Lamestream

Why the ABC's Future is at Stake. Plus, Bhaskar Sunkara on How to Fight the Far-Right and Win 31.05.2026 57p

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 global rise of the far-right, why Australia is in a worse position than the US, Zohran Mamdani's victory and how progressives can fight back.Our live national tour is nearly sold out! Make sure to get your tickets while you can.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How the Royal Commission Sabotaged Itself. Plus, Does Australia Need a New Party? 27.05.2026 1ó 7p

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 whether or not it has the trust of the public. Plus, they look at how attempts at gun reform have ground to a halt in Australia, with more and more politicians adopting US-style anti-gun control rhetoric.Later in the episode, they discuss reports that several independents in federal parliament are looking at forming a new political party to replace the Liberals. They step through the pro's and con's, how exactly it would work and what's really behind the push.In Keeping Tabs: An update on the war on Iran and whether it's actually close to ending, and the new media start-up coming for Lamestream.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Israel Abusing Flotilla Detainees Provoked So Much Outrage. Plus, One Nation's War on the Media 24.05.2026 46p

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 break down how One Nation became the most popular party in Australia, why people are still in denial about their rise, and how the media should be covering them.Plus, to make the world seem a bit less grim Os picks his favourite Kylie Minogue album, inspired by the new documentary on Australia's favourite pop star.PS: Get tickets to Lamestream's live national tour right here!Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Tech Bros Right About the Budget? Plus, the Huge Story Australian Media Won't Touch 20.05.2026 1ó 6p

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 could do to build support for more progressive economic policy.Then they discuss The New York Times investigation into the alleged sexual assault of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli prison guards and why it hasn't been reported in the Australian media.In Keeping Tabs: Karl Stefanovic has (another) new show, Anthony Albanese's brutal sledge on Royal Commissions, and a new Sky News game show.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles discussed in this episode:How the government misread the politics of the budget (and how to fix it)Post-budget federal polling - PollbludgerThe Silence That Meets the Rape of Palestinians Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anatomy of a News Corp Hate Campaign. Plus, Property Developers vs. The Budget 17.05.2026 47p

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 biggest and most influential media organisation regularly orchestrate's pile-ons, and why other media outlets do so little to push back.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles discussed in this episode:Labor’s housing revamp fails to convince votersTaylor vows ‘biggest migration cut in Australian history’ and $22.5b worth of tax cutsInside PM’s secret meetings to plot a budget bombshell – and the final decision made weeks agoLeftist influencers who spew hatred can't play the victim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Budget Shows the Media Got Played. Plus, the UK's Political Turmoil and Israel Hijacks Eurovision 13.05.2026 1ó 3p

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, they look at lobbyists in the media, answer a listener question about attribution and a scandal over the impending Eurovision song contest.Articles discussed in this episode:How Israel Turned Eurovision’s Stage Into a Soft Power ToolSupport Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can this Budget Really Fix Housing? Plus, Shameless Sparks a Big Political Debate 10.05.2026 42p

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, and what it probably should (but won't) include.Later, they break down a recent episode of Shameless, discussing political pragmatism and idealism and why it seemed to frustrate so many listeners.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles discussed this episode:Labor plots budget housing boost to fend off One NationThe Personal Is Political by Carol Hanisch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gina Rinehart, Pauline Hanson and One Nation's Big Test. Plus, Australia's Secret Involvement in the Iran War 06.05.2026 1ó 9p

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 today's show, Os and Scott open by discussing The Devil Wears Prada 2 and whether it's sneakily the best journalism movie of the decade. Then they turn to Donald Trump's failed "Project Freedom", his attempt to force open the Strait of Hormuz, and the revelations of how involved Australia's defence force has been in the Iran War.Also in the show, a deep dive into Pauline Hanson's relationship with Gina Rinehart, how the billionaire is shaping One Nation's policies and a look at the media's coverage of a new plane gifted by Rinehart to Hanson. Plus, a preview of the Farrer by-election, which could see One Nation win a seat in the House of Representatives for the first time.And in Keeping Tabs: Former editor of The Age Michael Gawenda takes aim at former editor Jeff Sparrow and gets his facts wrong, and a commercial radio network rules out hiring a popular podcaster apparently because of their views on Israel.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles discussed in this episode:Leaked Navy documents raise questions over Middle East WarJournalism in decline: a response to Michael GawendaAbbie Chatfield’s radio career just hit a major wall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Alice Springs Brought the Worst Out of Our Media. Plus, Why the Bondi Commission Has No Real Answers 03.05.2026 37p

