Margaret Simons

Margaret Simons, a Walkley Award-winning journalist with deep expertise in Philippine politics, discusses the alarming tactics of political retribution seen in regimes like that of Rodrigo Duterte. She highlights the wrongful imprisonment of human rights activist Leila de Lima, who opposed Duterte’s brutal drug war, and the systemic corruption that allowed such abuses. As de Lima is finally released from prison, the conversation sheds light on the resilience needed to confront autocracy and the implications for democracy, echoing global political tensions.

Investigative journalist Margaret Simons uncovers the downfall of China Matters, a key think tank, due to anti-China politicians called the Wolverines. They discuss defunding, accusations of espionage, and the government's response to alternative viewpoints on China.

Margaret Simons, a seasoned journalist and former director of the Centre for Advanced Journalism, dives into the pressing issues facing journalism in the age of social media. She discusses the ethical dilemmas of journalists balancing active engagement and impartiality, exploring how social media blurs lines between credibility and celebrity. Simons highlights the mental health implications for journalists and urges a reevaluation of practices as integrity is threatened by the pursuit of virality, calling for accountability amid this shifting landscape.