Where will all those right-wing pundits go after the Federal Election?

Something I haven't thought about before, but this question by Rodney Tiffin deserves an answer.

"IF John Howard loses this election, which journalists might follow him into the sunset?

Although the topic rarely receives media attention, many media identities have a vested interest in the outcome of an election. The media are uncharacteristically shy about exploring the extent to which journalists' careers are sometimes tied to political fortunes.

One difference in the media compared to when Labor last won power in 1983 is the plethora of columnists in the press, expressing largely predictable opinions only minimally disciplined by any evidence that does not fit their prejudices, and overwhelmingly skewed to right of the political spectrum. The News Limited trio of Janet Albrechtsen, Andrew Bolt and Piers Akerman constitute a conformist echo chamber reliably savaging all critics of the Howard government while amplifying the main themes the government wants to promote.--------Loss of perceived political clout and the subsequent ego sagging may also encourage Howard's strongest radio supporter, Sydney shock jock Alan Jones, to retire to the Surrey countryside. Jones, who has complemented his on-air crusades with behind-the-scenes letter writing and lobbying for causes he believes in, is likely to find the new Labor government – especially given the geographic spread of its leaders – less accessible and less inclined to stroke his ego.------While the doyens of the gallery, such as Michelle Grattan, Laurie Oakes and Paul Kelly, are adept at dealing with all sides of politics, some journalists have built their reputation on their closeness to the Howard government. According to Howard's biographers, Peter Van Onselen and Wayne Errington, Howard thinks Dennis Shanahan can be relied upon to report his views accurately. Certainly the prime minister could not ask for interpretations of political developments and polls more sympathetic than Shanahan has provided. His tetchy and world weary account of the leaders' debate suggests he is looking forward to a holiday. "

See full article:
 http://www.apo.org.au/webboard/comment_results.chtml?filename_num=178505

 

Another question springs to mind - will our NSW North Coast newspapers develop stronger spines if the litigious local Nationals are no longer in Parliament after 24 November?

Byron does its bit to highlight climate change during election campaign

Cape Byron saw 250 concerned people gather last Saturday for a white Mexican wave to highlight global warming issues during this federal election campaign.

Like other towns on the North Coast, Byron Bay worries about coastal inundation and storm damage due to climate change.

The Northern Star article:
 http://www.northernstar.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3754208&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=

Not much has changed since Australia 2004

A Mungo MacCallum perspective on John Howard in 2004. The years since have indeed been a 'crying time' for those looking for good government, political accountability, inclusive society, full consultation, environmental responsibility and a fair Australia.

The Northern Rivers Echo:
 http://www.echonews.com/1051/politics.html

Campaign Day 23

Still chuckling over Joe Hockey's promise to resign his ministry if a re-elected Howard Government substantially changed WorkChoices.

All this means is that the long mooted extension of this industrial relations legislation would be portrayed by Hockey and others as 'minor adjustments', 'removing inconsistencies', 'consolidating the intent', 'administrative matters', or even 'modernising the language'.

To trust the Coalition on this would be as wise as trusting the rabid wolf to act like a family pet.

A re-elected Howard Government (not having to face voters for another three years) would go for the jugular.