MELBOURNE, 13 July, 2024: The Albanese government is all set to enhance its role in the Indo-Pacific, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the Minister for Communications and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, announcing a new Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy to “increase access to trusted and reliable news, deliver quality content and foster engagement across the region.”
One component of the strategy is on South Asia, which comes amidst the recent controversy over a ABC ‘Four Corners’ program, where the program’s investigation alleges a local “nest of spies” previously disrupted by ASIO and meets some Australian Indian (Diaspora) residents who allege they felt threatened by India’s authorities. India called the program as ‘untruth’ and ‘biased. The program also had contribution by Avani Dias, former ABC South Asia News Bureau Chief in New Delhi, who left India after she was asked to leave.
The New Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy will deepen ties between the people of India and Australia, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong told CNN-News18.
“We are both democracies. One of the important pillars of democracy is credible information from journalists and from a variety of media outlets. This strategy enables us to work together to increase both capabilities and capacity. Given the friendship between the two nations, I am really excited about the opportunity. This strategy looks to deepen our people-to-people ties, making sure we speak to each other about all the things we share, all the things we do together and what more we can do together in the future…,” said Wong.
The media strategy also suspected to be aimed at containing China’s rising influence in the Pacific, contained in a combined media release posted on Foreign Minister, Penny Wong’s website, says, “The Strategy provides a framework to help foster a vibrant and independent media sector, counter misinformation, present modern multicultural Australia, and support deeper people-to-people engagement.
There are three key areas that the Strategy focuses on:
- Support the creation and distribution of compelling Australian content that engages audiences and demonstrates Australia’s commitment to the region.
- Enhance access in the region to trusted sources of media, including news and current affairs.
- Strengthen regional media capacity and capability and boost connections between Australian-based and Indo-Pacific media and content creators.”
” To reflect the varied media sectors and Australia’s diverse relationships across the region, the Strategy is accompanied by the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership, Australia-Southeast Asia Media and Broadcasting Initiative and Australia-South Asia Media and Broadcasting Initiative.”
Senator the Penny Wong said, “Media plays a crucial role in elevating the voices and perspectives of our region and strengthening democracy. The Government is committed to supporting viable, resilient and independent media in the region, by deepening media connections and sharing content that builds a richer understanding of modern, multicultural Australia.”
Minister for Communications, the Michelle Rowland said, “A healthy Fourth Estate is imperative in the era of digital transformation and misinformation. This Strategy continues Australia’s longstanding commitment to supporting a robust media sector in our region. By leveraging Australia’s strengths, we can partner with the region to boost media connections, and foster a diverse and sustainable media landscape.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy said, “Australia and the Pacific share close cultural and people-to-people links, and an enduring love of sport. These connections will be further enriched by the boost in Australian content, allowing us to watch, read, and listen to shared stories across the region – from rugby to news and music.We also look forward to continuing and expanding our support for media development, including through the new phase of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme and future opportunities through the Australia-Pacific Media and Broadcasting Partnership.”
