The Front

As one half of radio’s warring superstar duo lawyers up, the other says everyone’s got it all wrong. Media Diary editor Steve Jackson is here with the latest Kyle and Jackie O drama, plus an ABC reporter’s very sweary outing on social media - and is Karl Stefanovic an anti-vaxxer now?  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khameini, the hardline son of the assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei, is elevated in Iran thanks to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Today in The Front’s headlines edition: the immediate crises on his desk, from ballistic missiles to fury from Iran's Gulf neighbours.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran has reneged on a promise to stop attacking its neighbours and assaulted the Gulf states with an array of drones and missiles - that’s as the US indicates the war is nowhere near over. Today, our correspondent in the Middle East, Yoni Bashan, is here to talk about the mood in Israel as this war widens. Spoiler - it involves a lot of chocolate.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet with Lia Tsamoglou and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new generation of the Fiennes family is taking on the most-adapted role in entertainment, with Hero Fiennes Tiffin playing Young Sherlock in Amazon Prime’s new series, directed by Guy Ritchie with all the British director’s characteristic fast-moving smart-talking attitude. Today, we rate this Gen Z take on the 1870s Holmes origin story.  You can watch The Front on our YouTube channel anytime Read more: Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock is finally here. Will you watch?  Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Josh Burton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a televised speech, Houthi rebels leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said the Iran-backed proxy militia had their “fingers on the trigger, ready to respond at any moment, should developments warrant it”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House compares Operation Epic Fury to the video game Call of Duty. Pete Hegseth says ‘no mercy’. Should any of that make us squeamish? And can the Iranian people possibly pull a secular democracy out of the rubble? Greg Sheridan is here.   Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War secretary Pete Hegseth goes on the offensive, saying Operation Epic Fury is not a fair fight - and America will show no mercy. Also in The Front’s afternoon headlines, more stranded Australians make their way home from the Gulf. Follow our Middle East live blog here Read more of our coverage on the Middle East: Carney trip long on symbolism, short on substance If at first you don’t succeed, die, die again Decisive, devastating and without mercy: Hegseth’s update on crushing Iran Canadian PM Mark Carney urges new ‘trusted coalitions’ across critical minerals, defence, AI Iran regime removal will cut global antisemitism, Ryvchin saysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of laughing along, the highest-earning woman in media finally gets sick of her loudmouth co-star’s antics and walks away. But what’s really fuelling the drama - and why are their bosses secretly delighted?  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports are emerging that the so-called Assembly of Experts has elected a new supreme leader: Motjabah Khameini, the son of slain Ayatollah Ali Khemenei.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iranian rockets on one side, Houthi terrorists on the other - the Arabian peninsula has suddenly become the flashpoint we all need to know about, because its waterways determine everything from petrol and grocery prices to inflation bills and when your new sofa is going to arrive. But is this a real threat - and when will everything go back to normal? Chief international correspondent Cameron Stewart is here. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Follow our Middle East live blog here Read more of our coverage on the Middle East: How Donald Trump rewrote the rules of war with his Iran campaign Defence taskforce on standby for Middle East evacuations Trump defends his record and vows to overcome tariff setback in fiery speech Cameron Stewart: How Israel’s enemies helped it dominate the Middle East Asian economies brace for deep economic pain as Iran war threatens oil supply This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Gulf airlines - Etihad, Emirates and Qatar - reel from Iranian attacks across the Persian Gulf, travellers and expats are stranded and looking for answers. Today - what’s causing the uncertainty, and the scenarios that could see the chaos stretch for months or years. Follow our live blog here. Read more on this developing story: Gulf states in race against time to repel Iran’s counterattack Sydney mayor backs Shi’ite memorial for ‘martyred’ Ayatollah Khamenei, lashes Chris Minns The case for cautious optimism in Trump’s war against Iran How will the war in Iran end? The scenarios explained Dubai travel warnings: What to do if your flight is cancelled or you’re strandedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From wearing a bulletproof vest to the ‘We will decide who comes to this country’ speech, John Howard’s prime ministership, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, had mistakes and triumphs aplenty - and today Australia’s most experienced political journo, Paul Kelly, is here to reflect on today’s lessons from a remarkable story of leadership. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Follow our Middle East live blog here Read more of our coverage on the Middle East: Australians stranded in Middle East as main evacuation route collapses ‘Several’ US fighter jets crash in Kuwait amid Iran conflict Ali Khamenei ‘will not be mourned’: Anthony Albanese condemns Iranian regime after Iran strikes Cost of war: US and Israel hit more than 2000 Iranian targets with relatively minimal counter-hits Khamenei’s death closes a painful chapter for my parents and other 1979 revolutionaries This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Kuwait City, Bahrain and Jeddah are all under attack as Iran’s desperate regime fires drones and missiles at its neighbours across the Persian Gulf: punishment for hosting American forces as Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury continues to pound Iran’s territory and assets, sinking at least half of the Iranian navy fleet alone. Follow our live blog here. Read more on this developing story: Australian mosques, organisations slammed for events honouring ‘martyrdom’ of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Conflict spreads as Hezbollah weighs in, ‘drone strike’ on British base in Cyprus, new Israeli salvo Trump says he has fulfilled his promise to the Iranian people, but the rest is up to them Ayatollah’s son or ‘Iranian Putin’ could step into power A weakened Iran will have ripple effects across the Middle East  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our correspondent in the MIddle East, Yoni Bashan, joins us as Iran declares revenge - and 40 days of mourning - for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Muslim cleric who rose to become one of the most influential figures in the world. So, what do Iran’s terror proxies, Hezbollah, the Houthis and Hamas, do now?  