Lamestream
An independent podcast guiding you through the crisis in media. Hosted by award-winning journalists Osman Faruqi and Scott Mitchell, new episodes out every Monday and Thursday.
Episodes
A Nepo Baby Tantrum, Census Culture Wars, and a Melon-Gate Investigation
Os and Scott begin by discussing the drama around Crikey's article on media nepo babies and the intense debate it sparked on Instagram, involving multiple celebrities.Next, they unpack the international incident involving Anthony Albanese, Japan's PM, two melons and a raunchy podcast, and look at the media outlets whipping up the frenzy. Then they review Kyle Sandiland's first episode of his new s
How Two Scandals Could Change the ABC Forever
Os and Scott dive into the two scandals, which have let ABC boss Hugh Marks make radical changes to the ABC.First, they discuss the apology he issued to Gina Rinehart over a joke on Race Around the World. Now, he says he is going to change the rules for what jokes can be broadcast on the ABC.Then, they talk about the departure of the boss of investigative journalism at ABC News, Jo Puccini, and ho
Drama at the Royal Commission, Media vs Big Tech, and One Nation Blacklists Journos
Os and Scott break down the extraordinary accusations levelled against the Royal Commission by News Corp and and explain why the inquiry has become the centre of growing political and media controversy.They then turn to One Nation's increasingly aggressive crack down on press freedom and discuss what journalists can, and should, do to fight back.Later, they look at the political battle pitting big
The Real Story Behind Morocco's Migrant 'Invasion'. Plus, the ABC vs. Gina Rinehart and News Corp
Os and Scott go beyond the headlines to break down exactly why 50,000 Moroccans crossed into a Spanish territory, sparking a huge new debate about immigration.They discuss the diplomatic and political power plays driving the situation, the role played by misinformation online, how the situation was amplified by the US and Israel, and the attempts by the far-right around the world, and in Australia
The PM's Secret Dinner, Kyle Sandilands Returns, and Vic Labor's Implosion
Os kicks off the episode with a recent review of his experience attempting to watch free-to-air TV, before he and Scott talk about the news that FIFA is trying to privatise the World Cup and sell it to Donald Trump's in-laws.Then they talk about the Victorian Labor party's leadership change and whether it will help the party stave off One Nation at the November election.Later in the show, Scott re
The ABC's Red Wedding. Plus, Hannah Ferguson vs. Anthony Albanese
Os and Scott discuss the news that Cheek Media's Hannah Ferguson looks set to challenge Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his inner-west Sydney seat of Grayndler at the next election, including how the story broke, what Ferguson's chances are, and what the news could mean for Cheek Media's independence.Then they discuss the outcomes of the Labor party national conference, including on Gaza, and E
Israel's New Foreign Interference, The Odyssey Culture War, and the Media's One Nation Addiction
Os and Scott kick off the show by talking through Dave Hughes' latest meltdown and the bizarre and disturbing allegations raised by comedian Melanie Bracewell.They step through a number of news items, including Barnaby Joyce's failed attempts to defend Pauline Hanson, the latest round of job cut at The Sydney Morning Herald and the Age, and revelations that Israel is trying to influence Labor's na
Hanson and Gina's Eurotrip is a New Media Low. Plus, Iran War Spirals Into Chaos
Os and Scott breakdown Pauline Hanson and Gina Rinehart's getaway in Sicily and why it shows that Hanson is really bad at politics. They review the Australian media's coverage of Hanson's speeches in London, her interview with far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and discuss how most of the coverage just amplified her attacks on various minority groups and failed to offer any actual journalism.Then,
The Scandals Pushing Trump to a New War on Iran. Plus, How a Hit New Song Could Ruin Music Forever
Os and Scott open the episode by paying tribute to Sam Neill. After that, they break down the restart of the war on Iran and the biggest revelations about the intelligence operations fuelling the conflict.Then they discuss the how Royal Commission spent the week platforming attacks against the student protest movement and how the media's coverage of the hearing reveals their bias.Later in the epis
