Australia: New censorship codes imposed Editorial on how the Federal Government has over-reacted to a tiny protest group's complaints about song lyrics. In February 2004 the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) announced on its website the first two artists to be classified Level 3 under the new code. The sticker on the CDs reads "Restricted: High Impact Themes".
A concert in Broome in North West Australia featuring didgeridoo player William Barton was cancelled after local Aboriginal leaders said the instrument was "taboo"
The Australian rock band Powderfinger has changed the lyrics to one of its songs on its forthcoming album over fears it could prejudice an upcoming court case
Robyn Riley, Far North Queensland's answer to Tipper Gore, is a shining example of how one person can make a difference. A Christian activist and fanatical letter writer, Riley believes song lyrics cause suicide, murder and teen behavioural problems
'I Kissed a Girl' provokes controversy and has been banned from radio stations in Dubai for containing lyrics that 'depict sexuality, lesbianism and promiscuity', reported Gulf News
World-renowned Swedish glass designer Göran Wärff has created the Freemuse Award which is presented for the first time ever in Dublin on 23 August 2008
While the radio keeps rotating songs that praise the current regime, opposition and dissenting voices are silenced, and things fall apart, writes Maxwell Sibanda from Harare
New study for UNESCO underlines the importance of freedom of musical expression while listing examples of suppression and censorship of music in numerous countries around the world
