Online media needs to lift its game

Some outlets are moving to remedy the problem. Two months ago, The New York Times introduced a pilot program for "trusted commenters". Readers with a history of exemplary comments are offered this status and their submissions are automatically accepted.

And in a highly commendable initiative, Australia's ninemsn, which has the digital rights to Channel Nine assets (including A Current Affair), intends to make it mandatory for those submitting comments to identify themselves - for news programs initially, and then for other sites.

This is a significant step towards discouraging those who take refuge in anonymity and is one which other outlets would do well to emulate. Self-regulation, both by media and internet service providers, is certainly the desirable way forward.

Clearly, there are no mainstream media in this country that are racist or anti-Semitic. Equally clearly, the standard of debate in the blogosphere is disturbingly lower than in the mainstream press, due overwhelmingly to lack of vigilance by media, rather than to any sinister motives.

Those who are inclined to act on racist sentiments are even more impelled to do so when they believe those sentiments are deemed acceptable. While the media landscape continues to expand, therefore, it is imperative for every outlet to apply the same discipline to every sector. Our society is otherwise at risk.