Channel 9 Hype Replaces Rational Thought

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday October 9, 2001

THE TV program A Current Affair (Tuesday, October 2) demonstrated the lack of responsibility that exists within certain of our media.

At a time when rational debate on effective counter-terrorist measures is required, what do we see from Channel Nine?

The use of prime time viewing to portray an Australian community bordering on paranoia and panic.

On Tuesday night A Current Affair put to air a segment portraying many residents of Melbourne as rushing an army surplus store to buy gas masks and biological warfare suits.

That same segment was dominated by an American commentator advising Australians that in any attack on our nation, the threats present with the use of anthrax, botulism, or any other biological weapons of war (in her opinion), were being ignored by our health and security administrations.

These serious allegations were subsequently refuted by the nation's most senior health officer.

Unfortunately however, as the ongoing refugee debate demonstrates, many Australians tend to rely upon TV hype rather than the facts when arriving at a decision. And that is the danger to public confidence, rational thought and safety that the A Current Affair segment referred to presents!

- BARRY SWAN, Balgownie.