We, the undersigned, demand the immediate ban of News Corp from Australia. The overwhelming influence of News Corp on our media landscape is not only monopolistic but also harmful to the democratic values that Australia holds dear. The control exerted by News Corp over nearly 70% of Australia’s media is a clear threat to media plurality and a balanced representation of news, both of which are fundamental to a functioning democracy.

What the Experts Say:

• Malcolm Turnbull, Former Prime Minister of Australia: "The way the Murdoch press has operated both here and in the US has been absolutely adverse to our national interest."
• Kevin Rudd, US Ambassador to Australia, Ex-PM: "News Corp is a cancer to democracy."
• Julian Assange, Founder of WikiLeaks: "News Corp’s propaganda creates wars and makes a lot of money out of them."
• John Menadue, Former CEO of News Corp Australia: "News Corp has become a force for division and disinformation in our society."
• Barry Jones, Former Australian Minister for Science: "Murdoch has exerted a powerful and negative influence on the course of Australian political life."
• Paul Keating, Former Prime Minister of Australia: "Murdoch is a political influence machine, in the pursuit of his own power and profit."
• Nick Davies, British Journalist and Author: "Murdoch’s papers have always used their power to serve Murdoch’s business interests."
• Robert Manne, Australian Academic and Author: "News Corp has had a pernicious influence on Australia’s media culture."
• Lachlan Harris, Former Press Secretary to Kevin Rudd: "News Corp is the most powerful political institution in Australia."
• Alan Rusbridger, Former Editor of The Guardian: "The Murdoch empire is about control, not journalism."

These are not just opinions; they are informed perspectives from individuals who have seen firsthand the damage caused by News Corp’s dominance in Australia. It is clear that News Corp has not acted in the public interest but has instead pursued its own profit and power, often at the expense of democratic principles and fair journalism.

News Corp's Media Footprint in Australia:

News Corp's media footprint in Australia is extensive, encompassing major entities such as Foxtel, Hubbl, Sky News Australia, HarperCollins, and several popular newspapers like The Australian, Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Courier-Mail, The Advertiser, Mercury, and even extending to online platforms such as news.com.au and channels like Nickelodeon Australia. This kind of dominance is not just concerning; it is dangerous. A single company controlling such a vast portion of our media limits diversity of thought and prevents alternative voices from being heard.

As an Australian, I am deeply troubled by this monopolistic and biased media environment. The suppressive atmosphere created by News Corp’s dominance makes it difficult to access diverse perspectives and balanced reporting. This has reached a point where many Australians, myself included, feel the need to consider relocating to countries with more diverse and independent media landscapes.

This dominance by News Corp is not in the public interest. It undermines media plurality, distorts our understanding of both local and global affairs, and ultimately threatens the democratic fabric of our society. The influence wielded by News Corp is not about serving the public but about maintaining control and pushing particular agendas.

Our Demand:

We demand that the Australian Government take immediate and strict action to break up News Corp's media monopoly in Australia. We call for policies and regulations that ensure a fair, unbiased, and independent news sector that truly serves the interests of the Australian public. This includes revoking licenses, implementing stricter ownership laws, and promoting greater media diversity.

This petition is not just about media reform; it is about protecting our democracy. A free and diverse press is essential for a healthy society, and it is time that Australia stands up to News Corp’s stranglehold on our media and, by extension, our democracy.

Sign this petition to demand an end to News Corp's dominance in Australia.