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
Our Gen Z employee doesn’t believe in objectivity
In this special episode, Jan Fran is joined by Soaliha Iqbal, Ette’s social media editor, who brings a unique Gen Z perspective on media and journalism.They talk about Soaliha’s time in online youth media, why Israel/Palestine was such a fraught story to cover, what made Soaliha finally quit and why she doesn’t aspire to be an ‘objective’ journalist. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber her
No Only Fran this week
Sorry folks, there wont be an Only Fran this week. Antoinette is away and I'm traveling, which has made it a bit difficult to put one together for you this week. Figured I'd keep you updated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Ette x Lamestream collab you've been waiting for
*** A special deal for the Etterati - for a 30-day free subscription to Lamestream head to https://www.lamestream.com.au/ette and get Scott and Os’s breaking news and analysis for free.In this special episode, Jan Fran and Lamestream co-founder Scott Mitchell sit down for a long overdue chat about starting independent media companies. They trade war stories about coming up through the mainstream m
ONLY FRAN: The USA v The ICC explained
This week Jan Fran takes a look at the battle between the Trump administration and the International Criminal Court, although can you really call it a battle when it’s only one side doing the battling? In addition to sanctioning individual members of the court, Donald Trump and his trusted Secretary of State, Marco Rubio are now considering sanctions against the entire organisation. If that happen
EXCLUSIVE: ABC 7.30’s interview bias unpacked
In this special episode Jan and Antoinette take a deep dive into ABC’s 7.30 foreign policy interviews. They review forty-two interviews, by host Sarah Ferguson between mid 2022 - mid 2026 with international guests from conflict zones including Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Israel. The results are telling: Israeli guests are giving three times as much airtime as Palestinians, only R
ONLY FRAN: Macklemore and Ed Sheeran will not shift the dial on Palestine, you will
With the Macklemore Ed Sheeran saga continuing to play out in the headlines, some commentators have suggested it’s a watershed cultural moment that will help move the dial on Palestine.Jan Fran wonders which dial, because there are certain dials that aren't shifting at all and are, in fact, going backwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who writes a Quarterly Essay? Australia’s complicity in Sudan war + high school reporters sue principal
In this episode Antoinette takes a close look at the politics and culture journal Quarterly Essay and finds that it doesn’t quite reflect the "widest range of political, intellectual and cultural opinions."Also, the years-long “civil war” in Sudan might sound like it has little to do with Australia but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Not that you’d know it from our media.Plus, t
ONLY FRAN: What this week taught us about immigration
This week, immigration was top of the agenda. On Monday, One Nation announced its immigration policy. Then, on Thursday Labor followed suit with a “targeted” migration policy approach. After closely watching the week culminate in Burke’s National Press Club address, Jan Fran reckons his targeted migration approach has hit the wrong target. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf
Ed Sheeran does take sides, the AI headline apocalypse + we spy on Samsung and LG
Jan and Antoinette chat through the Federal Government’s attempt to regulate social media algorithms and why they’re a little dubious. Plus, Macklemore accuses Ed Sheeran of being ‘apolitical’... except that he’s not, and Antoinette has the receipts. Also, Anthony Albanese claps back at Pauline Hanson’s comments about his mother, but Jan’s not buying the backstory or the moving coverage.
ONLY FRAN: The 9/11 criticism of Zohran Mamdani has little to do with him
Zohran Mamdani will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks as the first Muslim mayor of New York City. Jan Fran’s first question is … and? This week, families of some of the 9/11 victims (flanked by myriad Republican politicians of course) presented him with a petition urging him not to attend the memorial at Ground Zero. Why? In this episode, Jan Fran goes through
Meta glasses stealth advertising, UN climate reporting falls short + Murdoch’s smart TV deal
In this episode, Jan and Antoinette look at how unsuspecting media outlets end up creating what looks like sponsored content for Meta Glasses… without their explicit knowledge or consent.We examine Antoinette’s hypothesis that Rupert Murdoch’s News 24 is forcing its way into the homes of ordinary Australians via Samsung smart TVs.Plus, the UN released a landmark climate report warning that we’ve e
ONLY FRAN: The leopards ate Milo Yiannopoulos’ face and they’ll eat yours too
Milo Yiannopoulos is a British far-right commentator who rose to fame a decade ago being a “provocateur” and self-styled internet troll. He’s credited by some as a key figure in Donald Trump’s 2016 election. Well, now he’s ashamed he ever supported Trump because this week he was arrested by ICE agents and deported back to Britain. Turns out Milo doesn't like the world that he helped usher in.
