ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the evidence of focus group research into what the Australian public itself thinks, both of the media themselves, and of the debates which arise around the performance of the political public sphere. The Australian has its own vision for the country and that vision is well developed in its political, economic and social dimensions. On the other hand, and notwithstanding the resources put into journalism by its owners, The Australian is broadly associated with a centre-right alignment and even bias. One Australian media organization that is routinely accused of bias is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Nevertheless, accusations of bias at the ABC remain a regular feature of debate around the fitness of the public sphere in Australia. Australia's broadcast TV media are legally obliged to recognize the distinctions between forms of news, current affairs and entertainment, particularly in relation to content about political and electoral matters.
