Why SBS still matters

Tim Burrowes

March 21, 2010 5:45

SBS managing director Shaun Brown argues that despite the growth of online access to overseas news, the need for the broadcaster remains.

At its best the media can play an empowering role helping to foster social cohesiveness – it acts as a mirror, a mentor and a mediator.

At its worst it can create divisions, exacerbate tensions and encourage a tribal view of society.

A small example – should SBS be proud that it first exposed the issue of attacks on Indian students and then provided on-going coverage of developments, including a full scale Insight televised debate?

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Tim Burrowes

Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He's worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025.

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3 COMMENTS

Freya 22 Mar 10

If anyone is interested in viewing the full address by Shaun Brown at the National Racism Symposium they can go to http://www.murdoch.edu.au/News.....-sessions/

It was a really great talk and I’m glad I was there to hear it first-hand.

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Tom 24 Mar 10

Does anyone know if/when the Tim Dick speech from the APG event will be put online??

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mumbrella 24 Mar 10

Hi Tom,

Video was shot at the event, and I gather that the APG will be able to supply us with it when it’s edited. I’m not sure on timings, but will put it straight up when it’s ready.

Cheers,

Tim