Lindsay Clancy v the "true crime press”, Israeli settlers attack US journalists + Aussie media's weird private school fixation
Jan Fran and Antoinette unpack the true crime spectacle surrounding American mother Lindsay Clancy, who is on trial for killing her three young children. More proof Israel's war on journalists has spread to the West Bank, where violent settlers are attacking US and other foreign film crews while soldiers watch. Plus a Guardian investigation exposes the tens of millions of dollars Israel is po
ONLY FRAN: Comedian Bassem Youssef out, IDF marathon runners in
American-Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef has had to postpone his stand up tour of Australia because he has not received his visa in time. He says he was required to provide a criminal record from both the US and Egypt. Meanwhile around 40 IDF soldiers are in town to run in the Sydney Marathon as part of a “peace delegation". Jan Fran explores who gets a visa to come to Australia, who doesn’t
Flanagan blasts Israel lobby, a terrible take on sexual assault + Jason Arday media apologises or doubles down
In this episode, we look at a searing speech given by acclaimed author Richard Flanagan at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, in which he outlines the way the pro-Israel lobby is threatening our democracy.We also examine the media’s self-reflection (or lack thereof) following the tragic death of Cambridge Professor Jason Arday. Jan gives zero stars to an opinion piece on the allegations of sexu
ONLY FRAN: The ASIO laws that just passed the Senate
This week a bill passed the Senate that will give ASIO extended powers on top of its already very extended powers. Not only can an innocent person be hauled in for questioning, held for 24-hours, potentially without a lawyer but they can’t tell anyone about it. Now, ASIO will be given added powers on what it can question you on and Jan Fran has a feeling it’s got to do with Palestine protests
UK media hounds Black professor, Politico’s confusing neutrality stance + millennial TV shows love Israel
In this episode Jan and Antoinette explain why the death of Cambridge’s youngest Black professor Jason Arday was not, in fact, a “plagiarism row” but something far greater and more pernicious that the British press had a hand in. Plus, popular newsletter Politico launches its Canberra team with claims to be neutral and not take a side. Its CEO - and a five-item checklist - says otherwise.&nbs
No Only Fran this week because Jan Fran is sick
Just dropping a little note in the feed to let you know that I've come down with a bug. Don't worry I'm okay but I'm feeling very, very sorry for myself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Left-wing terrorism, Luke Bateman's gambling testimony fallout + anatomy of a hit piece
We examine the alleged case of left-wing terrorism announced by Australian authorities: a crime that has no suspects in custody or charges laid. We also unpack the dangers of both-sidesing an issue when the evidence and research on right-wing terrorism is far greater. Plus, the gambling industry's mates in the media take an odd swing at former NRL player and gambling addict Luke Bateman, afte
ONLY FRAN: Abdul v AIPAC: Why this US Senate primary wasn’t about Michigan
It’s an election that Jan Fran didn’t really think she’d care about that much: the US state of Michigan’s democratic Senate primary race. Except that it was about a lot more than the state of Michigan. In this episode of Only Fran Jan unpacks why this election really was - as the media likes to dramatically call it - a “battle for the soul of the Democratic party” and what this battle has to do wi
Rinehart sues ABC over comedy skit, Morocco ‘migrant crisis’ debunked + boycott Daily Telegraph campaign
In this episode, we unpack how the major global mainstream media outlets spurred on the far-right and obscured the real story behind the 50,000 Moroccans who entered Spanish territory. even though there were obvious red flags from the beginning. Plus, Gina Rinehart launches legal action against the ABC over a comedy sketch, is the law there to protect billionaires' feelings, or is a chilling effec
ONLY FRAN: Who can blame Hannah Ferguson for wanting to take on Labor but…
This week Cheek Media’s Hannah Ferguson put her hand up to run for the seat of Grayndler at the next federal election. This seat happens to be the Prime Minister’s seat and also Jan Fran’s and Jan’s never gonna stop anyone - especially not a progressive Gen-Zer - from holding Labor’s feet to the fire, but… what is the best way to do that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information
