James Packer has moved to sell his $264 million stake in Echo Entertainment Group (EGP) despite gaining final approval to increase his stake past 10%.

We think perhaps The Daily Tele has been a bit overzealous with rhetoric and under-attentive to the facts in reporting the UK hacking murder.

As Australia’s first bookie to sponsor a football team (well, a coach, really), Richard Farmer has reason to think Tom Waterhouse’s ads must be profitable. Plus other political views along the way.

ABC hack attacks ABC news service … dumped ALP Senator chatting to the CLP? … which Sydney dance company? …

Ford has decided to quit manufacturing in Australia in October 2016 after unveiling a $141 million loss for 2012-13.

The ABC has made a three-year wage offer for its 4000+ employees and the unions representing ABC employees aren’t happy. That and other media tidbits.

There is a real danger signal for Labor here, and it suggests to me that a major change is needed in its campaign strategy that continues to centre around those daily visits to schools. Education as an issue is just not working

Medicare travails … more from anti-wind-farm PR machine … Tony won’t need his budgie smugglers in Tassie today …

Millions of Australians would walk away from their private health insurance if the Gillard government means-tested the rebate, the industry warned — and they produced “research” to prove it. Nine months after the means test started, freelance writer Ben Westcott tests that “research”.

Daily Tele stance against fearmongering. We enjoyed The Daily Telegraph’s editorial on Monday, supporting moves to review the GST and hinting it could be a good idea to increase it. The Tele reckons “discussion on this issue, free of fear-mongering and exaggeration, would be welcome”. The Tele certainly knows a thing or two about “fearmongering and […]

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott bested the Prime Minister for media coverage this week by a wide margin. Australia has more or less made up its mind that he will be in power come September.

Clearly the savings measures outlined in the 2014 financial year budget have offset any consumer joy flowing from the May RBA rate cut. Some 44% of survey respondents said they would be worse off due to the budget while only 5% said it would improve their lot.

The Scots learn that the more booze you buy, the more you drink, and the Spaniards design a cracking submarine — that is so heavy it sinks. Plus other political views noted along the way.

Academic biffo leads to departure? … “go away” asylum seeker payments not working … Bettina Arndt’s latest project (you) …

The Russell 2000 index traded above the 1000 level for its first time ever, and the S&P 500 hit a new all-time high.