We Used to be Journos
We Used to be Journos is a podcast hosted by former journalists Jan Fran and Antoinette Lattouf. They dissect the week's media coverage, offering insider perspectives on editorial decisions, anonymous sources, and bias in news reporting. The show features two episodes per week: a Wednesday episode analyzing headlines and a Saturday spin-off called Only Jan, where Jan Fran delivers a researched monologue on a single issue. The podcast is produced by Ette Media.
Episodes
Thai teen's shocking murder, shocking Aussie coverage; Iran’s World Cup press pressure + Ette Media turns one
In this episode we eat cake and celebrate our first birthday! That’s right Ette Media turns one and to mark the occasion Jan and Antoinette do a Rose-Thorn-Bud analysis of the past year - what’s been good, what’s been bad, what’s showing promise. Plus, a 45-year-old Australian man has been charged with murdering 17-year-old Thai teenager and stuffing her body in a suitcase. We take a lo
ONLY FRAN: Karl Stefanovic's right-wing grift is worse than you think it is
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. Hoste
Health regulator’s controversial IHRA definition, Starmer’s resignation exploited + Rinehart’s wild Israel proposal
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 Re
ONLY FRAN: Pauline’s Press Club address was a test for journalists. They failed.
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
Socceroos coverage misses mark, US-Iran ceasefire spin + online hate: are we the problem?
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: t
ONLY FRAN: Think NDIS is wasting taxpayer dollars? Meet AUKUS
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
BONUS: Jayson Gillham on his Federal Court trial against Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
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 wh
Pickering vs ABC code of conduct, Pauline’s free PR, influencer spills on MAGA media strategy
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 quandar
ONLY FRAN: Living beautifully in a collapsing world x Sarah Wilson
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 th
Pauline’s poll for PM, mysterious media silence over young woman’s death + radio boss gropes woman
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, pr
ONLY FRAN: Forget a new Teal party, where are the Greens?
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
Flotilla activist abuse coverage, BTS at Sydney Writers Festival + is James the 'good Murdoch'?
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
ONLY FRAN: Pauline Hanson’s gas grift (plus her other grifts too)
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.
Ash Sarkar on how to scale independent media and have real impact
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, an
Responding to the comments section
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
ONLY FRAN: Influencers v journalists: same same but different this budget lock up
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/pri
Women Who Win and how the media shapes their legacy
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
ONLY FRAN: Why I trust Tucker Carlson even less after his Trump apology
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.
Trump shooting conspiracies, Tele lashes anti-war Gen Z, media quiet as Aboriginal women cop it
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
ONLY FRAN: "Gaza war drove Bondi shooter to terror"
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 wha
Seven’s renewables hit job, Iran’s AI Lego war spin + Roberts-Smith 'breaks silence'
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 satir
ONLY FRAN: WTF is Angus Taylor's immigration policy really about?
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 episod
BONUS: The Murdoch media’s campaign against Dr Randa Abdel- Fattah
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, an
Albanese can’t say ‘Lebanese’, Hasan Piker drama + whistleblower David McBride’s missing media moment
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
ONLY FRAN: Penny Wong is 'deeply concerned'
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 in
Lakemba NDIS lie, media’s gambling ad addiction, Trump’s unhinged… again
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 Antoine
ONLY FRAN: One month into QLD’s hate speech laws
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 s
Israeli ambassador’s press club propaganda, Atlas Network’s climate campaign + Kyle in court
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 groun
ONLY FRAN: A quick note
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.
Media aids One Nation’s grift, ABC staff strike, Rupert Murdoch pushes for Iran attack
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 Murd
ONLY FRAN : Jan Fran gets personal about Lebanon
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 boo
Lebanese suffering ignored, Theroux’s ‘manosphere’ doco + is Netanyahu dead?
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 Neta
ONLY FRAN: The hypocrisy of Tony Burke on Iranian visas
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 him
ABC’s post-Bondi panel show, #QuitGPT movement + Pornhub access denied
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 w
ONLY FRAN: What happened to Anthony Albanese?
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
Media parrots US Iran propaganda, ABC chair gets profiled + billionaire buys Warner Bros (and CNN)
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 th
BBC’s baffling BAFTA censorship, Trump’s alien files + Jacinta Allan vs a journalist
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
Attacks on Francesca Albanese and Grace Tame, Liberal leader’s immigration lines + media forces sexual assault survivor to go public
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 publ
Coverage of Herzog visit and protests, radio’s Bad Bunny racism + Karl Stefanovic hosts One Nation TWICE!