The Israel Lobby’s ABC Takeover Plan. Plus, Hanson Embraces Tommy Robinson and the FBI vs. the NYT
Os and Scott break down Anti-Semitism Envoy Jillian Segal's incendiary and often incoherent attacks on the ABC and SBS at the Royal Commission and how it was part of a bigger plan being pushed by the pro-Israel lobby to influence the media's coverage of Israel.They step through Segal's plan for a new board staffed with pro-Israel figures to monitor the ABC's coverage, what the consequences of that
How the AI Boom is Dividing Australia. Plus, the PM's Podcast Fumble and UK's Far-Right Implodes
Os and Scott unpack Anthony Albanese's awkward podcast interview that sparked days of controversy and led to an unreserved apology. They examine why he went on the "Bush Deep" podcast and what it reveals about his popularity and political standing.Then they go deep on the AI boom and how it's transforming, and dividing Australia. They discuss how AI is at the centre of one of the biggest political
The Push to Silence Doctors and Nurses. Plus, Why Labor's Gambling Ad Reforms Are In Trouble
Os and Scott kick off by talking through some of the big news from the past few days, including Donald Trump's 250th Independence Day event, the celebrity wedding of the century and the Socceroos exit from the World Cup.Then they discuss the renewed media focus on Labor's proposed gambling advertising reforms and why they have started to draw a bigger backlash from the media.Later, they explain wh
Social Media Giants Get a Surprise Endorsement. Plus, Who's Really Funding Karl and the SBS Debate
Os and Scott start the episode by discussing SBS' coverage of the World Cup and whether it lives up to previous broadcasts. They debate its merits, what it's lacking, the involvement of sports getting companies and whether more government funding would fix the problem. Then, they discuss the Royal Commission's latest hearings examining the media and in particular social media. They talk about what
Why Karl Stefanovic Embraced The Far-Right. Plus, Israel Pushes Lebanon Towards Civil War
Os and Scott break down exactly why and how Karl Stefanovic and Nine parted ways, what it reveals about the state of the Australian media landscape and the dominance of far-right figures on social media.Later in the episode, they discuss the new agreement between Israel and Lebanon, how it cedes control over land to Israel and why it could even push Lebanon into civil war.Tickets to our third and
How Karl Got Fired. Plus, Ways To Fight One Nation, the UK's New PM, and the State of TV
Os and Scott are in the same room! They sat down during the Sydney leg of the national Lamestream live tour to talk about what this year's Logie nominations reveal about the state of Australian TV and the feature film about AI that no Hollywood studio wants to distribute.Then they discuss how the media covered the the resignation of UK PM Keir Starmer and talk about his likely replacement Andy Bur
How Journalism’s Race Problem Helps One Nation. Plus, Craig Foster on Politics and the World Cup
Os and Scott discuss how Pauline Hanson’s address to the National Press Club has divided journalists, and highlighted the big race problem in Australia's newsrooms. They also talk about how the last week reveals the media's limitations in combating the far-right.Then they unpack the latest on the political crisis in the UK and why it looks like Prime Minister Keir Starmer's days are numbered.Later
Pauline Hanson Humiliates the Media. Plus, Donald Trump Slams Israel
Os and Scott break down Pauline Hanson's extreme address to the National Press Club where she attacked migrants, Muslims, multiculturalism and the trans community. They discuss how Australia's political journalists responded and why the format, questions and entire event demonstrated why the media doesn't understand how to cover One Nation.Then they discuss the US-Iran deal, Israel's continued occ
How One Nation Hijacked the Media. Plus, Australia’s Influence on UK Race Riots
Os and Scott discuss the recent race riots in the UK and Northern Ireland, breaking down what's driving them, how they are influenced by an increasingly far-right social media landscape, and how they were covered in Australia.Then they unpack how One Nation went from being ridiculed by political journalists to becoming the biggest, and in some cases only, story in federal politics.Tickets to our T
The World Cup's Intrigue, Joy and Drama. Plus, the AUKUS Debate and the End of ABC News 24?
