there was a time span, about 15 years, when the age was good and it was all due to one man, Ranald McDonald, who aspired to have a great newspaper with good journalism. The age was crap before him and after.

he was eventually shuffled out then went to work for 3LO for a few years.

his 3LO show was interesting, he was so trusted whistle blowers used to call him up on air!!

There are two I still remember. The whistle blower who said that there were gangs of shop thieves to order. One of the shop owners happened to be listening and a big investigation ensued. That was Fabian Dattner shops, she went on to be an activist/do gooder.

Another whistle blower was a buyer from coles/myer who said they had instructions to always buy from china and ignore australia manufacturers. Even when the prices from Australia were cheaper. The purpose was to drive small manufacturers out and reduce competition. Nothing came of that call.

I should add that at the time the age had a good board but then there was a boardroom coup