Former Prime Minister of Australia John Howard will give a public lecture at the University of Melbourne on the topic ‘Politics and the Media: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ next Tuesday 4 August at 6pm.
 
In a rare public appearance since leaving office, Mr Howard will examine the relationship between politics and the media in a lecture hosted by the University’s Centre for Advanced Journalism.

In a political career spanning more than three decades, Mr Howard had what is described as an often turbulent relationship with the media, but never commented publicly on the way media reported political issues, his government or him personally.

Now, Mr Howard will offer his unique insights into the relationship between the media and politics, and how the 24-hour news cycle has changed the nature of politics and the political process.  He will also examinethe stresses the media places on politicians and governments and the role of the media in a liberal democracy.

Who: Former Prime Minister of Australia Jonhn Howard
What: Public Lecture: Politics and the Media: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
When: Tuesday 4 August at 6PM
Where: Basement Theatre - ‘The Spot’ - the new Economics and Commerce Building
198 Berkeley Street, Carlton

Media please note that:

** This free public event is now fully ticketed, however media are welcome to attend by prior arrangement.  Contact Katherine Smith in the University of Melbourne Media Office for registration (k.smith@unimelb.edu.au / 0402 460 147).

** An audio split will be available but media wishing to connect to it MUST be plugged in by 5.45pm at the latest.

** Mr Howard will NOT be available for media interviews prior to or after the lecture.

** The event will be web-streamed at Melbourne Live:  http://live.unimelb.edu.au

** This lecture will be followed up one week later by a panel discussion featuring ABC journalist and Lateline presenter Leigh Sales, business commentator and former Age/Financial Review editor Alan Kohler, and The Australian political writer George Megalogenis. (Panel response to Mr Howard will be held one week after Mr Howard’s lecture: Tuesday 11 August at 6pm, JH Michell Lecture Theatre, Richard Berry Building, University of Melbourne).