Os and Scott open the show by talking about how sport has taken over the culture thanks to the New York Knicks, State of Origin and the soccer World Cup. They discuss the most interesting political narratives emerging out of the World Cup and share their takes on Australia's chances.Then they look how the media is covering the debate around AUKUS, why any serious converastion about our alliance wi
Israel Tries to Restart the War on Iran. Plus, How to Fix the Local News Crisis
Os and Scott open the episode by discussing Charlie Pickering's response to the backlash he faced for criticising Grace Tame.Then they break down how the war between Israel and Iran could resume and why sections of the Australian media seem to be more pro-Israel than even Donald TrumpLater in the show, they look at the slow death of local and regional news in Australia, unpack why it matters and d
The Grace Tame Culture War, Lebanon's 'Ceasefire', and We Answer Your One Nation Questions
Os and Scott start by discussing Donald Trump's heated phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu, what it actually means and whether the US and Israel actually want a ceasefire in Lebanon and Iran. Then they turn to Charlie Pickering's extraordinary attack on Grace Tame where he described the ABC working with the activist as "problematic". They step through the consequences of Pickering's public statemen
Why the ABC's Future is at Stake. Plus, Bhaskar Sunkara on How to Fight the Far-Right and Win
Os and Scott talk about the turmoil at the ABC, the exit of the broadcaster's head of news and what the change means for the future of journalism in Australia. They break down why the ABC matters, the details of recent tumultuous events and share there thoughts on where the ABC is heading.Plus, Os interviews the founding editor of Jacobin and president of The Nation Bhaskar Sunkara about the globa
How the Royal Commission Sabotaged Itself. Plus, Does Australia Need a New Party?
Our live national tour is nearly sold out! Make sure to get your tickets while you can.Os and Scott dive into the Royal Commission and discuss whether it's actually likely to give us answers to the Bondi terror attack, or if will end up predominantly being an exercise in further criminalising anti-Israel activism. They look how the Commission is structured, the kind of evidence it's hearing and wh
Why Israel Abusing Flotilla Detainees Provoked So Much Outrage. Plus, One Nation's War on the Media
Os and Scott discuss the treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees by Israeli, and why the media has reported it so extensively despite no longer paying as much attention to Israel's war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon.Later, they turn to Pauline Hanson and One Nation's recent attacks on journalists, and discuss how the far-right across the world are seeking capitalise in rising distrust in media. They also
Are Tech Bros Right About the Budget? Plus, the Huge Story Australian Media Won't Touch
Tickets to national Lamestream Live tour are on sale now!Os and Scott unpack the political debate over the budget and discuss why the government has taken such a hit over measures designed to make the tax system fairer. They look at the special interest campaigns mobilising against the tax reforms, whether younger Australians should feel rewarded or frustrated and step through what the government
Anatomy of a News Corp Hate Campaign. Plus, Property Developers vs. The Budget
Tickets to national Lamestream Live tour are on sale now.Os and Scott do a brief update on the increasingly chaotic state of UK politics before unpacking how property developers and lobby groups are using the media to manipulate the public into opposing the federal government's housing tax changes. Later in the show, they dive into News Corp's latest hate campaign and discuss why Australia's bigge
The Budget Shows the Media Got Played. Plus, the UK's Political Turmoil and Israel Hijacks Eurovision
Tickets to our first national tour are on sale now!Os and Scott open by discussing how a budget that promised to fix generational wealth inequality contained little that will actually do that, and how the media got played into repeating Labor's line to young voters.Then, they look at the crisis in UK Labour and what it can tell us about the future of the Labor government here in Australia.Finally,
Can this Budget Really Fix Housing? Plus, Shameless Sparks a Big Political Debate
Tickets to our first national tour are on sale now!Os and Scott open by discussing One Nation's history-making result at the Farrer by-election and what it means for the future of Australian politics. Then, they talk about Tuesday night's federal budget, including the government's attempt to pitch it as generational economic reform, whether their housing tax policies will have a significant impact
Gina Rinehart, Pauline Hanson and One Nation's Big Test. Plus, Australia's Secret Involvement in the Iran War
Tickets to Lamestream Live: The First Birthday Tour are on sale from 8am, Thursday!Join us in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra for a Mid Year check-in on the state of media, politics and current affairs, featuring special guests, brand new segments of the show and an opportunity to meet the team behind Lamestream! Grab your tickets now to make sure you don't miss out.On to
How Alice Springs Brought the Worst Out of Our Media. Plus, Why the Bondi Commission Has No Real Answers
Os and Scott discuss the Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism's interim report and attempts from Australia's intelligence agencies to shift the blame away from them, and to the Gaza protests, for the Bondi terror attack.Then they look at how the media has covered the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby, the arrest of Jefferson Lewis and the protests that broke out in Alice Springs. They dig into why cer
The ABC's Pro-Oil Propaganda, a Lebanon Deep Dive, and Kyle and Jackie O Head to Court
We're going on tour! Os and Scott kick off today's episode by announcing Lamestream's first national tour to celebrate the show turning one. Tickets go on sale on May 7, but pre-sale for subscribers goes live on May 5. Subscribe here to make sure you don't miss out. More information on the tour can be found here.On today's show, Os and Scott look at how the energy crisis is influencing Australian
The Trump Shooting, the Far-Right Seize Anzac Day, and the PM Tries to 'Kill' a Gas Tax. Plus, a New Arts Scandal
There are just three days left in our subscriber drive! Help us reach our target of 500 new subscribers by heading to our website and subscribing to support the show.New subscribers have the chance to win one of 12 Lamestream merch prize packs. Lamestream subscriptions cost $9.90 a monthIn today's episode, Os and Scott discuss the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D
Australia's War on Protest, the Dark Side of Nostalgia-maxxing, and a Fun ABC News Game!
