- Free and Independent Media
Overview
4.1Free and open media reporting and debate is vital to developing and sustaining democracy, good governance and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region. It provides access to independent information that empowers citizens to make informed decisions and hold to account the government, public authorities, institutions and businesses.
4.2In the current digital era, media has moved to a multi-platform configuration where search engines and social media act as primary distributors of news content. Across the Indo-Pacific region audiences are rapidly adopting smart phones as their principal tool for media consumption. This has created challenges for regulation of media and has led to the proliferation of dis and mis information.
4.3This chapter highlights the value of international broadcasting and is one of the principal means of presenting a country’s perspective, views and values to foreign publics and its leaders. International broadcasting and media is a fundamental component of a nation’s public diplomacy.
4.4The important role of the media in supporting democracy is discussed in this chapter including the rise in mis and dis information around the world and how it can be addressed. The chapter considers cyber security issues and the future prospects of free media in the Indo-Pacific region.
Media and democracy
4.5Independent public interest media is a cornerstone of democracy. As UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres stated ‘Without freedom of press, there are no real democratic societies. Without freedom of the press, there is no freedom.
4.6The Reporters Sans Frontier 2022 Media Freedom Index stated that ‘Press freedom has deteriorated dramatically in the Asia Pacific region, with many countries ranking poorly and dropping places in the index.’
4.7The Lowy Institute undertook several studies on international public broadcasting and concluded that independent public interest media is a highly effective form of soft power that has been under-appreciated and significantly under-resourced by Australia.
4.8The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is Australia’s longest running media outlet in the Indo - Pacific and informed the Committee it has been engaging with the region and beyond for more than 80 years.
Trusted sources of news and information, like the ABC, promote and sustain democracy by keeping citizens informed, uncovering the facts, and holding power to account.
4.9AAP commented that establishing Australian journalist in the Indo-Pacific region has broad reaching diplomatic benefits.
Having AAP back in PNG or elsewhere in the Pacific would signal that Australians are concerned about the region and paying attention. It would ensure wider and deeper coverage of news in the region, shining a light on the politics, economies, security and development issues, and increase the accessibility of this information for Australians.
4.10The Committee also received evidence from the Australia Asia Pacific Media Initiative (AAPMI) that reinforced the importance of having comprehensive Australian media coverage in the region to develop a real sense understanding between countries.
While news and current affairs would be at the heart of the service, the offering needs to go well beyond that to sport, culture, science, business, drama, music, children’s programs and more - proving that Australia’s connections are deep and broad and not just about our immediate strategic interests.
4.11The Centre for Advancing Journalism (CAJ) brought to the Committee’s attention significant challenges that has been posed by the rapid digitisation of media. CAJ highlighted some of the challenges including ‘eroding newsroom budgets, the contest of ideas between democratic nations and China, online misinformation, disinformation and extremist propaganda, and the global economic downturn.’
4.12AAPMI found that the challenges presented by mis/dis information, a deteriorating media freedom environment and existential financial pressures created by digital transition are ‘increasingly damaging to Australia’s interests and values in the region, especially as other nations fill the media void.’
4.13The AAMPI raised its concerns over the increasing influence of China on media freedom. It reflected:
In the Pacific, journalism academics have expressed concern about the creeping influence of China on media freedom. A mix of ‘no strings attached’ financial aid, ‘look and learn’ tours of China for journalists, increased broadcasts by Chinese media, money for co-productions with Chinese state-run media (with editorial veto), paid advertorial inserts, the demonstration-effect on governments of an autocratic media model and more, have respected commentators seeing China winning the information war in the Pacific.
4.14AAPMI stated that independent media plays an important part in shaping national and regional identities and informs citizens of what is happening in their country.
The media has the potential to have a positive impact on civil society reshaping preferences and social norms within societies to support democracy and inclusion.
Digital media and mis/dis information
4.15Digital media has many positives as it provides access to a broad range of affordable media that is available 24/7. However, it has the potential to undermine democracy and poses increasing risks to freedom of expression as governments may seek to exert control over digital media. Mis and dis information has become problematic for all countries around the world to manage. Experts noted that it is particularly prolific in the Pacific and Asia region creating a significant challenge to democracy and stability.