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 certain outlets have a terrible track record on covering Indigenous issues and which publications report with empathy and context. They also discuss how News Corp and the Coalition are working together to demonise Indigenous communities and build the case for another Intervention.Tickets to Lamestream Live: The First Birthday Tour go on sale on Tuesday morning for subscribers and Thursday for everyone else. Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss out. All tour information can be found here.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles discussed in this episode:Authorities suspect Gaza war drove Bondi shooter to terrorFormer ASIO chief questioned scrutiny of Bondi gunmen before quitting royal commission‘Absolute anarchy’: Riot erupts at Alice Springs Hospital after accused child killer arrestedViolence Erupts in Australian Town After Arrest of Suspect in Girl’s KillingDead child's family appeal for calm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ABC's Pro-Oil Propaganda, a Lebanon Deep Dive, and Kyle and Jackie O Head to Court 29.04.2026 1ó 10p

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 media and politics and break down an ABC story that appears to be pretty shameless pro-fossil fuel propaganda.Also in today's episode, Scott does a deep dive into Lebanon, looking at Israel's history of invading and occupying the country, the origins of Hezbollah and how that relates to the current war.Plus, in Keeping Tabs: Kylie and Jackie O are being countersued by their old radio company, turning this dust up into one of the biggest media self-owns in recent history, and we share some great Australian journalism that deserves to be read.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles discussed in this episode:Taroom Trough's oil field touted as solution to fuel security but no-one knows how much oil is thereIs there really untold oil wealth in Queensland’s Taroom Trough? Here’s why scepticism is warrantedKIIS turns tables on Kyle and Jackie O, sues pair for millionsCalls, messages, police records: How Palantir helped an intelligence agency analyse 42 million data points on AustraliansBuilt to fail? NACC: the integrity body undermined from within Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump Shooting, the Far-Right Seize Anzac Day, and the PM Tries to 'Kill' a Gas Tax. Plus, a New Arts Scandal 26.04.2026 41p

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.C., attended by President Trump.Then they talk about Lamestream's exclusive reporting about the University of Queensland cancelling a children's book after accusations of anti-Semitism were levelled at its illustrator. They also discuss the new right-wing attacks on Welcome to Country ceremonies after booing marred a number of Anzac Day events.Later in the episode, they unpack the political battle over a proposed gas tax and look at the tactics used by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to kill it, and they look at Israel's new breaches of the Lebanon ceasefire.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles discussed in this episode:Exclusive: University of Queensland scraps Indigenous children’s book, citing controversial anti-Semitism policyAlbanese poised to kill off move to increase taxes on gas giantsWhy the gas tax momentum is building as Australia looks to properly cash in on its abundant natural resourcesAmal Khalil: Autopsy of the Israeli army's assassinationAmal Khalil’s Two Decades of Militant Journalism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australia's War on Protest, the Dark Side of Nostalgia-maxxing, and a Fun ABC News Game! 22.04.2026 1ó 2p

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 our Discord community, and early access to our live events. Plus, your help makes sure we can keep producing the show!Today, Os and Scott talk about the ongoing attempt to criminalise protest across the Australia and the role the media has played in pushing governments to introduce harsher and harsher laws. They discuss Queensland outlawing the phrase "from the river to the sea" and the Supreme Court striking down the NSW anti-protest laws rushed through after the Bondi terror attack.Later in the show, they break down Karl Stefanovic's incredibly popular and incredibly weird AI nostalgia video and discuss what his end goal is. Then Os looks at the history of this kind of nostalgia content and how it has its roots in far-right and white supremacist ideology, and the way it has seeped into mainstream politics.Then in Keeping Tabs, Os looks at the extraordinary and unprecedented lengths prison staff went to to protect Ben Roberts-Smith from the media, and Scott introduces a new game based around ABC News stories and the... unique way they are written.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles discussed in this episode:‘Australiana’ images made by AI are racist and full of tired cliches, new study showsSpecial treatment for Ben Roberts-Smith needs a better explanation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australia Doubles Down on Trump. Plus, Why Israel’s War on Lebanon is Far From Over 19.04.2026 40p

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 to our Discord community, and early access to our live events. Plus, your help makes sure we can keep producing the show!Today, Os and Scott open the show by discussing Os' appearance on the ABC's Insiders, and what happened with Lamestream went mainstream.Then they turn to the latest in Lebanon, unpacking how seriously to take the current ceasefire and why domestic Israeli politics might see the occupation and bombing continue for months, regardless of Trump's demands that the war end.Later in the show, they look at the Australian government's new defence strategy, which will see us double down on our alliance to the US and push defence spending to record levels. Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles discussed in this episode:Satellite images reveal scale of Israeli demolitions as Lebanese villages destroyedA History of the Occupied Lebanese Border StripWatch Os' appearance on Insiders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Libs Revive White Australia, Triple J/Usher Drama Explained, and Al Jazeera's Heidi Pett Joins Us to Talk Lebanon 15.04.2026 1ó 25p

