Lamestream

Os and Scott begin the episode by discussing the news that the suspects involved in the Louvre heist have been arrested, before debating the heist itself, and who the good guys are.Then they break down the latest political crisis engulfing the Coalition, with the Liberal Party plummeting to record lows in opinion polls and a fresh ideological battle breaking out over the party's commitment to net zero. Os and Scott discuss how serious the problem is and what the battle over climate policy is really about.Later in the show, they explore how the Greens have been overtaken by One Nation as Australia's third biggest party and why the party seems to be struggling. They look at the rise of more radical politicians like newly-elected New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani and question why the Greens are failing to achieve cut through.Plus, in Keeping Tabs: The curious choice of the Australian Financial Review's most innovative company of the year, how The Age turned to a major betting sponsor for its sports coverage and The New York Times journalist who quit over the paper's Gaza coverage.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Os and Scott kick-off this episode by discussing the a front page story published by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that alleges an ABC journalist sent text messages suggesting he wanted to kill a prominent YouTuber, and the journalist's claim that the text messages were faked. They unpack Lamestream's reporting on the story, and the dispute over a screenshot that is at the centre of one of the biggest media controversies in the country.Also in this episode, a break down of the latest Jeffrey Epstein revelations and how they brought (former) Prince Andrew, and look at the Victorian parliament passing the first Treaty legislation in the country, why it received a muted response and what it tells us about the political and media debate around Indigenous affairs.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Os and Scott start this episode by discussing the ludicrous political scandal that has erupted over Anthony Albanese's decision to wear a Joy Division band t-shirt. They look at how criticism of Albanese spread from right-wing social media to mainstream news outlets like The Australian and Sky News before Sussan Ley slammed the PM in parliament. Os responds by pointing out the "problematic" names of some of Sussan Ley's favourite bands.Also in this episode, a look at Trump's tour of Asia, and why the Australian media are so intent on portraying the US as a good-faith actor in the region. Then Scott looks at Israel's latest flagrant breaches of the ceasefire and how the term has become meaningless.Later in the show, a discussion about the incoming teen social media and all the questions that remain about how exactly it will work and what it means for how we all interact online.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Os and Scott kick-off this episode by breaking down the massive betting scandal that has rocked the US, ensnaring both the NBA and the mafia. They discuss the details of the scandal, which involves Oceans 11 style rigging of poker games and how Australia's culture of sports betting has been transferred to the US, complete with all the social harms it entails.They also discuss how influential sports betting has become to the media, both in the US and here in Australia.Later in the show they discuss former ABC chair Ita Buttrose's upcoming book and the glowing, and incredibly positive media coverage she is receiving despite leaving the ABC mired in scandal after the unlawful sacking of Antoinette Lattouf.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Following the universal praise heaped on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese by the media after his visit to Donald Trump's White House this week, Os and Scott cast a more critical eye over the meeting. They cover what was discussed, Trump's attacks on a number of journalists and why the media are fawning over the Australian government for for giving Donald Trump everything he asked for, and more.Then they discuss the fragile ceasefire in Gaza which has been broken by Israel more than 80 times, and debate whether Benjamin Netanyahu has any interest in maintaining it.Later in the show, Scott breaks down the growing civil war among Joe Rogan and his band of podcast bros, and what it reveals about US culture and politics. Finally, both Os and Scott share some good news stories from around the world as an antidote to how grim things feel right now.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Os and Scott discuss the significance of former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announcing his shock resignation from the Nationals and the rumours that he is set to join One Nation, potentially as their next leader. They unpack what's really behind the decision, why conservative politics in Australia is in such disarray, and how One Nation could emerge as a much more potent and threatening political force.Also in the show, they look at how Prince Andrew was undone by his connection to Jeffrey Epstein, the emails that sealed his fate, and how Epstein is continuing to bring down senior figures in politics all around the world.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Os kicks off this episode by talking Scott through his experience watching 'The Morning Show', the star-studded Apple TV series set in a US TV network, and why it is one of the most bizarre show's he's ever seen, before Scott shares some of the better TV shows set in newsrooms.Then they discuss Donald Trump's trip to Israel, what his speech to the Israeli parliament really revealed about the lead-up to the current Gaza ceasefire and how the president makes decisions. They also examine why the Australian seems to be taking a more pro-Israel line than Trump himself, and how the journalists are creating the groundwork for another potential wave of Israeli aggression.Also in this episode, a conversation about the extremely poor coverage in Australia of Diane Keaton's passing and why celebrity journalism is worse than ever. Plus, why Australia's media class want a local version of Bari Weiss, and Scott fires up about The Guardian's Bird of the Year poll.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Os and Scott outline the latest on the ceasefire plan for Gaza, and run through the issues the remain outstanding, including details of the prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas and what happens in the coming days and weeks. They also discuss why politicians and the media seem so eager to claim that "Trump's peace plan" has been agreed too, even though there remains serious disagreement on most of its key point.Plus, they cover News Corp CEO Michael Miller's speech to the National Press Club railing against AI and social media and unpack what it is really about, and how likely the government is to deliver for News Corp and other big media companies in Australia.Also in today's episode, a reflection on Diane Keaton's career.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Os and Scott open this episode by discussing the NRL Grand Final and the sports media's obsession with creating controversy over nothing, before Os shares a scoop about Keith Urban (yes, seriously).Later in the episode, they unpack the story published by Lamestream this week about the National Press Club cancelled a talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges because he was too pro-Palestine. They also look closer at who runs the National Press Club, what it does and why it's funded by the world's biggest weapons companies.Also in today's episode: A discussion about the media's coverage of Israel's genocide in Gaza over the past two years and whether anything has changed, and in Keeping Tabs, Os discusses the $150m purchase of the right-wing, pro-Israel outlet run by Bari Weiss and the decision to make her CBS News' editor-in-chief, what's really behind it and what it will mean for the future of news, while Scott looks at Israel's treatment of Greta Thunberg after she was detained for participating in the Gaza flotilla.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Os and Scott open today's episode by discussing editor of The Age's thinly-veiled attack on Lamestream and other independent news outlets, Andrew Hastie's surprise resignation from the shadow cabinet and what it means for the Liberal party, and why the media went all out covering Taylor Swift's worst album.They also cover the latest on the Gaza "peace" plan, whether Trump can actually force Israel to stop bombing Palestinians, and how Hamas has started engaging with the negotiations.Plus, they analyse how the Manchester synagogue terror attack has been turned into an Australian war by politicians and news outlets.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Os and Scott open this episode by discussing Paul Thomas Anderson's new film 'One Battle After Another' and why it's Os' favourite film of the year. Then they unpack Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu's disastrous new 'peace' plan for Gaza. They discuss why the plan is a horrific example of neo-colonialism driven by corrupt Western leaders and real estate developers and how Australia's Prime Minister and media establishment have largely lined up behind it.Later in the episode, they discuss the new advertising campaign being rolled out by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, why it misses the mark, and share their thoughts on what the newspapers could be doing instead if they want to rebuild trust with their audiences.Plus, they cover the impending merger between Seven and radio and podcast behemoth SCA, and why its a bad sign for media diversity, and the ongoing reluctance of mainstream media to acknowledge the rise of independent media.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

