How much access did our press get in China? | Media Watch

Key Concepts:

• Saleim Mahaja's release and media coverage
• Press freedom and censorship in China
• Australian media's China correspondent situation
• Sunrise segment with suspended podiatrist Hassan Alhammed
• Media verification processes and legal implications

Saleim Mahaja's Release and Media Frenzy

• Saleim Mahaja, a con artist and DV offender, was released from prison after almost 5 years.
• His release was met with significant media attention, including a circling helicopter and photographers.
• Mahaja was convicted in 2023 of domestic abuse, including punching his former girlfriend, pinning her down, and threatening her family. He also had prior convictions for hiding political donations (2017) and electoral fraud (2018), and plain old regular fraud 5 years later.
• He was seen visiting Westfield Shopping Town and a dentist after his release.
• The Sunday Telegraph ran a story about his release, quoting him as saying, "I'm back in business."
• Channel 9 obtained a statement from Mahaja's victim, who expressed the unfairness of his freedom compared to her struggle to rebuild her life.
• The segment suggests that ignoring Mahaja might be a more effective punishment than imprisonment.

Press Freedom and Censorship in China

• During the Australian Prime Minister's visit to China, Australian photographers were barred from the official handshake photo opportunity.
• Most media outlets used a government-supplied photo, but Nine's Australian Financial Review and Sydney Morning Herald did not, with the latter's editor explicitly stating their stance against censorship.
• Journalists gathering B-roll footage in Beijing were surrounded by local authorities and questioned.
• The ABC's China correspondent, Bill Burles, and the Australian Financial Review's Michael Smith had their postings cut short five years prior amid late-night raids by state security police.
• Michael Smith feared he would be disappeared by the CCP.
• The ABC and Nine are working to return correspondents to China, but the Australian government is urging caution.
• Jessica Sire (AFR) is based in Tokyo, and Lisa Vicentin (Age/SMH) reports from Singapore. Eric Bagshaw (previous Age/SMH correspondent) reported from various locations outside China due to limited access. SBS has given up on reinstating a correspondent for the time being.
• Will Glasgow is the only Australian correspondent with a standing visa in China, working for The Australian.
• Media organizations have held meetings with Chinese officials to negotiate the return of their correspondents.
• Chung Li was jailed for publishing a government briefing ahead of an embargo, highlighting China's vengefulness.
• Richard McGregor (Loey Institute) argues that the benefits of having correspondents in China outweigh the risks of surveillance and potential detention.
• Chris Buckley (New York Times) emphasizes the importance of Australian journalists being present in China for informed public debate.

Sunrise Segment with Suspended Podiatrist

• Sunrise featured a segment with podiatrist Dr. Hassan Alhammed, who provided advice on foot care.
• Alhammed was presented as a foot expert, discussing the dangers of pointy shoes and high heels.
• It was later revealed that Alhammed is currently suspended from practicing podiatry in Australia since February 2024.
• The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) confirmed his suspension and stated that it is a criminal offense for an unregistered individual to present themselves as a health practitioner.
• It is also potentially a criminal offense for media organizations to refer to unregistered individuals in a way that implies they are registered.
• Sunrise stated they reviewed qualification documentation but were unaware of the suspension and are reviewing their verification processes.
• Alhammed admitted he should have disclosed his suspension to Sunrise and apologized.

Media Verification Processes and Legal Implications

• The segment highlights the importance of media organizations thoroughly verifying the credentials of experts before featuring them.
• Failure to do so can result in legal repercussions and damage to the organization's reputation.
• The AHPRA register is a valuable resource for verifying the registration status of health practitioners.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The Media Watch segment covers three distinct but important areas: the media's fascination with a controversial figure's release from prison, the challenges and restrictions faced by Australian journalists reporting from China, and the importance of proper verification processes in media production, as illustrated by the Sunrise segment with a suspended podiatrist. The segment underscores the need for responsible journalism, ethical reporting, and thorough fact-checking in the media landscape.