Media Tarts

A quick message from Wade & Tash about our plans for the podcast.

In this episode, Ben Liebmann of Understory talks about how publishers are asking for creators to bring an audience with them - but does the economic model reflect that? Also, what does that mean for creativity and diversity? Are we becoming more homogenised?

You can find Ben's substack here.

2 episodes for the price of 1 this week. Tash has her Mediaweek Editor hat on and is on the set of Channel Nine's 'The Block' and spoke to co-host Shelley Craft.

Special Guest Tina Quinn from Fourth Estate talks about the story behind the story. Her piece was published on Crikey yesterday under the headline: 'Insiders reveal the real story behind Karl Stefanovic, a monster of Nine's own making.'

Tina tells us how she managed to get people to talk on the record and if it was her intention to write the angle of the story that ended up being published.

Tash asks Tina about her process to write the story, while Wade suggests that commercial publishers need to chase attention and clicks for a successful commercial business model and maybe Karl is just doing that.

Plus: We were recording when the news broke about the passing of Australian journalism legend Derryn Hinch.

PLUS: We look at the Top 10 stories in Australian media over the past financial year.

It's a new financial year! Break out the new budgets and get the entertainment budget into action. It's lunch time!

In this episode, the Media Tarts chat with Evan Shapiro (pronounced 'Shap-eye-ro' (not the way Wade pronounces it).

Evan is the creator of Media War and Peace on Substack, and co-host of The Media Odyssey podcast.

They cover the latest from the Cannes Lions, the Creator Economy and the latest on the streaming wars.

This is a must listen tartlets!

Sam Buckingham-Jones - Media, Marketing and Telecommunications Reporter for The Australian Financial Review - joins Wade Kingsley & Mediaweek's Natasha Lee at the bar for a chat about the week that was, and what next for Karl and Nine.

PLUS: Did Kyle Sandilands learn his lesson about sex talk vs smut? We'll soon find out via our guest Daily Mail Sex Expert Jana Hocking.

Media Editor of Mediaweek Natasha Lee joins Wade Kingsley at the bar for a friday drink.

WARNING: This episode discusses sexual themes. And cocktails.

About the Guest(s):

Bianca Dye - Bianca Dye is a vivacious and seasoned media personality known for her dynamic presence in both radio and television. With a career spanning over several decades, Bianca's talent and charisma have been hallmarks of her work in varied roles across Australian media. Renowned for her candid, unfiltered style, she has graced the airwaves on leading radio stations such as Nova 969, SeaFM, and most recently KIIS FM, delighting audiences with her outspoken personality and relatable humour.

Episode Summary:

In this lively episode, Wade Kingsley is joined by the effervescent Bianca Dye, stepping in for Natasha Lee. The conversation kick-starts at a bar setting as the duo discuss Bianca's illustrious career in radio and reality TV, share media industry gossip, and contemplate podcasting's evolving landscape. Bianca's infectious enthusiasm and unapologetic wit shine through, making this episode a must-listen for media enthusiasts and fans alike.

Bianca Dye opens up about her diverse experiences, from the highs and lows of a radio career to her stint on reality TV shows like 'The Golden Bachelor'. Bianca candidly shares her thoughts on the Australian media landscape and the potential for future projects, including her intrigue in hosting fresh formats and shows.

Key Takeaways:

• Bianca relishes her time in reality TV.
• The radio industry transformation is prompting talent to explore individual platforms, such as podcasting.
• Bianca discusses the contrasting energies and personalities required in radio and television hosting roles.
• She reflects on her storied career and the potential hurdles faced by outspoken women in media.
• Emphasises the value of having supportive management that understands and leverages her dynamic presence.

Notable Quotes:

• "I've either got too big a profile for certain shows or I don't have a big enough profile for certain shows."
• "I'm old school and I want to be a part of it. I still love radio."
• "You know what? Build it and they will come."
• "I had the best time on that show. I absolutely loved it."

Resources:

• Bianca Dye's social media: Instagram

Tash will return next week!

About the Guest(s):

Wade Kingsley: Wade Kingsley is a seasoned media professional with years of expertise in broadcasting and content creation. He is known for his insightful takes on the media landscape and an engaging podcast host.

