Background Briefing

Loretta Florence, an investigative reporter who narrated a deep dive into zinc sunscreens, teams up with Craig Jones, founder of Moogoo, who uncovered major flaws in his own sunscreen products. They discuss how a troubling zinc shipment led to alarming SPF tests that fell far short of advertised claims. The duo navigates supplier blame, legal challenges, and industry advocacy while spotlighting a shared ARTG number causing safety concerns. With regulatory hurdles and misleading advertising claims, this investigation reveals troubling truths about the sunscreen industry.

The injectable industry is booming, but behind the glossy ads and plump looks, some patients are discovering filler that doesn’t dissolve. This week reporter Gina McKeon reveals the hidden risks of chasing an Instagrammable face.

For young men struggling with body image, social media offers a radical solution: get taller by breaking your legs. As the cosmetic limb-lengthening industry booms worldwide, Emilia Terzon explores the secretive online communities obsessed with undergoing the procedure, and meets the doctors left to deal with what happens when it goes wrong.

Hair loss ads are everywhere. Telehealth clinics with thousands of five-star reviews promise fast consults and discreet delivery to your doorstep. But what happens when the treatment messes with your brain chemistry?

Before and After is a new series by Background Briefing that exposes how medical hype spreads online, who profits, and who pays.

Kim saw a teacher’s aide laughing at a video of a vulnerable student and reported it to the principal. She had no idea it would come to define the next seven years of her life.

After years of manipulation, Alliyah is determined to see justice done. When Kellie appears in the dock, what will she say? And how will the judge respond?

Alliyah steps into a police station on the outskirts of Brisbane, and says: “I want to report a crime.” After keeping the so-called relationship with Kellie secret for almost a decade, Alliyah is finally ready to tell their story. 

A new job and a surprise encounter show Alliyah that another way is possible. Will they manage to slip out of Kellie's control?

When the principal discovers Alliyah and their teacher Kellie are exchanging secret messages outside class, Kellie is warned — but not fired. Then, on the last day of Alliyah’s graduation, another message arrives: “Secret squirrel… you can’t tell anyone.” As suspicion mounts at home, Alliyah's connection with Kellie grows stronger and more dangerous by the day.