- Posted by Ad astra on July 5, 2009
Three weeks ago you, the media, took a satirical swipe at me on The Political Sword in The media to the PM – we have a problem. Let me now return the compliment.
You began: “Prime Minister. Listen carefully. The media is powerful, very powerful. Our journalists write newspaper columns that lots of people read; they create news bulletins and current affairs programmes that many people hear and see; they conduct talkback to which countless people listen. We have enormous influence. We can make and break governments and bring down prime ministers. You should not get us offside. We call the shots, not you. You’re beginning to make us annoyed. Watch it, we can get you, and probably will.”
Everyone knows about media power and influence, but you ought not to believe it is absolute. You ought not to believe it is beyond challenge. You should not think politicians are too timid to confront the media with its shortcomings for fear of retribution. More...