Murdoch massages Abbott message

Reuters news agency covered the WEF with about 30 reporters and editors who filed more than 250 reports and updates. None indicated that Abbott had any impact whatsoever. Just one brief report noting his support for free trade.

Bloomberg business news agency filed more than 400 reports with interviews with all major participants on every possible topic. They not only ignored Abbott’s keynote speech but failed even to note his attendance.

Even Murdoch’s own Wall Street Journal in the US ran 172 Davos reports. Not one mentions Abbott at all.

Most foreign language coverage also ignored Australia’s PM completely.

Shanahan wrote: “Abbott has used his three-day flying visit to Switzerland to full effect on every level and left a positive impression with some of the most senior business people in the world as well as ‘opinion formers’, WEF directors and other world leaders.”

So can he name a business leader, an opinion former, a WEF director or a world leader? Is there a direct quote?

Unfortunately, no, no, no, no and no.

Shanahan continues: “Chief executives of foreign corporations were asking after some of Abbott's presentations if they ‘could have one of him’ in their country because of his clear and positive outlook.”

Which corporations? No appearance, your worship.

Shanahan again: “Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe … has also been impressed with Abbott and is looking forward to a close working relationship in the region and within the G20.”

But what did Abe actually say? Hmmm.

Shanahan concludes: “One senior Australian businessman told Inquirer Abbott had gone over ‘incredibly well’.”