AsiaRadioToday's sister publication radioinfo has been accepted into Australia's prestigious national Press Council.
The Australian Press Council has welcomed radioinfo as a new member, along with five other new members accepted at the end of 2018.
Radioinfo now joins the approximately 900 print and online media outlets that have formally committed to the Press Council's high standards of practice and its mission to advocate for press freedom and freedom of speech.
Press Council Chair Neville Stevens (pictured) says the new members are the latest expression of confidence in the Council: “It is important for the Council to represent as close to 100% of print and online publishers as possible and to continue to expand its membership in the online-only area.”
The Australian Press Council was established in 1976 and is responsible for promoting good standards of media practice, community access to information of public interest, and freedom of expression through the media. Press Council membership encompasses most of the major newspaper and magazine publishers in Australia, accounting for approximately 95% of circulation.
radioinfo and AsiaRadioToday publisher Steve Ahern is delighted the online trade publication has been accepted to membership of the APC:
“In assessing radioinfo for membership, the Press Council applied a rigourous process of evaluating our editorial standards and credibility. After that process was complete we were invited to join. My colleagues Peter and Wendy and our team or reporters are very proud of this recognition of our work. We have always supported our industry with credible, quality reporting and commentary. As a new-era trade publication we will continue to innovate and lead in our area of expertise,” says Ahern.
Looking forward to the year ahead, Ahern says radioinfo, and it's international sister publication AsiaRadioToday will prioritise various issues in reporting on the Australian and International radio industries.
“In Australia podcasts and smart speakers will be important, and we have some insightful articles in preparation for coming months. Other important issues for Australia in my opinion are: the importance of regional news reporting given structural changes to regional newspapers, radio and tv; changes in regulation that could emerge after the next election; new approaches to training; the ABC; and maintaining a healthy balance between all sectors of the radio industry.
“Internationally, free media voices, journalist killings, new technology, podcasting and innovative new programming ideas will be some of the things our Asian radio trade publication will focus on. We will also be involved with the big Radiodays Asia event.”