Democracy's Watchdogs
Democracy's Watchdogs
Bill Birnbauer
This is a critical time in the history of Australian democracy with thousands of journalists losing their jobs due to the transformation of the media's business model. The rise of fake news and spin is poisoning public debate. It is time to reflect on the incalculable worth of original in-depth reporting and its value to a healthy democracy and informed public sphere. Democracy’s Watchdogs provides an oral history through interviews with past and current Australian investigative reporters who exposed corruption and held powerful government, criminal and corporate interest
Interview - Phil Dickie
Undeterred by legal threats, intimidation and denials by politicians and police, Phil Dickie kept digging into the crime syndicates running illegal prostitution and gambling in Queensland. His reporting set the scene for an inquiry by Tony Fitzgerald, QC, that resulted in the axing of senior political and police figures and widespread reforms.
Apr 9
26 min
Interview - Charlotte Grieve & Dean Levitan
Investigative journalist Charlotte Grieve and media lawyer Dean Levitan discuss the first successful use of the new public interest defence to defamation. Charlotte and other Nine journalists were sued by high-profile orthopaedic surgeon Dr Munjed Al Muderis over stories about his patient care. A Federal Court judge concluded the stories were in the public interest and dismissed the case. The surgeon has appealed in a case that will further test a defence that could boost investigative journalism in Australia. 
Oct 17, 2025
21 min
Indie Watchdogs - Claire Stuchbery
Indie Watchdogs - Claire Stuchbery
Sep 10, 2025
12 min
Indie Watchdogs - Michael West
Indie Watchdogs - Michael West
Sep 10, 2025
10 min
Indie Watchdogs - Richard Baker
Indie Watchdogs - Richard Baker
Sep 10, 2025
28 min
Indie Watchdogs - Anthony Klan
Indie Watchdogs - Anthony Klan
Sep 10, 2025
21 min
Indie Watchdogs - Wendy Bacon
Indie Watchdogs - Wendy Bacon
Sep 10, 2025
12 min
Indie Watchdogs - Bob Burton Tasmanian Inquirer
Indie Watchdogs - Bob Burton Tasmanian Inquirer
Sep 10, 2025
22 min
Indie Watchdogs - Bill Birnbauer - Intro
Indie Watchdogs - Bill Birnbauer - Intro
Sep 10, 2025
3 min
Peter Bartlett
Peter Bartlett is one of the most experienced media lawyers in Australia. He has acted for the media against defamation writs, demands to reveal sources and suppression orders. Bartlett has been involved in some of the most controversial stories published in the past 50 years. He is a mighty advocate for the public’s right to know and free speech.
Dec 11, 2024
36 min
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