Can the media trump Trump? Donald Trump: Did the media make him? And can they now break him? He’s challenged journalism and now the media is fighting back.
Episode 35, 26 September 2016
The day love died Mass media despair over the break up of 'Brangelina'
NEET or not? A Daily Telegraph attack on young 'bludgers' backfired as more details emerged.
Mounting pressure on Mike Baird's ban Media pressure mounts on Premier Mike Baird's greyhound ban. Will the powerful broadcasters succeed in getting him to back down?
A great moment in history that wasn't A photo in The Sunday Age captured a great moment in political history. But a closer look revealed all was not as it seemed.
Episode 34, 19 September 2016
Fringe conversation goes mainstream Theories about Hillary Clinton's health have gone from fringe to mainstream after her recent collapse. And the media is giving it credence.
Nine News can't heal your pain Bad news for arthritis sufferers, despite promises, Channel Nine News cannot heal your pain.
O'Brien v The ABC Media Watch has successfully defended a defamation action taken by journalist Natalie O’Brien with a judgment passed down last week, more than three years since the program was aired.
Drinks 'study' gets a boost An earlier version of this transcript incorrectly attributed the Boost Juice media release to the University of New South Wales. A story on Ten News told of the health benefits of Boost Juice, but was light on some important facts.
Episode 32, 5 September 2016
Purple puff A Channel Seven news puff piece on Purple Bricks left some viewers seeing red.
Snapping Senate snoozers Derryn Hinch was caught napping in Parliament last week, but that hasn't stopped his push to overturn restrictions on photography in the Senate.
Buzz is back After a five week absence, Phil 'Buzz' Rothfield is back at the Sunday Telegraph, having been cleared by News Corp’s investigation into his relationship with Eddie Hayson.
Episode 31, 29 August 2016
Syria image tugs heartstrings The image of little Omran tugged on heartstrings around the world, but in the end, did it make any difference?
Rip, reproduce and regret A young Sydney journalist learns the perils of court reporting when her mistake aborts a trial
Daily Tele Sports Editor awaits investigation report Future of The Tele's ‘Sports Editor-at-large’ Phil “Buzz” Rothfield still unclear after a Sydney Morning Herald article revealed links to controversial gambler, Eddie Hayson.
Episode 30, 22 August 2016
Free publicity for Party for Freedom A stunt carried out by anti-Muslim group 'Party for Freedom' gained plenty of mainstream media coverage, despite most of it being critical. And that was precisely what the group wanted.
4 Corners bias allegations A leaked letter from a 4 Corners reporter to the then NT Corrections Minister has lead to allegations of bias levelled against the program and its report on youth detention in the Northern Territory.
Sex sells in Rio Sport wasn't the only story the media was focussed on in Rio.
Episode 29, 15 August 2016
Mack caused hack attack? Did gold medal winning swimmer, Mack Horton's comments really contribute to the ABS website meltdown on census night?
Turning a blind eye Why did so many media outlets turn a blind eye to last weeks's release of the Nauru report?
Gerard's Grandstand gold This call by Gerard Whateley was our (allowable) Olympic moment of the week.
Catching Pokemon stories The media is jumping on the Pokemon go bandwagon, finding tenuous links to the game to sell stories.
Awkward alert An awkward moment between Channel Nine's Rebecca Judd and Tony Jones left viewers cringing, and it wasn't the first encounter.
Episode 27, 1 August 2016
Instagram effect The amazing success of Instagram and why its bad news for main stream media.
Power of pictures The power of a picture: why it took so long for people to care about indigenous kids in detention in the NT.
Turkey press crackdown Post the failed coup, Turkey is targeting the media and causing concern about freedom of press.
Karl's humble pie Apologising is not something journalists typically do well, but Karl Stefanovic's apology was a winner.
Episode 26, 25 July 2016
Beating up a ban The Daily Telegraph did not hold back with its story on a high school wanting to ban the word 'girls'. But what checks did it make to verify the claims?
