Philosophy and other treasures

[RFNK]

In a media landscape dominated by Murdoch Inc. and other claptrap, here in Australia we're lucky to have the ABC to provide some common sense. It's our government funded but stoutly independent public broadcaster. Of particular interest to those into philosophy, is a program called The Minefield. It's available as podcast. To access it, and many other truly great offerings, you have to download the ABC Listen app. I assume that can be done from anywhere so my apology if it can't be accessed from wherever you are.

[Hallam]

Also available on the ABC page in Oz and maybe OS.
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational...s/theminefield

[Stiletto]

I'll see if I can have a listen to it.

[robm]

It's our government funded but stoutly independent public broadcaster.

How do they manage that ? The CBC here in Canada does its best, but there was a serious decline in comedians roasting the government when the Conservatives came into power, and they also cut the living crap out of their budget. Not that the Liberals haven't done the same; the current CBC is a pale shadow of what if was 30 years ago. But still the best bet on the air waves for news, weather, and music (on a good day). Radio only! Not paid any attention to TV for 30 years.

The BBC maintains its nominal independence from the UK gov't by charging a TV tax to fund itself.

[RFNK]

Mainly conservative governments have diminished the ABC's funding from time to time, and, yes, it's a real, ongoing problem. But, at least so far, the independent board structure, and the timely election of smarter governments from time to time, has protected their independence.

[Willywaw]

Rick, I hope you caught the recent episode discussing "Faulty Towers" and why it should not be revived...an absolute delight!

[skuthorp]

I am a Minefield fan, and of their their podcast.
The LibNats have been the most hostile and Murdoch has been agitating for their complete closure for years. But the LibNats own constituency rely on the ABC and would not countenance it.
In spite of straightened times I hope the new Feds manage a friendlier attitude and a slightly better budget.

[Hallam]

The big blunder of the lib gnats was the closing down of Radio Australia’s coverage in the Pacific. A powerhouse of soft diplomacy and way cheaper than a single nuke sub! What a bunch of short sighted ignoramuses. That vid of the Tasmanian who used to be ambassador to Vanuatu I think, trying to speak to Morrison and being man handled away said it all. He had been trying for months to communicate re his experience and viewpoint and they refused to respond!

[Durnik]

^ it's a brave new world.. and seemingly not at all a good version.

[robm]

In Canada, the Conservatives are dead-set against a public broadcasting system. They would sell it off to their buddies in a heartbeat, if they could.

[RFNK]

Rick, I hope you caught the recent episode discussing "Faulty Towers" and why it should not be revived...an absolute delight!

I didn't but I will. Thanks!

[skuthorp]

Th conservatives closed down RA because a commercial broadcaster was going to take it over, and be more friendly to their government. I don't think it made enough money, and I heard that China had grabbed the frequency.

[robm]

Apparently CNN pays the airports to play their content. That was as of 2018 - and according to FOX news!

[dbstra]

The CBC here in Canada does its best, but there was a serious decline in comedians roasting the government when the Conservatives came into power, and they also cut the living crap out of their budget. Not that the Liberals haven't done the same; the current CBC is a pale shadow of what if was 30 years ago. But still the best bet on the air waves for news, weather, and music (on a good day). Radio only

The CBC is not to be trusted. They were a good source of news before the pandemic, but have behaved like the Stasi since, only propaganda.

https://rumble.com/v2fu5s4-journalis...racy-to-c.html

[johnw]

The CBC is not to be trusted. They were a good source of news before the pandemic, but have behaved like the Stasi since, only propaganda.

https://rumble.com/v2fu5s4-journalis...racy-to-c.html

That link is pure propaganda, and advocates hanging journalists by the neck.

[RFNK]

I really started this thread just to let people know about The Minefield, which is available through the ABC Listen app. It's philosophical discussion presented by two people with a strong interest in philosophy and its relationship with contemporary issues. I hope it's of interest to some.