Speakers from both sides attacked the Murdoch empire, talkback radio and current affairs programs at the Sydney IQ2 debate "The Media Has No Morals".
The Murdoch empire, shock jock Alan Jones, controversial columnist Andrew Bolt, A Current Affair and Today Tonight came under repeated and fervent criticism during the debate. They were all singled out by the speakers as having dubious ethics and been socially irresponsible.
Arguing the media has no morals, former Crikey publisher and News Limited journalist Stephen Mayne accused the Murdoch empire of "debasing ethical and balanced journalism".
Mayne said: "You have a responsibility to not offer toxic waste."
Mayne said parts of the media has "a callous disregard for the damage they do. They have a callous disregard for what it does to social cohesion."
Senator Bob Brown, who successfully agitated for a media inquiry in Australia, said: "The most powerful figure in the world [Rupert Murdoch] leads us to conclude the media has no morals."
Brown argued the media and journalists should be held to a similar standard as other professions when it is found to be guilty of wrong-doing.
One of the prevalent themes coursing through both sides was the tension between commerciality and morality. British journalist Kate Adie argued: "Those at the very top are getting very rich. Those who run the machine have no morality."
Both sides spoke of parts of the media who "beat up" a story due to commercial reasons including ratings and circulation.
Ten journalist Hamish McDonald said: "It's not perfect and there is immorality. They do us a disservice and I feel angry about what they do. You need to vote with your feet. Don't watch those programs and don't buy those dreadful papers. The audience have the power to decide who wins."
Prominent QC Julian Burnside argued for the negative team despite the front cover of The Weekend Australian on the same day reading "Burnside back-pedals furiously on Twitter slur". Mayne attacked the paper for sensationalising the incident in which Burnside tweeted Tony Abbott is a "paedos in speedos".
Speakers for the negative won the debate by a close margin, winning the argument that there is morality in the media, even if there are many examples of immorality. The negative side spoke of the many instances in which the media uncover corporate and government corruption, including The Guardian's reportage of the News of the World scandal.
American-based Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahawy also participated in the debate. The debate was part of the weekend's Festival of Dangerous Ideas at the Sydney Opera House.
Have something to say? Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at wenleima@yaffa.com.au
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.