12 Aussie media companies fined for breaking court order

Published

5 years ago

June 4, 2021

Australian media companies will pay a total of $1.1 million in fines for breaching a suppression order

The ruling found 12 media outlets breached a gag order when reporting the trial and conviction of George Pell for child sexual assault.

The outlets, which are mostly owned by the Nine Network, and News Corp pleaded guilty in February to breaching the order.

Justice John Dixon says the media firms “frustrated the suppression order” because they reported “information contrary to the terms of the order”.

“Each [network] took a deliberate risk by intentionally advancing a collateral attack on the role of suppression orders in Victoria’s criminal justice system,”

Such suppression orders are common in the Australian and British judicial systems.

But the enormous international interest in an Australian criminal trial with global ramifications highlighted the difficulty in enforcing such orders in the digital age.

The media companies pleaded guilty in February to 21 charges of contempt in a plea deal in the Victoria state Supreme Court.

The Age owned by Nine Entertainment was fined AU$450,000 and News Life Media was penalised with a AU$400,000 fine.

Herald and Weekly Times, was fined AU$2,000.

No foreign news organisation has been charged with breaching the suppression order.

The media companies must also pay prosecutors’ legal costs of AU$650,000.

Jesse Jackson dies at 84 civil rights leader and presidential candidate

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, dies, leaving a legacy in equality advocacy and global diplomacy.

Published

15 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, dies, leaving a legacy in equality advocacy and global diplomacy.

Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson has passed away at the age of 84. Known as a servant leader, he dedicated his life to giving a voice to the oppressed and advocating for equality worldwide.

Jackson founded Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, and served as a special envoy to Africa under President Bill Clinton, leaving a lasting impact on global diplomacy and social justice.

He also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, played a key role in US politics, and helped secure the release of hostages abroad, remaining a tireless advocate until his passing.

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News

Iran and U.S. reach preliminary nuclear agreement in Geneva

Iran and the US report initial progress in Geneva nuclear talks, agreeing on guiding principles but needing further negotiations.

Published

15 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran and the US report initial progress in Geneva nuclear talks, agreeing on guiding principles but needing further negotiations.

Tensions ease as Iran and the United States reach preliminary agreements during high-stakes nuclear talks in Geneva. The discussions focused on technical nuclear issues, with Iran’s Foreign Minister and the IAEA Director General involved.

After four hours of negotiations, both sides confirmed a broad agreement on guiding principles, signaling a potential path toward a formal nuclear deal. While progress is promising, further talks are expected before finalising any agreement.

The talks unfold amid US military deployments in the region, highlighting the delicate balance of diplomacy and security. Vice President JD Vance emphasised the priority of preventing Iran from accessing nuclear weapons.

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News

Oscar winner Robert Duvall dies aged 95 leaving a towering legacy

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, 95, dies, leaving a legacy that shaped modern cinema with iconic roles.

Published

2 days ago

February 17, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, 95, dies, leaving a legacy that shaped modern cinema with iconic roles.

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall has died at the age of 95, marking the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most respected performers. Best known for his role as Tom Hagen in The Godfather, Duvall built a career defined by power, restraint and authenticity on screen.

From early theatre work to standout performances in To Kill A Mockingbird and Apocalypse Now, Duvall became one of the most versatile actors of his generation. He later won the Academy Award for Tender Mercies, cementing his place among cinema’s elite.

Beyond acting, Duvall was also an accomplished director and musician, earning admiration for his dedication to craft and character. His legacy leaves an indelible mark on American film history.

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