The Free Speech Committee has called on the Federal Government not to approve an increased shareholding in the Fairfax group by Conrad Black.
It said in a statement yesterday that it was a chance for the Government to more clearly define its media policy. Readers had seen a change in quality and direction in a Fairfax papers since Mr Black had taken 15 per cent. It criticised the appointment of senior executives from overseas, who might not share Australia’s cultural identity.
Transnational ownership in a monopolised market disadvantaged local producers trying to come into the market. Transnationals could absorb losses in shutting out new local competitors and had access to greater capital. Giving extra control to Mr Black would therefore set back the cause of media-ownership diversification.
Also, Australia’s cultural identity would be impaired because transnational media owners tended to use more international agency copy rather than post Australians overseas.