33. How do public media cover elections in 2025?

from Media Uncovered · host Public Media Alliance

In early 2025, two major elections took place which bore a striking resemblance in their outcomes... the Canadian and Australian elections both saw wins for the left-leaning incumbents while both leaders of the opposition lost their seats. But what did these elections have in store for the two national public media organisations, tasked with covering these elections, and a responsibility to foster an informed citizenry when it comes to casting their vote? In this episode, we host a conversation with the two men tasked with leading the newsrooms for both the ABC and CBC. We examine the challenges when it comes to covering an election in 2025: from politicians unwilling to engage with public media to an audience with diverse needs and habits when it comes to getting news. We explore what new formats are being experimented with, such as explainers, watch-along broadcasts, and a nationwide radio marathon broadcast. And we ask: will there always be a future for the election night show? For more on ABC and CBC/Radio-Canada's coverage: https://www.publicmediaalliance.org/public-media-covering-elections/ Guests: Justin Stevens, Director, News, ABC & Brodie Fenlon, General Manager & Editor-in-Chief, CBC News. Presenter: Harry Lock. Music: Tom Brazier.

What this episode covers

In early 2025, two major elections took place which bore a striking resemblance in their outcomes... the Canadian and Australian elections both saw wins for the left-leaning incumbents while both leaders of the opposition lost their seats. But what did these elections have in store for the two national public media organisations, tasked with covering these elections, and a responsibility to foster an informed citizenry when it comes to casting their vote? In this episode, we host a conversation with the two men tasked with leading the newsrooms for both the ABC and CBC News. We examine the challenges when it comes to covering an election in 2025: from politicians unwilling to engage with public media to an audience with diverse needs and habits when it comes to getting news. We explore what new formats are being experimented with, such as explainers, watch-along broadcasts, and a nationwide radio marathon broadcast. And we ask: will there always be a future for the election night show? For more on ABC and CBC/Radio-Canada’s coverage: https://www.publicmediaalliance.org/public-media-covering-elections/ Guests: Justin Stevens, Director, News, ABC & Brodie Fenlon, General Manager & Editor-in-Chief, CBC News. Presenter: Harry Lock. Music: Tom Brazier.