There's one week to go in our subscriber drive! Help us reach our target of 500 new subscribers by heading to our website and subscribing to support the show..New subscribers have the chance to win one of 12 Lamestream merch prize packs.Lamestream subscriptions cost $9.90 a month and give you access to our weekly newsletter with exclusive analysis and recommendations, all our articles, access to o
Australia Doubles Down on Trump. Plus, Why Israel’s War on Lebanon is Far From Over
It's the last week of Lamestream's subscriber drive! Help us reach our target of 500 new subscribers by heading to our website and subscribing to support the show..New subscribers have the chance to win one of 12 Lamestream merch prize packs.Lamestream subscriptions cost $9.90 a month and give you access to our weekly newsletter with exclusive analysis and recommendations, all our articles, access
The Libs Revive White Australia, Triple J/Usher Drama Explained, and Al Jazeera's Heidi Pett Joins Us to Talk Lebanon
Lamestream's first subscriber drive is on now! Help us reach our target of 500 new subscribers by heading to our website and subscribing to support the show..New subscribers have the chance to win one of 12 Lamestream merch prize packs.Lamestream subscriptions cost $9.90 a month and give you access to our weekly newsletter with exclusive analysis and recommendations, all our articles, access to ou
How Melania's Wild Speech Revived the Epstein Story. Plus, What Happens Now the US-Iran Talks Failed?
Lamestream's first subscriber drive is on now! Help us reach our target of 500 new subscribers by heading to our website and subscribing to support the show..New subscribers have the chance to win one of 12 Lamestream merch prize packs. Lamestream subscriptions cost $9.90 a month and give you access to our weekly newsletter with exclusive analysis and recommendations, all our articles, access to o
The Ben Roberts-Smith Culture War, the ABC Ditches Woke, and Will The US-Iran Ceasefire Last?
We're launching Lamestream's first subscriber drive to celebrate our birthday! Help us reach our target of 500 new subscribers by heading to our website and subscribing now.New subscribers have the chance to win one of 12 Lamestream merch prize packs and one lucky subscriber will have the chance to join us on a video call to talk about the show, our work and anything else!Lamestream subscriptions
The New Propaganda Wave Coming Our Way. Plus, Why Labor's 'Fix' Could Make Australia's Gambling Problem Worse
Os and Scott discuss the revelations that the US government has ordered its embassies all over the world, including in Australia, to influence news outlets and social media and oppose "anti-American propaganda". They talk about why Australia's journalists remain almost exclusively pro-US, despite Donald Trump's erratic, violent and corrupt presidency, and how that homogeneity is stifling our natio
The PM's Bizarre Address to Australia, the Killing of Dezi Freeman, and Political Journalists Platform Israeli Ambassador's Lies
Os and Scott react to the Prime Minister's address to the nation and look at what Anthony Albanese actually said that warranted the most dramatic intervention into TV networks since the Covid pandemic in 2020.Also in today's episode, they unpack the overwhelmingly negative responses to the government's fuel excise tax cut and discuss why the PM seems so reluctant to take more serious action, even
Is the US About to Invade Iran? Plus, Albanese Fumbles the Political Crisis
Os and Scott look at whether the war on Iran is getting closer to an endgame, or if Donald Trump is actually going to launch an invasion. They discuss the different forces shaping Trump's approach, what Israel is doing to prevent an end to the war, and break down why the continual targeting of journalists by Israel is indicative of a new world order where international law has no meaning.Later, th
Why is Australia doing Israel's PR? Plus, the Greens Enter Their Flop Era and the ABC Strikes!