On today's episode Os and Scott review Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's trip to the US and the UK, and the fawning coverage doled out by the travelling media. They discuss why political journalists transform into "Team Australia" cheerleaders whenever a leader goes overseas, Albanese's attempts to grandstand on climate, Gaza and his government's social media ban, and some of the cringier moments of the trip.Also in today's episode, a look at the rise of Andrew Hastie, the hard-right Liberal MP embracing anti-immigration, MAGA ideas in an attempt to takeover the Liberal party.Plus, a review of Snoop Dogg at the AFL Grand Final and how Benjamin Netanyahu is bragging about the US' takeover of TikTok.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Today's episode features a Lamestream first: an interview with popular UK economist and YouTube Gary Stevenson. Stevenson's channel, Gary's Economics, has more than 1.4 million subscribers, and he joins Lamestream to discuss the rise of the far-right, in Australian and in the UK, the role economics plays in driving extremism, and the housing crisis.Also in today's episode, Os and Scott discuss Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's trip to New York to formally recognise Palestine, and how the symbolic decision, coupled with mild criticism of Israel, fell well short of what other world leaders have said about the genocide in Gaza. They also discuss Israel's latest attempts to interfere in Australia's politics and whether it matters if the PM lands a meeting with Donald Trump.Then, Os breaks down the background to the landmark deal struck between the US and China to hand over TikTok to a consortium of right-wing, pro-Israel billionaires with close ties to Donald Trump, and what it means for the future of the app.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

