What’s the problem with contemporary news media – and how to fix it? These were the underlying questions at a public event organised by ABC Friends Inner Melbourne in October. An audience of over 80 heard from the presenters of the podcast “Truth, Lies and Media”, journalist Nicole Chvastek and media ethics expert Dr Denis Muller. 

The podcast began during the federal election campaign this year and has continued with no shortage of material to analyse, dissect and call out – Nicole Chvastek makes no apologies for calling bullshit when she sees it.

One of the main problems in news media now according to Muller is the “lack of backbone” amongst newsroom editors. He sees it as their responsibility to ensure the conditions in which journalists can pursue a story without fear or favour, with the overriding objective to report the truth. Chvastek bemoaned the reluctance of mainstream media – including the ABC – to be honest with the language used in situations for which evidence is abundant. For Muller, the notion of “impartiality” has become distorted and entitled bigotry.

The pair explained how the podcast is made – at a kitchen table – and their willingness to leave in disagreements that occur between them. The ABC was acknowledged as an object of love (and some frustration), and a cornerstone of Australian democracy.

Questions from the audience ranged over issues of news avoidance, young people and social media, and the financial challenges of working independently. Muller had sombre words for the speed with which political freedoms can vanish, and Nicole Chvastek finished with the words with which the podcast closes each week: ‘Truth dies in silence, so let’s make a noise’.

The event was recorded and released as a “deep dive” edition of “Truth, Lies and Media”.

Listen here