Os and Scott examine why the Australian government is responding so slowly to the energy crisis, compared to other countries, even though they have acknowledge how dire things are going to get. They discuss the role political journalists play in holding the government to account, and how this particular government attempts to influence coverage.Next, they look at Israel's announcement it is formal
Is Australia Ready For the Coming Economic Crisis? Plus, the One Nation Earthquake Hits
Os and Scott break down the significance of One Nation's record-high result at the South Australian election over the weekend and what it means for Australian politics and how it's covered. They step through what results reveal about the fracturing of the political system, how they show that One Nation is now the second most popular party in the country, and review the media's coverage of the elec
Trump's War Unleashes a New Catastrophe, Confecting an AFL Drama, and the Media Unlearns its Lessons
Os and Scott look at how Trump and Israel's war on Iran is spiralling out of control and threatening to derail what's left of the global order on trade and diplomacy. Then they dig into Israel's invasion and occupation of Lebanon and look at why the Australian media is so reluctant to call it an invasion.Later in the show, they look at the confected media controversies around the Sydney Biennale a
What's Missing from the Media's War Reporting. Plus, the Bondi Royal Commission Implodes
Os and Scott look at some of the key narratives that are missing or being downplayed in the media's coverage of the war on Iran, including Israel's invasion of Lebanon and the US' targeting of a school in Iran, which led to one of the worst atrocities in a modern war Australia is involved in.Then they look at the surprise resignation of former ASIO boss Dennis Richardson from the Bondi Royal Commi
Albanese Sends Australia to War. Plus, Reviewing the ABC's 'Q+A' Successor and... Karl and Jackie O?
As the war on Iran spirals into a global catastrophe, Os and Scott look at Anthony Albanese's decision to commit Australia's military to the conflict. They discuss how Albanese has become Trump and Israel's most reliable ally, what our military commitment really means and why Australia's political journalists still seem so uninterested in asking serious questions.They also examine the coverage of
How Australia is Aiding Trump’s Illegal War. Plus, 'Red Alert': The War That Never Happened.
Os and Scott begin the show with a very special 'clarification' and discuss how the Sydney Morning Herald hit the jackpot with a group of private school students stuck in Dubai.Then, they talk about the latest shocking news from the Iran war, before a deep dive into the story of three Australians who were aboard a submarine that sunk and Iranian warship.After that, they look back on one of the wil
Why is Australia's Media More Pro-Iran War than the US'? Plus, Kyle vs. Jackie O and the End of HBO
Os and Scott open with a discussion about the break-up of the biggest and most expensive media partnership in Australia: Kyle and Jackie O. They look what the end of the $200 million deal could mean, and why staff at the radio network that paid them are celebrating.Next, they break down the latest in the war on Iran and how it has become apparent that Trump was manipulated into bombing Iran by Isr
Trump's War on Iran: Assassinations, Retaliation, and How Australia's Support Could Backfire
In this special episode, Os and Scott discuss the hugely significant and likely catastrophic consequences of Trump and Israel's war on Iran.They discuss the background to this weekend's bombing campaign, why Trump has decided to pursue regime change, the consequences of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination, and how Iran has retaliated. They also explore the global reaction, including Australia's
Can Australia Admit to Our Trump Moment? Plus, the Wild Epstein Conspiracies and the ABC's Missing Show
Os and Scott watched Karl Stefanovic's hour-long interview with Anthony Albanese so you didn't have to. They break down why the interview was embarrassing for everyone involved, how Stefanovic has cultivated a hard-right audience, and why that's now blowing up in his face.Next, they look at the disruptive impact Pauline Hanson and One Nation are already having on our political system, including in
How Andrew's Arrest Turbocharged the Epstein Story. Plus, Trump's Dangerous New Global Order
Scott and Os start the show by talking about why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest is so significant and what it tells us about the Epstein story. They break down exactly what he is being investigated for, how the story has been covered, and how the Epstein files continue to reveal more and more about corrupt, shadowy networks that influence global politics and finance.Later in the show, they st
