Where: The Studio Theatre of the Sydney Opera House

When: 6.00 - 7.30pm Tuesday 12 March, 2002

This forum discussed issues confronted by journalists when reporting and commenting on race relations in Australia. It examined the balance between purely reporting the stories, public opinion and what the media's broader community responsibilities are.

The forum was moderated by John Highfield the ABC radio presenter and journalist. John currently co-hosts The World Today on Radio National and regional stations and is an experienced ABC reporter, presenter and former foreign correspondent.

The presenters were:

Farah Farouque

Farah has been a journalist for 10 years with the The Age, reporting on politics, business, the law, arts, ethnic and religious affairs. Born in Sri Lanka, she maintains a strong interest in cultural issues and has written a number of articles about the Muslim community in Victoria. In 2000 she spent three months working for the Jakarta-based Indonesian news magazine Tempo.

Paul Murray

Paul was the longest serving daily newspaper editor in Australia when he resigned from The West Australian in 2000. He is currently a presenter and talk back host at 6PR in Perth.

Julie Nimmo

Julie has been a producer and reporter for ICAM, SBS's Indigenous program, since it began in 1996. She is particularly interested in social justice issues and has covered stories about police violence towards Aborigines, Redfern's Indigenous community and the Stolen Generations.

The Forum was recorded by ABC Radio National for airing in 'Big Ideas' program