En Passant

It would be good to see the Labor Party, the ACTU and the Greens unite to defend these workers and to mobilise their members to do just that.

How then can we show solidarity to these brave unionists? Other unionists could ban supplies to Fairfax.

If there are picket lines, join them. If there are protests, attend. Send messages of support and money to the MEAA if they ask for it. If there are any striking Fairfax workers who want to publish their story, email me at en.passant@bigpond.com I will print your stories (with you remaining anonymous if you want) on my blog to get the truth out there about the sackings.

Australia’s mainstream media is a bit like Australia’s politics. It gives the impression of difference but in reality the two major newspaper outlets – News and Fairfax – disagree only on the detail. They agree on the overriding message and practice of neoliberalism and austerity. They agree too on creating a distraction from austerity. For Fairfax disguised and now not so disguised Islamophobia and liberal racism are good ways to do that.

In not defending jobs at the ABC, the leadership of the two main unions, the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance and the Community and Public Sector Union, have so far shown all the fighting spirit of wet lettuce leaves. Only staff organising independently of the leadership of the unions to strike until the government withdraws its cuts can win.

If you know someone in the left-wing media who has made an outstanding contribution to journalism or to leadership, including campaigning journalism and journalism that looks outside the square – and it shouldn’t be that hard given much of the MSM produces ruling class sycophantic drivel – then nominate them. All you have to do is send 300 words explaining why to Barbara Blackman (barbara.blackman@walkleys.com).

Free speech is free speech for the billionaires. It is they who control the means of communication. That free speech for them is built on the denial of free speech for the rest of us.