What's Behind the Media's Pauline Hanson Obsession? Plus, the Pod Save America Frenzy
Os and Scott unpack how Pauline Hanson has been able to dominate the news and political conversation for the past week, all by going on Sky News and denigrating Muslims.They discuss why the media gives Hanson more oxygen and attention than any other political figure and why they refuse to interrogate her views when given the chance, and Scott looks at how reporting on Hanson during the 1990s and 2
Is Australian Politics Idiot-Maxxing? Plus, How Herzog's Visit Divided the Country
Os and Scott begin by looking at the impact of reporting on the Epstein files, including the fact that criminal charges have been brought against multiple figures Lamestream exclusively revealed were tied to Epstein in November last year.Then they look at the Liberal party's leadership spill and how it was covered, including the build-up to the party room vote, what prompted Sussan Ley's political
How the Media Fuelled Police Brutality. Plus, an Epstein Files Cheat-Sheet
Os and Scott unpack the violent police crackdown on protesters opposing the Israeli President's visit to Sydney on Monday. They discuss the confronting footage of police tackling Muslim men as they prayed and evidence police punched a number of protestors as they were restrained, before zooming out to look at how the political and media atmosphere over the past two years led the country to this ho
How the Media Whitewashed Israel's President. Plus, the ABC Email that Panicked Staff and the Coalition is Back!
Os and Scott start by discussing the reunification of the Coalition and how seriously we should take it. Then they discuss their latest exclusive reporting on Jeffrey Epstein and his interest in international affairs and diplomacy.Next, they discuss how Australia's media has given Israel's President Isaac Herzog the red carpet treatment and accused those protesting his Australia trip of supporting
Our Rudd-Epstein Exclusive, the Israel Protest Ban, and the ABC Investigates Tyra Banks
Os and Scott open the show by discussing their exclusive story on Kevin Rudd and Jeffrey Epstein published this week.Then, they turn to the decision by NSW Police to ban protests during the visit of Israel's President, and how predictions that new laws rushed through parliament would be used to protect Israel have been proven right.Next, they discuss The Daily Aus' curious strategy on social media
How Albanese's Invitation to Israel's President Sparked a Political Storm
Os and Scott dive into the growing political and community backlash to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's decision to invite Israel's President Isaac Herzog to Australia. They discuss the background to the trip, how Herzog being cited in the genocide case at the International Court of Justice, how it makes Australia's commitment to human rights look pretty weak, and how momentum against the visit i
When Is A Bomb Attack Not Terrorism? Plus, the Blake Lively Texts, Hanson's Easy Media Run, and Q&A Returns?!
Os and Scott talk about the muted media and political response to open displays of white nationalism and anti-Semitism at this week's March for Australia rallies, held in opposition to Invasion Day protests. They also look at why an attempted bombing of the Perth Invasion Day protest hasn't been declared a terrorist incident, even though officials have described it as a potential mass casualty eve
How Australia’s Right-Wing Imploded Over Israel. Plus, Could More Countries Call-Out Trump’s ‘Lie’?
Os and Scott kick off the episode with a brief chat about Triple J's Hottest 100 and what role the poll plays in Australian culture in 2026.Then, they break down the Coalition split and look at why most media outlets are painting the Nationals as villains for refusing to back the government's extremely controversial hate speech laws. They also discuss how the media is covering One Nation's surge i
Australia Outlaws Protest Instead of Guns. Plus, Trump's Greenland Fixation, Beckham vs. Beckham, and the Lachie Neale Saga
Os and Scott break down Parliament's rushed, late-night session this week that saw the passage of new laws cracking down on free speech and the potential criminalisation of anyone who critiques Israel. They discuss what is actually in the new laws and how the media encouraged the Liberals to back the legislation while giving them a free pass on abandoning their commitment to gun control.Later in t
We're Back! Australia's Political Meltdown, the Fight Over Free Speech and What’s Really Happening in Iran?