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge US and Israeli airborne assault on Iran has killed the leader of the Shia world, 86-year-old supreme leader Ali Khamenei. As Iran fires waves of missiles at Israel, American military bases and US allies in the Middle East, the world waits to see if this is the end of the repressive theocratic regime in Iran or the start of a huge regional war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wuthering Heights - our chief film critic threw 5 stars at it, while our guest Bianca Farmakis said it’s the worst movie she’s ever seen. What can lovers and haters of Emerald Fennell’s adaptation agree on? And what’s with all the egg smashing anyway?  Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Jasper Leak who also composed our theme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly told a House Oversight Committee investigating the crimes of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein her testimony wasn’t about “feelings”. Plus, Ley formally departs parliament and Afterpay swings the axe.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new twist in the drama sparked by Brittany Higgins’ rape case: former ACT prosecutor Shane Drumgold complained to the Press Council about The Australian's reporting of findings by a Supreme Court judge. Today, journalist and columnist Janet Albrechtsen joins us to explore a finding she – and The Australian – strongly disagree with. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lawyer representing one of the men accused of kidnapping and killing Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian says his client is “no mastermind”. Plus, Bondi Royal Commissioner meets with survivors, victims’ families and a billionaire finds himself in the middle of a scuffle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian goes inside the camp in northern Syria where 34 Australian women and children are waiting to begin their long journey home.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two men were arrested in relation to the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian on Wednesday. That’s after the 85-year-old’s remains were located almost 50km from his home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On day one of the federal inquiry sparked by the Bondi Beach massacre, commissioner Virginia Bell and counsel assisting Richard Lancaster say they believe Australians can all agree that antisemitism is out of control and empathy needs to come back. But is that wildly optimistic in today’s climate? Cameron Stewart is here. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British police have arrested Lord Peter Mandelson, a high-ranking Labour party figure who was until recently Sir Keir Starmer’s ambassador in London, over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mossad’s audacious pager and walkie-talkie attacks hit Shia militia Hezbollah hard - but now the Iran-backed jihadis are using old-world moneylender networks plus new systems including trucks and boats full of cash to prepare for fresh warfare with the two Great Satans, Israel and the United States. Yoni Bashan joins us from the Middle East.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emails published by the US Department of Justice in the so-called Epstein files appear to show the former Duchess of York, known as ‘Fergie’, introduced Poppy Cottrell to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein a year after he was released from prison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s fair when reporting Donald Trump? He’s suing the BBC over a selective edit of his Jan 6 speech, but the ABC - which did its own slice of the same speech, is defending its journalism. Today, Steve Jackson joins us with internal ABC emails revealing who really runs the show.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, the robots came for art and music. Now, the most human of artforms - podcasts - is being replicated by artificial intelligence models that aren’t satisfied with helping humans - they want to imitate us too. Here at The Australian - we will always make handmade, human journalism. But what happens when AI steps out from behind the curtain - and tries to claim the spotlight? Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Jasper Leak who also composed our theme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arrested, questioned and released to await possible charges carrying a 20 year jail penalty: it’s a hard fall for the former Duke of York. Today, Europe correspondent Jacquelin Magnay on the fall of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest American armada in two decades is assembling in the Middle East as negotiations fail. Today chief international correspondent Cameron Stewart joins us to step though Iran’s options from here, the Pentagon’s strategic calculations and what would happen to the agents of Iranian terror around the world, including in Australia.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet  and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian premier Jacinta Allan has lost her temper in a spectacular way with journalists who were asking about allegations of rampant dodginess in the construction, forestry, mining and energy union the CFMEU. Today’s afternoon headlines edition from The Front. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the government claims it’s not helping a group of so-called ISIS brides return to Australia, we look at how domestic politics is shaping the fate of these 34 women and kids.