We Used to be Journos

This week one of Australia’s highest paid media personalities parted ways with the Nine Network where he’s worked for the last 21 years.  He is now officially independent… or free as he puts it. But free to do what? In this episode, Jan Fran explores Karl’s transformation into a right wing culture warrior and why she reckons his quest for “free speech” is a load of bollocks.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Jan and Antoinette look at the way both Donald Trump and Pauline Hanson used Keir Starmer’s resignation to further their own anti-immigrant, anti-climate change agenda and how the media helped out. Plus, Gina Rinehart’s ‘Bush Summit’ speech gets the coverage she asked for but not the coverage it deserved. And we unpack the decision by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - APHRA - to adopt the IHRA definition of anti semitism. We look at how this might quash criticism of Israel, why medical practitioners are ropable and why the media has been mute. There’s also a shout out to you - our Etterati - for your feedback after last week’s episode on how we can better contribute to online discourse. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Grab a discounted Tshirt here.Use the code WIN10 for 27% of RRP on ‘Women Who Win’ at Booktopia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Far-right leader Pauline “there are no good Muslims” Hanson walked into the  National Press Club this week with her middle finger firmly up to the journalists in the room. It stayed up for the duration of her 90 minute address. And while some reporters tried to hold her to account, most gave her free reign to espouse a disjointed, frenetic, racist agenda that in Jan Fran’s view will only lead to a darker more insular Australia.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Antoinette fact-checks two feel-good narratives that emerged after the Socceroos’ World Cup win over Türkiye -  including claims about Australia’s youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer. Yes we know she’s a killjoy...but also right.  Plus, Jan brings some inconvenient reminders to help unpack Anthony Albanese’s response to the latest US-Iran ceasefire deal. Also: the push to overhaul the Australian Press Council aka Australia’s media watchdog. Hint: it’s a toothless tiger and may or may not be running cover for the Murdoch press.  And an introspective chat about online hate - are we a help or a hindrance? Feedback wanted.   Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.BONUS episode on Jayson Gillham v MSO here.Lodge a complaint with the Australian Press Council here.Sign a petition to reform the Australian Press Council here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Jan looks at the mammoth trilateral security pact known as AUKUS and asks how much are those submarines costing us again? Be warned, there’s not a clear answer to that question because even those in charge don't really know. Let’s just say hundreds of billions of dollars for deliverables that just keep changing??  That’s a lot of tax payer dollars at stake - not to mention the billions of dollars we’ve already thrown away on quite literally nothing. You’d think that would incense the media as much as other government spending but not so.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his first interview since his trial ended, pianist Jayson Gillham sits down with Antoinette Lattouf to talk through his 15-day Federal Court trial against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.Jayson believes the MSO canceled his performance after he dedicated a piece of music to Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza. He talks about why he fought back so hard, the cost of standing his ground and what this high-stakes battle taught him about the state of our arts and media landscape.Plus, there's a little surprise if you make it to the very end of the episode. GRAB TICKETS to Jayson Gillham's tour with Iyad Sughayer here. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MEDIA and become and Ette Media subscriber here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan and Antoinette react to news that Charlie Pickering's swipe at Grace Tame didn’t breach ABC’s code of conduct, which leaves them very confused about who gets to have opinions at the national broadcaster and who doesn’t. Plus, they take stock of the weekend articles that compared Pauline Hanson to various important historical figures and they dissect an A.I-related quandary involving two academics and the Sydney Morning Herald.  Jan gives a shout out to the former MAGA influencer blowing the whistle on MAGA’s media manipulation, while Antoinette praises fellow indie media outlet’s persistent coverage on Lebanon. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Only Fran Jan chats to author Sarah Wilson about the rising sense of dis-ease she has about the world. With so much upheaval and uncertainty - how is one to navigate a world that feels like it's, well, collapsing? In this conversion they talk about collapse - what it means, how Sarah came to the idea, the difficulty of accepting some hard truths about the world, that things will get worse before they get better, and ultimately what a new world can look like and what is needed to get there. Sarah's new book is I Eat The Stars and you can follow her on Substack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should we be worried about Pauline Hanson’s latest poll surge? The Etterati asked, so we separate genuine trends from poll hysteria.We also unpack the shocking moment a radio boss groped his employee on stage at Australia’s biggest audio awards night - we saw it happen!Plus, a 25-year-old woman moved to Australia, started a new job, and weeks later she was dead. Her family is demanding answers, protests have been held, and questions have been raised in Kenya's parliament — so why has Australian media not covered it?And finally, Jan recommends a powerful essay on how the press helped manufacture consent for Gaza’s genocide, while Antoinette finds an unlikely antidote to Karl Stefanovic's podcast pivot.Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis counselling in Australia: 13 11 14 Meriton Group statement received after podcast record: “Meriton was very saddened by this unfortunate incident. We take such matters seriously and give priority to ensuring that these matters are adequately investigated by NSW Police. We have been informed that NSW Police is treating this incident as a self-harm incident."Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the Teals were chatting about forming a new political party designed - in part - to counter the rise of Pauline Hanson and the far right.This got Jan Fran wondering about the other colour-specific party that’s supposed to be doing that: the Greens. As she watches the rise of the far right with abject terror Jan wonders why the Australian Greens haven't quite made the same inroads as their UK counterparts and what it might take for them to do so. SUPPORT ETTE MEDIA: and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan and Antoinette explore why flotilla activists trying to break Israel’s illegal blockade are finally getting media attention, and look at how one interview took a very bizarre turn. We explain why the largest mining company in the world is suing the small independent outfit Michael West Media and why you’ve probably not seen much about it.Plus we give you an inside look at the Sydney Writers Festival and examine the latest Murdoch media purchase by the apparently “good” Murdoch brother, James. Antoinette gives her yes to a premium niche Aussie newspaper making a return to print, while Jan appreciates writers’ festivals showing more bravery. BUY Women Who Win here.JOIN ONLINE BOOK CLUB event with Australia Institute this Friday.SUPPORT Ette Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week One Nation’s Pauline Hanson released a policy that will see more gas industry’s money flow to the public purse. It sounded… legit. And that’s got Jan Fran worried.SUPPORT ETTE MEDIA by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novara Media's Ash Sarkar knows a thing or two about starting (and growing!) an independent media company.In this special episode, the British journalist and author sits down with Antoinette Lattouf for a conversation about independent media, political journalism and the danger of "audience capture".They unpack the rise of indie media in the UK, failures of the BBC, “objectivity” in journalism, and whether mainstream media can still hold power to account.Plus: Ash’s defamation win and the pressures facing independent outlets in the age of AI.Subscribe to Ette Media to support independent media.Follow Ash Sarkar on Instagram.Buy her book Minority Rule. Shout out to Triple R 102.7FM, Melbourne Independent Radio for hosting us in their studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Jan and Antoinette respond directly to feedback from the Etterati.We answer questions about the language used to describe certain “regimes,” balance in journalism, why we talk about Gaza and whether we laugh too much about dark subject matters. Plus: what happens when journalists we’ve scrutinised reach out directly? As a media platform built on critiquing journalism and power, we ask how should we handle criticism of our own work?This is a candid conversation about accountability, truth and what drives us to do the work we do.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Antoinette’s book Women Who Win is here. If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Jan Fran examines the Albanese government’s attempt to sell its federal budget like a brand campaign — inviting influencers to pitch for access to the budget lock-up alongside journalists. It’s also an exploration of the line between “newsfluencers” and journalists, and what that means for political media in Australia.Become a subscriber of Ette Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of We Used To Be Journos, Antoinette unpacks her new book Women Who Win through the lens of media literacy, power and representation.Yes, they get into Antoinette’s own headline-making battle — but this episode goes far beyond one story. Drawing on interviews with 30 women, alongside the stories of trailblazing Australian women no longer with us, the conversation explores how women in public life are framed by the media during their fights, their failures, and even their victories.From media smears to myth-making, this is a conversation about power, narrative control, and the women who kept going anyway.GRAB A COPY Women Who Win.MEET ANTOINETTE ON HER book tour across Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne Perth, Margaret River and Sydney.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tucker Carlson has apologised for the role he played in helping bring Donald Trump to power. In this episode of Only Fran, Jan explain why she's have always been suss on him and remains so… even after this apology and maybe even more so now because of it. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan and Antoinette discuss the lead up to the White House correspondents’ dinner and the hundreds of US journalists who protested his presence there …albeit in a very polite way. They also note living in Trump’s post-truth world as conspiracies abound about the shooting incident that took place that evening. Plus, we’ve noted four incidents of Aboriginal women and girls dying in prisons or being assaulted by cops in W.A, all in the last five weeks, not that you’d hear about it much in the east coast press. Plus the Tele’s editor doesn't let statistics get in the way of a good story as he rails against Gen Z for being anti-war.BUY Women Who Win book: Link to The PointLink to Ben English video and Courier Mail articleSupport Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan Fran unpacks a Nine newspapers article headlined “Authorities suspect Gaza war drove Bondi shooter to terror,” interrogating the framing, editorial choices and implications of an investigation built largely on insinuation rather than evidence. She examines how the piece invites readers to draw conclusions about those who care about human rights in Gaza with extremism - and what that kind of speculative framing means for public discourse in Australia after the Bondi attack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan Fran and Antoinette unpack claims Iran is winning the propaganda war - thanks to AI Lego and diss tracks going viral.Meanwhile Jan goes to war with the phrase “breaks silence” (Ben Roberts-Smith edition) and the clickbait line that refuses to die.Plus, a takedown of Seven News’ renewable energy “exposé” - and the fossil fuel interests it skips over.Also, a shout out to some pitch-perfect satire of government statements that say everything and nothing, and a former BBC journo spelling out why normal journalism falls apart when covering Trump.Women Who Win: Antoinette’s new book.Women Who Win:  tour in Canberra, Perth, Margaret River, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor unveiled an immigration policy built on “values” and, well… values according to who?Jan Fran sat through the whole speech so you don’t have to, and let’s just say the logic didn’t quite make it through customs. So what’s it actually about?Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, Antoinette shares the findings of an exclusive investigation into the Murdoch media’s sustained smear campaign against Dr Abdel-Fattah.The data, gathered in partnership with analyst and mathematician Dr Richard Bean, points to relentless coverage, loaded language, and front-page attacks targeting the Palestinian-Egyptian academic. We break down the figures, the headlines, and reveal the one newspaper that has published HUNDREDS of articles about Dr Abdel-Fattah in two and a half years, four times the amount of some of its competitors.Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah’s new book Discipline. Write a letter to The Australian newspaper [email protected] Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Jan and Antoinette unpack why the US political and media establishment is losing its mind over left-wing streamer Hasan Piker and what this case tells us about the shifting tides of power in America.Plus, we look at Anthony Albanese’s borderline offensive answer to a journalist's question about Lebanese-Australians; imprisoned whistleblower David McBride’s missing media moment and the headline journey of a story on Israeli settlers that got wilder each time it was republished.   We also shout out the Saturday Paper’s for its coverage of the NT’s climate calamity that’s left hundreds if not thousands of Aboriginal people in brutal evacuation shelters. (Check out A. Parkinson instagram photography)Antoinette’s new book ‘Women Who Win’ can be found here.Her book tour event dates across Perth, Margaret River, Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne can be found here. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Only Fran, Fran takes a look at Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong's response to the Lebanon massacre - or "humanitarian crisis" as she puts it. Jan examines Wongs now familiar rhetoric, the media's apathy towards the slaughtered Lebanese civilians and whether our Australia's leaders will ever be anything other than "deeply concerned".You can read Michael West Media's investigation into government grants to F35 suppliers here.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan Fran and Antoinette expose the false narrative that the multicultural Sydney suburb of Lakemba is a hotbed of systemic NDIS fraud. We trace where this racist narrative kicked off, which media outlets fueled it and how the main figure is off by approximately 8000%. Also, why free-to-air TV networks and certain newspapers are not happy with Albanese's gambling ad reforms.And Jan and Antoinette agree that Donald Trump’s latest social post is extremely unhinged but disagree on how the media should cover it. Plus: Jay Rosen's Trump reporting toolkit that could save journalism, and why Uncommon Ground podcast proves listening to people you trust (and like) matters.LinkedIn article by demographer Brian Cooper de-bunking NDIS fraud is here. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been one month since Queensland passed unprecedented hate speech laws which banned the phrases ‘from the river to the sea’ and ‘globalise the intifada’. Jan Fran takes a look at what these laws are really about, why artists are getting phone calls from cops and what the wider ramifications are. Hint: they’re not good. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan and Antoinette watch Israel’s ambassador address the National Press Club and assess how hard the journalists in the room worked to push back against the blatant hasbara. Plus: What is the Atlas Network and what does it have to do with climate mis and disinformation in Australia? A Senate report helps us answer that question. And applause for the writer's festival that stood its ground under pressure to disinvite a Palestinian author. SUPPORT ETTE MEDIA by becoming a subscriber here.WATCH US ON YOUTUBE in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only Fran (OF) hit a lil logistical speed bump this week.The Ette duo will be in your ears on Wednesday with We Used To Be Journos - then Saturday OF is back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan Fran and Antoinette look at the role the media played in One Nation’s South Australian election surge and ask how should the media report on Hanson moving forward? Plus: the Aussie news site pumping out hundreds of timely and factual news stories with zero journalists - just one software engineer and a whole lot of theft (and A.I). Then, how much sway did Rupert Murdoch have over Donald Trump’s attack on Iran? We unpack how Murdoch’s ideology trickles down to his reporters.Also, ABC staff walk off the job for the first time in 20 years. What’s behind the strike—and what on earth is the “Lattouf clause”?READ Alex Fein's article 'Polarisation is a myth' SUPPORT Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this particularly personal episode of Only Fran, Jan Fran reflects on what it's been like as a Lebanese-Australian watching Israel's invasion of Lebanon this week.She talks about her state of mind, shares some things you probably didn't know about Lebanon and examines the response from Australia’s government, who are not only failing to condemn Israel's invasion, but gaslighting Muslims who booed Anthony Albanese and Tony Burke at a Sydney mosque.Note: Although the poem is often mistakingly attributed to Maya Angelou, it was actually written by Rita Wehbe.Producer: Antoinette LattoufSupport Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Jan Fran and Antoinette examine the devastating attacks on Lebanon and the Lebanese population - and why local media coverage has been strangely quiet.We dive into Louis Theroux’s Netflix exploration of the internet’s most toxic - and successful - “manosphere” influencers: what landed, and what was missing.We also tackle the rumour mill around wanted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu (including the six-finger theory).And a rare moment of praise for the Australian Communications and Media Authority after its long-overdue move against shock jock Kyle Sandilands.Follow Lebanese-British journalist Hala Jaber’s substack.Follow American photojournalist Courtney Bonneau living in south Lebanon on instagram.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this new Saturday break out series, Only Fran, Jan Fran picks an issue of the week that is living rent free in her head. Right now, it's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke's decision to grant asylum to some members of the Iranian women's soccer team, while passing legislation that prevents people from conflict and crisis-affected countries from visiting Australia.So ... while Burke is patting himself on the back for doing a thing, Labor’s moving legislation that prevents the thing he’s patting himself on the back for doing …from happening.Producer: Antoinette LattoufSupport Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan Fran and Antoinette ask whether the TV panel discussion show has run its course. They unpack ABC’s National Forum - a discussion that felt like host David Speers was walking on eggshells - with topics and trauma that may be too complex for the format to handle. Also this week: the escalating standoff between the government and Pornhub over age-verification laws, and why we’re already seeing the slippery slope that comes with the Queensland Government banning the slogans “globalise the intifada” and “from the river to the sea.”Plus what is QuitGPT and what does it have to do with weapons and Jan finds herself befuddled by Tucker Carlson’s podcast ads. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this new Saturday break out series, Only Fran, Jan Fran looks at the who and the why of our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. As the US-Israel war on Iran escalates, Jan takes a look at the man who went from strongly opposing “US militarism” to becoming the first world leader to support it. Producer: Antoinette LattoufSupport Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan Fran and Antoinette look at the Australian media’s coverage of the U.S and Israeli attack on Iran and show how a narrative gets set in the first 24-48 hours. They also unpack Paramount’s $111billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, a deal that may suit Donald Trump but raises serious concerns for CNN, which could face the same kind of corporate and editorial pressure that has unsettled CBS.Plus, Jan Fran reckons a Good Weekend profile of ABC chair Kim Williams subtly reveals why he didn’t settle the Lattouf case before it got to the Federal Court. Also, a recognition for Guardian reporting that centres Australian children stranded in Syria, and a London Substack that took on a billionaire landlord and secured tenants a win.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan Fran and Antoinette examine why the BBC cut out a BAFTA winner’s acceptance speech on human rights but kept in the moment the n-word was yelled across the stage. They also chuckle at the slew of actors squirming when asked about politics at the Berlin Film Festival. Plus, Donald Trump says he’ll release classified documents about aliens and  Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan lowkey bullies a reporter when pressed on the CFMEU scandal.Jan’s It’s A Yes From Me goes to Dropsite News for its detailed reporting on Jeffrey Epstein’s links to powerful people and places.  