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 our Discord community, and early access to our live events. Plus, your help makes sure we can keep producing the show!Today on the show Os and Scott are joined by a special guest: Al Jazeera correspondent Heidi Pett! Heidi is an Australian journalist who has been reporting from Lebanon for Al Jazeera throughout Israel's invasion. She breaks down the latest in the diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, Israel's ongoing breaking of breaches of international law, how she became a war reporter and the state of the media industry. Also on today's show, Scott looks at how the media covered the Liberal Party's announcement they would effectively bring back the White Australia policy, Os breaks down the fascinating controversy involving Usher, Melbourne band Radio Free Alice and Triple J, that has turned into the biggest music stories in the country, and the pair look at the growing media war over the Ben Roberts-Smith prosecution.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Melania's Wild Speech Revived the Epstein Story. Plus, What Happens Now the US-Iran Talks Failed? 12.04.2026 39p

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 our Discord community, and early access to our live events. Plus, your help makes sure we can keep producing the show!Today on the show, Os and Scott step-through why the US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan over the weekend broke down, what the US is actually trying to achieve, and what happens now the talks have failed. They also break down the latest in Lebanon, and why the Australian government has such mixed-messaging on the war suggests.Later, they unpack the bizarre Melania Trump speech that has revived media and public interest in Jeffrey Epstein and theorise why she decided to talk about the sex trafficker.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ben Roberts-Smith Culture War, the ABC Ditches Woke, and Will The US-Iran Ceasefire Last? 08.04.2026 1ó 6p

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 cost $9.90 a month and give you access to our weekly newsletter with exclusive analysis and recommendations, all our articles, access to our Discord community, and early access to our live events. Plus, your help makes sure we can keep producing the show!Is this episode, Os and Scott look the long road to Ben Roberts-Smith arrest for war crimes, including the role played by investigative journalism. They discuss how sections of the media built up a cult of personality around Roberts-Smith, and how his arrest has already sparked a culture war with right-wing figures like Gina Rinehart and Pauline Hanson coming out to support him.Next, they discuss the ceasefire between the US and Iran and what it reveals about who folded. They talk about how long it might last, and why the media coverage of this war still feels so disconnected from the reality on the ground.In Keeping Tabs, they look at whether Lamestream's prediction of Karl Stefanovic's future is about to come true, and why the ABC's Managing Director Hugh Marks seems so eager to give The Australian everything they want, from questions about the ABC hiring Kyle Sandilands to the broadcaster's backdown on diversity.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New Propaganda Wave Coming Our Way. Plus, Why Labor's 'Fix' Could Make Australia's Gambling Problem Worse 06.04.2026 37p

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 national conversation.Later in the show, they break down the Albanese government's proposed reforms around gambling advertising and why they are so much weaker than what advocates have been asking for. They unpack efforts by big media companies to lobby against a gambling ad ban, and explain how the proposed new laws could make things worse.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The PM's Bizarre Address to Australia, the Killing of Dezi Freeman, and Political Journalists Platform Israeli Ambassador's Lies 01.04.2026 1ó 12p

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 as countries around the world are announcing more significant stimulus measures.Plus, a discussion about the reaction to the killing of Dezi Freeman and why some public figures felt comfortable celebrating his death at the hands of police, even as details about the stand-off and shooting remain murky.And later in the show, they examine the National Press Club's decision to platform Israel's ambassador and how that exposes the organisation's hypocrisy. In Keeping Tabs, Scott spots an interview the ABC conducted with one of the figures featured in the Epstein files thousands of times. Was he asked about his relationship to Jeffrey Epstein? You'll never believe the answer.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles mentioned in this episode:Eight snipers and a fatal choice: The high-stakes tactic that cornered FreemanNational Press Club statement on withdrawal of invitation to Russia's ambassadorKharg Island could be Iran's weak spot as Washington reportedly considers ground invasion optionsDN and Lamestream's latest reporting on Jeffrey Epstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the US About to Invade Iran? Plus, Albanese Fumbles the Political Crisis 29.03.2026 41p

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, they unpack the growing economic and political crisis in Australi and why the Albanese government seems unable to deliver to take the steps necessary to protect ordinary people.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles mentioned in this episode:Albanese’s caution is fuelling unease. This may be his COVID moment‘Needless secrecy’: Government resolves to be upfront over fuel crisis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is Australia doing Israel's PR? Plus, the Greens Enter Their Flop Era and the ABC Strikes! 25.03.2026 1ó 9p

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 formally occupying southern Lebanon and discuss why there doesn't seem to any kind of outcry or backlash to the news in Australia, in the media or from the public.Later in the show, they Os and Scott discuss the fortunes of the Greens and share emails from listeners who think the party has become too timid. They discuss the party's trajectory since the election, why insurgent left-wing movements are thriving overseas but not in Australia, what could change, and the role the media plays in setting the terms of the political conversation.Finally, they break down the ABC's first strike in 20 years, talking about what led to it, how it played out on the day and what it reveals about how badly the broadcaster is currently being run.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles mentioned in this episode:The Guardian: Israel says it will seize parts of southern Lebanon as ‘defensive buffer’SMH: ‘Security zone’: Israeli military plans to occupy swath of southern LebanonAFR: Albanese urges US to end war as petrol fears growThe Guardian: Without some serious soul searching, the Greens will never move beyond the 10% plateau Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.