I would guess that most Australians are, in comparison to the ABC, and as attitude surveys suggest, rather more conservative, less internationalist, less sympathetic to the disadvantaged, less convinced about any human contribution to "climate change", less worried about endangered species, more critical of handouts to indigenous Australians, less welcoming of boat people, and so on. Although their taxes also go to fund the ABC, their values may be more adequately expressed on commercial radio and television – the media to which they listen – and, at the extreme end, by the talkback radio hosts, writes Don Aitkin in this opinion piece.