The Report of the Independent Inquiry into the Media and Media Regulation, commonly known as the Finkelstein Report after the chair (retired judge Ray Finkelstein), raised important questions for Australian journalism. In this paper, the author, who assisted the inquiry, discusses some of them. Commissioned by the former Federal Labor Government, the inquiry's report was released in 2012. Set up in 2011, its terms of reference were to address the effectiveness of the current media codes of practice in Australia, particularly in light of technological change that is leading to the migration of print media to digital and online platforms; the impact of this technological change on the business model that has supported the investment by traditional media organisations in quality journalism and the production of news, and how such activities can be supported, and diversity enhanced, in the changed media environment; ways of substantially strengthening the independence and effectiveness of the Australian Press Council, including in relation to online publications, and with particular reference to the handling of complaints; and any related issues pertaining to the ability of the media to operate according to regulations and codes of practice, and in the public interest.
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