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US authorities will investigate a sprawling compound once owned by Epstein in the state of New Mexico in an effort to substantiate claims there are bodies buried on the property. Plus, what Randa Abdel-Fattah did next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACCC is suing Coles and Woolworths for allegedly misleading customers on price drops and discounts. But why are the supermarket giants defending the charges in court? Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A stunningly realistic fake clip of movie stars Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt having a fist-fight about Jeffrey Epstein is causing a meltdown in Hollywood. Plus, the thwarted return of ISIS brides.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just when you thought we were done with the epic defamation trial brought by Australia’s most decorated living soldier, there’s one more twist: a secret payment by Nine Entertainment to a witness who claimed Ben Roberts-Smith violently attacked her - and then turned on Nine’s star reporter.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australian police have returned to Oak Park Station, where four-year-old Gus Lamont was last seen five months ago. Plus, alleged Bondi gunman Naveed Akram appears in court and the ACCC takes Coles to court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preparations for the four-month trial of former broadcaster Alan Jones, who’s fighting indecent assault charges, have  been rocked by a complaint from one of the alleged victims about phone calls from someone purporting to be a journalist from The Sydney Morning Herald. The tabloid’s owner Nine Entertainment denies it was them.  Today, media Diary editor Steve Jackson joins us to talk about the Jones trial, a very messy dispute between two top legal figures and why terrorism investigators are interested in internal communications at the ABC and SBS. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boy meets boy, boy loses boy, boy wins boy back - and everyone’s incredibly ripped. This is the new formula for female-friendly entertainment, from Canadian ice hockey TV phenomenon Heated Rivalry to new leather-and-motorbikes movie Pillion, starring Alexander Skarsgard. Today, Bianca Farmakis joins us to explore how far we’ve come since Philadelphia. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Jasper Leak who also composed our theme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sussan Ley’s resignation from politics will trigger a hotly contested by-election in her seat of Farrer. Plus, a judge rejects the BBC’s bid to delay Trump lawsuit and an Aussie snatches gold in the men’s moguls in Milan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal Liberals have dumped Sussan Ley - but is little-known new leader Angus Taylor going to be himself rolled by Andrew Hastie?  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the federal Liberals line up for a 9am Friday vote on the leadership, the 2025 entitlements scandal (remember that?) delivers one last victim: prominent Greens Senator admitting her use of ‘family reunion’ travel didn’t pass the pub test. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Street protests and violent scuffles have delivered the anti-Israel movement a week of great publicity at the expense of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, whose visit was supposed to reset the fractured relationship. Has it blown up in Anthony Albanese’s face? Plus, chief international correspondent Cameron Stewart looks at the void of protest over Iran’s brutal crackdown.   Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US authorities say a person has been detained over the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of an American breakfast TV show host. Plus, Liberal party leadership tensions reach boiling point.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does the harsh sentencing of a publisher under Beijing’s new national security laws spell the end of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” experiment? National Chief Correspondent Hedley Thomas discusses how we got here after years of reporting on – and from – Hong Kong.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barnaby Joyce says 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame should be stripped of her honours after she led a chant of “globalise the intifada” at a pro-Palestine protest in Sydney. Plus, Lindsey Vonn’s long road to recovery and rumours of a Liberal leadership spill.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a stunning election mandate, re-elected Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi will end Japan’s formal pacifism, create a national intelligence agency and massively grow defence spending. She’s already enraged China - so does she want a war? Our North Asia Correspondent Yoni Bashan is here. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Epstein files reveal an FBI report suggesting he was a Mossad agent, plus extensive communications with former Israeli Labor prime minister Ehud Barak - including Epstein asking Barak to assert he wasn’t an intelligence operative. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intelligence agency ASIO issues a pre-emptive denial of an ABC Four Corners story on the Bondi massacre. It’s awkward timing for the ABC, with editor-in-chief and managing director Hugh Marks due to appear at a Senate Estimates hearing that will focus on its impartiality. Plus - the on-assignment blowup that's got everyone in commercial TV talking. Media Diary editor Steve Jackson is here.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the reality TV format sweeping the world and we couldn’t resist asking Canberra bureau chief - and Traitors devotee - Richard Ferguson to analyse this wild political moment through a Traitors v Faithfuls lens. Traitors Australia, which flopped a couple of years ago, is coming back to screens, with post-production under way on Season 3.  Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Jasper Leak who also composed our theme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australian police say they’ve identified a suspect in the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont and confirm they’re now treating the case as a major crime. Plus, RBA boss Michele Bullock dismisses the Treasurer’s spending claim and ousted author Randa Abdel-Fattah’s next gig.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.