Os and Scott are back with the first episode of 2026. They begin by sharing what they got up too over summer and the plans to make Lamestream bigger and better this year.In this episode, they discuss the political and media response following the Bondi terror attack and the battle over a Royal Commission, and how the the partisan campaigning for an inquiry into anti-Semitism exposed the hypocrisy
Our First Listener Mailbag! We Answer Your Questions
In this summer episode, Os and Scott answer questions from listeners.They discuss what it's like reporting on an industry where they know a lot of the key players, the future of the media landscape and debate some big topics, like which is the best NRL team, who Rory Gilmore should have ended up with and much more.Regular episodes of Lamestream will return Monday, January 19.Follow us on social me
How We Became Journalists: Sneaking Around Borders, an Early Political Career and Plenty of ABC Goss
In this special summer episode of the podcast, Os and Scott interview each other about their careers in journalism.They talk about their relationship to the industry, what drew them to it and and their time working together at the ABC.Scott breaks down his adventures in the Middle East while Os talks about his foray in politics, and they both discuss their time working as reporters during the boom
The Best Journalism Movies of All-Time, with Alexei Toliopoulos
Os and Scott are joined by their friend, movie critic and comedian Alexei Toliopoulos from The Last Video Store podcast, to discuss the best journalism movies of all-time.First, they discuss the state of cinema in 2025 and the best films of the year. Then, they dive into what it is about journalism that makes it such a good setting for so many great films.After that, Alexei, Scott and Os take turn
How the Media Turned Bondi into a Blame Game Over Guns, Protest and Migration
In their final regular episode for the year, Os and Scott discuss the aftermath of the Bondi shooting and how the media has united in an attempt to blame Anthony Albanese and push forward controversial plans that would restrict criticism of the Israeli government.They discuss the latest in the investigation into the shooting, and how revelations the gunmen, who were allegedly radicalised by Islami
The Bondi Attack: How Misinformation and Politics Engulfed a Tragedy
In this special episode, Os and Scott discuss the Bondi terror attack and the media and political reaction.They start by stepping through the details of the shooting on Sunday before discussing how it was covered by the media, on live TV, online and in print. Then they discuss the role played by social media and how this was one of the examples of misinformation and engagement farming by high-prof
What the ABC's New Line-Up Says About Its Future. Plus, the Dark Arts Behind a Political Scandal
Os and Scott kick off by stepping through the recent media coverage of the growing political entitlements scandal and look at who could behind the stories targeting Annika Wells and other senior politicians. They also discuss the revelation News Corp spiked a story about Wells because of their campaign supporting the teen social media ban.Next, they discuss Barnaby Joyce's defection to One Nation
The Two Huge Stories the Media Missed, the Scandal Engulfing Parliament and a Hollywood Update
Os and Scott kick off by analysing the latest incendiary statements by Israeli politicians and their threat to execute Palestinian political prisoners if the world moves ahead with Palestinian statehood. They also discuss why the Australian media is so uninterested in covering the story, even as Israel continues to breach its ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, and look at the decision by Ireland, Spa
The Social Media Ban Is Here. Will It Work? Plus, Why Netflix's New Takeover Is A Disaster For TV and Film
Subscribe to Lamestream during our summer sale and save 15% on an annual subscription! Buy a subscription for yourself or as a gift by clicking here.Ahead of the teen social media ban taking effect from this week, Os and Scott look at how the political debate over the ban has shifted, how the media has finally started reported on serious flaws in the legislation, and some of the issues that are al
How Australia is Ignoring the Housing Crisis. Plus, the TikTok Furore Explained and the Climate Protests the Papers Ignored
Os and Scott discuss the growing housing and economic crises in Australia and why they seem to have dropped off the political agenda, and why the political media seem less interested in covering growing wealth inequality.Later in the show they look at the controversy around the TikTok awards held last week, including allegations of racism. They discuss what the platform looks like in 2025 and how
Our Epstein Scoop! Plus, Trump's New War and the Censored Gaza Speech
Os and Scott share their thoughts on Australia's first ever Prime Ministerial wedding, before talking through their exclusive Jeffrey Epstein scoop, which involved a collaboration with a leading European news outlet.Then, Scott breaks down Donald Trump's looming war with Venezuela, including Australia's potential involvement.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. Support Lamestr
Parliament Becomes a Joke, the SMH's War Crimes Hypocrisy and the Problem With Sports Media. Plus, Trump Now Runs Hollywood?
