Stating the obvious.  Dear today’s edition of the Cobram Courier. According to Wikipedia, the surname “Smith” is the most common surname in the USA, England, Scotland, Australia and the second most common surname in Canada. There’s a fairly good chance it will be the most common surname in Cobram, Victoria, population approximately 5300.

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If refugees escape, the plague beginneth.  Or so says Cassie Mauer in today’s NT News:

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The Minister for Weight Loss? Was Kate Ellis’ Twitter account hacked, or is she really spouting this as serious weight loss advice? Either way, I’d imagine this may garner some coverage as a news story today.

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Conroy backs ABC chairman’s right to criticise climate change “groupthink”:

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has backed ABC chairman Maurice Newman’s right to comment on the corporation’s editorial direction after he was slammed by staff for attacking “groupthink” in climate change coverage. — The Australian

Google approaches crucial China licence deadline:

Google has not yet applied to re-register as an “internet content provider” (ICP) in China, which some observers say is a sign that it is preparing to shut down its search engine there. — Guardian

China issues warning to major partners of Google:

The Chinese authorities have warned major partners of Google’s China-based search engine that they must comply with censorship laws even if Google does not, an industry expert with knowledge of the notice said Sunday. — New York Times

Chinese government to Google: obey the rules even if you leave:

In what appeared to be a reminder that China would not welcome any abrupt steps, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce said Google should follow rules even if it decides not to stay in the country. — Reuters

Controversial SBS direction raises serious staff dissatisfaction:

A confidential poll of staff at Australia’s second public broadcaster, SBS, has painted a bleak picture of their faith in the corporation’s management. The survey measuring employee engagement found fewer than half the staff polled thought SBS performed well in managing performance, promotion, innovation and communication. — New Matilda

Media survey finds audiences “trust the ABC but don’t watch it”:

Australians trust the ABC more than its commercial rivals, while supposed ”old” media such as newspapers, television, and radio fare much better than the internet, a survey of attitudes to media has found. — The Age

Sky steps up the fight against the ABC:

Sky News has fired another shot in its battle with the ABC over the right to broadcast Australia’s international diplomatic television service by launching the Australian Parliament program into North America. — The Australian