From AAP:
Stephen Conroy reckons:
“If she was to directly interfere and breach that charter it would actually lead to a crisis of confidence among the readership,” he said.
…Ms Rinehart was entitled to turn the Fairfax newspapers into “the mining gazette” but the company’s other shareholders needed to know about that.
“Senator Conroy said Ms Rinehart was not breaking any existing laws.
“I’m not sure government can do a lot when it comes to maintaining the independence of journalists and editors from boards of companies.”
The Greens apparently disagree. Leader Christine Milne reckons:
“I think we should find ways of making it mandatory in publicly listed companies that charter of independence is actually signed and upheld,” she told reporters in Canberra.
…Her colleague Scott Ludlam expressed concern Fairfax Media could be reduced to a mining industry newsletter.
…Senator Ludlam and his lower house colleague Adam Bandt will unveil a plan to protect the editorial independence of Fairfax and other media outlets at 1030 AEST in Canberra.