Today on the show, Os and Scott look at the extraordinary situation in the US following the indefinite suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and the Trump regime's ongoing war on freedom of speech.Also in this episode, Scott breaks down the federal government's new climate targets, why they are woefully inadequate, and the problems with how political journalists cover climate policy in Australia.Plus, a look at the latest revelations in the Epstein files, how they took down an ambassador to the US, and why the FBI investigation seems to have stalled.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

In today's episode, Os and Scott discuss the significance of a new independent UN report that found Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and what obligations that puts on the Australian government. They look how the report was covered in Australia, and why a number of major outlets seem disinterested in covering the story.Also in this episode, they continue their examination of how Charlie Kirk's assassination has turbocharged the far-right, and the threats made by Trump government officials to "dismantle" and demolish left-wing resistance. Plus, they talk about why the vast majority of Australian news outlets including the ABC, The Guardian and The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald aren't covering the malicious and organised harassment campaigns targeted at high-profile journalists and influencers who criticised Kirk.Later in the show, a look at how the media paved the way for One Nation's highest recorded poll result by ramping up a debate over immigration policy and boosting the voices of extreme politicians. Os and Scott consider how the UK, where the far-right Reform party is leading the polls, could be a grim blueprint for Australia.And in Keeping Tabs: An analysis of how different media outlets covered a landmark climate report, The Guardian's woes, and the story that disappeared off the face of the Earth.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

In their regular Monday episode Os and Scott discuss the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and examine how this moment is being used by Donald Trump and his allies to further push their agenda, and deplatform their enemies. They also cover the Australian reaction, and how far-right activists are working with the media to attack and silence prominent progressive figures because of their reactions to Kirk's murder.Also in today's episode, they look at how the media covered Friday's release of the report into combating Islamophobia, how it different to the reaction to the report into combating antisemitism and why the government seemed so intent on burying it.New episodes of Lamestream drop on Mondays and Thursdays. 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.

This week Os and Scott share some exciting news about the future of the podcast!They begin the show by breaking down the Murdoch family's succession drama, which was finally resolved this week. They discuss the winners, losers and what it means for the future of Rupert Murdoch's media empire in Australia and around the world.Also in this episode, they look at why the Australian media seem so unequipped to cover issues of race and racism, and why that matters more than ever right now, as political attacks on migrants continue to ramp up.Later, they look at the slow, steady death of arts journalism in Australia and the impacts that will have on culture more broadly, and discuss the controversial decision to shut down the 85-year-old literary journal Meanjin.And in Keeping Tabs: Has the media learned any lessons about the coverage of Erin Patterson? And the dust-up between a travel influencer and two podcasts that has sparked a debate about journalism, social media and ethics.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.

In this episode of Lamestream, released a day ahead of schedule, Os and Scott react to the "March for Australia" held over the weekend. They report on how some of Australia's biggest media companies did their best to promote and boost the rally, before Os describes his experience of attending the counter-protest and observing the far-right march.They also look at the media and political reaction to event, and unpack why newsrooms are seriously unequipped to cover the rise of the far-right and how Australia's major political parties are fuelling white supremacy.Later in the episode, Scott covers Israel's plan to forcible relocate the entire population of Gaza, accelerating the genocide and ethnic cleansing of the region.Plus, an update on the media's fascination with alleged serial cop-killer Dezi Freeman and a brief reflection on Blue Murder, the iconic Australian TV show that turned 30 this week.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.

On Tuesday, Australia's domestic spy agency ASIO sensationally revealed that it believed Iran was behind multiple anti-semitic arson attacks in Melbourne and Sydney. Scott and Os step through ASIO's announcement, the government's response and the media reaction, before discussing the unanswered questions that remain outstanding. They also talk about where this leaves the media, who have spent nearly two years blaming these attacks on pro-Palestine protesters and calling for an end to the protests.Later in the episode, Scott shares his investigation into how Qanon-esque Israeli media outlets spread misinformation and propaganda, and how that seeps its way into mainstream Australian news coverage.Plus, they discuss the media coverage of the extremist violence that led to the death of two police officers in rural Victoria, and finally they look at the relentless coverage over Snoop Dogg's controversial upcoming performance at the AFL Grand Final.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.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched an extraordinary personal on Anthony Albanese and placed sanctions on Australian officials in the West Bank. Os and Scott discuss why Israel is specifically singling out Australia and Albanese and why the media is so reluctant to call out these obvious attempts at foreign interference in domestic police.Also in the show, they discuss how the media is covering the anti-immigration "March for Australia", and debate how to effectively report on the far-right without giving them the attention and prominence they crave. They also look at how left-wing social media influencers are interacting with the far-right online and the consequences it's having.Plus, Scott breaks down the economic reform summit that has captured the hearts and minds of Australia's political journalists.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.