Os and Scott talk about the bizarre news that Donald Trump has forced a major Hollywood studio to commission Rush Hour 4 and what that reveals about how grim the state of entertainment and culture is now.They unpack the bizarre week in federal Parliament, including Pauline Hanson's burqa stunt and what the political and media reaction revealed about racism in Australia, before discussing the negot
The Wild Mamdani-Trump Meeting, Australia's Extremism Problem, and the Nuzzi Files. Plus, the Ashes Media Beat-Up
Os and Scott talk about the start of the Ashes, including how weird it is to watch this commercial TV, and the sports media beat-up over a round of golf that apparently jeopardised Australia's chances of beating England.Then they unpack the meeting with Zohran Mamdani and Donald Trump, including why Trump seemed so keen to praise the Mayor-elect and how Mamdani used the meeting to advocate for his
How the World Abandoned Gaza, the ABC's Bizarro TV Era, and the Liberal Party Death Spiral
We're hosting our first ever live event in Sydney on December 4. Click here to buy tickets.Today on the show, Os and Scott open by discussing the latest on the ground in Gaza and Israel's latest airstrike in Lebanon. They examine the significance of the UN voting to endorse Trump's "peace plan" for the region, and how the ceasefire deal has accelerated the military partnership between Saudi Arabia
The Most Explosive Epstein Revelations Yet. Plus, is the AI Bubble About To Burst?
Special announcement: We're throwing an end of year event! Buy your tickets here to the first ever Lamestream awards night, December 3 in Melbourne. Click here to buy tickets.Today, Os and Scott begin the show talking about the Lamestream L's, the inaugural Lamestream awards night and how you can be a part of it!Then, they discuss the latest revelations in the fresh Epstein files, why this story w
What the BBC Scandal Means For the ABC. Plus, The B-Grade Radio Hosts Who Really Run Australia
Os and Scott kick of this episode by briefly talking about some of the TV they're watching and music they're listening too right now, before discussing the coverage commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Dismissal.Then they unpack the fallout from the Neo-Nazi rally outside NSW Parliament, stepping through how it was allowed to take place, the excuses the police and government have prov
The Mamdani Meltdown, Pauline Hanson Woos the Media From Mar-a-Lago, and a Big Grammys Miss
Os and Scott start today's episode discussing their exclusive interview with the Carlton's mascot, who was attacked on the front page of the Herald Sun and accused of anti-semitism because he refused to help fundraise for the IDF.Then they discuss how most of the mainstream media missed a big, Australia angle to the Grammy nominations, which speaks to the dire state of music journalism in the coun
Does Zohran Mamdani's Win Have Lessons For Australia? Plus, Sussan Ley is Cooked, and the Louvre Heist Debate
Os and Scott begin the episode by discussing the news that the suspects involved in the Louvre heist have been arrested, before debating the heist itself, and who the good guys are.Then they break down the latest political crisis engulfing the Coalition, with the Liberal Party plummeting to record lows in opinion polls and a fresh ideological battle breaking out over the party's commitment to net
The Controversy Every Journalist is Talking About, Epstein Brings Down a Royal, and Australia's First Treaty
Os and Scott kick-off this episode by discussing the a front page story published by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that alleges an ABC journalist sent text messages suggesting he wanted to kill a prominent YouTuber, and the journalist's claim that the text messages were faked. They unpack Lamestream's reporting on the story, and the dispute over a screenshot that is at the centre of one of
How the Internet Is About to Change Forever. Plus, Trump Tours Asia and the Absurd Joy Division Scandal
Os and Scott start this episode by discussing the ludicrous political scandal that has erupted over Anthony Albanese's decision to wear a Joy Division band t-shirt. They look at how criticism of Albanese spread from right-wing social media to mainstream news outlets like The Australian and Sky News before Sussan Ley slammed the PM in parliament. Os responds by pointing out the "problematic" names
How Australia Inspired the Biggest Sports Betting Scandal in the US. Plus, Ita Buttrose's Comeback Tour
Os and Scott kick-off this episode by breaking down the massive betting scandal that has rocked the US, ensnaring both the NBA and the mafia. They discuss the details of the scandal, which involves Oceans 11 style rigging of poker games and how Australia's culture of sports betting has been transferred to the US, complete with all the social harms it entails.They also discuss how influential sport
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