Australian outs blogger Grog’s Gamut
The Australian has this morning made the controversial move of publicly naming anonymous political blogger Grog’s Gamut.
In an article in today’s Media section of the newspaper, journalist James Massola names him as Greg Jericho, who works at the Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts.
The paper justified the move because the blogger’s comments had been acknowledged by ABC boss Mark Scott.
Jericho has already responded, saying in a posting this morning: “Today James Massola of The Australian has taken it upon himself to out me. Apparently knowing I am Greg Jericho is ‘in the public interest’ because the head of the ABC, Mark Scott, mentioned in a speech that my blog post attacking journalists’ coverage of the campaign (and specifically the lack of policy) was mentioned at an ABC executive meeting.
He warned that as a result of the exposure, he might be forced to halt the blog:
“If to keep doing my job means I have to stop blogging and tweeting, well then I’ll do that; this is just a hobby after all. I guess I’ll have to try my hand at fiction. I would be sad if it comes to that, but that is life.”
Meanwhile, The Australian’s media editor Geoff Elliott wrote an unapologetic separate article headed “No anonymity to bloggers, tweeters”, saying:
If you are a public servant and blogging and tweeting, sometimes airing a partisan political line, do you deserve anonymity? No.”
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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The Australian
With all that balanced coverage from the Australian, who needs bloggers anyway?
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The Australian in “Total Bunch of Scumbags” shocker. Next week: “We out Santa Claus” sensation.
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SHAME!
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“Even though we’re being broadcast on FOX, there’s no need for obnoxious hooting and hollering.”
– Larry King
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am I imagining things, or is there a bit of a campaign going on against Facebook and Twitter in the News pubs?
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Interesting the comment about News Ltd / Facebook – don’t News Ltd own My Space?
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News Ltd r F Wits
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JDavidson. Yes, protecting their poor investment in My Space is one thing … but I think the bigger conspiracy here is that it’s not in Murdoch’s interest to see new media flourish. Just like its not in his interest to see broadband flourish.
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Support Grog from 9 to 5 ! Dont visit a news.com.au website during normal business hours (9am -5pm). That way you cant be accused of bludging on the bosses time. Of course, that will mean you wont be able to comment on any of News Ltd. highly researched, and unbiased, articles. News’ comments are often closed within hours of any article being posted.
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