Leading us to war In the wake of the Chilcot Report, has the media learnt any lessons from Iraq and reporting on WMD?
Womb watching at the women's mags Celebrity wombs are under constant surveillance by gossip magazines, and readers lap up the fake pregnancy stories. But the future of these publications does not look bright.
Episode 25, 18 July 2016
Press freedom post coup Post the attempted coup in Turkey, keep in mind the fate of the reporters now facing or under arrest.
Hoax, lies and videotape A number of viral videos that made the news have been confirmed as fake and part of an 'experiment' by an Australian production company.
Muddying the waters on the Great Barrier Reef An article in The Australian suggests there is division among scientists on the danger posed to the Great Barrier Reef. But who is making these claims?
Borrowing an idea about borrowing ideas An ABC online story bears remarkable resemblance to one published earlier on Junkee, about pinching ideas off the net.
Catalyst cops more criticism For the second time in three years, ABC's Catalyst has been found to have breached editorial standards. How did it happen and what are the possible outcomes?
Rip and reproduce More often now mainstream media is taking user generated content from online and using it in news stories without proper verification.
Episode 23, 4 July 2016
Marathon with no winner After a marathon campaign with still no clear winner, Media Watch looks at the good, bad and ugly of the election.
Episode 22, 27 June 2016
Are we there yet? It's been a long campaign and many people have tired before the finish line. But then #FakeTradie came along ...
Facts missing from the menu The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has denied claims made by the Herald Sun and Daily Mail, that special crockery was requested for a Ramadan dinner.
Perfect storm facing digital news From ad blockers, to Facebook and consumers who refuse to pay. It's the challenge facing digital news and no one's sure what the solution is.
Episode 19, 6 June 2016
Racist memes raise ire Racist 'joke' memes that appeared on an AFL Facebook fan page caused a storm of outrage and complaints to Facebook were initially rejected by the company, which added to the anger.
Unfunny racist 'jokes' continued... The footy related racist 'jokes' continued, this time on the NRL Footy Show, with a poorly judged segment by Beau Ryan.
Media merger in the west Perth may soon be the latest one paper town as Murdoch's The Sunday Times looks set to merge with Stokes owned The West Australian.
Fairfax prints Chinese propaganda Times are tough, especially for newspapers and we can only assume that’s why Fairfax Media has recently agreed to take money from the Chinese for spreading their propaganda.
Episode 18, 30 May 2016
Light shed on 60 Minutes 'darkest hour' Last week Channel Nine released its much anticipated review into the 60 Minutes Beirut bungle and veteran producer Stephen Rice was shown the door. Did he pay the price for everyone's failures?
Nine's week of apologies, part two Channel Nine's second apology of the week was to NRL player Cameron Smith over allegations made on 60 Minutes in 2015. So why was it The Footy Show that said sorry?
Falling for PR tricks Vapourware is a product announced by a manufacturer that doesn't actually exist. So why does the media keep falling for this obvious marketing ploy?
Episode 17, 23 May 2016
Secrecy laws here to stay? Friday's AFP raids strike at the heart of the public's right to know. But governments aren't prepared to change our secrecy laws.
Whittington story absent on Nine News coverage of Adam Whittington's recent court hearing and a protest by his supporters has been conspicuously absent on Channel Nine.
No disclosure by Cam from Cairns Cairns has a new Facebook breakfast show called Good Morning Cairns. But what is its relationship to the LNP?
Episode 16, 16 May 2016
Here come the puns It wouldn't be an election campaign without some serious pun action in the media.
The rise and fall of Duncan From hero to villain in four days. Duncan Storrar pays a heavy price for asking a question on Q&A.;
Beating up a 'grim' story Global warming is a major concern, but this is no excuse for beating it up a 'grim' story.
Australian TV news whitewash When Waleed Aly questioned diversity on Australian TV he hit a nerve with some commentators. So what does it really look like out there?
Episode 15, 9 May 2016
And they're off! As the date for the election is officially announced, media pundits have been quick to reveal who they are backing, with few surprises.
