You could be right Alan but it could still be a form of bias as they could see baillieu was not helping the conservative cause so they helped out him maybe lol.. Murdoch who is a famous media owner is an arch conservative and that is bound to wash down the line I would think. They have supported left governments at times but imo usually when the writing was on the wall that change would happen anyway.
On the ABC it doesnt operate for profit so can take a more open minded approach to reporting. The key external influence is funding but given that governments change periodically the tendency is to let it run without undue government influence. Any attempt to change that would imo be a singular issue that could bring down a government.
The ABC is iconic and lasting. Part of Australias history. Its because it can operate beyond the profit motive that makes some neo conservatives think its biassed against them. The Coalition wont boycott Aunty ABC because thats where Australians look to the political banter on a free to air basis. A small percentage that have Foxtel can also opt for SkyNews programs.
