This week’s letter writers talk about the coronation of King Charles III and give some feedback for Bill Stefaniak.
Crowning glory
Despite being smaller in scale to that of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III coronation was a once-in-a-lifetime event not to be missed. I watched the event in its entirety, a massive effort on my part as I normally nod off when watching TV for any length of time and could not fault it. To those Brits that are complaining about the cost of holding the event, estimated at approximately 2 million pounds, I say don’t be so mean as it was a one-off event held after seven decades, and to enjoy it while they can, as for many it will in all probability be their last chance to do so.
Mario Stivala, Belconnen ACT
In the public interest
Bill Stefaniak (CW, 4 May 2023) asks, ‘Why does the media only report bad news?’ Actually, in pretty well every edition of the news outlets, “human interest” stories feature, to leaven the “conflict” stories (the type that top the list headed “news values” – the sorts of stories that are regarded as most newsworthy because they are what people are most interested in). And it’s been that way ever since the first news sheets appeared in the 16th century.
“What the public is interested in” beats “what’s in the public interest” every time, especially where the commercial news media is concerned because that’s what brings in the most revenue. And that, of itself, is reason enough to justify the balancing presence of public broadcasters, like the ABC and SBS.
Second, a suggestion for Bill. If he’s so interested in good news, why doesn’t he set an example by reflecting on some of the existing good news stories about the Albanese government. He might also suggest to his Federal Coalition mates they stop being so negative and start being more positive. That would certainly be good, and unusual, news.
Eric Hunter, Cook ACT
Grammar faux pas
I refer to Bill Stefaniak’s article (CW, 4 May 2023), ‘Why does the media only report bad news?’ He may be AM RFD, but grammar is not his long suit. The title should read ‘Why does the media report only bad news?’ (I acknowledge that “media” can be either singular or plural.)
Stewart Bath, Isabella Plains ACT
Voice hijacked by Indigenous elite
The Voice appears to have been hijacked by the Indigenous elite of the ilk of professors Marcia Langton and Tom Calma, meanwhile the Indigenous outback community is left in the dark, among many others, as to how the Voice will actually work, particularly about how it will improve their lifestyle. As it is up to the Parliament and Executive to finalise the minutiae of the Voice, it effectively means that the voters will not know beforehand what they will be voting for, which is both unacceptable and undemocratic. The government has to date obfuscated, intimidated and indulged in secrecy regarding the Voice, which begs the question: what have they got to hide?
Mario Stivala, Belconnen ACT
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