We Used to be Journos

Episoder

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  Ed Sheeran does take sides, the AI headline apocalypse + we spy on Samsung and LG 15.09.2026 1t 2min

  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. An update on our Samsung story and how to disable being fed Murdoch rage bait. Plus a shout-out to one organisation that’s helped us re-frame the deluge of apocalyptic AI headlines.   Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Thanks for our shooter/editor: Lachlan French Send us your tips and feedback [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  ONLY FRAN: The 9/11 criticism of Zohran Mamdani has little to do with him 11.09.2026 17min

  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 the petition and finds it’s as clarifying as it is ambiguous.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Meta glasses stealth advertising, UN climate reporting falls short + Murdoch’s smart TV deal 08.09.2026 57min

  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 exceeded the 1.5 degree limit agreed to in the Paris Agreement of 2015. The only thing more depressing than the report's contents was its launch and some of the coverage that followed.  Maps are being redrawn worldwide, and in both cases the United States is the fork in the road.If you’re willing to be coaxed into buying Antoinette’s book Women Who Win because it’s her birthday it is is here. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Send us your tips [email protected] Shooter/Editor: Lachlan French  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  ONLY FRAN: The leopards ate Milo Yiannopoulos’ face and they’ll eat yours too 04.09.2026 17min

  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. The MAGA mea culpa is getting very tiring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Lindsay Clancy v the "true crime press”, Israeli settlers attack US journalists + Aussie media's weird private school fixation 01.09.2026 1t

  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 pouring into gaming AI chatbots with fake think tank reports.Also, Aussie media loves private school stories and one particular story about private school uniforms caught Jan Fran’s eye.   Plus Antoinette gives a shout-out to the indie media and not-for-profit collab doing important work on Australia's rising far right.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber hereShare your story tips with us [email protected] Shooter/Editor: Lachlan French Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  ONLY FRAN: Comedian Bassem Youssef out, IDF marathon runners in 28.08.2026 18min

  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 and why it’s all a bit confusing.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Flanagan blasts Israel lobby, a terrible take on sexual assault + Jason Arday media apologises or doubles down 25.08.2026 58min

  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 sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl levelled at three students from the prestigious boys' school, Scots College. Plus – a glimpse into the opaque operations of far-right group Advance delivers some surprises.  Watch Richard Flanagan’s full address to the Festival of Dangerous Ideas here. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  ONLY FRAN: The ASIO laws that just passed the Senate 21.08.2026 17min

  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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  UK media hounds Black professor, Politico’s confusing neutrality stance + millennial TV shows love Israel 18.08.2026 58min

  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. There’s also a shout-out to students taking on Pauline Hanson (and silly questions from the press), and the TikToker combing through 90s TV shows finding soft propaganda for Israel.  Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Follow  Ari on TikTok  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  No Only Fran this week because Jan Fran is sick 14.08.2026 2min

  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.
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  Left-wing terrorism, Luke Bateman's gambling testimony fallout + anatomy of a hit piece 11.08.2026 1t 1min

  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, after his bombshell Senate testimony about how the betting industry operates.And a shout-out to author Trent Dalton, who handled a profile piece-turned-hit piece in the Murdoch press with class. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free and confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 CORRECTION: An earlier version of this podcast claimed Luke Bateman had accused TAB, Sportsbet and Star Casino of improper behaviour in his testimony before a Senate inquiry. While Luke Bateman did allege betting companies behaved badly, he did not specifically name any. The three outfits were named by Alliance for Gambling Reform chief executive Tim Costello in his testimony before the inquiry.Catch Antoinette at Byron Bay Writer’s Festival this here. Support Ette Media by becoming a paid subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  ONLY FRAN: Abdul v AIPAC: Why this US Senate primary wasn’t about Michigan 07.08.2026 15min

  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 with the state of Israel.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Rinehart sues ABC over comedy skit, Morocco ‘migrant crisis’ debunked + boycott Daily Telegraph campaign 04.08.2026 53min

  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 effect the real aim? And a new campaign is calling for a boycott of the Daily Telegraph over its inflammatory coverage of minorities. We look at the opportunities and challenges ahead. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Boycott the Daily Telegraph petition here.Want updates on Jan’s doco on Khaled Sabsabi? Join the mailing list here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  ONLY FRAN: Who can blame Hannah Ferguson for wanting to take on Labor but… 31.07.2026 15min

  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.
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  Court finds Hanson racist (again), West Bank settler violence + Substack takes on AI slop 28.07.2026 1t 4min

  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 surveil creators?Also why Israeli paper Haaretz is covering West Bank settler violence with a clarity Australian media cant - or won't. And communism has entered the discourse. Find out why we're blaming Donald Trump.Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  ONLY FRAN: Trump’s war on the left ramps up 25.07.2026 16min

  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.
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  PSA: Only Fran in your feeds tomorrow 24.07.2026

  I blame technology. Stay tuned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Gina Rinehart sent us an email, 7’s Hanson ‘exclusive’; Argentina loses more than World Cup 21.07.2026 58min

  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 airing her views. Also, Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart doesn't like our opinion, and sent us a complaint email. We reveal what was inside. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Jayson Gillham’s Keys To Life tour. This episode was sponsored by Salaam Wealth Funds Management (Aust) Pty Ltd ABN 32 144 560 172, AFSL 365260 (Salaam).Total Risk Management Pty Limited ABN 62 008 644 353, AFSL 238790 (TRM) is the trustee of Russell Investments Master Trust ABN 89 384 753 567. Salaam superannuation is a division of the Russell Investments Master Trust.This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Salaam and Ette Media recommends consulting a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions. All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may be subject to change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  ONLY FRAN: The enshittification of AI is coming 17.07.2026 16min

  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.com/privacy for more information.
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  Media in focus: Antisemitism Royal Commission testimonies unpacked 14.07.2026 58min

  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 -  for a new body to oversee and assess the public broadcaster's coverage. Plus we examine how the rest of the media covered the hearing and find a lot of the coverage ran with one particular line.  Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.