4.16The ABC commented ‘social media is both a driver of disinformation and polarisation but also, well-handled, a potential tool for building more peaceful and resilient societies. The ABC is constantly monitoring changes in audience behaviour and seeks to invest and innovate to ensure audiences can access quality content across their preferred platforms.’
4.17AP4D highlighted the important role that Australia should have in terms of providing quality and fact-checked public interest media.
There is an important role for Australia to play on cyber security in helping to counter disinformation and its effect on democratic backsliding, as well as addressing the misuse of technology for human rights abuses.
As social media becomes more ubiquitous and the spread of disinformation more widespread, the role of quality, fact-checked public interest media becomes ever more essential.
4.18AAPMI agreed that fact-checking was key to countering mis/dis information and suggested more support is needed for independent media in the Pacific.
quality independent media has an important role to play as an antidote to misinformation. Fact-checking, news investigations, public awareness campaigns and media/social media literacy initiatives are key roles of media, but these require significant additional support especially in the Pacific, where these are beyond the current resources of media.
4.19AAPMI commented that political disinformation directed at issues ranging from the local to international level, COVID-19 and other health misinformation, trolling of individuals as well as financial scams is commonplace in the Indo-Pacific.
Mis and disinformation campaigns are increasing fear in the community and promoting lack of trust, including trust in a range of essential democratic institutions.
4.20The Asia Foundation advocated that ‘Australia can share relevant experience with managing online extremism and hate speech and should encourage collective action across the Indo Pacific to create effective regulations to limit the harmful elements of the internet while sustaining democratic engagement.’
4.21Professor Benjamin Reilly made the point that social media ‘can be particularly harmful in developing democracies attempting to build public trust in their institutions and processes of government and would benefit from greater awareness of ideas and best practice from Australia, such as the AEC’s “Stop and Consider” campaign to limit electoral disinformation.’
4.22The 2022 World Press Freedom Index noted the effect of a ‘globalised and unregulated online information space’ where misinformation, disinformation and propaganda are amplified by the often unchecked and exponential spread through social media. In this context, the rapid take-up of digital technology and access to a diversity of platforms, media products, and experiences leaves audiences in our region particularly vulnerable to competition for influence, which often plays out in the media, most notably recently in the Pacific.
4.23Save the Children commented that the information environment across the region is under threat from foreign influence and information operations.
These activities threaten to undermine democracy by altering the ability of citizens to access verified and trustworthy information, amplify polarisation of communities and beliefs, and dent public trust in elections, governments, and foreign partners.
COVID-19 impacts on media
4.24The AAPMI discussed the financial challenges for regional media caused by digital disruption and exacerbated by COVID-19.
Since the COVID-19 crisis there has been an increase in threats to media including more censorship.
4.25It has been widely acknowledged that business models available to public interest media across the world are disappearing as advertising revenue flees to digital platforms that do not pay for the journalistic product they publish. The Global Forum for Media Development noted that the consequences of this decline for the prospects for democracy, development and good governance are dire.
4.26AAPMI drew the Committee’s attention to its concerns in the Pacific where quality media is facing an immediate threat, with many on the verge of bankruptcy and at least one having slipped into receivership in the past 12 months. AAPMI commented:
The full impact of digital disruption is yet to be felt in the Pacific, but it will be particularly dire. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, advertising revenue has dropped dramatically and has not recovered in line with other sectors, as borders re-opened. This situation makes it almost impossible for Pacific media to play its role as the fourth estate without significant support from development partners.
Violence
4.27Journalists across the region are subjected to threats and challenges to their personal safety. Specific concerns in the Pacific were outlined in a statement from the Melanesian Media Freedom Forum 2019.
Democratic reform is often reliant on the successful development of the media sector. Trusted and responsible local news and information increases civic engagement, community cohesion, and government accountability.
The goal of media development is to support the growth of media away from state ownership and control towards editorial independence, plurality, sustainability, and the public interest.
4.28The CAJ voiced its concerns about increased violence targeting media freedom.
