摘要：This paper argues that the liberal media in terms of government intervention is increasingly rhetorical in today's global climate. Liberal governments such as in Australia are increasingly moved by image management concerns and employ vigorous counter offensives at news media to support their national interests and this use of propaganda or "targeted public affairs material" is often little understood or recognized. Although liberal media system normally prohibits government's intervention, in Australia the government always intervenes, influences and manages their media to suit government agendas. Thus, Jurgen Habermas' theory of the public sphere can be used to explain the role of the media and media system in Australia. This paper argues that the Australian government manipulates the public sphere of the media for the purpose of managing public opinion
关键词：Jurgen Habermas; liberal media; Australia; media ;management; the public sphere
