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Solstice Media

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

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#2023
August 23 · 16 min
The $100,000-a-month market for Trump’s posts
Donald Trump has found a new way to make money. Trump Media and Technology Group is monetising the president’s social media posts, selling Wall Street firms early access to them for as much as $100,000 a month. And in the world of traders, a few milliseconds can mean millions of dollars. Now, Trump is being sued over the arrangement, amid claims it gives paying customers preferential access to official presidential communications. At the same time, Trump Media is also moving into prediction markets – a fast-growing corner of finance that can turn political events into betting opportunities. Today, Reuters journalist Anirban Sen, on the extraordinary collision of presidential power, private profit and a booming industry where almost anything can become a wager. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Reuters journalist, Anirban Sen Photo: AP Photo/Evan Vucci See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2022
August 22 · 17 min
‘You inflicted untold suffering’: the Erin Patterson sentence being appealed
Almost one year ago, the Supreme Court of Victoria allowed a television camera to broadcast a sentencing for the first time ever – the hearing for convicted triple murderer Erin Patterson. Justice Christopher Beale imposed life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years for murdering three in-laws – and attempting to murder a fourth – by lacing their beef Wellingtons with poisonous death cap mushrooms in 2023. Now, Patterson has been back in court appealing her convictions, while prosecutors argue her sentence is too lenient and that she should never be released. Today, we revisit our conversation with investigative journalist and author Lucie Morris-Marr on the sentencing of Erin Patterson, the suffering her crimes caused, and how the judge decided her punishment. This episode was first published in September 2025. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Investigative journalist and author, Lucie Morris-Marr Photo: AAP Image/Anita Lester See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2021
August 21 · 16 min
“National shame”: Andrew Wilkie on the government’s gambling reforms
For more than a decade, Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has been talking about gambling addiction. His advocacy means he’s become a lightning rod for people to share their stories. Now, as the government this week passed legislation aimed at reducing gambling harms, Wilkie is among an angry group of dissenters who say the bill is a “national shame”. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Independent MP Andrew Wilkie Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2020
August 20 · 17 min
Pussy Riot’s Masha on Putin, democracy, and escaping Russia
In 2022, Masha Alyokhina escaped Russia disguised as a food delivery courier. She had spent years being arrested, imprisoned and watched by the state for her work with punk rock protest group Pussy Riot and for speaking out against Vladimir Putin. But Alyokhina says the Russia she fled wasn’t transformed by one dramatic moment. Repression came piece by piece, until fear, censorship and eventually silence became part of everyday life. Now, she says the same pattern is taking hold elsewhere, as people become overwhelmed, disengaged from politics, and complacent that the freedoms they inherited will simply endure. Today, Pussy Riot’s Masha Alyokhina on what Putin’s Russia can teach us about authoritarianism, and why democracy can never be taken for granted. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Pussy Riot’s Maria (Masha) Alyokhina Photo: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2019
August 19 · 17 min
The Sydney Swans scandal: How should the club, the AFL and the media respond?
When news broke this week of an alleged sexual assault involving the Sydney Swans AFL team in Melbourne, old faultlines in the way the sport handles accusations against its players re-ignited. Everything from the players involved, to the language used by the club, and the way the media reported the allegations, came under the microscope. So how much has changed when it comes to footy players doing the wrong thing. And what would a good response from the AFL look like? Today, journalist and author of Night Games, Anna Krien, on the way forward for the AFL. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist and author of Night Games Anna Krien Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2018
August 18 · 16 min
“I would perish”: The human cost of the PM’s NDIS cuts
Over six days of public hearings, Australians with a disability told parliament what losing NDIS support would mean for their independence, their families, and their everyday lives. Despite more than 4,000 submissions and calls for reforms to be paused, the government’s overhaul of the scheme passed the senate yesterday, with support from the Coalition. By tightening access and reducing some supports, the changes are forecast to save $37.8 billion over the next 4 years. But advocates warn the cuts will leave people worse off, and shift the costs onto families, hospitals and the states. Today, CEO of Women with Disabilities Australia Sophie Cusworth, on what these reforms mean for people who rely on the NDIS, and if the scheme can be made sustainable without leaving people behind. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: CEO of Women with Disabilities Australia Sophie Cusworth Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2017
August 17 · 13 min
How Trump’s anti-vax agenda is infecting Australia
Last week Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for fewer childhood vaccines, sprouting links to autism – which have been definitively disproved by scientists and health organisations around the world. During Trump’s second term, the misinformation from the president and his health secretary, RFK Jr, has been relentless – undermining public trust in vaccines, as outbreaks of previously eliminated diseases flare up again. Today, Professor of Public Health at the University of Sydney’s Infectious Diseases Institute Julie Leask on the politicisation of antivax sentiment, and the implications for Australia If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Professor of Public Health Julie Leask Photo: Bonnie Cash/EPA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2016
August 16 · 16 min
Should Australia be preparing civilians for war?
