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We Used to be Journos

Ette Media

We used to be journalists, but now we mostly just bitch about them. (Kidding. Kind of.) We also break down broken news.

Episodes drop Wednesday and Saturday.

Hosted by long-suffering journalists and even longer-suffering friends Jan Fran and Antoinette Lattouf, We Used to Be Journos pulls apart the week in media from people who know exactly how the machine runs because they worked inside it for decades.

Every Wednesday, the pair sift through the headlines you saw and the forces you did not. Expect blunt media analysis, zooming in on dodgy editorial calls, anonymous sources doing gymnastics, and the occasional whiff of bigotry dressed up as balance. Consider it a guided tour of the newsroom sausage factory so you know what ended up on your plate.

On Saturdays, the spin-off segment Only Jan hands the microphone to Walkley Award winner Jan Fran. One issue, one sharp monologue, foresincally researched, tightly argued, and, inconveniently for the powerful, quite funny.


Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.


If you want to see our mugs as we yap you can watch the episode in full here.


Thanks to @jaidanielpyne for composing the music for our podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 22 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 33 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • Tuesday · 1 hr

    Lindsay Clancy v the "true crime press”, Israeli settlers attack US journalists + Aussie media's weird private school fixation

    Jan Fran and Antoinette unpack the true crime spectacle surrounding American mother Lindsay Clancy, who is on trial for killing her three young children. More proof Israel's war on journalists has spread to the West Bank, where violent settlers are attacking US and other foreign film crews while soldiers watch. Plus a Guardian investigation exposes the tens of millions of dollars Israel is pouring into gaming AI chatbots with fake think tank reports. Also, Aussie media loves private school stories and one particular story about private school uniforms caught Jan Fran’s eye. Plus Antoinette gives a shout-out to the indie media and not-for-profit collab doing important work on Australia's rising far right. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here Share your story tips with us tips@ettemedia.com Shooter/Editor: Lachlan French Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Friday · 18 min

    ONLY FRAN: Comedian Bassem Youssef out, IDF marathon runners in

    American-Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef has had to postpone his stand up tour of Australia because he has not received his visa in time. He says he was required to provide a criminal record from both the US and Egypt. Meanwhile around 40 IDF soldiers are in town to run in the Sydney Marathon as part of a “peace delegation". Jan Fran explores who gets a visa to come to Australia, who doesn’t and why it’s all a bit confusing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • August 25 · 58 min

    Flanagan blasts Israel lobby, a terrible take on sexual assault + Jason Arday media apologises or doubles down

    In this episode, we look at a searing speech given by acclaimed author Richard Flanagan at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, in which he outlines the way the pro-Israel lobby is threatening our democracy. We also examine the media’s self-reflection (or lack thereof) following the tragic death of Cambridge Professor Jason Arday. Jan gives zero stars to an opinion piece on the allegations of sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl levelled at three students from the prestigious boys' school, Scots College. Plus – a glimpse into the opaque operations of far-right group Advance delivers some surprises. Watch Richard Flanagan’s full address to the Festival of Dangerous Ideas here. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • August 21 · 17 min

    ONLY FRAN: The ASIO laws that just passed the Senate

    This week a bill passed the Senate that will give ASIO extended powers on top of its already very extended powers. Not only can an innocent person be hauled in for questioning, held for 24-hours, potentially without a lawyer but they can’t tell anyone about it. Now, ASIO will be given added powers on what it can question you on and Jan Fran has a feeling it’s got to do with Palestine protests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • August 18 · 58 min

    UK media hounds Black professor, Politico’s confusing neutrality stance + millennial TV shows love Israel

    In this episode Jan and Antoinette explain why the death of Cambridge’s youngest Black professor Jason Arday was not, in fact, a “plagiarism row” but something far greater and more pernicious that the British press had a hand in. Plus, popular newsletter Politico launches its Canberra team with claims to be neutral and not take a side. Its CEO - and a five-item checklist - says otherwise. There’s also a shout-out to students taking on Pauline Hanson (and silly questions from the press), and the TikToker combing through 90s TV shows finding soft propaganda for Israel. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Follow Ari on TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • August 14 · 2 min

    No Only Fran this week because Jan Fran is sick

    Just dropping a little note in the feed to let you know that I've come down with a bug. Don't worry I'm okay but I'm feeling very, very sorry for myself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • August 11 · 1 hr 1 min

    Left-wing terrorism, Luke Bateman's gambling testimony fallout + anatomy of a hit piece

