I think this is an important conversation.

It’s not a classic interview - Hedley and I were chatting about his column on Ms Gillard's efforts to control  the media.  I asked Hedley if I could record what turned into an alarming discourse on the state of Australia’s media – and Hedley has given us very rare permission to publish the conversation.

Hedley Thomas is one of our greatest journalists.   His stock in trade is the truth regardless of fashion and herd opinion.   Hedley knows that what he says matters because of the strength of his track record and reputation.  He’s considered, measured and careful in what he says – and that makes these 35 minutes alarming.

I won’t try to characterise Hedley’s views by paraphrasing them.   I haven’t edited this conversation either, I started recording when we agreed to – and the conversation finishes when Hedley looked a the time and had to go.

You can use this as you will freely – repost it, download and broadcast the audio, replay on radio, it’s yours to use with just one condition, please acknowledge where it came from and make it clear if you edit it or take grabs from it.

I reckon important and useful are the most important and useful words in the English language.

This conversation is important.   You can make it useful by listening and passing it on.

Download Me and hedley 17 nov - audio file