For most of Australia’s recent history, preparing for war has meant preparing the military. Now, the government is turning its attention on the rest of us. A new parliamentary inquiry will examine Australia's civilian preparedness and whether we could keep fuel flowing, supply chains moving and essential services running through a major conflict. It comes as the government warns Australia is facing the most threatening strategic circumstances since the Second World War. Today, Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, on what major conflict would actually mean for Australians, and whether we’re preparing for the right threats. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Director of Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, Sam Roggeveen Photo: PR HANDOUT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2015
August 15 · 19 min
David McBride on being sent to prison
Whistleblower David McBride has been released from prison on parole, after serving 27 months for leaking classified Defence documents to journalists. Those documents helped expose allegations of war crimes by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. Years on, he’s still the only person to have been sent to prison over the Afghan Files. Today, as McBride is released, we’re returning to an interview Ashlynne McGhee recorded with him just before he was jailed – on why he leaked those documents, whether he had any regrets, and how Australia keeps its secrets. This episode was first published in May 2024. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Whistleblower and former military lawyer, David McBride Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2014
August 14 · 16 min
Immigration, gambling deals and Australia’s “gayest party”
After years of pressure to tackle gambling harm, the Albanese government is trying to get its long-awaited reforms through parliament, looking to cut a deal with the Opposition, sparking a debate over just how far the government is prepared to go to get its reforms through. Meanwhile, immigration is becoming one of the defining battles in federal politics, as One Nation’s growing support and hardline approach force both major parties to confront how they respond to its agenda. And amidst it all, Barnaby Joyce declared One Nation “one of the gayest parties in Australia”, after a former One Nation candidate called homosexuality a mental illness. Today, SBS Chief Political Correspondent, Anna Henderson, on a hectic week in parliament; the fight over immigration, gambling reform and a warm conversation between the PM and President Trump. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2013
August 13 · 17 min
‘Getting Murdoched’: How the Murdoch media attacks its targets
For decades, Rupert Murdoch’s media empire has helped shape politics and public debate, and in doing so, has often left lasting consequences for some of the people caught in its sights, from politicians, to public figures to everyday people. The consequences can be devastating. Journalists Matthew Ricketson and Andrew Dodd have a name for what happens when that attention becomes a campaign, they call it ‘getting Murdoched’. Today, co-author of their new book Getting Murdoched, Matthew Ricketson on the people who’ve found themselves on the receiving end, and the media culture that could outlast Rupert Murdoch himself. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Co-author of Getting Murdoched Matthew Ricketson Photo: AP Photo/Jason Reed, Pool, File See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2012
August 12 · 17 min
How Nigel Farage ended up facing off with a bin
Just when you thought world politics couldn’t get any more ridiculous: tonight, far-right British politician Nigel Farage is set to face a by-election of his own making. His main opponent? A joke candidate by the name of Count Binface, who says he’s an alien space warrior, and wears a superhero costume featuring a bin for a head. The contest has turned into a circus, but the five-million-pound donation scandal which prompted it, is deadly serious. Today, European correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, Andrew Tillett, on the contest, the scandal behind it, and the parallels between Farage and Australia’s far-right offering, One Nation. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: European correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, Andrew Tillett Photo: PA/Alamy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2011
August 11 · 16 min
Is super a fairer way to fight inflation than interest rates?
The Reserve Bank of Australia yesterday left interest rates on hold at 4.35 per cent: a relief for those with a mortgage. But as the bank weighs up future interest rate hikes to try and combat inflation, some economists say there’s a fairer way to keep spending under wraps and spread the pain around. And the alternative could leave us all with bigger retirement nest eggs. Today, independent economist Saul Eslake on whether superannuation could be used to manage inflation, and what it all means for the future of housing. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Independent economist Saul Eslake Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2010
August 10 · 16 min
Where is One Nation’s money coming from?