    We examine the alleged case of left-wing terrorism announced by Australian authorities: a crime that has no suspects in custody or charges laid. We also unpack the dangers of both-sidesing an issue when the evidence and research on right-wing terrorism is far greater. Plus, the gambling industry's mates in the media take an odd swing at former NRL player and gambling addict Luke Bateman, after his bombshell Senate testimony about how the betting industry operates. And a shout-out to author Trent Dalton, who handled a profile piece-turned-hit piece in the Murdoch press with class. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free and confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 CORRECTION: An earlier version of this podcast claimed Luke Bateman had accused TAB, Sportsbet and Star Casino of improper behaviour in his testimony before a Senate inquiry. While Luke Bateman did allege betting companies behaved badly, he did not specifically name any. The three outfits were named by Alliance for Gambling Reform chief executive Tim Costello in his testimony before the inquiry. Catch Antoinette at Byron Bay Writer’s Festival this here. Support Ette Media by becoming a paid subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • August 7 · 15 min

    ONLY FRAN: Abdul v AIPAC: Why this US Senate primary wasn’t about Michigan

    It’s an election that Jan Fran didn’t really think she’d care about that much: the US state of Michigan’s democratic Senate primary race. Except that it was about a lot more than the state of Michigan. In this episode of Only Fran Jan unpacks why this election really was - as the media likes to dramatically call it - a “battle for the soul of the Democratic party” and what this battle has to do with the state of Israel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • August 4 · 53 min

    Rinehart sues ABC over comedy skit, Morocco ‘migrant crisis’ debunked + boycott Daily Telegraph campaign

    In this episode, we unpack how the major global mainstream media outlets spurred on the far-right and obscured the real story behind the 50,000 Moroccans who entered Spanish territory. even though there were obvious red flags from the beginning. Plus, Gina Rinehart launches legal action against the ABC over a comedy sketch, is the law there to protect billionaires' feelings, or is a chilling effect the real aim? And a new campaign is calling for a boycott of the Daily Telegraph over its inflammatory coverage of minorities. We look at the opportunities and challenges ahead. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Boycott the Daily Telegraph petition here. Want updates on Jan’s doco on Khaled Sabsabi? Join the mailing list here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 31 · 15 min

    ONLY FRAN: Who can blame Hannah Ferguson for wanting to take on Labor but…

    This week Cheek Media’s Hannah Ferguson put her hand up to run for the seat of Grayndler at the next federal election. This seat happens to be the Prime Minister’s seat and also Jan Fran’s and Jan’s never gonna stop anyone - especially not a progressive Gen-Zer - from holding Labor’s feet to the fire, but… what is the best way to do that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 28 · 1 hr 4 min

    Court finds Hanson racist (again), West Bank settler violence + Substack takes on AI slop

    Pauline Hanson has been found to be a racist by the Federal Court...for a second time. We look at what this means for establishment media covering both her and her victim Senator Mehreen Faruqi because, as we discovered in the original judgement, they're not two sides of the same coin. Plus: will Substack be able to weed out A.I slop or is its new partnership with AI detector Pangram a fancy way to surveil creators? Also why Israeli paper Haaretz is covering West Bank settler violence with a clarity Australian media cant - or won't. And communism has entered the discourse. Find out why we're blaming Donald Trump. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 25 · 16 min

    ONLY FRAN: Trump’s war on the left ramps up

    In this episode Jan Fran looks at the Trump regime’s war on those who hold left-wing views. One could argue Trump was never fond of “the left” but in this past year his attacks on so-called leftists have escalated, with no sign of stopping anytime soon. Odds are you haven't heard of the Prairieland Case? Well strap in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 21 · 58 min

    Gina Rinehart sent us an email, 7’s Hanson ‘exclusive’; Argentina loses more than World Cup

    In this episode Jan Fran and Antoinette celebrate Spain’s win at the FIFA World Cup acknowledging they’ve probably been influenced and/or brainwashed by their algorithm which morphed the football final into an Argentina hate-fest. Plus, they shine a spotlight on Seven’s exclusive interview with Pauline Hanson, and the decades-long role the media company has played in reviving her career and airing her views. Also, Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart doesn't like our opinion, and sent us a complaint email. We reveal what was inside. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Jayson Gillham’s Keys To Life tour. This episode was sponsored by Salaam Wealth Funds Management (Aust) Pty Ltd ABN 32 144 560 172, AFSL 365260 (Salaam).Total Risk Management Pty Limited ABN 62 008 644 353, AFSL 238790 (TRM) is the trustee of Russell Investments Master Trust ABN 89 384 753 567. Salaam superannuation is a division of the Russell Investments Master Trust. This episode is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Salaam and Ette Media recommends consulting a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions. All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may be subject to change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 17 · 16 min

