Fairfax has consistently investigated very difficult issues. To the extent that Royal Commissions have resulted because they broke the stories and kept up the pressure.
Channel 9 has done nothing comparable. They are too worried about offending advertisers.
This is why the takeover by Channel 9 of Fairfax is such a worry for the public interest.
The ABC simply doesn't have the resources to perform these investigatory roles over such a vast issue, and is being gradually starved of funds.
The result, if this continues is that serious issues like this won't get into the public arena and sufficient public pressure won't be brought to bear on the government.
This is about accountability and it's the mark of a healthy democracy to have a well funded and independent media.
