An independent podcast guiding you through the crisis in media. Hosted by award-winning journalists Osman Faruqi and Scott Mitchell, new episodes out every Monday and Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode List

How a Media Pile-On Ended Jason Arday's Life. Plus, AOC and the 'Woke' Debate

Aug 16th, 2026 6:00 PM

Os and Scott talk through the hints suggesting Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez might be running for President, Donald Trump's reaction, and the debate around "wokeness" she's kicked off.They break down the successes the left-wing of the Democrats have had in recent elections and discuss whether that kind of political resurgence could happen in Australia.Then they step through the tragic story of former Cambridge professor Jason Arday. They unpack his meteoric rise, the genesis of the campaign against him, and how to draw the line between fair reporting and a media pile-on.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.

A Nepo Baby Tantrum, Census Culture Wars, and a Melon-Gate Investigation

Aug 12th, 2026 6:00 PM

Os and Scott begin by discussing the drama around Crikey's article on media nepo babies and the intense debate it sparked on Instagram, involving multiple celebrities.Next, they unpack the international incident involving Anthony Albanese, Japan's PM, two melons and a raunchy podcast, and look at the media outlets whipping up the frenzy. Then they review Kyle Sandiland's first episode of his new subscriber-only show, look at the News Corp hit pieces on Massive Attack, and break down all the misinformation and controversy around the census, including the lobbying campaigns of Christian groups.Finally, they talk through the big political issues in Parliament this week including gambling ad reform, and what it reveals about the media's influence on politics.Support Lamestream by visiting our website to sign up and become a subscriber.Follow us on social media:InstagramTikTokYouTubeArticles mentioned in this episode:Sanae Takaichi: The prime minister nobody defendedPM’s sexist melon joke was not only ungracious, it betrayed the close bond of our two nationsSexist melon haters: Japan’s social media fires up over Albanese gaffeAnti-Israel band sparks outrage ahead of Melbourne showMassive Attack Australian tour misfires amid information overloadThe BibleGreens, Coalition may not support Labor’s tech tax changesAlbanese, Taylor hammer out deals on gambling and tech, but ignore Howard’s last-ditch plea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Two Scandals Could Change the ABC Forever

Aug 9th, 2026 6:00 PM

Os and Scott dive into the two scandals, which have let ABC boss Hugh Marks make radical changes to the ABC.First, they discuss the apology he issued to Gina Rinehart over a joke on Race Around the World. Now, he says he is going to change the rules for what jokes can be broadcast on the ABC.Then, they talk about the departure of the boss of investigative journalism at ABC News, Jo Puccini, and how a generational clear out of news leaders could have dire consequences for investigative journalism.Finally, the Labor government is set to unveil its new immigration policy, after the announcement was delayed last week amid reports of infighting. Does it show One Nation is already having an influence on Australian politics, well before a federal election is in sight?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.

Drama at the Royal Commission, Media vs Big Tech, and One Nation Blacklists Journos

Aug 5th, 2026 6:00 PM

Os and Scott break down the extraordinary accusations levelled against the Royal Commission by News Corp and and explain why the inquiry has become the centre of growing political and media controversy.They then turn to One Nation's increasingly aggressive crack down on press freedom and discuss what journalists can, and should, do to fight back.Later, they look at the political battle pitting big tech companies against Australia's media giants, and why hundreds of millions of dollars and plenty of jobs are at stake.In Keeping Tabs: The left-wing politician who went in to for bat for Gina Rinehart, and the NRL attempts to re-invent the concept of media regulation.Tickets to our Hobart show on August 7 are on sale now!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 Real Story Behind Morocco's Migrant 'Invasion'. Plus, the ABC vs. Gina Rinehart and News Corp

Aug 2nd, 2026 6:00 PM

Os and Scott go beyond the headlines to break down exactly why 50,000 Moroccans crossed into a Spanish territory, sparking a huge new debate about immigration.They discuss the diplomatic and political power plays driving the situation, the role played by misinformation online, how the situation was amplified by the US and Israel, and the attempts by the far-right around the world, and in Australia, to capitalise on it.Later in the show, they discuss how Gina Rinehart and News Corp have launched a new attack on the ABC and whether the broadcaster's leadership are willing to defend comedy and satire.Tickets to our Hobart show on August 7 are on sale now!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.

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