About the Guest(s):

Amanda Goff is a prominent columnist and author known for her fierce and direct writing style. She writes for the Daily Mail and has released three memoirs detailing her diverse experiences in the adult industry.

Episode Summary:

In this lively episode of Media Tarts, hosts Wade Kingsley and Natasha Lee, along with guest Amanda Goff, dive into the highly-discussed media coverage of Meghan Markle's recent visit to Australia. The trio explores the sharp criticism Meghan has faced and whether the coverage has crossed into a territory of unwarranted nastiness.

Throughout the episode, the conversation progresses to dissect the societal fascination and disdain targeted at Meghan Markle, reflecting on whether her actions warrant the intensity of the media's scrutiny. In an engaging discussion, Wade, Natasha, and Amanda unpack layers of gender critique, public accountability, and media responsibilities, analysing whether female critics approach Meghan more harshly due to heightened perceptivity of her actions. Another focal point is the intricate dynamics of a polarised public where opinions shift and clash starkly, such as in Meghan's case.

Key Takeaways:

• The media often reflects public sentiment, but it's crucial to differentiate between criticism and undue harshness, especially in media coverage of public figures like Meghan Markle.
• Criticism towards Meghan Markle stems not only from her public actions but also from the perception of disingenuousness and hypocrisy.
• Journalists must balance their responsibilities in reporting honestly while not fuelling unwarranted media pile-ons.
• Media coverage may at times lean towards a personal bias, especially when gender dynamics are involved, highlighting a differential treatment in media narratives.
• There's a strong public and media interest in Meghan Markle's life, often creating a polarising divide that mirrors larger societal viewpoints.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Goff: "I cannot stand that woman for many reasons… If the audience doesn't like you, then, right, you're not going to make the money."
• Wade Kingsley: "I feel like the coverage has gone to a different level of nastiness."
• Natasha Lee: "The public is a lot more cluey than people give us credit for, and we can pick up when somebody is genuine and when they're not."
• Amanda Goff: "With journalists, we can't be too nasty because we leave that to the public."

Resources:

• Amanda Goff's Instagram: @amandagoffofficial

About the Guest(s):

Sarah Tinsley is a prominent legal expert specialising in media and technology. With an impressive career spanning roles at major organisations such as SCA, ARN, and Fairfax, she has played a crucial role in some of Australia’s most significant mergers and acquisitions in the media sector. Currently, Sarah serves on multiple boards and remains deeply involved in the industry, continually contributing her extensive knowledge and expertise. Her insights into the intricacies of media deals, regulatory challenges, and the dynamics of corporate law make her a sought-after voice in discussions about the Australian media landscape.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Media Tarts, hosts Wade Kingsley and Natasha Lee explore recent M&A activity in Australia. Their conversation dives into the complexities involved in these high-stakes transactions, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes processes that often remain hidden from the public eye. Sarah shares her experiences and observations from working on numerous deals, highlighting the pressures and pressures faced by those involved, from lawyers to executives.

Amidst talk of recent mergers, including Nine Entertainment’s acquisition of QMS Media and the notable Seven West Media and SCA deal, the episode tackles what makes such transactions intriguing. Sarah outlines what triggers the initial conversations leading to a deal and the legislative labyrinth that often complicates proceedings.

Key Takeaways:

• The media industry is highly interconnected, making face-to-face discussions pivotal in initiating mergers and acquisitions.
• Regulatory challenges can add complexity to media deals, influencing how swiftly transactions can be completed.
• The dynamics of corporate negotiations often involve personal relationships and prior connections, facilitating or complicating the deal-making process.

Notable Quotes:

1. “The number of deals that I've worked on that haven't come about is far larger and probably even more interesting.” - Sarah Tinsley
2. "Sometimes it depends a lot on what sort of deal it is, what sort of company it is.” - Sarah Tinsley
3. “We snuck in there and it got done, you know, really efficiently.” - Sarah Tinsley discussing regulatory approvals.
4. “It was a funny conversation to say, by the way, if you look at the asset list, there's a couple of things on there that you might want to have a look at.” - Sarah Tinsley

Resources:

• Media Week – the news source where Natasha Lee reports on the Australian media.

About the Guest(s):

Josh Szeps - Josh Szeps is an acclaimed broadcaster, columnist, and podcast host known for his critically engaging insights into media and culture. Widely recognised for his work on the "Uncomfortable Conversations" podcast, Josh brings a nuanced perspective to issues that divide public opinion. As a columnist for the Australian Financial Review, he contributes thought-provoking commentary on contemporary events. His background includes extensive media experience, with a distinct presence in both Australian radio and television, as well as international platforms, including work in the American media landscape.

Episode Summary:

In the first episode of Media Tarts, hosts Wade Kingsley and Natasha Lee dive into the lively world of media controversies and public figures, highlighting the intricate dance between media coverage and celebrity allure. Joining them is bon vivant and media aficionado, Josh Szeps, whose insights into the media spectacle surrounding celebrities anchor the discussion. The hosts unravel why media personalities like Kyle Sandilands attract such fascination and scrutiny, touching on their influence and the often sycophantic coverage they receive. This episode unpacks the broader dynamics of media and fame, exploring the culture of celebrity worship and the challenges within Australian journalism to tackle these figures with necessary depth.

Exploring the parallels between Kyle Sandilands and global figures like Donald Trump, the conversation shifts to the responsibilities of journalism in providing critical perspectives. Szeps offers his unique take on how the current media landscape frequently shies away from hard questions, leading to missed opportunities for accountability. In a thought-provoking dialogue, they examine the broader implications for democracy when media fails to challenge powerful figures. Delving into the nuances of celebrity culture, the hosts and their guest ponder the ethical responsibilities journalists have in maintaining balance between reporting and probing. Whether it's dissecting Kyle's media clout or critiquing the cautious nature of Australian journalists, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the Pied Piper effect celebrities have on the news cycle.

Key Takeaways:

• The Allure of Controversial Personalities: Media personalities like Kyle Sandilands and Donald Trump attract attention due to their unpredictable and captivating public persona.
• Lack of Accountability in Media Coverage: Discussion on how journalists sometimes fail to hold powerful personalities accountable, leading to superficial reportage.
• Media's Role in Democracy: The critical importance of asking skeptical questions to uphold journalistic integrity and provide public scrutiny.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Kyle is the least of our concerns… as Wade was saying, it's not dissimilar to Donald Trump at least." - Josh Szeps
2. "I can't, he can't sit down, and I can't put that to him as a question… he's going to clam up and give me nothing." - Josh Szeps
3. "We're all trapped in that prison to one degree or another… it's a prison of all of our makings." - Josh Szeps

Resources:

• Josh Zepps' Podcast: Uncomfortable Conversations
• Josh Zepps' Column: Australian Financial Review
• Media Tarts on Instagram: @mediatarts