[LINK] The internet should be for everyone

[Stephen Loosley]

On Wed, 06 Jul 2016 David writes,
 
> Past governments spent money on projects simply because they were in the public interest. Now the growth-based economic model is hitting the wall, governments (especially conservative ones) have largely handed control of the economy over to business in the hope they will "do something". This strategy won't be successful. 


Pub Jul 5th 2016 by Quentin Dempster (Political Editor):  http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2016/07/05/abc-axes-the-drum


The ABC has axed The Drum analysis and opinion website despite its popularity with readers.

Started under former ABC managing director Mark Scott in 2009, The Drum published items from ABC staffers, paid freelance writers and unsolicited opinion pieces from a wide range of contributors.

The ABC’s move into text publishing put it into direct competition with major players News Ltd., Fairfax Media and other emerging online pay-wall websites, including Crikey.com.

While the ABC was criticized for providing a platform for progressive or “left wing” voices, under its editorial policies the site published a wide range of conservative and “right wing” views which, over time, established its reputation as a valuable means of engaging a wide audience.

ABC sources told The New Daily that The Drum was on the chopping block when the broadcaster had to identify savings to absorb a reduction in funding announced in the Turnbull Government’s May 3 federal budget.

Senior ABC sources have told The New Daily that the ABC’s move into text publishing was a point of aggravation to News Ltd., in particular with its Canberra lobbyists telling politicians the broadcaster had gone beyond its taxpayer subsidised remit to the detriment of commercial publishers trying to establish and maintain subscription businesses.

A concession to market ideology seemed to be implied in the director of News, Mr Morris’ published explanation for his decision:

“Ending The Drum as our online brand in no way reflects on its quality. The excellence of its work is shown in its strong audience numbers and its loyal following.”

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Cheers,
Stephen