Antoinette’s pick is Crikey’s Cut Through podcast for its clear-eyed, news-breaking investigation into Palantir, data surveillance, and how Australian government money continues to back the company despite links to unlawful ICE raids and AI-assisted attacks in Gaza. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we lay out the parallels between political attacks on a UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and a former Australian of the Year, and how large chunks of the media swallowed both with minimal scrutiny.We also share insider context and discuss how “harmful” reporting by the Canberra Times forced First Nations commissioner Vanessa Turnbull Roberts to go public about her sexual assault. Plus, why Angus Taylor’s media blitz is a harbinger for what’s to come in the “debate” about immigration.   Responding to Etterati calls for ‘It’s A Yes From Me’, Antoinette singles out The Guardian’s excellent roundup of the sharpest insults politicians have lobbed at each other.Jan pulls double duty, backing AAP Fact Check and celebrating the sweet spot where sharp writing, strong connections, heavy research and hot goss meet, courtesy of former magazine editor Tina Brown’s Substack.Tsuno discount code is 'ETTE' to get 30% off your first order at tsuno.com.auBuy an Etterati shirt here.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dissect the media’s coverage of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia. We look at how two networks asked very different questions, analyse the warm, sympathetic coverage in the lead up and keep an eye on the outlets that dutifully repeated government lines even as footage showed police violence in plain sight.We also look at what was missing from most of the coverage. Hint: it was any mention of the genocide. Also, Australian commercial radio outs itself yet again as tacitly racist after Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance.And Today host Karl Stefanovic launches a podcast that winks hard at a far right audience.Plus a shout out to The Point, an independent think tank’s new publishing arm, stacked with good writers.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the current state of Australian media is examined through Jan Fran and Antoinette’s decades long journeys in the industry.They talk about how they broke into journalism, caught the tail end of television’s heyday, watched social media splinter audiences, and now brace for what AI is about to do to journalism and truth. They also maintain a decades-long grudge against their less-than-encouraging high school careers advisers.In the end they land somewhere cautiously optimistic: independent media is growing and audiences want better.Tickets to our final Canberra live show can be bought here.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look at the many red flags surrounding Labor’s new hate speech laws as well as the mainstream media’s strikingly uniform response to them. Jan provides an update on the sale of TikTok. Americans can stop worrying about China controlling their data and algorithms because a small group of pro-Trump billionaires has that covered now. Antoinette breaks down Australia Day polls and offers a toolkit for spotting agendas in the opaque polling world.There’s also a shout out to the women taking on pornographic deepfakes made by X’s Grok, plus an illuminating piece on the Beckham family feud, which Jan has a strange and (and unverified) theory about  FINAL tickets to our live show can be bought here .Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Jan and Antoinette look at the fight to control the narrative over protests in Iran where the death toll has exceeded 3000. With an internet block out, state media tightly controlled, foreign actors bragging about armed interference, and exiled figures presenting themselves as the solution, protestors and their plight largely disappear from the story - by design. Meanwhile, Trump’s press secretary snaps at another reporter - this time to dodge a basic question about the shooting of an unarmed mother by an ICE agent. There’s also a shout out to some responsible reporting on neo-Nazi material and a peak at the growing influence of InDaily SA, the newspaper muscling in on Murdoch's territory in Adelaide.  TIPS FROM ANTOINETTE ON IRANIAN WOMEN TO FOLLOW:Tara Kangarlou Iranian journalist, author and NGO founder Gissou Nia Iraninan human rights lawyer Samira Mohyeddin Iranian journalist and academic LIVE SHOW TICKETS in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Canberra tickets are here.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan Fran speaks with the woman at the centre of the collapse of the Adelaide Writers Festival, Palestinian author and academic Randa Abdel-Fattah. The conversation is blunt and urgent. They talk about censorship, lobby pressure on cultural institutions, what it means to keep speaking as a Palestinian Australian as media outlets launder bad faith attacks, and the focus drifts anywhere but Gaza. TICKETS TO OUR LIVE SHOW CAN BE BOUGHT HERE. SUPPORT ETTE MEDIA BY BECOMING A SUBSCRIBER HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part two of our summer special brings another round of Etterati questions, and this batch is delightfully varied.Prehistoric animal favourites. Media predictions for 2035. Practical tips for the days when hope feels elusive.Tickets to our live shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane can be bought here.