Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for the government to investigate Sky News Australia for spreading misinformation
Youtube suspended News Corp’s Sky News TV network for seven days for spreading misinformation. Now, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is calling for a investigation into the network.
“This is a commercial broadcaster so why isn’t the government regulator holding it to account?” she wrote.
“As Chair of the Senate Inquiry into Media Diversity, I will call the tech giant, Sky and ACMA to front the inquiry to investigate”.
“If the spread of misinformation is dangerous on the internet why is it on television?”
Youtube suspends Sky News
“Sky News Australia acknowledges YouTube’s right to enforce its policies and looks forward to continuing to publish its popular news and analysis content to its subscribers shortly,” Sky News said in a statement.
The 24-hour cable channel has grown its audience to 1.85 million YouTube subscribers. The channel has a strong focus on alternative opinions against Donald Trump, Joe Biden and coronavirus.
Controversial right wing talkshow host Alan Jones.
YouTube confirms the suspension
“We apply our policies equally for everyone and in accordance with these policies and our long-standing strikes system, removed videos from and issued a strike to Sky News Australia’s channel,” a YouTube spokesperson said.
The one-week suspension was issued on Thursday and came after a review of Sky News Australia’s content. Youtube has reportedly removed several videos from Sky News Australia.
Youbue believe they either denied the existence of Covid-19 or encouraged people to use hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin to treat the coronavirus, without providing countervailing context.
Sky News Australia hosts Nicholas Reece, Rita Panahi and Peta Credlin
“Sky News Australia has been temporarily suspended from posting on the Google-owned platform YouTube for publishing opinion content the tech giant disagrees with,” Houghton says.
“Among the videos deemed unpalatable for societal consumption were debates around whether masks were effective and whether lockdowns were justified when considering their adverse health outcomes.”
Sky News Australia Digital Editor Jack Houghton
“The stance taken by some commentators at this network was that masks are not effective in containing outbreaks, particularly when mandated outside in the fresh air. Some also took issue with the frequency and mechanisms of locking down Australians.
“Other commentators vehemently disagreed, and their views were also published.”
“The science is certainly not clear on either of these two points,” Houghton says.
Fox News coverage
In the US, Fox News has been criticised for its coverage of coronavirus. Now the hosts are pushing the vaccine.
Last week, a pair of Fox News hosts urged viewers of the network to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, dismissing conspiracy theories about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
“Well, here’s the thing. And one of the CDC officials said yesterday, look, the pandemic right now is really just with people who have not been vaccinated. Ninety-nine percent of the people who died have not been vaccinated. What they are trying to do is make sure that all of the people who have not been vaccinated get vaccinated,” Steve Doocy said Monday on “Fox & Friends.”
The comments from the Fox News personalities come amid criticism the network has been hit with over controversial comments some hosts have made about local lockdown measures, face mask mandates, vaccine science and the pandemic as a whole.
Last week, The New York Times published a story detailing a litany comments made by prime-time hosts Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingrahamthat the outlet said ran “at odds with the recommendations of health experts” relative to vaccines.
Trump nominates Sydney influencer Nick Adams as US ambassador to Malaysia amidst diplomatic concerns and a controversial past.
Donald Trump has nominated Nick Adams, a former suburban councillor from Sydney, to be the US ambassador to Malaysia.
Adams, who has built a significant following as a MAGA influencer, is known for his self-presentation as an “alpha male” and “cultural thought leader”. His nomination is pending confirmation by the US Senate.
Adams previously made headlines as a deputy mayor in Ashfield for a controversial proposal to eliminate pigeons to prevent bird flu. He was suspended from the Liberal Party after verbal abuse towards a journalist in 2009, although he claimed to have resigned prior to the suspension.
Now an American citizen, Adams has founded a nonprofit organisation aimed at promoting conservative values among children. He is known for advocating “patriotic boycotts” against companies perceived to promote progressive values.
In a post following his nomination, Adams expressed gratitude to Trump for the opportunity to serve, highlighting his commitment to America. His past includes an educational background in media and communications, and he has been involved in various publicity stunts, some of which attracted media attention.
Experts have expressed concern over his lack of diplomatic experience, suggesting his appointment could damage US-Malaysia relations, especially given current geopolitical tensions.Adams’s appointment is viewed by some as a sign that Trump does not prioritise the foreign service, potentially leading to challenges in diplomatic relations with Malaysia.
Erin Patterson’s murder trial has increased insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours, though insurers deny a direct link.
In Short:
Erin Patterson’s trial for poisoning relatives has raised concerns about rising insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours in Australia, impacting operators like Feresh Pizarro and Natasha Vorogushin. Despite increased premiums, the Insurance Council maintains these changes are not directly related to the trial, highlighting a need for better public education on fungi.
The trial of Erin Patterson, who poisoned three relatives with death cap mushrooms, has affected mushroom foraging tours in Australia.
Operators report rising insurance costs, though the Insurance Council of Australia states these increases are unlikely linked to the trial. Patterson was recently convicted, prompting concerns among tour guides like Feresh Pizarro, who claims her insurance premiums have skyrocketed, threatening her business viability.
She explains the importance of educating the public about fungi, which play significant ecological roles. Similarly, Natasha Vorogushin from Morwell faces challenges obtaining adequate insurance for her foraging workshops, illustrating industry-wide issues.
Insurance costs
Richard Ford, a tour operator in Mount Macedon, also notes high insurance costs looming over his activities. Despite these challenges, the Insurance Council asserts that insurance adjustments often do not arise from perceived risks associated with singular events, such as Patterson’s case.
University of NSW actuarial studies professor Michael Sherris believes that while premiums are rising generally, this specific trial is unlikely to affect the insurance landscape for mushroom foraging.
US and Israel push for Gaza ceasefire; Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize amid renewed peace talks.
The United States and Israel have doubled down on regional stability, with hopes rising for a 60-day Gaza ceasefire and an unexpected diplomatic twist: Prime Minister Netanyahu has nominated Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
The two leaders met at the White House, discussing peace talks gaining momentum in Qatar, and reaffirming joint military efforts, including Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.