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 cover
Insider's look at the past two decades of Aussie media
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-th
Hate speech laws red flags, Australia Day poll tricks, Grok deepfakes + Beckham feud
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
Narrative war over Iran's protests + Trump’s press sec blows up at journalist, InDaily SA muscles in on Murdoch
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. Meanwhil
Randa Abdel-Fattah on the collapse of the Adelaide Writers’ Festival
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
Ask Us Anything: Our younger selves, future of media, Eurovision pressure, truth v hope
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 h
Ask Us Anything: On cracks in our friendship, building community and finding joy in dark times
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 he
Antony Loewenstein unpacks the Bondi terror attack
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 i
How the Bondi terror attack was reported
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
Press piles on Abbie Chatfield, SBS’s Eurovision dud decision + why we can’t name a rapist
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
TikTok’s racism row, Trump’s new press hit list + Gaza media petition anniversary
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 op
Nuzzi Lizza sex-scandal explained, Tele’s ‘Undercover Jew’ sting escalates + Mariah caught in X’s location mess
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 Ro
EXCLUSIVE: fake mosque story exposed, ChatGPT leak in print + WTF is really happening with shadowbans
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 abo
BBC’s ‘bias’ blow-up, John Laws’ lasting legacy, unhinged Mamdani takes + Italian journalist fired over Gaza question
In this episode, Jan and Antoinette examine the BBC ‘bias’ scandal that saw its director general and head of news resign. They go through the complaint letter that kicked off the scandal and examine other accusations of bias that haven't gotten nearly as much attention. Plus, as two Leb chicks who grew up in Sydney’s western suburbs in the early 2000s - Jan and Antoinette have memories of Joh
Mamdani AI attack ads, Coalition’s net zero backflip, Sudan finally gets airtime
In this episode, Jan takes a look at the use of AI in New York’s mayoral race and finds Cuomo’s campaign ads against Zohran Mamdani don’t just bend the truth but snap it completely and add a good dose of racism. This can’t be the future of political advertising…or can it? Also, the Coalition reckons net zero is “too toxic” but Antoinette discovers it’s only toxic to billionaires with an agend
BONUS: Omar El Akkad x Lattouf on ways to resist without a ‘How To Oppose A Genocide’ blueprint
Egyptian-Canadian journalist Omar El Akkad joins Antoinette Lattouf on stage at the Queenscliff Literary Festival for a searingly honest and intimate conversation.The author of ‘One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This’, confronts a brutal question: what does it mean to live in the US while its government bankrolls, supports and enables Palestinian ethnic cleansing? He speaks to his sen
Ita’s reputation rehab tour, Melbourne’s machete “epidemic” + Labor v AI
As former ABC chair Ita Buttrose promotes her latest book Jan and Antoinette pull apart the plentiful puff pieces. Antoinette hunts for proof of Melbourne’s machete epidemic and finds it exists mainly in headlines. Plus who is watching free to air TV… no really who? Because we crunched some numbers and they don't add up. Also a double shout out to the Labor Party (yes, shockin
BONUS: Chris Hedges x Lattouf: Late Night Live, Press Club fiasco + Western media’s Gaza betrayal
In this bonus episode, Pulitzer Prize–winning US journalist Chris Hedges joins Antoinette Lattouf to unpack his time in Australia so far, including some fraught interactions with sections of the Australian media.We also discuss what he flew all this way to talk about: how western journalists are betraying their colleagues in Gaza. Plus, Chris offers some honest advice for young people who sti
What ‘Ceasefire’? + Rudd’s manufactured media moment, commentary v journalism, US journos on the move
In this episode, as Anthony Albanese meets Donald Trump at the White House we take a look at the manufactured moment that saw former PM Kevin Rudd hit the headlines. Plus, we unpack the media’s warped definitions of a “ceasefire” in Gaza as near-identical coverage around the world tows the Israeli line and ignores Palestinians. And, with the commentary creep in journalism lea
THE SCOOP: PM’s phone number published in AI leak + the worst Gaza 'peace' takes
In this episode, a tip off leads Jan and Antoinette to discover a U.S. website had published the private phone numbers of high profile Australians including the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and the NSW Premier. Some awkward verification calls followed as well as some questions about what the PM knew and when. We take you through the story from
Inside Press Club mess, Trump deports journalist + Israel’s influencer army
In this episode we reveal what really happened behind the scenes of Pulitzer Prize winner Chris Hedges’ National Press Club address - a talk that vanished from the schedule. Was it ever confirmed, did it get cancelled or did the NPC, as Hedges alleges, cave to the Israel lobby? We’ve got the paper trail. Also, the Trump administration’s crackdown on press freedom takes a dark turn: a ve
Why are you agreeing with Candace Owens? Media inflates cop costs + AI slop for podcasts
In this episode Jan and Antoinette try to answer the question many of you have asked: why am I agreeing with Candace Owens? They take a look at the divisions within the MAGA movement over Israel and why things aren’t quite what they seem. Plus, it costs $25 million to police protests in Victoria - or does it? We dig into that figure and not only is it inflated by we find certain politicians w
Kimmel gets Lattoufed, SBS’s tunnelvision on Eurovision + getting real about independent media