    ONLY FRAN: The enshittification of AI is coming

    In this episode, Jan takes a look at the Prime Minister’s AI plan. Or rather his plan to have a plan. In a major speech delivered this week, he promised to fast-track approvals for datacentres and protect the copyright of Aussie artists. It was big on vision but small on details. But that’s not what’s got Jan feeling an underlying sense of anxiety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 14 · 58 min

    Media in focus: Antisemitism Royal Commission testimonies unpacked

    The media tranche of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion’s media block has wrapped and we’re dedicating a whole episode to breaking down what was said and - importantly - what wasn’t. We tuned in to hear the public broadcasters - SBS and ABC - face accusations of anti-Israel coverage and we look at the proposal by Jillian Segal - the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism - for a new body to oversee and assess the public broadcaster's coverage. Plus we examine how the rest of the media covered the hearing and find a lot of the coverage ran with one particular line. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 10 · 17 min

    ONLY FRAN: Nigel Farage resigns and that should stress you out

    Nigel Farage has resigned…or has he? In this episode Jan Fran looks at the biggest political story unfolding in the UK: the resignation of right-wing, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He’s stepped down as the member for Clacton-on-Sea but - and there is a but - he’ll recontest his own seat in an upcoming by-election. Oh did we mention this is all a ploy to stem criticism about millions of undisclosed pounds he’s received from crypto tycoons? And the only thing standing in his way is a joker in a rubbish bin costume named Count Binface. No really! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 8 · 46 min

    BONUS: Miss Kaninna walking away from triple j, touring with Kneecap and her meteoric rise

    In late 2023, rapper and hip hop artist Miss Kaninna made headlines when she disappeared from triple j airwaves after sharing her views on Palestinian human rights. A few weeks later, in the very same building a similar fate awaited Antoinette Lattouf. While Lattouf took her fight to Federal court, Miss Kaninna took hers on the road, touring the UK and Europe with Irish rap trio Kneecap, Miss Kaninna then made ARIAS history and featured on two billboards in Times Square. Now, for the first time, they compare notes on backlash, career highs, public pressure plus the power and freedom that comes with speaking your mind. The proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali sovereign woman reflects on her meteoric rise as a woman who "says what she believes with her chest out." Support Ette Media and subscribe here. Catch Miss Kaninna on tour in August and September. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 7 · length unknown

    Rape Gang Inquiry Report, Albanese’s podcast gaff, Taylor Swift's wedding non-coverage

    In this episode, we examine allegations by right-wing politicians and influencers that the UK’s ‘Rape Gang Inquiry Report’ is being ignored by the mainstream media. We take a look at what the report is, where it came from and discover things are not quite what they seem. Plus, Jan gets a pat on the back for getting to the bottom of what sparked the saturated coverage of Albanese saying he’d shag Kylie Minogue. Also, Mamamia wedges a 'women's angle' into its write up of Karl Stefanovic’s interview with Piers Morgan, leaving us scratching our heads; punk-rap duo Bob Vylan sue the BBC for defamation and the wall-to-wall non-coverage of Taylor Swift's wedding. Rape Crisis: 1800RESPECT Lifeline: 131114 Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here. Episode sponsored by Salaam Wealth. Salaam Wealth Funds Management (Aust) Pty Ltd ABN 32 144 560 172, AFSL 365260 (Salaam).Total Risk Management Pty Limited ABN 62 008 644 353, AFSL 238790 (TRM) is the trustee of Russell Investments Master Trust ABN 89 384 753 567. Salaam superannuation is a division of the Russell Investments Master Trust. Ette Media and Salaam recommend consulting a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions. All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may be subject to change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 3 · 16 min

    ONLY FRAN: The online bots backing One Nation

    If you think Pauline Hanson is popular in real life you should see how popular she is online. Pages have sprung up all over Facebook this year in support of One Nation. One small problem - they’re run out of Indonesia and half the stuff they post isn’t real! It’s AI slop yet one post by one page can rack up thousands of reactions from genuine Australian accounts. Jan Fran asks whether Pauline’s Hanson is really as popular online as she seems to be or if there are other factors at play and what this means for her popularity IRL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes