7am

In a compelling discussion, Cam Wilson, Associate Editor at Crikey, dives deep into the TikTok takeover by Trump-aligned investors. He unpacks TikTok's role as a news source for younger audiences and its implications on cultural narratives. Cam elaborates on the political power struggle between the U.S. and China over the app's algorithm and raises concerns about national security and data privacy. He also explores how ownership changes might shift TikTok's content influence, especially regarding conservative views. A must-listen for media and politics enthusiasts!

Rick Morton, an investigative journalist, dives deep into the controversial KPMG-UTS spreadsheet that ranked researchers by their financial contributions. With 1,100 job cuts looming at University of Technology Sydney, he questions if these redundancies were influenced by financial metrics. Morton reveals how UTS initially denied the spreadsheet's existence, sparking concerns over transparency in university governance. His insights raise critical questions about the balance between profitability and quality in Australian higher education.

Akbar Shahid Ahmed, Senior Diplomatic Correspondent for HuffPost, delves into the controversial Trump-Netanyahu 20-point proposal for Gaza. He discusses the implications of requiring Hamas to disarm and release hostages, alongside Israel's reluctance to fully withdraw. The role of Trump's proposed "Board of Peace" and potential oversight by Arab states raises questions about future governance in Gaza. Akbar also highlights Palestinian distrust towards Trump's leadership and the precarious state of potential peace amidst ongoing military threats.

Dr. Rachel Coghlan, a humanitarian and palliative care practitioner from Melbourne, shares harrowing insights into the state of Gaza's hospitals amid the ongoing crisis. She discusses the incredible dedication of healthcare workers who remain despite grave dangers. The conversation highlights staggering health crises, including shortages of medicine and the loss of vital services like cancer care. Rachel recounts personal stories of lost colleagues and the toll of daily fear on the medical community as they strive to provide care against overwhelming odds.

Kenneth Roth, former Human Rights Watch director and federal prosecutor, discusses the unsettling implications of Trump’s retributive approach to justice. He highlights how investigations into political figures like James Comey are part of a broader trend of undermining checks and balances. Roth delves into the politically motivated scrutiny of organizations like the Open Society Foundations and warns of the chilling effects this has on civil society. His insights shed light on Trump’s use of autocratic tactics that threaten democratic norms in the U.S.

Karen Middleton, a seasoned political journalist and author of 'Albanese: Telling It Straight,' delves into the complexities of Albanese’s long-awaited meeting with Donald Trump. She discusses the rocky Australia-US relations and why Australia was initially a low priority for Trump. Middleton highlights the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure the meeting, including significant diplomatic maneuvers. The conversation also touches on balancing domestic goals with US interests and provides insights into potential strategies for navigating the unpredictable Trump.

Michael Sainsbury, an investigative journalist from Crikey specializing in telecommunications, dives into the recent Optus outage that caused chaos by blocking triple-zero calls linked to three deaths. He unpacks the botched firewall upgrade and the failures of backup systems. Sainsbury also discusses Optus' governance issues and the political fallout, highlighting the government's shared responsibility in the crisis. With insights into stalled reforms and the need for better ministerial oversight, he offers a critical view of the communication sector's safety protocols.

Join Sam Roggeveen, the Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute, as he explores Australia's complex dance between diplomacy and defense. He breaks down key Pacific security deals with nations like Tuvalu and Vanuatu, stressing how climate change priorities complicate these agreements. Sam argues that while Australia’s efforts have deterred Chinese military presence, the AUKUS pact paradoxically heightens Chinese interest. Discover potential consequences if a Chinese base emerges and hear about the innovative 'Echidna Strategy' for Australia's defense.

Join Cam Wilson, an associate editor at Crikey, as he delves into the troubling online history of Dezi Freeman, the accused gunman in a recent police shooting. Cam uncovers Freeman's transformation from a family-oriented nature lover to expressing violent anti-police sentiments, fueled by conspiracy theories and COVID-related frustrations. He discusses the alarming overlap between doomsday preppers and sovereign citizens and highlights patterns of online radicalization that can lead to real-world violence. A chilling exploration of a troubling trend!

In this conversation, Paul Bongiorno, a seasoned press gallery journalist and commentator, shares insights on Australia's recent recognition of Palestine at the UN. He discusses the significance of this move amid ongoing tensions with Israel and the U.S. Bongiorno delves into the implications for a two-state solution and addresses the challenges posed by Netanyahu's refusal to acknowledge Palestinian statehood. The discussion also covers potential diplomatic outcomes and the reception of this decision by key international players.