Warning Belles Belle Gibson faces charges after profiting from false cancer claims and defrauding charities.
Episode 14, 2 May 2016
Rumour has it Prince's official cause of death has not been released, but you can still take your pick from one of the many unsubstantiated stories in the media on how he died.
Bruising cruise not news on Nine A class action against Scenic Cruises involving 1265 angry passengers began in Sydney last week. It was covered by many mainstream media outlets, but was conspicuously absent on Nine, where Scenic is a prominent sponsor.
White and bright: is reef alright? Is the Great Barrier Reef on the brink of extinction, or are we all worrying too much? We look at some of the media reporting on coral bleaching.
New 60 Mins snatch claims The latest reports in News Corp papers rubbish Nine's claim it paid child recovery team accidentally.
Episode 13, 25 April 2016
No Nine mea culpa 60 Minutes finally breaks its silence and admits to mistakes but will Nine learn any lessons from its Beirut bungle and will there be a cultural change?
Episode 12, 18 April 2016
60 Minutes in the dock A 60 Minutes crew are facing court over the bungled child recovery attempt, but it's not the first time tabloid TV has become involved in an international child custody dispute.
Crossing a moral line? Backlash after The Courier-Mail named a child witness and his younger brother in a murder case involving their father.
Episode 11, 11 April 2016
Dreaming up news of a coup The media is so keen for news of a leadership challenge, it doesn't take much to make headlines.
Hatching a snatch Journalists or child snatchers? 60 Minutes making news for all the wrong reasons.
Interview with Gerard Ryle, ICIJ How did ICIJ coordinate 400 journos to research the Panama Papers? We interview Director, Gerard Ryle.
Episode 10, 4 April 2016
April Fools' Day every day It was April Fools' Day last week and the jokes came thick and fast, but these days it's hard to tell which stories are the gags.
PM MIA on 2GB Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has done over 30 one on one interviews since September 2015, but none of them on Radio 2GB...and they aren't happy.
The obituary that just won't die When The Sydney Morning Herald published the obituary last month of Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, it became the third time he had died since 2013.
Episode 09, 28 March 2016
Easter Special: An interview with Mark Scott Managing Director of the ABC Mark Scott, retires next month and he talks to Media Watch talk about the challenges the ABC has faced and where it goes in the future.
Extended interview with Mark Scott Watch the extended interview with Mark Scott, as he talks to Media Watch about the challenges the ABC has faced and where it goes in the future.
Episode 08, 21 March 2016
Gangland killing with a twist In a twist to the grim gangland killing of Joe Acquaro, one reason why the Mafia is said to have wanted him dead is because he may have been talking to a journalist.
Fairfax cuts to the bone Last week Fairfax announced it would cut 120 full time positions, leading journalists to walk out in protest.
PR power wins again PR power - the diet company that squeezed itself into dozens of so-called news stories.
Episode 07, 14 March 2016
Going soft on Savva Niki Savva did not approach Tony Abbott or Peta Credlin for comment when writing her book "The Road to Ruin". Did she break the 'golden rule' of journalism?
Conned or confused by economic modelling? 'Bombshell' economic modelling from forecasters BIS Shrapnel revealed the havoc that would be wrought if Labor’s plan to cut back negative gearing was put into action. But there was more to the story.
Shane Warne, PR spin king Despite not winning, Shane Warne's stint on 'I'm a celebrity...Get me out of here!' was a PR coup for Channel Ten with over 100 stories printed in six weeks.
Episode 06, 7 March 2016
Sharia sheila: truth or spoof? In a News Corp exclusive, a swimsuit model was revealed as the Coalition's Sharia Law adviser.
Long drop long shot In an exclusive story, The Sunday Territorian asked: "Did this gun kill Peter Falconio?" The short answer was: no.
Bolt's about turn and back Andrew Bolt surprised people when he seemed pull his support for Cardinal George Pell, but the conversion didn't last long.
