Austria – (C2) Independence of the news media from power holders
Overall, a special status is granted to journalists by several laws emphasizing the value of independence for journalistic work. However “promise and practice” often diverge.
Indicators: Control / Watchdog
Austria – (C1) Supervising the watchdog ‘control of controllers’
Even though weblogs are becoming more popular in Austria, there are only a few media-blogs so far. Media criticism and public debates are centered on the press, but absent from radio and television.
Australia – (C9) Watchdog function and financial resources
Commitment to investigative journalism is the Australian media’s way to brand themselves.
Australia – (C8) Professional training
Some mid-carrier training is on offer.
Australia – (C7) The watchdog and the media’s mission statement
Australia’s media sees itself as a watchdog.
Australia – (C6) Practice of access to information
The law provides access to public information, but practical problems persist.
Australia – (C5) Journalists’ job security
It is difficult to provide job security for journalists in this time of change.
Australia – (C4) Journalism professionalism
Most journalists receive professional training.
Australia – (C3) Transparency of data on media system
Data on media are rarely a topic of debate.
Australia – (C2) Independence of the news media from power holders
Legal instruments to guarantee greater independence from power holders have only just become law. However, defamation law is used as another pathways by the rich and powerful to silence critics.