Court finds Hanson racist (again), West Bank settler violence + Substack takes on AI slop
Pauline Hanson has been found to be a racist by the Federal Court...for a second time. We look at what this means for establishment media covering both her and her victim Senator Mehreen Faruqi because, as we discovered in the original judgement, they're not two sides of the same coin.Plus: will Substack be able to weed out A.I slop or is its new partnership with AI detector Pangram a fancy way to
ONLY FRAN: Trump’s war on the left ramps up
In this episode Jan Fran looks at the Trump regime’s war on those who hold left-wing views. One could argue Trump was never fond of “the left” but in this past year his attacks on so-called leftists have escalated, with no sign of stopping anytime soon. Odds are you haven't heard of the Prairieland Case? Well strap in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PSA: Only Fran in your feeds tomorrow
I blame technology. Stay tuned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gina Rinehart sent us an email, 7’s Hanson ‘exclusive’; Argentina loses more than World Cup
In this episode Jan Fran and Antoinette celebrate Spain’s win at the FIFA World Cup acknowledging they’ve probably been influenced and/or brainwashed by their algorithm which morphed the football final into an Argentina hate-fest. Plus, they shine a spotlight on Seven’s exclusive interview with Pauline Hanson, and the decades-long role the media company has played in reviving her career and a
ONLY FRAN: The enshittification of AI is coming
In this episode, Jan takes a look at the Prime Minister’s AI plan. Or rather his plan to have a plan. In a major speech delivered this week, he promised to fast-track approvals for datacentres and protect the copyright of Aussie artists. It was big on vision but small on details. But that’s not what’s got Jan feeling an underlying sense of anxiety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.
Media in focus: Antisemitism Royal Commission testimonies unpacked
The media tranche of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion’s media block has wrapped and we’re dedicating a whole episode to breaking down what was said and - importantly - what wasn’t.We tuned in to hear the public broadcasters - SBS and ABC - face accusations of anti-Israel coverage and we look at the proposal by Jillian Segal - the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism -&nbs
ONLY FRAN: Nigel Farage resigns and that should stress you out
Nigel Farage has resigned…or has he?In this episode Jan Fran looks at the biggest political story unfolding in the UK: the resignation of right-wing, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He’s stepped down as the member for Clacton-on-Sea but - and there is a but - he’ll recontest his own seat in an upcoming by-election.Oh did we mention this is all a ploy to stem criticism about millions of undiscl
BONUS: Miss Kaninna walking away from triple j, touring with Kneecap and her meteoric rise
In late 2023, rapper and hip hop artist Miss Kaninna made headlines when she disappeared from triple j airwaves after sharing her views on Palestinian human rights. A few weeks later, in the very same building a similar fate awaited Antoinette Lattouf. While Lattouf took her fight to Federal court, Miss Kaninna took hers on the road, touring the UK and Europe with Irish rap trio Kneecap, Miss Kani
Rape Gang Inquiry Report, Albanese’s podcast gaff, Taylor Swift's wedding non-coverage
In this episode, we examine allegations by right-wing politicians and influencers that the UK’s ‘Rape Gang Inquiry Report’ is being ignored by the mainstream media. We take a look at what the report is, where it came from and discover things are not quite what they seem.Plus, Jan gets a pat on the back for getting to the bottom of what sparked the saturated coverage of Albanese saying he’d shag Ky
ONLY FRAN: The online bots backing One Nation
If you think Pauline Hanson is popular in real life you should see how popular she is online. Pages have sprung up all over Facebook this year in support of One Nation. One small problem - they’re run out of Indonesia and half the stuff they post isn’t real! It’s AI slop yet one post by one page can rack up thousands of reactions from genuine Australian accounts. Jan Fran asks whether Pauline
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 loo
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
