We Used to be Journos

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.

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.

ONLY FRAN: Nigel Farage resigns and that should stress you out 10.07.2026 17min

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 undisclosed pounds he’s received from crypto tycoons? And the only thing standing in his way is a joker in a rubbish bin costume named Count Binface. No really! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS: Miss Kaninna walking away from triple j, touring with Kneecap and her meteoric rise 08.07.2026 46min

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 Kaninna then made ARIAS history and featured on two billboards in Times Square.Now, for the first time, they compare notes on backlash, career highs, public pressure plus the power and freedom that comes with speaking your mind. The proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali sovereign woman reflects on her meteoric rise as a woman who "says what she believes with her chest out."Support Ette Media and subscribe here.Catch Miss Kaninna on tour in August and September. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rape Gang Inquiry Report, Albanese’s podcast gaff, Taylor Swift's wedding non-coverage 07.07.2026

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 Kylie Minogue.Also, Mamamia wedges a 'women's angle' into its write up of Karl Stefanovic’s interview with Piers Morgan, leaving us scratching our heads; punk-rap duo Bob Vylan sue the BBC for defamation and the wall-to-wall non-coverage of Taylor Swift's wedding.Rape Crisis: 1800RESPECT Lifeline: 131114Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Episode sponsored by Salaam Wealth.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.Ette Media and Salaam recommend 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.

ONLY FRAN: The online bots backing One Nation 03.07.2026 16min

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’s Hanson is really as popular online as she seems to be or if there are other factors at play and what this means for her popularity IRL.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thai teen's shocking murder, shocking Aussie coverage; Iran’s World Cup press pressure + Ette Media turns one 30.06.2026 1godz

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 look at the woeful Australian media coverage of that heinous crime.  Also, Iran’s football team get peppered with political questions by reporters at the FIFA World Cup. We discuss whether that’s fair and why other countries, such as the US, didn’t get the same treatment. Get 30% off your Ette Media subscription here. (for a limited time!)Episode sponsored by Salaam Wealth.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.Ette Media and Salaam recommend 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.

ONLY FRAN: Karl Stefanovic's right-wing grift is worse than you think it is 26.06.2026 17min

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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health regulator’s controversial IHRA definition, Starmer’s resignation exploited + Rinehart’s wild Israel proposal 23.06.2026 1godz 3min

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 Regulation Agency - APHRA - to adopt the IHRA definition of anti semitism. We look at how this might quash criticism of Israel, why medical practitioners are ropable and why the media has been mute. There’s also a shout out to you - our Etterati - for your feedback after last week’s episode on how we can better contribute to online discourse. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Episode sponsored by Salaam Wealth.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.Ette Media and Salaam recommend 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.

ONLY FRAN: Pauline’s Press Club address was a test for journalists. They failed. 19.06.2026 22min

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 lead to a darker more insular Australia.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Socceroos coverage misses mark, US-Iran ceasefire spin + online hate: are we the problem? 16.06.2026 1godz 4min

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: the push to overhaul the Australian Press Council aka Australia’s media watchdog. Hint: it’s a toothless tiger and may or may not be running cover for the Murdoch press.  And an introspective chat about online hate - are we a help or a hindrance? Feedback wanted.   Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.BONUS episode on Jayson Gillham v MSO here.Lodge a complaint with the Australian Press Council here.Sign a petition to reform the Australian Press Council here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ONLY FRAN: Think NDIS is wasting taxpayer dollars? Meet AUKUS 12.06.2026 17min

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 the billions of dollars we’ve already thrown away on quite literally nothing. You’d think that would incense the media as much as other government spending but not so.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS: Jayson Gillham on his Federal Court trial against Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 10.06.2026 36min

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 what this high-stakes battle taught him about the state of our arts and media landscape.Plus, there's a little surprise if you make it to the very end of the episode. GRAB TICKETS to Jayson Gillham's tour with Iyad Sughayer here. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MEDIA and become and Ette Media subscriber here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pickering vs ABC code of conduct, Pauline’s free PR, influencer spills on MAGA media strategy 09.06.2026 55min

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 quandary involving two academics and the Sydney Morning Herald.  Jan gives a shout out to the former MAGA influencer blowing the whistle on MAGA’s media manipulation, while Antoinette praises fellow indie media outlet’s persistent coverage on Lebanon. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ONLY FRAN: Living beautifully in a collapsing world x Sarah Wilson 05.06.2026 53min

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 things will get worse before they get better, and ultimately what a new world can look like and what is needed to get there. Sarah's new book is I Eat The Stars and you can follow her on Substack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pauline’s poll for PM, mysterious media silence over young woman’s death + radio boss gropes woman 02.06.2026 1godz 1min

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, protests have been held, and questions have been raised in Kenya's parliament — so why has Australian media not covered it?And finally, Jan recommends a powerful essay on how the press helped manufacture consent for Gaza’s genocide, while Antoinette finds an unlikely antidote to Karl Stefanovic's podcast pivot.Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis counselling in Australia: 13 11 14 Meriton Group statement received after podcast record: “Meriton was very saddened by this unfortunate incident. We take such matters seriously and give priority to ensuring that these matters are adequately investigated by NSW Police. We have been informed that NSW Police is treating this incident as a self-harm incident."Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ONLY FRAN: Forget a new Teal party, where are the Greens? 29.05.2026 16min

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 their UK counterparts and what it might take for them to do so. SUPPORT ETTE MEDIA: and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flotilla activist abuse coverage, BTS at Sydney Writers Festival + is James the 'good Murdoch'? 26.05.2026 1godz 8min

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 the Sydney Writers Festival and examine the latest Murdoch media purchase by the apparently “good” Murdoch brother, James. Antoinette gives her yes to a premium niche Aussie newspaper making a return to print, while Jan appreciates writers’ festivals showing more bravery. BUY Women Who Win here.JOIN ONLINE BOOK CLUB event with Australia Institute this Friday.SUPPORT Ette Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ONLY FRAN: Pauline Hanson’s gas grift (plus her other grifts too) 22.05.2026 19min

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 19.05.2026 43min

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, and whether mainstream media can still hold power to account.Plus: Ash’s defamation win and the pressures facing independent outlets in the age of AI.Subscribe to Ette Media to support independent media.Follow Ash Sarkar on Instagram.Buy her book Minority Rule. Shout out to Triple R 102.7FM, Melbourne Independent Radio for hosting us in their studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.