Background Briefing
ABC
Background Briefing tells true stories not everyone will want you to hear. We infuse investigative reporting with captivating drama, following the thread of an individual story only to find that it leads us to something bigger. It's the only podcast in Australia that does this week in, week out.
Hosted by Thomas Oriti.
We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au
Hosted by Thomas Oriti.
We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 14, 2025 • 33min
01 The Invisible Killer | Doctor’s discovery
When residents start falling ill at a nursing home in Newcastle, the workers don't think much of it. After all, people die in aged care all the time. But then, one eagle-eyed doctor finds something that makes him suspect a killer is on the loose.
Dec 29, 2024 • 14min
More to the story... Kathy Jackson’s missing millions
It looked like the Health Services Union might finally be returned millions of dollars owed by the whistleblower turned convicted fraudster, Kathy Jackson. Then, the money went missing again.
Dec 29, 2024 • 12min
More to the story... Who controls the Murdoch empire?
Lachlan Murdoch is caught in an ongoing court battle with his siblings to maintain control of the family empire when Rupert Murdoch dies. Now there’s been a judgement.
Dec 29, 2024 • 12min
More to the story... Meeting your mum as an adult
After Background Briefing's investigation, Anna was flooded with messages from Korean adoptees all over the world. The overwhelming response prompted her to embark on an emotional journey to South Korea, where she arranged to meet her birth mother for the first time. However, more surprises lay ahead.
Dec 16, 2024 • 11min
More to the story... Sex, lies and 'big coconut balls'
When Background Briefing last investigated testosterone salesman Michael Farrelly, he was nowhere to be found. Then, a few weeks ago, came a surprising phone call.
Dec 16, 2024 • 15min
More to the Story... My friend, the cop killer
Police and politicians labelled the Wieambilla killers evil terrorists. But what really went on inside their heads?
Dec 16, 2024 • 8min
More to the story... Inside a scam factory
Scam baiter Jim Browning recently helped bring down a multinational scam syndicate in Dubai. His next target is a scam with potential links to the Russian mafia.
Dec 6, 2024 • 39min
03 Births, Deaths, and Marriages | ‘Horror stories’ from inside the funeral industry
Ani Valatava went to see her sister’s body at a funeral home in suburban Sydney. She could never have prepared for what she saw next. Reporter Gina McKeon investigates what goes on behind the scenes of Australia’s funeral industry, revealing ‘horror stories’ and the families left to pick up the pieces.
Nov 29, 2024 • 37min
02 Births, Deaths and Marriages | Facebook's sperm marketplace
When a couple are quoted $13,000 to access a sperm donor through a clinic, they decide to take matters into their own hands. On Facebook, they find a thriving sperm exchange, where they hope they'll have more control over the process. But as reporter Annika Blau discovers, there are pitfalls they didn’t foresee.
Nov 22, 2024 • 29min
01 Births, Deaths and Marriages | The Wedding Celebrant
When Becc and Nathan decided to get married, they wanted something intimate — a small ceremony at home with just their closest friends and family. There was just one problem — the celebrant wasn't who he appeared to be.
