The Australian Communications and Media Authority's report this week that found 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones was likely to have encouraged violence and vilification of Australians of Lebanese and other Middle Eastern backgrounds in the days before the Cronulla riots in late 2005. Jones infamously endorsed a listener's letter calling on "biker gangs" to greet "these Lebanese thugs" when they arrived at Cronulla and send "this scum" scurrying back to their "lairs".

Remember this code was developed by industry in the first place--its a Code of Practice, not an Act or a regulation. The Authority said:

The suggestion to invite bikers gangs to intimidate Lebanese rail passengers was made in the context of other comments which gave the impression that people of Lebanese background or people of Middle Eastern background were forming gangs intent on causing harm to 'Australians', had no respect for the law and that existing law enforcement agencies were powerless. ACMA is of the view that, in these circumstances, an ordinary reasonable listener would regard the endorsement of the biker gang invitation as likely to encourage violence and thereby stimulate violence by approval."

Is there any politician who considers it inappropriate to take the side of the side of a broadcaster who's tried to stir a racist gang war at Cronulla Station? Many know that there are votes in siding with Jones and that's what matters isn't it. You cannot allow yourself to get offside with Jones. Jones rules okay. Communications Minister Helen Coonan effectively threatened to gag the independent watchdog she had appointed.

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