Dr Denis Muller

Denis Muller, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Advancing Journalism and co-host of the Truth, Lies and Media podcast, dives deep into the cancellation of Adelaide Writers’ Week. He discusses the controversy surrounding author Randa Abdel-Fattah’s removal due to cultural sensitivities and highlights the irony of silencing important voices. The conversation touches on free speech, government pressure, and the complexities of defining cultural safety. Muller warns against restricting speech in response to violence, advocating for more robust boards to handle sensitive topics.

Dr. Denis Muller is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Advancing Journalism, focusing on media and free speech. He discusses the disbanding of a neo-Nazi group ahead of new hate speech laws and the fallout from the removal of Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah from Adelaide Writers' Week. The talk highlights the challenges of navigating polarizing debates and the deterioration of civil discourse, driven partly by social media. Muller advocates for respectful discussions and balancing free speech with societal cohesion.

Dr. Denis Muller, a former journalist and media ethicist at the University of Melbourne, dives into the complex legacy of John Laws, Australia's renowned broadcast figure. They discuss how Laws shaped political landscapes, particularly during the pivotal 1983 election, and why politicians sought his endorsement. Muller also addresses the controversial cash-for-comment scandal and the challenges Laws faced with regulators. Ultimately, he paints a picture of a man who was both a champion of free speech and a figure of contention in media ethics.