It's a special Monday episode of Lamestream! In today's show, Os and Scott discuss how The Age and Sydney Morning Herald confected a story about Hamas' praise for Anthony Albanese, and how it came to dominate the news cycle. They break down how they figured out it's central premise was misleading, and how the paper has been dealing with the criticism and the fallout.Also in the show, how the media is reacting to Donald Trump's underwhelming meeting with Vladimir Putin and a check in on how the ABC is going.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.

For nearly two years the federal government, supported by the mainstream media, has strongly denied that Australia is selling weapons to Israel. Today on the show, Os and Scott unpack exactly how Australia is part of the weapons supply-chain, our complicity in the genocide in Gaza, and how the government got away with misleading the public for so long.They also discuss the reaction to Anthony Albanese's announcement that Australia will recognise Palestine, and look at how most Labor policy is calibrated to satisfy political journalists, rather than the public.Then they discuss the huge transformation taking place across the podcast industry, as the biggest media companies scrap well-researched, narrative-led shows in favour of influencer and celebrity focused content and pivot hard to video.And in Keeping Tabs, a popular news influencer outlines their plan to build a new political party sitting somewhere between Labor and The Greens, and a bit of behind-the-scenes on how Lamestream breaks stories.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.

In a Lamestream exclusive, Scott reveals fascinating details about the pro-Israel ABC whistleblower that featured on the front-page of The Australian newspaper last Saturday, blasting the broadcaster for its alleged pro-Palestine bias.Also in today's show, Os and Scott look at how the public, the media and politicians reacting to the ongoing forced starvation in Gaza, including a discussion of the enormous protests in Sydney over the weekend, how they were covered, and how some of Australia's biggest news organisations remain staunchly aligned to Israel.After a brief reflection on the Logies, Scott and Os discuss the dire state Australian TV is in and discuss why the federal government has failed to introduce promised laws to force streaming giants like Netflix and Disney to create more Australian content.Finally, Os breaks downs an disastrous attempt by the Nine papers could cover a far-right rally in the UK and discusses the media's meltdown over Sydney Sweeney.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.

It appears like there's been a shift in political and circles this week, with the UK and France moving to recognise Palestine as a state, the Australian government accusing Israel of breaching international law, and media outlets finally recognising the catastrophic situation in Gaza. But how real and significant is this apparent change in tone? Os and Scott discuss what has shifted, what hasn't, the reasons behind it and whether it actually represents a tipping point.Also in this episode: A breakdown of how the Australian campaigned for a social media ban that is due to start later this year, despite the fact that we have no details on how it will work, or even what platforms it will impact.And in the regular Keeping Tabs segment, the political fallout from the Hottest 100, the ABC media lecture that completely missed the moment and the fact about Australian reading habits the media got totally wrong.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.

More than 200,000 people have voted in Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time poll, but an event that was supposed to celebrate the history of Australian music has also put a spotlight on the huge problems facing the industry, and the shrinking role Triple J is playing in helping make hits and break artists. Os and Scott discuss the dire state of music media, why Triple J is increasingly backwards looking, and debate singer Ben Lee's suggestion that it should exclusively celebrate Australian music.Also, Scott looks at why the ABC remains stubbornly deferential to Israel when it reports on the near-daily aid massacres in Gaza, even as the rest of the media starts to slightly improve its coverage, and Os unpacks why The Age is more focused on smearing the pro-Palestine movement as anti-semitic than covering the situation in Gaza.Plus, they cover the split in Donald Trump's base of his refusal to release the Epstein files and the political consequences, including here in Australia, of Stephen Colbert's cancellation.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 federal government has unveiled its review into combating anti-semitism which includes a number of radical recommendations that would censor the media and sanction universities and artists if they facilitated criticism of Israel. Os and Scott talk about the background to the review, the problems with its extreme recommendations and how reactions to it shifted over the past week.Also in the episode: A conversation about the state of federal politics, and why the Labor government is seemingly coasting without much criticism or debate over its soft approach on climate, education, health and housing. Os and Scott also discuss the media's unwillingness to criticise the massively controversial and expensive AUKUS deal, even though it is being reviewed by Donald Trump.Plus in Keeping Tabs, a preview of the Tasmanian state election and why the ABC is obsessed with making the same show, over and over.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 verdict in the trial of Erin Patterson has been handed down but it looks like we're just at the beginning of a true crime, mushroom-related media deluge. Os and Scott dive into the coverage of the verdict, look at how the media reacted to the decision and highlight some of the strangest stories to come out of the trial.Then, they look at how anti-Israel protests in Melbourne are being reported and the media's willingness to describe every protest action as an "anti-semitic attack". They look at why so many stories are missing key facts and context, and how the nature of the coverage is playing straight into the hands of politicians seeking to crack down on the right to protest.And in Keeping Tabs, they look at the woeful ratings of the new show that replaced The Project and discuss 10's shock decision to sack the much-loved host of Survivor, Jonathan LaPaglia.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.