We’re live at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne this week, handing out a report card on independent media now that Ette Media has survived its three-month probation.Jan Fran, once reporting on Eurovision for SBS, is now not-happy-Jan at the broadcaster’s refusal to boycott if Israel takes the stage. Antoinette brings the receipts on The Daily Telegraph’s dodgy hit job against the Jewish Council
EXCLUSIVE: A lifeline for Meanjin, Kirk’s killing media mayhem + buried Islamophobia report
In an exclusive investigation, we look at Melbourne University Press’s decision to close one of Australia’s oldest literary journals. MUP says it’s about money, we reveal new testimony that says otherwise. So what’s it really about? Plus, we look at the saturation of media coverage following Charlie Kirk’s murder. We explore how the media should cover the far right, how “centrist media” gets
Meet the BBC journalist who quit over Gaza coverage
With Antoinette away this week, Jan Fran holds down the fort with former BBC journalist and presenter Karishma Patel. Karishma walked out of the BBC in October 2024 over its coverage of Gaza and has since become one of its loudest and most public critics.In this episode, she and Jan dive into life inside the BBC, what finally pushed her to resign, and why she’s now taking the organisation to task
Neo-Nazi march minimised, Lebs on Bob Katter + news influencers echo old media habits
Jan and Antoinette have been busting to share their inside Lebbo goss about Bob Katter. Also, we cover the coverage of the so-called March for Australia - a rally led by neo-Nazis and followed by limp reporting. The Herald Sun dibberdobs … again and the Canberra Midwinter Ball leaves Jan feeling icy as she watches old-school journalists and new school content creators clink glasses with
ABC’s social media gag order, Sky News’ war criminal chit-chat + Gina Rinehart’s net zero ideology spruiked
In this episode Antoinette (finally!) gives her reaction to the ABC’s new Public Comment Guidelines, which Jan calls the ‘Lattouf guidelines.’ The broadcaster says the new rules aren’t due to its Federal Court loss to Antoinette but we’re not so sure. We also examine the messy, co-dependent and ever-changing relationship between journalists and the public comments they were encouraged (then discou
Bendigo's big backfire, Woodside fishy ties with Seven West + surviving news fatigue
In this episode, Jan examines the fishy relationship between Woodside Energy and Seven West Media. Antoinette looks at The Daily Telegraph revving up far-right, anti-immigration protests despite demonising other protests, a move that gives Jan flashbacks to the Cronulla Riots. Meanwhile, as Deepcut News breaks a story of censorship at the Bendigo's Writer's Festival, we spill some insid
Media parrots Israel after killing of journalists, how tabloids selectively lobby governments + satire with bite
This week, Jan and Antoinette are gutted by news that more of their Palestinian journalist colleagues - including Al Jazeera's Anas Al-Sharif - were killed in Gaza. Instead of honouring their work, much of the media repeated - nay led- with the Israeli line that they were “terrorists” despite a complete lack of evidence. We pull apart the evidence and long, well-documented history of Is
Historic bridge march leaves media scrambling, Logies cloning + a Stellar screw up
In this episode, Jan and Antoinette reflect on their decision to attend what’s being called Australia’s biggest anti-war march. Fresh off that Harbour Bridge high, they grapple with the chaotic, contradictory and downright distorted media framing of the protest. At the Logies, things felt … well, the same. Veteran Ray Martin’s speech piqued our interest but the moment was quickly lost. T
Media wakes up to starved kids in Gaza…or does it? + Nelk Boys Netanyahu bromance
In this episode Jan and Antoinette unpack the sudden, strangely synchronised media concern for starving Palestinian children. Why now? What’s changed—and what still hasn’t? A look at the caveats, spin, and selective outrage still dominating the conversation.We also look closely at the prestigious Andrew OIllie media lecture that is meant to be a forward-looking media lecture but curiously fai
Have we really stopped being journalists? A terrible TV “debate” + Gaza social media v MSM coverage.
In this episode, Jan and Antoinette have a candid and sometimes chaotic conversation about whether they still see themselves as journalists—and why they threw caution to the wind and launched an independent media company. This honest exploration of the Australian media industry is part reflection, part existential crisis. It’s A No From Me: A dissection of a political TV debate that’s more sp
An envoy influencing media, coverage of PM in China + a dig from The Australian
In this episode, we take a look at Australia's antisemitism envoy and her plan to “monitor” and “advise” public broadcasters. Jillian Segal says her plan wont stifle criticism of Israel but we aren't so sure. We also have an honest conversation about the pro-Israel lobby and its influence on the Australian media, from all-expenses-junkets to Israel for top editors to those same editors punishing j
The Age’s framing of Melbourne synagogue attack + What is an ‘activist journalist’?
In this episode, Jan unpacks The Age’s coverage of an anti-Semitic incident in Melbourne while Antoinette takes a look at a different genocide and the conspicuous absence of major coverage of the Yoorrook Justice Commission landmark findings.Plus, Jan and Antoinette pull apart the curious case of the “activist journalist” label—how it was framed, weaponised, and ultimately backfired as a centrepie
Lattouf speaks out on ABC win, the fight and the fallout.
Antoinette Lattouf sued the ABC and won. In the very first episode of We Used To Be Journos, Antoinette joins Jan to unpack the legal showdown that not only exposed breathtaking incompetence at the broadcaster but also the hidden power and influence of lobby groups. Executives ducked accountability, lawyers flirted with racial erasure, and Lattouf's mental health history was dredged up before the
Trailer
A taste of what's to come on We Used to be Journos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
