The Seven Network’s extraordinary attempt to mainstream Nazi views by giving an uncritical platform to convicted criminal Blair Cottrell, leader of the far-right group United Patriots Front, has prompted concerns about the undermining of national security as intelligence agencies deal with the growing threat of neo-Nazi violence.
Seven’s “news” report on Sunday, in which Cottrell was allowed to freely opine about the alleged “African gangs” issue in Melbourne as a legitimate Neighbourhood Watch-style community group, prompted widespread condemnation and social media derision, with the hashtag #7summerofnazis trending heavily. (See Tweets below, streaming live so jump in and add your own!)
Cottrell, who also professes a range of misogynist and homophobic views, has been jailed for several violent offences including assault, damaging property and stalking, idolises Hitler and has proposed “execute the leftists” as a way to control media coverage. A member of UPF was separately charged in 2016 with preparing for a terrorist attack against left-wing groups.
Seven has a history of giving a platform to extremists: it gave Pauline Hanson extensive airtime on its morning breakfast program to advertise her brand of bigotry leading up to the 2016 election, at which her party won four seats.
Byrne’s fear is that the actions of Seven lend legitimacy to extremist views, creating a more accepting environment both for both groups disposed to violence and those who exacerbate community tensions, reducing the capacity of security agencies to gain the cooperation of communities to identify extremists.
The price of mainstreaming Nazism and giving a platform to extremist criminals for ratings may yet be paid in a more dangerous currency.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/bern...-summer-nazis-raises-national-security-fears/
