Meet the man digging up Australia's biggest secrets
Dec 20, 2024
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Richard Baker, an award-winning investigative journalist with a knack for uncovering hidden truths, dives into his experiences chasing stories. He reveals the dangers faced by whistleblowers in Australia and discusses the impact of social media on journalists. Richard also shares insights into his docuseries about a controlling religious group, exploring the ethical dilemmas in investigative journalism. The conversation highlights the challenges of reporting on corruption, particularly in relation to Australia's involvement in the Iraq War.
Richard Baker highlights the transformative power of investigative journalism in exposing societal truths despite the inherent risks and challenges faced by whistleblowers.
The podcast emphasizes the growing need for independent journalists like Baker to adapt their online presence to connect with audiences and enhance storytelling.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalism requires immense perseverance, often demanding extensive time and energy with uncertain outcomes. Richard Baker emphasizes that while many leads may lead to dead ends, the revelations uncovered can be transformative, exposing significant truths that impact society. The work often involves navigating legal obstacles and the pressures of delivering accurate narratives while facing potential retribution for whistleblowers. This ongoing commitment to truth-telling highlights the high stakes of the profession, reinforcing the crucial role that investigative journalists play in holding power accountable.
The Impact of Online Presence
Richard Baker discusses the importance of online presence for independent journalists in the modern media landscape. Although he initially chose to minimize his social media footprint, he recognizes that platforms like LinkedIn can facilitate connections essential for storytelling and finding sources. He acknowledges the shift in media consumption habits, especially among younger audiences, which suggests that building a digital presence may be crucial for reaching wider audiences and enhancing the impact of their work. Consequently, he plans to reassess his approach to social media to align better with contemporary practices in journalism.
Uncovering Deep-Seated Issues in Religious Sects
Baker's latest docuseries, Pray Harder, delves into a secretive religious group led by a domineering pastor whose influence permeates the lives of followers across Australia. The podcast features direct accounts from congregation members, shedding light on the strict control, psychological manipulation, and damaging repercussions experienced within this environment. By exploring the experiences of whistleblowers, Baker aims to provide a clearer picture of how such groups operate, particularly the detrimental effects of fear and control on individuals' lives. This work opens discussions about the need for stronger protections for whistleblowers in order to safeguard those courageous enough to challenge harmful narratives within such organizations.
Richard Baker is one of Australia’s best investigative journalists, who has spent decades chasing stories.
The Walkley award winning journo is the host of LiSTNR's Secrets We Keep: Pray Harder, which explores a secretive religious group in Geelong where every aspect of members’ lives are tightly controlled by their hardline pastor.
In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Richard explains why he doesn't have any social media, what life is like as an investigative journalist, and how dangerous it is for whistle blowers in Australia.
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