** Dear friends across Australia, <http://www.avaaz.org/en/murdochs_secret_abc_attack/?

cl=1360045579& v=10733> Right now, Communications Minister Conroy is deciding whether to hand Murdoch a $223 million TV contract -- *expanding Murdochs influence and weakening the ABC.* To stop Murdochs power grab we need a massive public outcry -- *send a message to Conroy telling him Murdoch's takeover bid can't stand: * [image: Send a message now!] <http://www.avaaz.org/en/murdochs_secret_abc_attack/?cl=1360045579& v=10733> ** *In hours, Murdoch could secure his stranglehold on the Australian media*by acquiring our public international TV news network -- and rob a struggling ABC of $223 million in funding. Communications Minister Stephen *Conroy is under pressure to give control over the network to Murdoch instead of the ABC -- but together we can stop the deal.* Just last week, we called on you to help save the media inquiry from Murdoch's meddling -- and thousands of you responded. *Now, we desperately need to come together again.* Murdochs mouthpiece The Australian has been leaking details of insider support for Murdoch in a blatant attempt to force Labor into backing his bid. Conroy knows that *giving the network to Murdoch would greatly increase the media moguls corrupting influence and hurt the ABC,* and is looking for a way out. *Together, we can give Conroy the public mandate he needs to reject Murdochs power grab* and award the contract to the ABC. Send a message to Conroy telling him that Australians don't want this dodgy deal -- *click on the link below and then forward to everyone:* http://www.avaaz.org/en/murdochs_secret_abc_attack/?

vl<http://www.avaaz.org/en/murdochs_secret_abc_attack/?cl=1360045579 &v=10733> *Rupert Murdoch already owns 70 percent of Australias newspapers. Now hes on the hunt for more media control,* and hes hoping we wont notice. Through his stake in Australian News Channel, hes been pushing hard to take over the crucial but low-key Australia Network: an Australian international public broadcaster thats available in 44 countries. Murdoch has shown that his empire ruthlessly puts profits above all else -- even hacking a murdered school girls phone to increase sales. With this extra network, *Murdoch would vastly increase his power and take control of Australias public image abroad. * *The move is also a key part of his strategy to destroy public broadcasting and silence independent voices.* Murdoch knows that the loss of $223 million in funding would severely weaken an already stretched ABC. It would mean the loss of many ABC journalists, and potential closures of overseas news offices. If we let Murdoch win, Australia will become the first country in the world to privatise its international news service. Insiders say *Communications Minister Stephen Conroy doesnt want this outcome. Hes looking for a way to keep the money with the ABC* and stop Murdoch from further increasing his corrupting influence. If huge numbers of Australians send messages, Conroy will receive the public backing he needs to decide against Murdochs bid. *Send your message now and forward this note to your friends and family:* http://www.avaaz.org/en/murdochs_secret_abc_attack/? vl<http://www.avaaz.org/en/murdochs_secret_abc_attack/?cl=1360045579 &v=10733> Earlier this year, Avaaz members in the UK forced Murdoch to drop his bid for a complete takeover of British broadcaster BSkyB, and last month we won the media inquiry here despite Murdochs fierce opposition. Now we have a chance to win again. With massive public support, we can rid the world of Murdochs corrupting influence for good. Something that would have been unthinkable even 12 months ago is now within our grasp, if we keep

working together. With hope, Emma, Ben, Ari, Luis, Ricken, Alice and the rest of the Avaaz team SOURCES: Tensions rise over Australia Network bid http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/tensions-rise-overaustralia-network-bid-201110171ltfy.html ABC staff hang on tender result http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/abc-staff-hang-on-tenderresult/story-e6frg996-1226177744169 Murdoch's only real interest is No.1 http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/murdochs-only-realinterest-is-no1-201107111hal8.html Will Australias satellite TV service head Skywards http://inside.org.au/will-australia%E2%80%99s-satellite-tv-service-headskywards/ NotW scandal: Conroy must play probity card in Oz Network contract http://www.crikey.com.au/2011/07/05/notw-scandal-conroy-must-playprobity-card-in-oz-networkcontract/ James Murdoch hits out at BBC and regulators at Edinburgh TV festival http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/aug/28/james-murdoch-bbcmactaggart-edinburgh-tv-festival

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-----------------------------* Avaaz.org is a 10-million-person global campaign network* that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 13 countries on 4 continents and operates in 14 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here<http://www.avaaz.org/en/highlights.php/?footer>, or follow us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/Avaaz> or Twitter<http://twitter.com/Avaaz> . This message was sent to janet.castle@gmail.com. To change your email address, language, or other information, contact us via this form<http://avaaz.org/en/contact/?footer>. To unsubscribe, send an email to unsubscribe@avaaz.org or click here<https://secure.avaaz.org/act/? r=unsub&cl=1360045579&email=janet.castle@gmail.com&b=1477&v=107 33&lang=en> . To contact Avaaz, please *do not reply to this email.* Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact <http://www.avaaz.org/en/contact?footer> or call us at +1-888-922-8229 (US). ----- End forwarded message -----