttoknow.com.au.
- Make your voice heard and tell the government that you have a right to know, and you are joining the call for reforms to legislation to protect media freedom in Australia.
- Use #CommunityRadio and #RightToKnow on social media to show your support or start a conversation about community radio’s important role in media freedom.
- Show your support by sharing a graphic and changing your profile picture.
Australia’s community broadcasting sector is a global example of independent and free media – we support measures that ensure all media outlets are enabled to best inform their communities.
