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The Beaconsfield mine disaster and the evolution of chequebook journalism
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 22:39 authored by Goc, NE, Bainbridge, JGUsing the reporting of the 2006 Beaconsfi eld mine disaster in Tasmania as a case study, this paper explores the changing nature of chequebook journalism and the shift towards the consumerist model of entertainment news in Australia. The paper argues that the media’s coverage of the disaster was a major turning point in the evolution of chequebook journalism in Australia. The moment miner Todd Russell, one of two survivors from the disaster, asked then-Channel 9 CEO Eddie McGuire to “tell me how big your chequebook is” on national television in response to a question about an exclusive interview, chequebook journalism was outed. Seldom before in Australia had a member of the public been so up-front about their monetary value to the media.
History
Publication title
Australian Journalism ReviewVolume
30Pagination
99-112ISSN
0810-2686Department/School
School of HumanitiesPublisher
Journalism Education AssociationPlace of publication
AustraliaRights statement
Copyright 2008: Journalism Education Association (Australia)Repository Status
- Restricted