Despite arguments that it is too loose, ambiguous and easy to hide behind, the ‘public interest’ is an integral part of the discourse, law, regulation and governance of modern democracies.
A couple watch film footage of the Vietnam war on a television in their living room.
Library of Congress
After footage from America’s first ‘living room war’ shocked the public, the government would clamp down on media coverage of future military conflicts.
The Conversation welcomes the small publisher’s jobs and innovation package negotiated by the Nick Xenophon Team as part of the government’s media reform bill. “Access to this funding will make an immediate…
A recent research project about the 2015 Canadian election showed social media is no substitute for local news coverage.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power
Local news is as important to communities as clean air, but the failing business model of traditional journalism has left the local news industry in rapid decline.
Most Australian media companies, including the national broadcaster, are enamoured by the sugar hit of audience reach.
Dan Peled/AAP
Australian news editors and politicians give their views on the ethical issues arising when reporters return to journalism after time as a political spin doctor.
While specific stories from RT don’t reach many people, they change the mainstream media’s behaviour.
British actress Emma Watson was featured in Marie Claire’s sustainability issue: She wears only sustainable clothing on the red carpet.
(AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Climate change needs to be front and centre in fashion, which is one of the most polluting industries. Fashion magazines can help consumers to embrace more sustainable lifestyles.
The princess of Wales is pictured in Bonn, Germany in 1987.
AP Photo/Herman Knippertz
Doxing challenges traditional journalism. Its investigative role is circumvented by people disclosing information online quickly, and often inaccurately.
Kenyan policemen in Kibera. The media stands accused of refusing to cover post-election tensions comprehensively.
Goran Tomasevic/Reuters
Kenya’s press has admitted to self-censorship after the August 8th poll to avoid a repeat of 2008’s post-election violence. But by refusing to inform the public has the media lost credibility?
Cory Bernardi’s views on same-sex marriage may be crude and ignorant, but the media are nonetheless obligated to report how he uses his power.
AAP/Lukas Coch
There are some benefits to the uptick in billionaire newspaper and magazine owners, who can weather short-term losses for the sake of long-term gains. But whose interests are really being served?
Kenyan papers the day after the polls closed.
EPA/Daniel Irungu
Kenya has just gone through a charged campaign period, followed by a contested election result. The media has been out in force covering it all. But did they do a good job?
Are there other ways to get people to engage with climate change?
FloridaStock/Shutterstock.com