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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