Spin Cycle

The Spin Cycle team are joined by writer, critic and activist Natalie Feliks to discuss the anti-trans angle of 7 News' Spotlight on de-transitioning. They also talk more broadly about trans representation in the media.
Jess and Charlie also cover the Press Council findings on The Australian's editorial targeting Louise Milligan and the choice of outrage toward Question Time protests relative to the group's power.

What's Radiothon you ask?  It's the time of the year that we ask you, the listeners of Spin Cycle, to help donate and support Triple R - the radio station that helps power Spin Cycle each and every week.

Jess Lilley, Charlie Lewis and Rachel Withers talk community radio and listener-funded media, and they welcome 9 year-old Donnie as RRR's youngest radiothon broadcaster to read out the names of listeners who've pledged to support the station and show.

Plus, they chat with  ABC's chief political correspondent Laura Tingle about the importance of independent media and listener-funded radio and cartoonist Jon Kudelka explains why journalists and news contributors are boycotting the Walkley Awards this year.

To subscribe and be part of Triple R's Radiothon (and be eligible to win heaps of prizes!) head to rrr.org.au/radiothon

This week on Spin Cycle, Jess & Rachel are joined by Xavier George, recent guest on Insight for their “Boomers vs Millennials” episode - which tackled all things generational divide. 

Plus the team recap other news of the week, including the return of Annabel Crabb’s Kitchen Cabinet, and her now infamous episode with Peter Dutton.

With hosts Jess Lilley and guest co-host Rachel Withers.

Charlie Lewis flies solo this week while Jess Lilley is on break.

Author and journalist Walter Marsh joins the show to talk about his new book Young Rupert - chronicling the power and politics surrounding Rupert Murdoch’s early years and how he established his global media empire.

Plus a breakdown of some of the week's media stories including News Ltd using AI to publish thousands of articles across its publications and the latest developments with Twitter/X as the ABC shuts down its accounts on the platform.

High school student journalists Aidan Sinclair and Saskia De Leeuw Kyle join Jess and Charlie to discuss the YMCA Victorian Youth Parliament and its Youth Press Gallery program. They consider whether the environment simulates what it's really like being a journalist, and if there are enough outlets providing a platform for youth journalism. Jess and Charlie also cover the ABC and Nicole Chvastek, and the seemingly increasing newsworthiness of opinions.

As Barbenheimer floods cinema screens this week, the Spin Cycle team takes a look at arts and culture journalism in Australia. 
Jess and Charlie are joined by Brodie Landcaster, author and freelance cultural journalist, to discuss the Hollywood Writer and Actor strikes and whether the media environment provides enough time for journalists to generate meaningful film reviews.

Jess and Charlie also cover the new Twitter and the Liberals' growing popularity in Melbourne's Western suburbs.

Charlie Lewis is away this week. Jess captains the good ship Spin Cycle with special guest co-hosts Rachel Withers (Contributing editor at The Monthly) and Esther Anatolitis (Editor of Meanjin).

They chat to journalist Nick Feik about his reporting into how laws designed to support whistleblowers are failing to protect those who speak up.  Plus, a dive into the frontpage landlord story that sent Twitter chirping earlier in the week.

Rachel Withers joins Jess and Charlie in the studio to discuss her recent piece for The Monthly. What does it mean to be a 'Teal Independent', and what do they tell us about the characteristics of the electorates they represent.

The team also talk about the Robodebt commission report released this week and the role of media advisors in light of a recent Rochelle Miller interview.

Associate professor of public health and preventative medicine, Charles Livingstone, joins Jess and Charlie to talk about the media and gambling. They discuss the politics, research, and recommendations, and ask the question: what does the future of gambling regulation look like in Australia?
Jess and Charlie also update on the coverage of the yes and no campaigns for the Voice to Parliament, the recent Cricket crisis with British PM Rishi Sunak, and turbulence at the ABC.

A note that this episode includes discussion of problem gambling and addiction. If you or someone you may know needs help, you can visit Gambling Help Online or call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 for support services available 24 hours.

Jess and Charlie's guest is Kimina Lyall, Deputy CEO of Dart Centre Asia Pacific, a clinical psychologist and a former journalist. She talks to the team about trauma literacy in the Australian media; how does the media respond to traumatic incidents, and are we cultivating a media environment of inflicting further trauma?

Jess and Charlie also talk the corruption inquiry into Gladys Berejiklian, and influencers reviewing labour conditions.