Natasha Lee: Natasha Lee is the Media Editor of Mediaweek, an experienced journalist and media commentator. With a strong track record in reporting and storytelling, Natasha brings depth and wit to discussions on current media trends and cultural shifts.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode, hosts Wade Kingsley and Natasha Lee return after a brief hiatus due to illness to dive into recent media and cultural discussions. They explore the impact of sickness on their schedules, hinting at the broader winter illness wave affecting many. The conversation quickly veers into the world of AI, triggered by discussions at the Australian Financial Review's AI Summit, which highlights concerns about AI's growing influence in media, especially around copyright issues. This discourse centres on whether AI's progression should be met with stricter regulations or if creators should adapt to the changing landscape.

The episode takes a satirical turn as Natasha shares a story about a Sydney academic advocating against AI, only to be caught using it for her work, illustrating a significant AI-related controversy. The hosts also contemplate various developments in the media landscape, including potential shifts in radio personalities and unexpected political contenders with backgrounds in journalism, reality TV, and famous family ties. Their reflections underscore a transformative period in media and politics, influenced heavily by technology and changing social dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• The significance of AI in media and its potential to transform content creation, with a focus on the need for balanced copyright laws.
• A light-hearted segment on how even AI skeptics fall prey to its conveniences, as highlighted by a Sydney academic's gaffe.
• Speculations on changes in radio broadcasting involving Eddie McGuire and Karl Stefanovic, hinting at possible new roles in the ARN network.
• A discussion on a former journalist rumoured to become the next governor of South Australia and the potential for political shifts.
• Observations on reality TV stars entering politics, with references to international and local examples, showing the merging of entertainment and political spheres.

Notable Quotes:

• "There is something really insidious doing the rounds at the moment… after Covid… maybe our immune systems aren't as great as they once were." - Natasha Lee
• "It's time for some sort of… campaign at the very least, between people with vested interests here." - Wade Kingsley
• "Make it work… AI is here right now… unless you're coming to the forefront with a solution, then shut up." - Natasha Lee
• "If AI is the smartest tech we've ever seen, surely they don't need special privileges that no other tech is needed." - Annabelle Herd (via Wade Kingsley's other podcast)
• "This is the world now… You don't have to be in the media to be critiqued, but you've chosen to be there." - Natasha Lee

PLUS: Is Kyle Sandilands new show 'reveal' actually fake news?

About the Guest(s):

Bernard Keane: Bernard Keane is a prominent figure in the field of political journalism, serving as the Political Editor at Crikey, Australia's leading independent news outlet. Known for his incisive commentary and deep understanding of Australian politics, Bernard has a rich history of holding power to account through his work. He has significantly contributed to public interest journalism, often navigating complex political landscapes to provide clarity and insight into governmental affairs.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Media Tarts, Wade Kingsley and Natasha Lee delve into the intricacies of covering Australia's federal budget with special guest Bernard Keane. Bernard, a seasoned political editor at Crikey, shares his experiences from the unique vantage point of a journalist in the budget lockup—a place traditionally fraught with numbers, fast-paced reporting, and political spin.

As the discussion progresses, Bernard offers an insider's glimpse into the logistics and challenges of reporting on the budget amidst the highly orchestrated environment of media and politics. He describes how journalists wade through vast amounts of data to deliver compelling narratives while navigating government influence. The episode also touches upon the growing role of social media influencers in political journalism, pointing to an evolving media landscape. This conversation not only highlights the technical aspects of budget reporting but also ponders the future of journalism in a digital age.

Key Takeaways:

• Budget Reporting Dynamics: Bernard provides a detailed account of the 'lockup' process for journalists during the Australian federal budget announcement, highlighting the shift in media dynamics.
• Media and Political Spin: Insight is given into how governments attempt to shape narratives through strategic leaking and spin, emphasising the tension between genuine reporting and political influence.
• Adapting to Change: The discussion underscores the growing inclusion of social media influencers in traditional media settings, marking a significant shift in how political information is disseminated.
• Historical Context in Journalism: Bernard’s fondness for historical economic data underscores the importance of context in understanding current fiscal policies.
• Challenges and Opportunities in Journalism: The evolution of media consumption prompts reflections on opportunities for younger journalists in a diversifying industry.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I do miss the good old days of the big lockup because you never knew who you were going to bump into." – Bernard Keane
2. "It's all toward the greater good of holding people who are really powerful and have access to a lot of money to account." – Bernard Keane
3. "The genius of the government's strategy is often found in the spin documents and what they choose to highlight." – Bernard Keane
4. "There's an issue of training… do people going in have the capacity to look at the data and make a good assessment?" – Bernard Keane
5. "Get off your high horse. That's change and get used to it." – Bernard Keane on new media entrants.

Resources:

• Crikey: crikey.com.au
• Mediaweek Australia: mediaweek.com.au