Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud says social media algorithms are “killing this country” as he gave full support of independent traditional media in a functioning democracy. Mr Littleproud shared his beliefs when asked if Ms Hanson would stand up scrutiny by the Press Club (the journalists that cover federal parliament). Journalistic scrutiny is not only normal, he said, but required.
Mr Littleproud said a free press is of fundamental importance while “news” from FaceBook, Instagram and algorithm-based social media is bad for democracy.
Scrutiny of politicians “is an is an opportunity for the fourth estate to be able to do their job, and I think that is important. I think sadly we've gone down a path of algorithms and people chasing algorithms, some peripheral to the media and some in it, but I think where the Press Club is important is that you, the fourth estate, the professional journalists of our country, have been able to ask and scrutinize all their political leaders, and I think this is an institution, as Australians, we can't run away from.”
Social media, Mr Littleproud said, “is killing this country; all we're seeing is algorithms take us to the far extremities rather than having the proper scrutiny of the fourth estate sitting there going through and trowelling over your ability, your temperament, your policies, and your team. This is how this nation has built a stable democracy, and while people are hurting at the moment, we've got to understand it is important that we all come under scrutiny, because in that hour, in our nation's hour, we need to have a Prime Minister. We need to have a government that can protect us, that can navigate us through trying times and set us on a pathway for the good.”
The journalist, stunned, thanked Mr Littleproud for the comments.
“I believe in what I’ve said to you.” The press, he said, is “a great thing for our country.”
What is ‘The Fourth Estate’?
The Fourth Estate is a term used to describe the news media and its role in holding governments, businesses and powerful institutions accountable. While the traditional three estates were the legislature, executive and judiciary, the media became known as the Fourth Estate because of its influence in informing the public and scrutinising those in power. Through reporting, investigations and public-interest journalism, the media helps expose corruption, misconduct and poor decision-making. A free and independent press is considered essential to a healthy democracy because it promotes transparency, encourages informed debate and gives citizens the information needed to participate in public life.
