Media baron warns Leak cartoon probe biggest threat to press freedom

Original article by Darren Davidson
The Australian – Page: 1 : 24-Oct-16

Seven Group’s executive chairman Kerry Stokes has criticised the Australian Human Rights Commission’s investigation into a Bill Leak cartoon that was published in August 2016. He has described the investigation as the greatest threat to freedom of the press that he has seen in his long career in the media industry, and he says section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act stifles the media’s ability to fully informing the public about important issues. Stokes has also praised "The Australian" for publishing the controversial cartoon.

CORPORATES
SEVEN GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED – ASX SVW, AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, NEWS CORPORATION – ASX NWS, SEVEN NETWORK LIMITED, SEVEN WEST MEDIA LIMITED – ASX SWM

Censorship: editor, cartoonists attack Leak investigation

Original article by Sharri Markson
The Australian – Page: 5 : 19-Oct-16

Mark Knight, John Spooner and Warren Brown are among the newspaper cartoonists who have defended Bill Leak and his right to free speech. He is being investigated by the Human Rights Commission over a controversial cartoon that was published in "The Australian" in August 2016. Spooner says the Leak case demonstrates the need for changes to section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. Brett McCarthy, the editor of "The West Australian", has also expressed support for Leak.

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, FAIRFAX MEDIA LIMITED – ASX FXJ, NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, NEWS CORPORATION – ASX NWS

MP rallies media in support of Leak

Original article by Andrew Burrell
The Australian – Page: 2 : 18-Oct-16

Federal MP Andrew Hastie has criticised the Human Rights Commission’s decision to launch an investigation into Bill Leak over a controversial cartoon that was published in August 2016. The Liberal MP has stressed the importance of freedom of expression and urged media companies and journalists to support the cartoonist. Hastie also says the Leak case could prompt renewed scrutiny of section 18C of the ­Racial Discrimination Act.

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, LIBERAL PARTY OF AUSTRALIA, FAIRFAX MEDIA LIMITED – ASX FXJ, AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION, GUARDIAN AUSTRALIA