Journo Deadset Studios

Nick Bryant speaks to four solutions journalists on how to re-engage gloom-fatigued news audiences.

Nick Bryant speaks to two very different investigative journalists about the tools of their trade.

“It's the power of the story. It's the same thing, whether it's drum and bass, or much more serious news. If you tell stories that people want to hear the end of, they are much, much more likely to consume your work, whatever it is."

Ros Atkins’ relentless experimentation with finding an audience means his stories aren’t just devoured by the news cycle. His team at the BBC produce a particular type of viral video, one that starts a conversation and has staying power.

On his show BBC Outside Source, Ros seems to have perfected the art of the explainer — reports that work just as well on digital platforms as they do on TV.

In this episode of Journo, Nick Bryant sits down with Ros, the man they call the BBC’s ‘Explainer-in-Chief', to understand the precision that goes into making his explainers must-watch content.

Journo is a production of Deadset Studios. This episode was made with support from the Judith Neilson Institute.

Host: Nick BryantExecutive Producer: Rachel FountainProducers: Grace Pashley and Britta JorgensenSound Design: Krissy MiltiadouManaging Editor: Kellie RiordanCommissioning Editor: Andrea Ho 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I wasn't just doing what was right. I was doing what was journalistically correct.”

Veteran sports reporter Jim Trotter was doing a live cross for ESPN when the host began describing American footballer Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand during the national anthem as “disrespectful to the flag”. Jim had a choice — to let the host’s opinions go unchecked or to report the facts.

As sports arenas more frequently become platforms for cultural debate, reporters like Jim have expanded their old beats from player drafts and starting positions to include athlete activism and political commentary.

From the taking the knee to boycotting the Olympics, it’s become increasingly common for off-field controversies and cultural shifts to make their way onto those hallowed grounds.

But as the clubs and codes grow richer, while many media outlets become poorer, is there now a power imbalance that’s impacting our coverage?

In the latest episode of Journo Nick Bryant asks the NBC’s Rebecca Lowe, NFL Network’s Jim Trotter and cricket writer Gideon Haigh: when back page stories are increasingly front-page affairs, can sports journalism still primarily be about sport?  

Journo is a production of Deadset Studios. This episode was made with support from the Judith Neilson Institute.

Host: Nick BryantExecutive Producer: Rachel FountainProducers: Grace Pashley and Britta JorgensenSound Design: Krissy MiltiadouManaging Editor: Kellie RiordanCommissioning Editor: Andrea Ho 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I’ve always stopped to think — well, you're a little brat from the back blocks of Brisbane and you're about to interview Paul McCartney. That is really rare. It’s very, very special.”

Leigh Sales is a towering figure in Australian journalism, and after almost 12 years as the anchor of the ABC’s flagship current affairs program, 7.30, she has decided it is time for something new.

She’s built her reputation on forensic cross-examination of prime ministers, as an award-winning author, a one-time wedding singer and the co-host of a hugely popular podcast.

Now transitioning to the next stage of her career, Leigh’s ready to generously share her own career regrets, for the benefit of the next generation of journalists.  

In this episode of Journo, Nick Bryant sits down with Leigh Sales for a wide-ranging exit interview, with rare insights into Leigh’s working process and how her grandmother’s words have kept her focused when the critics take aim.  

Journo is a production of Deadset Studios. This episode was made with support from the Judith Neilson Institute.

Host: Nick BryantExecutive Producer: Rachel FountainProducers: Grace Pashley and Britta JorgensenSound Design: Krissy MiltiadouManaging Editor: Kellie RiordanCommissioning Editor: Andrea Ho 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2021, News Corp’s tabloids in Australia made a stunning announcement.

For the month leading up to the Glasgow climate summit, they would be running a nationwide campaign on how to tackle climate change.

Cries of hypocrisy rang out from pundits all over — including News Corps’ own — for this seeming about-face on the white-hot issue.

So, was it a flash in the pan, or was it a turning point in climate change reporting of the most influential papers in Australia, from one of the biggest publishers in the world?

And what does it matter anyway when you’re reporting from Polynesia, where you’ve been telling the story for decades, as international media fly in, tell you that your island is sinking, and then fly out?

Look closely and you’ll notice journalists are finding new ways to tell the defining story of our time — even as the water is lapping at their door.

In this episode of Journo, Nick Bryant talks sinking islands, columnists in denial and "patronising the messenger" with guests Ben English, editor of The Daily Telegraph in Sydney, Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, Editor of Pacific Environment Weekly and Andrew McCormick, Deputy Director of Covering Climate Now.

Journo is a production of Deadset Studios. This episode was made with support from the Judith Neilson Institute.

Host: Nick BryantExecutive Producer: Rachel FountainProducers: Grace Pashley and Britta JorgensenSound Design: Krissy MiltiadouManaging Editor: Kellie RiordanCommissioning Editor: Andrea Ho 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.