Meet the Newsrooms

Meet Joseph Friedman, one of the founders of About Time. In this episode, Joseph talks about what inspired him to start Australia's first prison newspaper. He details why stories about people being rehabilitated are important, considering how mainstream media has trouble humanising people in prison. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Stella Yee, Founder and Editor of Manningham Life. In this episode, Stella explains how print editions and translating her articles to Chinese keep the publication inclusive to everyone in her community. She outlines her most rewarding story about a massive freeway construction, and the toughest piece of work - a council election guide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...

Meet Liam Fitzgerald, Founder and Director at Fitzmedia. In this episode, Liam explains why he decided to launch a live TV news station completely online. Then, he talks about the role local media plays in preserving the history of the area, in particular a story he did on Warrnambool's old textiles factory. Finally, Liam explains why reporting on road fatalities is so hard as a local journalist,...

Meet Mark Phillips, Editor of Brunswick Voice . In this episode, Mark talks about why he launched this newspaper in 2021 after the local outlets had shut down. Then, he shares how the paper supported community fundraising to keep a local artist's collective going, and also covered tough story about a recent arrest. Finally, Mark talks about the credibility of print newspapers and how to keep dialo...

Meet Misha Ketchell, editor of The Conversation . In this episode, Misha talks about The Conversation 's emergency reporting including providing maps of the recent flooding in NSW. He also explains some of the tougher stories for him to navigate as an editor. Finally, Misha shares The Conversation 's way of keeping an open dialogue with its readership through publishing feedback and running open e...

Meet Tertia Butcher, editor of The Riverine Grazier since 1995. In this episode, Tertia explains the logistics and logic behind her 'Editor for 60 minutes' initiative, inviting young students into her office. She also talks about her favourite investigative piece on a school bus crash in the area, and the difficulties of reporting on council scandals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...

Meet Troy Dodds, the managing editor of Western Weekender. He tells us about how the paper stays in touch with the locals of Penrith through a text line, involvement in local events and keeping the office doors open for anyone to walk in. We also talk about navigating council or sports controversies when you know the people involved in the scandal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

Meet Sam Cullen, the managing director of Newsport, covering news and community in Far North Queensland's Douglas shire. In this episode, Sam tells us why hyperlocal journalists are the most trustworthy. He also explains the difficulties of crocodile reporting, perhaps one of the more niche issues this paper has to deal with. Finally, he talks about Newsport's successful real estate and job listin...

Meet Lechelle Earl, the editor of SE Voice. In this episode, we talk about the viral moment a local footy player was drafted into the AFL — and how important it is for local news outlets to be the ones covering those stories. Being embedded in the community can also be tough, as Lechelle opens up about covering a story close to her heart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

Meet Bob Burton, the co-founder of Tasmanian Inquirer — a digital publication covering under-reported issues around politics, society and environment across the state. In this episode, Bob talks about influencing state politics through journalism, and using the Right to Information Act to obtain information for his reporting. He also explains why Tasmanian Inquirer has chosen not to feature advert...

Meet Peri Strathearn, the founder and editor of Murray Bridge News, located in South Australia's Murraylands. In this episode, Peri shares what it was like reporting on his town's 6 month long flood disaster. He also grapples with the rise of misinformation, and how to report responsibly on conspiracy groups. Finally, he gives us an insight into 'the screen thing', a successful advertising method...

Meet Karen Peterson, the general manager of First Nations-focused 24 hour news bulletin National Indigenous Radio Service. In this episode, we talk self care tips for journalists after covering triggering stories, why platforming First Nations voices around climate change issues is so important, and why the NIRS like to end their news bulletins with a lighthearted story. Hosted on Acast. See acast...

Meet Barbara Heggen, editor of community newspaper The Westsider. Barbara shares the most heartwarming community projects happening in the multicultural suburbs of Melbourne's west. She explains the history of Techno Park Drive, an area that has been housing refugees and migrants since the 1950's, where residents are now facing mass eviction. Barbara also details some of the creative ways she gene...