AFMRC is handing over its historic campaign for media reform to the Australia Institute.
Media Release /Letter to subscribers of the Australia Institute
25 march,2025
As you may know, the historic campaign Australians For a Murdoch Royal Commission is being handed over to the Australia Institute.
The Australia Institute has a long and proud history of campaigning for media reform in Australia, backed in by our own independent research. From taking on the Australian Financial Review over skewed reporting of how excessive corporate profits were driving inflation, defending the ABC’s independence, and platforming Nordic models to support media diversity—like you, we are no strangers to fighting for a strong and diverse Australian media, with public interest journalism at its heart.
As Executive Director, I’m excited to welcome you and your commitment to media reform to continue this important work at the Australia Institute.
Since 2020, when more than half a million Australians signed former prime minister Kevin Rudd’s petition to hold News Corp to account, the landmark movement you helped build has already achieved so much. From showing that News Corp’s Sky News program breached industry standards, to increased crossbench support for an inquiry and a successful motion at the ALP National Conference for major media reform, and more.
This campaign undoubtedly changed the national conversation for good – but there’s still so much more to do.
Disinformation and media bias are at an all-time high, as evidenced in the Voice campaign and the recent US election. Despite significant public pressure, neither major party has committed to a path to greater media diversity. What’s more, we’ll soon be releasing new research that shows Australia’s media is increasingly more concentrated, leaving inordinate power and influence over our democracy in the hands of a few.
These are the reasons the Australia Institute is reigniting our research into media reform.
But first, we want to hear from you as a supporter of the media reform campaign. Axel, out of all of these important media reform issues, which one is the most important to you?
From media oligarchs to the coal and gas industry, the Australia Institute has been taking on powerful, corporate interests to stand up for the public interest for over 30 years.
We’re independent, non-partisan and backed by financial donations from thousands of people like you. Their support has helped us shape the national debate and win progressive, tangible change. I am excited for you to join us to continue that work.
I’ll be in touch again soon about our research on media concentration in Australia, and how you can get involved in the campaign. If you’re not interested in staying updated on our campaign for media reform, you can unsubscribe at any time using this link.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to this campaign,
Richard Denniss
Executive Director
The Australia Institute