As One Nation’s political clout rises, so too does its bank balance, courtesy of the very elites Pauline Hanson often rails against. Now an investigation by the Brisbane Times and SMH has detailed some of the places One Nation’s cash is coming from: from exclusive parties hosted at Gina Rinehart’s mansion, to movies, to merch. But perhaps even more pertinent are the contributions hidden from public view. Today, SMH Investigative Reporter Patrick Begley on the sources of One Nation’s wealth. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: SMH Investigative Reporter Patrick Begley Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2009
August 9 · 18 min
Australia’s first far-left terrorism investigation and the rise of political violence
In the early hours of July 5 last year, a group of masked people allegedly broke into a defence manufacturer in Melbourne’s north-east. Three cars were set alight. The building was vandalised, and later, a video message appeared online with a masked man claiming responsibility; warning workers involved in the weapons supply chain that they were being watched. Waleed Aly has a PhD in global terrorism and says the message left behind is crucial to understanding what happened and what might happen next. Today, Waleed Aly on what makes political violence terrorism, and whether this attack is a sign of something much bigger taking hold. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Monash University terrorism expert Waleed Aly Photo: Supplied: AFP See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2008
August 8 · 13 min
The fall of Alan Jones
This week, Alan Jones went on trial in Sydney, more than 20 months after his arrest. The once-powerful broadcaster is now facing 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving six complainants. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies any wrongdoing. When we recorded this episode, Jones had just been charged with 24 offences involving eight complainants. Since then the case has narrowed, with a number of charges withdrawn or replaced before the trial began. Today, we revisit our conversation with investigative reporter and author of Jonestown: The Power and Myth of Alan Jones, Chris Masters, on the fall of one of Australia’s most powerful men, and what it tells us about the nature of power itself in this country. This episode was first published in November 2024. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Investigative reporter Chris Masters Photo: AAP Image/Damian Shaw See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2007
August 7 · 15 min
“Pay $10,000, that gets you dinner”: Sean Kelly on how power is shaping politics
In Australian politics, access can be bought, factions can operate beyond public view, and conduct can be deeply troubling without ever meeting the definition of corruption. None of it is especially new, and maybe that’s the problem. Meanwhile, people are becoming more disconnected from the institutions that shape their lives, and less convinced that those institutions are working in their interests. Today, columnist for The Age and SMH Sean Kelly, on the money, secrecy and private power shaping our politics, and what happens when voters stop trusting the system itself. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Age and SMH Sean Kelly Photo: AAP Image/Jane Dempster See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2006
August 6 · 18 min
Our job system is broken: Are private providers to blame?
Almost 30 years ago the Howard government shut down Australia’s public employment service and privatised the system that helps unemployed people find work. Since then, repeated inquiries have found the system is failing the people who need it, while the companies paid to run it rake in huge profits. Now, the Albanese government has admitted the system isn’t working and promised its biggest overhaul in decades. But Labor says these private providers will still remain part of the system, even as a new report has followed the billions of dollars flowing through the industry Today, ABC business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens, on how helping unemployed Australians became a massive money spinner, and whether Labor can fix the system while leaving private companies at its centre. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: ABC business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens Photo: AAP Image/Dan Peled See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2005
August 5 · 15 min
Alan Jones on trial: What we've learned so far
Alan Jones is used to attracting attention. But not like this. At 85, the once-powerful shock jock who for decades acted as judge, jury and executioner in the court of public opinion, is now the one on trial. Jones is accused of historical offences involving the indecent assault and sexual touching of teenagers and young men – claims he’s always denied. Now, a judge will decide, with the trial slated to run over the next four months. Today, National Affairs Editor at Ten News, Hugh Riminton on how the first few days of the Alan Jones trial played out in court, and what comes next. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National Affairs Editor at Ten News Hugh Riminton Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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#2004
August 4 · 17 min
Liberal party corruption claims & fugitive backers: ICAC’s Operation Rosny explained
For decades it’s shone a light on corruption of the highest order, even toppling premiers: Now NSW ICAC, the state’s corruption watchdog, has set its sights on a secretive right-wing Christian faction of the Liberal Party, “the Reformers”, and its cashed-up group of backers. Already the public inquiry, codenamed Operation Rosny, has heard of shit sheets, sham payments, phone taps, and dodgy deals with fugitive developers – with the reformers' connections reaching all the way to the top of the Liberal party. Today, The Sydney Morning Herald’s chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont unpacks the tangled web of players at the centre of what she’s calling ICAC’s Game of Thrones. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: SMH chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont Photo: PR Handout/Supplied by NSW Police See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Showing 41–60 of 79 episodes