Insights from Quadrant

The intifada at
Southbank and Ultimo

There’s a petition doing the rounds just now, a representative example of Luvviedom’s reaction whenever rockets rise out of Gaza, Israel responds and the whining begins. It seems, according to the signatories, there is

… a growing dissatisfaction, both in this country and elsewhere, with the media’s treatment of Palestine.

As journalists, reporters and other media workers, we know that the media can do better. Many of us are seeking change but lack sufficient power in our organisations to push back against the status quo.

We believe that the coverage of Palestine must be improved, that it should no longer prioritise the same discredited spokespeople and tired narratives, and that new voices are urgently needed

The petition comes as no surprise. What is a surprising is that so many — almost all, in fact — of those adding their signatures either work for or contribute regularly to the ABC. One gathers the national broadcaster represents their ideal where Mideast coverage is concerned. Why else would these conspicuously principled sorts continue to accept the ABC’s taxpayer dollar or allow it to promote their books and various projects. They have principles, don’t you know!

Below, the first 50-or-so signatures. The links to past or present ABC employees are in red, those enjoying its promotion of their reputations and careers in lilac.

It’s very hard to avoid the impression that, in regard to matters Mideastern, the ABC needs no further encouragement to lean any further in favour of the Palestinian cause.

Jennine Khalik | Randa Abdel-Fattah | Sara Saleh | Maher Mughrabi | Samah Sabawi | Hazem Shammas | Patrick Abboud Antony Loewenstein | Osman Faruqi | Omar Sakr Sami Shah | Amy McQuire | Amy Remeikis | Greg Jericho | Ben Eltham | Jess Hill | Tom Ballard Paddy Manning | Bernard Keane | Rick Morton | Benjamin Law | Bridie Jabour | Marieke Hardy | Stephanie Convery | Jeff Sparrow Yumi Stynes | Antoun Issa | Nayuka Gorrie | Dylan Welch Bridget Brennan | Ben Schneiders | Aamer Rahman | Matilda Boseley | Nino Bucci | First Dog on the Moon   | Jon Kudelka | Joan Westenberg | Rae Johnston | Mary Kostakidis | Amani Haydar | Louise Adler Ben Butler | Josh Taylor | Patrick Lenton | Mahmood Fazal | Lizzie O’Shea | Evelyn Araluen | Nadine Cohen | Alison Whittaker | Michelle Law | Gina Rushton | Rachel Hocking | Jonathan Dunk | Joshua Martin | Scott Ludlam

— roger franklin

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