Attacks on media freedom in the region have been ever present and are increasing. This includes physical and online violence against journalists, unjust legal threats and incarceration.
4.29The Committee received evidence citing that Australia had signed the Global Pledge on Media Freedom on 10 July 2019. In doing so it agreed to support the development of diverse, independent, public interest media.
4.30The CAJ urged the government to speak out against restrictions and attacks on independent journalists and media.
Partnerships
4.31To ensure that any re-invigorated international media initiatives respect our neighbours’ sovereignty and avoid perceived paternalism, AAPMI believes new funding for content should focus on partnerships and co-productions with media professionals in our region. AAPMI noted:
This would generate a conversation that talks ‘with’ and not ‘to’ our neighbours. Increased involvement of Australia’s Pacific and Asian diaspora communities and Australian South Sea Islanders and First nations would demonstrate Australia as the sophisticated 21st Century nation it is.
4.32The ABC stated ‘Pacific leaders have identified climate change as an existential threat and a critical regional priority, including under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The ABC commented it could ‘play a greater role in ensuring communities in affected nations receive vital information about climate change and feel connected to each other and other countries across the region.’
The future of media in the Indo-Pacific region
4.33Many stakeholders advocated for increased funding to support free and independent media in the Indo-Pacific region which would include partnering with local journalists in country to strengthen democratic norms.
4.34For example, AP4D commented:
…in the Pacific Australia should strengthen democratic norms and good governance through increased support for journalism, supporting mainstream media as an important source of debate and information and their ability to report accurately and safely as well as bolstering online forums for information and debate.
4.35The Committee heard that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was the only media organisation that had been in the Pacific region long term and much of the additional funding for media had dropped off in the last decade. The ABC outlined the Governments current funding commitments.
The current international strategy seeks to deliver the most effective service possible within a funding envelope of $11 million per annum. It is aligned with the government’s current Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy which includes an additional funding envelope of $32 million over four years from 2022-23 for content, regional transmission, and media development activities.
4.36The Australian Associated Press (AAP) made the point that funding had dropped off significantly in the last decade. It commented:
AAP maintained a presence in our region for decades, including with bureaus in Suva, in Jakarta for 35 years until 2017, and Port Moresby for a similar period until 2014.
4.37The CAJ emphasised the importance of educating and supporting journalists in the region.
By providing increased, long-term funding to train and support independent, locally situated journalism and by helping sustain professional media organisations in the region, Australia would equip journalists to report on and discuss Australia’s and their own government’s policies and actions while fortifying them against creeping political and commercial interference.’
4.38Several media groups strongly supported the following funding increases via the development assistance budget:
An increase in Australia’s development assistance to build the capacity of Pacific and Asian public interest media to at least 0.6% of the development assistance budget. Media development support is essential if public interest media is to survive in the Pacific. With a total Australian aid budget of $4.549 billion in 2022-23 the media development component should amount to $27.294 million annually.
4.39The AAPMI suggested the following boost in media funding was needed in the Asia Pacific region.
The allocation of a total of $55-75 million per year to ensure Australia has a fit-for-purpose multi-platform media voice in the Asia Pacific region.
4.40AP4D encouraged the government to increase funding for the development of free and independent media in the Pacific.
… Australia should strengthen democratic norms and good governance through increased support for journalism, supporting mainstream media as an important source of debate and information and their ability to report accurately and safely as well as bolstering online forums for information and debate.
4.41Academics from the University of Adelaide echoed this view to increase funding for Pacific media. They suggested Australia should invest further ‘in Pacific media, to provide Pacific peoples with information and empower them to engage with their governments and hold them to account.’
4.42The ABC stated another benefit in additional funding for the media in the region would result in creating more content which benefits audiences across the region and bring stories back to Australians at home.
4.43The AAPMI suggested ‘the rebuilding of Australia’s media voice in the Pacific and Asia using television, radio and digital platforms with a significant injection of funds into Australia’s media development work to ensure public interest media in our region survive the digital disruption and are able to play their important accountability role.’