On this week's episode, Os and Scott step through a turbocharged Keeping Tabs segment, covering the unhinged media reaction to Zohran Mamdani winning the New York City mayoral Democratic primary, and the calls from Republicans to deport him over his position on Israel, police violence against protestors and revelations that was exacerbated due to new anti-protest laws, and some of the dumbest takes coming out in the aftermath of about the ABC vs. Lattouf decision.Later in the episode, they discuss the fallout from the Glastonbury music festival, and why the media and politicians are more interested in talking about artists opposed to the war in Gaza, than actually talking about the war in Gaza.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.

After the biggest media trial of the year a federal court judge has found the ABC fired Antoinette Lattouf in order to appease pro-Israel lobbyists. Os and Scott explore the background to the case, breakdown what the trial revealed about secretive lobbying efforts targeting journalists and what the decision means for journalism, and the right of journalists to express political opinions.Later in the episode the look at the reporting around the Iran-Israel ceasefire and why previously sceptical media outlets now seem eager to take Trump's statements at face value despite the amount of times he's been exposed for lying. They also discuss the Australian media's unwillingness to describe the war against Iran is illegal, and why that matters.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.

In this special episode of Lamestream, Os and Scott react to the news that the US has taken the extraordinary step of joining Israel's war against Iran by bombing the country.They discuss the details of the US attack, why Trump made the decision to support Israel and what could happen next.Plus, they look at how the media reacted to the bombing, including the bizarre decisions from the ABC to interview Scott Morrison, and examine how little expertise there is in Australian newsrooms on this issue.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.

With the US on the brink of joining Israel's war against Iran, likely causing mass civilian deaths and plunging the region into chaos, Os and Scott look at the way media outlets actively helped lay the groundwork for this new conflict. They discuss how the war is being reported, and which civilians are humanised more. They revisit the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and compare how the same narratives are being rolled out by the media to justify war and regime change.Also in this episode they discuss the future of the ABC after the organisation's latest restructure and cuts. They unpack the public broadcaster's pivot away from digital and back to TV and radio, and the gutting of arts and culture reporting.Plus, they discuss what the Logies reveal about the state of Australian TV, the sale of the 7am podcast and (briefly) the discourse around Sabrina Carpenter's new album cover.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 shooting of multiple Australian journalists by police in Los Angeles has focused attention on media safety in Trump's America, and right around the world. Os and Scott look at why journalism seems to becoming less safe, the impunity with which police and military seem to be acting towards reporters, and why news organisations are struggling with the basic principles of defending their staff.Also in the show, they discuss Network 10's decision to cancel its long-running current affairs program The Project, and trace the show's rise and fall before evaluating the state of news reporting on commercial TV.Plus, they cover the ABC's latest cuts, the media organisations in trouble for breaching suppression orders in the trial of Erin Patterson, and the case of the high-profile presenter who made a triumphant return to social media... or did they?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.

It's the criminal trial that has launched a wave of new daily podcasts and dominated headlines for months. But what's driving the media's obsession with Erin Patterson and the mushroom deaths, and is there a downside to the amount of energy news outlets are spending on true crime? Scott and Os decided to listen to every single daily mushroom trial podcast to help inform the discussion, and they decided to rank them all in terms of listenability and quality of reporting.In the Keeping Tabs segment this week we trace the career of Australian journalist Erin Molan, from sports reporter to right-wing, pro-Israel, Elon Musk backed influencer, and look at how Australian media outlets published a series of confusing and conflicting reports on a massacre at an aid site in gaza.Plus, the mail bag is finally here! Os and Scott answer listener questions.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.

