Past Programs
Media, Information and Communication - 2007
The role of the public intellectual
05/10/2007
Today's edition of the program is a recording made at this year's Brisbane Writers' Festival. The topic is 'The Role of the Public Intellectual'. We rely on public intellectuals to critically and intelligently advance public debate, preferably with a minimum of rancour.
But entering the public arena, as we've witnessed in recent times, is not for the faint-hearted. What makes a 'public intellectual'? All three guests have, over the years, rattled the cages; provoking, arguing and, on occasion, speaking some uncomfortable truths about ourselves.
Freedom of information and digital policy
04/10/2007
First introduced in 1982, the Freedom of Information Act was intended to facilitate a deomcratic flow of documents from the Federal Government to the citizenry. However, commentators have argued that the Act has been slowly eroded over the years, with many areas of government activity automatically exempt...is it time for an overhaul of the Freedom of Information Act?
Cyber invasion
15/08/2007
The creepy world of cyber invasion: Junk emails and spam are more than a daily inconvenience, they are fast becoming a significant threat to personal and financial security. But what's your response to the federal government's $189 million plan to 'clean up the internet'? Is it a mechanism for government censorship of the internet, or a step in the right direction?
Muslims and the media
07/08/2007
In the last quarter century, the relationship between the Muslims and the western media has gone from being a non-issue to an everyday event. Tonight, on Australia Talks, we will look at the changing relationship between Muslims and the western Media ...are Muslims being demonised in the media? How well does the western media understand Muslim issues and are some media outlets in danger of lumping all Muslims or Islamic groups with a single monolithic identity?
It's your ABC
29/06/2007
As part of the ABC's 75th anniversary celebrations, Aunty's managing director, Mark Scott, will be the main guest on Australia Talks. Mark has agreed to handle your questions and comments about the future direction of your ABC.
You can post your questions ahead of time by emailing from the Australia Talks website or posting on the message board ... or fax them to 07 3377 5171.
Broadband or Fraudband?
29/03/2007
Why is everyone banging on about faster broadband? What's the link between faster data rates and productivity? Has the Labor Party got it right? Support the plan, says James Packer of PBL, but according to one of our guests the Kevin Rudd plan isn't the answer either. And what's the impact of higher broadband speeds on education, recreation and social networking? How does it impact on our behaviours?
