Media responsiveness to 'old' and 'new' politics issues in Australia

Attempts to transform political agendas are closely associated with the rol e of the media in shaping perceptions, reflecting programs of political org anisations, influencing institutional practices and applying pressure on di vergent interests. By examining the role of an influential news magazine in voicing concerns about welfare and environment policies over a 40-year per iod, this article tests arguments about the salience of 'old' and 'new' pol itics issues as well as the changing character of debates about these quest ions in efforts to create a sustainable, competitive and global economy. Ap art from examining the capacity of the media to change their storylines (or ways of thinking about an issue), the article considers how they attempt t o draw on credible news sources to substantiate their reports.