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Follow The Antony Lowenstein Podcast here. If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part one of our summer special is your Q&A therapy session disguised as a podcast. We answer all your burning questions. We talk about twenty years of friendship, juggling being fledgling media moguls with sanity, staying clear-eyed in the chaos and navigating holiday conversations with problematic fam. Tickets to our live shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane can be bought here.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Follow The Antony Lowenstein Podcast here. If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent journalist Antony Loewenstein joins Jan Fran to discuss how he's processing the Bondi terror attacks both as a Jewish man and long-time advocate for Palestine. Antony and Jan move through the tension between allowing victims time to grieve and needing to challenge political agendas that seek to curb our civil liberties. Antony talks through what he believes is driving the rise in antisemitism, and why parts of the Jewish diaspora feel increasingly alienated from Israel. He also lays out why the crowd must keep speaking and moving, even when the powerful wish the masses would go silent.Need a last minute gift? Tickets to our live shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane can be bought here.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Follow The Antony Lowenstein Podcast here. If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan and Antoinette focus on the first 24-hours of media coverage of the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi that left 15 people dead.  They examine how the story unfolded, which voices were given prominence, the role of social media in circulating original and often horrifying footage, and how easily misinformation spreads and how certain narratives take hold. It is a careful, unsparing look at how news is constructed and politicised under pressure, and what is lost when speed overtakes care.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Buy tickets to our live show It’s A No From Me. If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the social media ban kicks off, Jan and Antoinette find themselves disagreeing on its merits. Plus, we take a look at the rage-bait tabloid media machine currently targeting influencer Abbie Chatfield and the hypocrisy powering it all. And as boycott calls grow over Israel’s participation in Eurovision, SBS doubles down on a dud decision. We salute journalists who stay cool while being smacked by studio gear and airborne wildlife, and a poem in an unexpected place leaves us feeling unexpectedly seen.Brisbane live show guest announcements: TV presenter Myf Warhurst and comedian Anisa Nanduala will be joining us! Get tickets to our stage tour.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Jan and Antoinette delve into accusations of racism at the TikTok awards and speak to some big content creators who say this isn’t the first time they’ve felt shunned by the industry. Also, Trump adds media outlets who dare critically report on potentially unlawful strikes in Venezuela to an official White House naughty list. Plus we mark the two year anniversary of an open letter, signed by 300+ Australian journalists, that called for fairer Gaza–Israel coverage. Has anything changed since then? (spoiler: bring a pillow to scream into).A nod goes to Zee Feed, the small newsletter doing some heavy lifting and a confused raised eyebrow goes to The Monthly for comparing outlaws.  Catch us, Claudia Karvan and L-Fresh The Lion at our Sydney live show! Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra can be purchased here.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Jan and Antoinette dig into a family violence story that manages to break (almost) every reporting guideline.Antoinette explains the latest escalation in the Daily Telegraph’s ‘undercover Jew’ mess at Cairo Takeaway restaurant, while Jan canvasses the good, the bad and the weird views of the Sydney Morning Herald.    Plus, the journalist sex-scandal featuring Robert F Kennedy that Jan (shamefully) can’t get enough of and Mariah Carey caught up in X’s MAGA location reveal. Grab your tickets to our live shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to the police.Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 6361800 RESPECT: 1800 737 73213YARN: 13 92 76 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jan and Antoinette unpack how parts of the media managed to spin a fake letter into a real panic about a new mosque in Western Sydney. No less than three separate media outlets whipped up outrage over a story with some shaky foundations. We also name and shame the daily newspaper that accidentally printed a ChatGPT prompt in its own business story, and what that slip says about how deep AI already runs in newsrooms… including ours.  Plus, Jan got shadowbanned on Instagram and had to get her norks out. Is this really what it takes to break free of a shadowban?Antoinette watches a cluster of News Corp journalists get probed for alleged racism, in a case that could end up before the Federal Court while Jan salutes our Etterati for their sharp eyes and ears (and dobbing skills). Grab your tickets to our live shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra.Almost sold out:  ‘Etterati: Members Only’ or ‘It’s A No From Me’ tee grab here.Watch the episode in full here if you want to see our mugs as we yap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.