4.44AAPMI also recommended an increase to Australian media presence in the region with a clear purpose based on an overarching policy in the national interest. The measures contained in the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy are an excellent first step on this path. AAPMI advised that:
… those measures now need to be set within an articulated strategy and integrated into the overarching foreign policy framework.
4.45AAPMI added:
To assist in achieving a comprehensive policy to support the specific announcements already made as a part of the Indo-Pacific broadcasting strategy, AAPMI has developed a document called ‘Guiding Principles for an Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy in the new Communications era’.
4.46AAPMI suggested a model based around partnerships and co-productions with media in Asia and the Pacific. These would ensure Australia’s talks ‘with and not ‘to’ the region and that Australian media supports rather than competes with financially fragile public interest media in the Pacific and Asia. The new perspectives and fresh dialogue created by co-productions would have an added benefit of providing Australians with a better understanding of our region and assist in lifting Asia Pacific literacy.
4.47The CAJ highlighted the importance of supporting local journalists and media groups and suggested the following:
- ensure that organisations provided with Australian Government media development funds adopt the core principle of aid effectiveness i.e., that it is locally owned, locally driven and produced
- develop scholarship programs that cater for Pacific journalists in a range of circumstances to advance the quality of journalism and skill-up practising journalists to work effectively in the digital environment
- support training for journalists on reporting on conflict and in emergencies
- support training for journalists in the region on protection from online and physical violence, in particular women journalists.
- The ABC discussed its International Services that are incorporated into two distinct teams with complementary objectives and activities:
- ABC International Broadcast and Digital Services offers high quality content on television, radio, and digital platforms, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
- ABC International Development (ABCID) supports public-interest journalism across the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on the Pacific media.
- The ABC brought to the Committee’s attention the work of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) as a long-term media development program that works to support Pacific media's role to hold space for locally-led civic discussion and debate. The ABC commented:
The ABC as the manager of the long-running Pacific Media Assistance Scheme supports the development of a professional, diverse and resilient Pacific media that is able to participate in democratic processes, thereby contributing to better governance, and protecting the rules that underpin regional security and prosperity.
4.50Save the Children supported ongoing funding, training, and assistance through initiatives such as the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) but also called for greater cooperation between think tanks, academia and media professionals across the region.
Education, knowledge sharing, and transparency in Australia’s own media practices will support the development of robust and resilient media institutions.
Committee comment
4.51The Committee asserts that free and open media reporting and debate is vital to developing and sustaining democracy, good governance and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region. It was clear from the evidence that the media landscape in the region has faced a funding crisis over many years. As a result of declining revenue many broadcasters in the Indo-Pacific have been limited by resourcing and in some cases government editorial interventions.
4.52It was clear from the evidence received that there is a need for increased funding to support media in the Indo-Pacific region which would include partnering with local journalists in country to strengthen democratic norms and good governance.
4.53The Committee is of the firm view that there should be increased funding for journalists from the Indo-Pacific to be funded to bring a variety of news and stories back to Australia. This will help to establish stronger partnerships within our region between journalists. Therefore the Committee believes it would be beneficial for the Australian Government to develop a comprehensive media broadcasting capacity and support program for the Indo-Pacific region. This strategy should consider the ‘Guiding Principles for an Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy in the new Communications era’ that was developed by the AAPMI.
4.54The Committee was concerned to hear evidence that described violence towards journalists. The Committee condemns this violence and believes that the Australian Government should ensure there are targeted training and development programs in place throughout the Indo-Pacific to protect the media, when working in challenging environments.
4.55The Committee recommends the Australian Government establish a comprehensive media broadcasting capacity and support program for the Indo-Pacific region that should include:
- a charter and accountability framework that guarantees support is provided for media skills and capacity building to enable independent reporting and analysis
- a flexible, independently administered fund to provide support for stronger partnerships, internships and work experience for local journalist and independent media in the Indo-Pacific region
- comprehensive training and development opportunities for journalists in the Indo-Pacific region
- support for Australian journalists to work in the Indo-Pacific region and for journalists from the Indo-Pacific to work in Australia and have the opportunity to report on and tell their own stories.