Sheehan stood down over rape shame story On Friday the Sydney Morning Herald announced that Columnist Paul Sheehan will stand aside from his duties until further notice.
SMH story shame Last week, Sydney Morning Herald published a lurid story by star columnist Paul Sheehan, who had failed to make the most basic fact checks.
Ten apologises to David Ipp Ten's on air apology to the state’s corruption watchdog, and ex-ICAC commissioner David Ipp.
Episode 04, 22 February 2016
Mixing up the facts on Ten Channel Ten Eyewitness News runs a two part 'exclusive' on Charif Kazal's treatment by ICAC, but gets the facts completely wrong.
Catalyst cops criticism over 'Wi-fried?' ABC's Catalyst came under a barrage of criticism over its program on the dangers of mobile phones and wi-fi. So what went wrong?
Upheaval at The Age Further upheaval at Fairfax as the Editor in Chief of The Age resigns
Episode 03, 15 February 2016
Sunrise and the Sex and the City skit What happened to cause such fall out from 'that' Sunrise skit with UNHCR ambassador and Sex in the City actress, Kristin Davis?
Falling for a fake There was no stopping this apparent c*ck up by the ABC from going viral, despite it being quickly declared a fake.
Beating up the banquet The private dinner that wasn't - how the Daily Telegraph puffed-up Tony Abbott's visit to Washington.
ASIO Act updated There are changes to ASIO Act, but will they make a difference to journalistic freedom?
Episode 01, 1 February 2016
The murder that wasn't The Gold Coast Bulletin reported front page news of an abduction and possible murder, But all was not as it seemed.
They're back: media reforms 2016 Once again media reforms are being discussed. What are the proposed changes? And will they get over the line this time?
No spice, please! Personal questions are off the menu for Nigella interviews as all media, bar one, follow the PR decree.
Episode 43, 23 November 2015
Reporting on Paris Reporting on the Paris attacks tested out the media. We take a look at some moments that stood out.
The ad no one wanted An Australian legal firm has launched a class action against VW, but has found it very difficult to get its ad run on Sydney radio stations.
Flat out frenzy The opening of an Ikea store has been the story of the year for the Canberra Times.
Episode 42, 16 November 2015
Terror in Paris Terror has hit again in the heart of Europe, but why did this attack touch a nerve when others have not?
What's the secret? How does an American undies parade get saturation media coverage in an era where pageants are so passe?
Relaxing the TV rules A new code for commercial TV relaxes the rules. Has the watchdog rolled over?
Episode 41, 9 November 2015
Cup capers A surprise winner, some casual sexism, and what you missed while the race was on: a collection of Melbourne Cup highlights.
Spruiking securities Journalists spruiking investment funds is never a good idea as this story about Angas Securities shows.
Fitness fibs A new fitness company called Bodypass has been popping up all over Fairfax media sites. So why all the favourable and extensive coverage? Perhaps because Fairfax owns the company.
Episode 40, 2 November 2015
Sensationalism sells The Daily Telegraph added a sensational claim to a tragic murder story. But was it based on facts?
Approach some claims with caution Recently the media published sensational claims of a VIP paedophile ring that included former Prime Ministers, police and judiciary. But when such serious claims are unverified, they should be approached with caution.
Getting it wrong on Grantham pt 2 The Wagner family are suing for defamation over comments made by broadcaster Alan Jones and columnist Nick Cater, about their role in the Grantham floods.
Episode 39, 26 October 2015
Daily Mail spoil sports The Daily Mail raised the ire of many TV fans when it revealed the winner of The Bachelorette hours before the show went to air.
Exclusive Nauru access for The Australian Last week, Chris Kenny from The Australian newspaper, became the first journalist allowed to visit Nauru in 18 months. And it has left people asking why, when so many others have been denied?
End of a Pyne era Australia’s longest-running affair between the media and a politician is over, after 12 years, three governments and six prime ministers.
Episode 38, 19 October 2015
No KaChing Peter Garrett's bribery claim leaves the ABC facing legal action from Clubs NSW.
