Interview:
Ted Shaft - Author of YourShafted.com - 27th May 2003
What's
your background?
My
background definitely is not in media! Even though
I have worked in Advertising on and off for about
15 years, it has mostly been in the computer graphic/printing
area. By not being in the media I feel I am qualified
to take current events and report them without the
rules and boundaries that has smothered a lot of reporting
that we see. I don't really give a hoot what I report
as long as it is true and fits YourShafted's format.
I can't upset any boss who might have an affiliation
with some self interest or personal agenda etc. Probably
the opposite of the little Aussie battler, Eddie.
How
did "Your Shafted" come to fruition?
I
went out one day to work, got 2 parking tickets, a
fine for going through CityStink without an e-Noose,
my favourite TV show was replaced with a replay of
some really bad Bloopers type show, without notice
and then I came home to do another 5 hours of unpaid
work. I knew I was being Shafted so I decided to do
something about it.
What
are your aims and objectives?
To
have fun! Also, if I can hang serious amounts of shit
on the bucketheads who make my life miserable (like
councils, politicians, basic service providers, rednecks
etc) , or put in print what millions of us really
think about the powerless situations that confront
us each day
then I'm achieving YourShafted's
goal.
What
is right and wrong with Crikey Media?
Crikey
is the epitome of independent journalism
just
on steroids! I admire Crikey a lot and even though
a tad too political for the mainstream, he still applies
the blowtorch very well. Crikey has published quite
a few of our letters usually about the "Apeman",
Zemanek when he was on 3AW. Stephen Mayne really puts
the wind up those who count and that makes Crikey
an important pseudo media and political watchdog.
What
are some of your main success stories?
Definitely
the Stan Zemanek Quotes. Even since he has run away
back to Sydney, this section still pulls some of the
highest hit rates. Funny enough, the most read stories
are about everyone's mate, Eddie McGuire.
Who
in the media do you respect and why?
Crikey,
Doug Aiton, John Hindle, Andrew Denton, Ellen Faning
and a lot of ABC radio announcers especially ABC news
radio. These guys are in the media and never flinch
at reporting or taking a swing at issues that effect
their bosses or subjects close to them. I have always
enjoyed the more unobtrusive TV/radio presenters like
Doug Aiton and John Hindle who come across as an easy
touch but when they need to, they can rip their interviewee
apart.
What
political parties or members do you respect, and why?
I
hate all politicians. They really are the pits of
society. I once was a loyal Labour voter, barracking
for my team since I was young, influenced by my Labour
voting father. My favourite player was leading goal
kicker, Captain Keating and Centre half forward, Bob
Hawke was also one I loved watching
kicking
and punching. I eventually realised I was a one eyed
fan and I would always barrack from them whether they
were right or wrong. So I quit following Labour and
then I could clearly see that the goal posts moved
so much, it was impossible to see who was kicking
goals for their team and supporters or they were just
in it for themselves. I don't even vote anymore.
What
political parties do you not respect, and why?
None.
When your 2 main choices are parties lead by Crean
or Howard
there is not much hope!
What
is the worst case of Australian political scandal
you care to share?
Whitlam-Kerr,
Children overboard and anything Peter Reith touched.
What
are some of Australias worst cases of "trial
by media"?
Without
doubt, Lindy Chamberlain. The media and Northern Territory
police should have to pay her at least $100 million
compo. It was the most disgusting, corrupt criminal
case in Australia's modern history.
What
do you think are the best and worst traits of John
Laws, Alan Jones and Derryn Hinch, and why?
The
first 2, Laws and Jones are criminals. They should
have been locked up during the cash for comment enquiry.
Especially Alan Jones, who is so self obsessed with
being morally correct that he probably doesn't even
realise how silly he looks when he lays blame on others
for various things. Jones is really a can short of
a six pack. Hinch is different. Not my cup of tea,
but still he is a journalist in the true sense and
when he is not on his soap box, can come up with the
goods as well as anyone. Not as sleazy as Laws and
Jones.
What
news media websites do you visit?
CNN,
ABC, The Age, The Herald-Sun, Crikey, Hinch, Notgoodenough
oh and of course, Media Man.
What
was the last book you read?
I
can't remember. I think Hazel Hawke's bio. It was
really boring.
What
TV programs and radio stations do you listen to, and
why?
My
TV is limited to The Movie Show, Buffy, 24, The Bill
and Media Watch. If I catch them, Foreign Correspondent,
4 Corners and any current affairs/news shows on the
ABC or SBS.
My
Radio is switched between ABC news radio and ABC Melbourne
(774). I sometimes listen to 3AW, 3AK, 2UE & 2GB
to get a bit of gossip. I listen to Doug Aiton on
3AK when ever I am out driving that time of night.
What's
wrong with "Reality TV"?
It's
so damn boring.
...end.
Links:
Your
Shafted
Crikey
Media
ABC
Media Watch
Hinch.net
Australian
Broadcasting Corporation
SBS
CNN
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