Has Rupert Murdoch's News Corp lost its ability to influence Australian politics and society? Os and Scott debate how powerful the right-wing media empire really is, and unpack how it influences the rest of the media landscape and every aspect of Australian politics.Also in the show they examine the messy state of sports broadcasting and sports media in Australia, and the Russian oligarch who now owns the rights to the AFL, NRL and more.Plus, in this week's Keeping Tabs segment: The two Gaza stories that went missing from the media.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.

As Israel executes its plan to conquer Gaza, drawing condemnation and sanctions from even if its closest allies, Os and Scott look at the role the media has played in paving the way for this moment. From abandoning fundamental journalistic principles in favour of propaganda, to blacklisting journalists who spoke up, and targeting artists, actors, academics and more who opposed genocide, they chart how the Australian media failed in its primary duty on the most important issue of our times.Also in this episode, Os and Scott discuss how Gaza has pitted two of Australia's most prominent political influencers, Abbie Chatfield and Clementine Ford, against each other, and look at question if the CEO of a media company can claim not to be a journalist while announcing their candidacy for parliament.This is the final week of our special 50% off sale for our newsletter! The offer ends on Sunday. 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.

Scott takes Os on a deep dive into the world of commercial radio, focusing on the mammoth $200m deal Kyle and Jackie O signed to help take their show national. Where do media companies get this kind of money? Why are they spending it on shock-jocks? Is the future of radio as grim as it looks?They also cover the media reporting of the new Liberal party leader Sussan Ley and discuss whether she is as "moderate" as news coverage suggests, and look at Labor's recently factional implosion.And they announce a new segment: "Keeping Tabs", which will be a more rapid-fire discussion of different stories and issues in the media that deserve attention or scrutiny.Supporting Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber. We're currently offering a 50% discount.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Os and Scott discuss how the Australian media is covering the Israeli government's announcement it will "conquer" Gaza and and forcibly relocate the Palestinian population. They talk about why the local outlets like the ABC seem to be doing a worse job at telling the truth compared to mainstream outlets in the US and Europe, and who influences reporting of the issue here in Australia.Then they look at the growing furore in the AFL media over Fremantle captain Alex Pearce's sharing of an Instagram post by Irish rappers Kneecap, and the desperate attempt by News Corp, Seven and 3AW to drum up a culture war.And in some more post-election analysis they talk about how different media outlets are responding to the result, and how some are coping much better than others.Supporting Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber. We're currently offering a 50% discount.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Labor landslide! Peter Dutton lost his seat! The Greens are in trouble! Sky News hosts lose their minds!In this special, post-election episode of Lamestream Scott and Os talk through the topline the results of the federal election and how they compare to the media's predictions (including their own).They discuss the emerging post-election narratives, examine whether this election is confirmation that News Corp is no longer as powerful as it once was, and take a closer look at some of the closest races.If you want to support Lamestream visit our website to sign up and become a subscriber. We're currently offering a special 50% discount.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this pre-election episode of Lamestream Os and Scott share their tips for watching the results, highlight what contests they're keeping a close eye on and even boldly make a few predictions.They dive into the latest crisis engulfing the ABC with fresh allegations the broadcaster's chair, Kim Williams, inappropriately interfered to help promote a controversial comedian.Plus, they examine the growing attacks on Welcome to Country ceremonies and the media's role in injecting them into the political discussion in the final week of the election campaign.If you want to support Lamestream visit 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.

On the first episode of Lamestream, Os and and Scott explain why they created the show and what they're hoping to achieve by launching a new, independent media outlet.They unpack the idea of the "podcast election" and the significance of politicians ditching traditional media interviews in favour of conversations with social media influencers and podcasters like Abbie Chatfield and The Betoota Advocate, and what that means for accountability and the future of the media landscape.Next, they share their top three underrated campaign narratives of this election, discussing Peter Dutton's woeful campaign, the media's coverage of the Greens and what happens if there's a hung parliament.And, they dissect the new campaign launched by News Corp and Nine to tackle racism in Australia, and how seriously we should take it given Nine's willingness to attack Welcome to Country ceremonies, in the aftermath of the Anzac Day protests.If you want to support Lamestream visit our website to sign up and become a subscriber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trust in media and politics has collapsed, and the world feels more fractured than ever. It's never been more important understand what's shaping our society and our culture, but it's also never been harder.That's why we're creating Lamestream. It's a new, fully independent, weekly podcast and newsletter that tackles the crisis in media. Hosted by award-winning journalists Osman Faruqi and Scott MItchell, every week Lamestream will break down how how media shapes news, culture, politics and current affairs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.