censorship in australia

Overview

Overview

- began in 1939 - 1945

suppression or prohibition of material considered a threat

- supervision and control of information

- used over radio stations, newsreel, print media

- used to manage public opinion and boost morale

- media was controlled

Elaboration

- new regulations were introduced in January 1941

- prevent interference in the war effort

- prevent people from making disloyal statements in both private and public

- prevent the undermining of public morale by the spreading of false rumours

- used to maintain high morale

- used through radio, newsreel and print media

- truth was distorted and manipulated

- e.g minimising number of dteaths, keeping quiet about battles to take advantage of enemies

World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted

Elaboration

BEFORE

AFTER

National Army Exhibition

Darwin Bombing

Primary Source 1

- The Argus Melbourne Newspaper

- Darwin Bombing

- 93 planes; 4 shot down

- damage: 'considerable'

- casualties: 'unknown'

- unnecessary information about Burma conflict

- random cigarette advertisement

- political bias of the media

Primary Source I

Newspaper article about Bombing of Darwin, 1942

The Argus Melbourne Newspaper published on 20 February 1942 censoring the truth and stating:''17 killed in raids on Darwin, 6 enemy planes shot down...In 2 air raids on Darwin yesterday''.

National Army Exhibition

Primary Source 2

Darwin Bombing

Primary Source II

-The Herald Melbourne Newspaper

- published on 20 February 1942

- incorrect death toll

- actual number exceeded 240 people

- government is fabricating the truth

- taking advantage of newspaper establishments

- newspapers were used as a hoax

- misconception within society

Newspaper article published by The Herald from Melbourne on 20 February 1942 attempting to censor the truth which led to stating: ''15 killed including 9 women and 24 hurt'

National Army Exhibition

SECONDARY SOURCE 1

Commission of Inquiry

"

- A copy of Charles. J Lowe's story report on the Bombing of Darwin

- ''I am satisfied that the number is approximately 250 and I doubt whether any further investigation will result in ascertaining a more precise figure."

- This is the reality in spite of Censorship

Secondary Source I

Charles. J Lowe, an investigator writing a story report to the government about the Bombing of Darwin as a witness concluding the accurate, final number of casualties.

"

https://ntl.nt.gov.au/system/files/uploads/stories/resources/2018-05/D11_NTL-10070-83913-3.pdf

National Army Exhibition

Secondary Source 2

Darwin Bombing

"

The two air raids on 19 February 1942 caused extensive damage to essential services, shipping, and defence installations, and resulted in 190 deaths.

"

- Website of Northern Territory Library

- 190 deaths as compared to 250

- censorship manipulated by media in WW2

- evident difference in number of casualties compared to previous source

Secondary Source II

A website censoring the actual number of casualties during the Bombing of Darwin reinforcing the political bias of media.

https://ntl.nt.gov.au/story/bombing-darwin