Hey ABC: Repeating the latest Murdoch line is NOT journalism

At least 'Brisbane Times' [14/5/10] undertook some sensible followup (or at least did a 'Google' and had a shot at a followup):

... In 2007, then state attorney-general Kerry Shine, a Toowoomba MP, referred to the state's Anti-Discrimination Commissioner pamphlets distributed around Toowoomba and Cairns promoting the US-based White Legion Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, and asking people to join them in becoming klansmen or klanswomen.

Asked about the leaflet episode today, Mr Shine said to his knowledge nothing ever came of the investigation.

He said he had not heard of any KKK-related stirrings in the community since then.

"Not in the last couple of years," he said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if people ... had that One Nation-type view, we had 25 per cent One Nation vote up here."

Yet Mr Shine said he did not believe Toowoomba was particularly susceptible to KKK infiltration.

A Toowoomba Regional Council spokesman told brisbanetimes.com.au talk of a Klan headquarters or branch in the Darling Downs was "no more than rumours and innuendo".

However, a Toowoomba woman, who works with minority groups in the area, said she believed the KKK did have a presence the Darling Downs area.

"There is. But the last few years it's been much quieter, it's better not to give them any airtime," the woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said. ... [emphasis added]

Like the 'Gold Coast Bulletin' beatup of the White Pride musical festival on the Gold Coast last month, the ABC unquestioningly push this beatup, with bonus arse lick:

... The ABC understands no formal mention was made of McNeil's role in the Klan to protect him in jail and because it had little relevance to the case.

But his cover was blown in a newspaper article by respected journalist Tony Koch. ...

We've said it before and we'll say it again, News Ltd. is a company that has done inestimable wilful damage to democracy, journalism, reconciliation and the environment in Australia and throughout the world.

The ever-intensifying nature of their beatups and moral panics illustrate the contempt they have for Australian citizens and matters of national decency.

If you are lucky enough to have an alternative news publication to the Murdoch press in your community (or you tune in to the ABC) and your find their constant referral to Murdoch stories unacceptable - let them know.

The more of us who ignore the Murdoch press' nasty (and increasingly obvious) beatups - or call them out for what they are - the better!