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Rupert Murdoch’s media empire is one of the most powerful corporate influences right around the world, but in recent years it’s been through radical changes.

Now it looks like Rupert is starting to hand power over to his son Lachlan, as part of a succession plan.

Journalist Paddy Manning is currently writing a biography of Lachlan Murdoch, titled Sly Fox.

Today, Paddy Manning on Lachlan Murdoch’s ambitious plans for the family’s business empire, and how they compare to those of his father.

Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Paddy Manning.

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Peter Dutton has long been one of the most controversial ministers in the federal government. 

As Immigration minister he became the face of the Coalition’s hardline policy on asylum seekers and refugees.

Now, at a time of rising global tension, especially in our region, he’s become the minister for Defence.

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on Peter Dutton’s new job, and the concerns already being raised in the Defence community.

Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.

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For much of the 20th century Northern Ireland was marred by violence, as Irish republicans and forces aligned to the United Kingdom fought over the future of the region. 

That conflict, known as the Troubles, officially came to an end with a peace agreement in 1998. 

But now the violence is flaring up again, and there are concerns the fragile peace deal is on the verge of being shattered.

Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on what's behind the new wave of violence across Northern Ireland and what might happen next. 

Guest: World editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman.

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The billion dollar Tasmanian salmon industry promotes itself as environmentally friendly, healthy, and good for the state. 

But when you look a little closer, the environmental and social impacts are alarming. 

Award-winning author Richard Flanagan has seen the impacts of the commercial fishing industry first hand, and has spent years investigating the murky relationship between big business and the government.

Today, Richard Flanagan, on the real impacts of Tasmania’s salmon farms and the failures in regulation that have allowed them to keep growing.

Guest: Author Richard Flanagan.

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Nearly a year ago George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. His death sparked a resurgence in the Black Lives Matter movement.

Over the last three weeks the world watched and waited as one of the most significant trials in recent history took place and on Wednesday his murderer was found guilty.

Today, US journalist Mary McGuire, on the trial of Derek Chauvin, the verdict, and the future of the movement against police violence.

Guest: Journalist Mary McGuire.

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World leaders are preparing to meet for a historic global climate change summit, to try and limit the catastrophic impacts of global warming. 

After decades of inaction and a lack of leadership, countries like the United States and China are finally working together to try and develop real solutions.

But Australia has already been singled out as a roadblock to taking serious climate action.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe on the global shift towards tackling climate change, and how Australia could hold everything back. 

Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe.

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Scientists researching Covid-19 have discovered that the physical impacts of the virus on the body go far beyond what we might have originally thought. The results could have profound impacts for how we respond to and treat Covid-19. Today, Rick Morton on our growing knowledge of how the virus changes our bodies, and our brains.

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Federal and state governments are locked in a high stakes battle over the future of Australia’s vaccine rollout, while hundreds of millions of people around the world have now received their vaccines. Many countries are now starting to prepare for the resumption of international travel.

But in Australia the slow rate of vaccination has led to state premiers becoming more vocal in their criticisms of the federal plan. On Monday Scott Morrison held an emergency meeting of the national cabinet to develop a new vaccine strategy.

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton on where Australia’s rollout went wrong, and the plan state governments are pushing for. 

Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.

Background reading: Ramping up the vaccine rollout in The Saturday Paper

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The recent wave of allegations in federal parliament have highlighted that the law that’s supposed to protect women from harassment doesn’t actually apply to politicians. Today, Chris Wallace on the surprisingly dramatic history of Australia’s sex discrimination act, and the moves to update it for this current moment. 

Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Chris Wallace.

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Six months after the chief executive of Australia Post, Christine Holgate, was forced out of her job, she’s now broken her silence. Holgate claims that she was bullied, and has revealed the real reason she believes she was targeted. Today, Paul Bongiorno on what really happened at Australia Post. 

Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno.

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