We Used to be Journos

Welcome to the very first episode of They Used To Be... a weekly interview podcast with people who are no longer in a position that once defined them. Now they’re on the other side; they can speak candidly about who they were, why they left, and whether they see the world differently now that they’ve stepped away.Cathy Wilcox used to be a cartoonist for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age until she took a redundancy a few months ago.In her first interview since leaving The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age after 37 years, she discusses her infamous cartoon “Grass roots”, and what it was like being under sustained external attacks.In this no-holds-barred chat, Wilcox reflects on the heyday of editorial cartooning, what she loves most about the power of the pencil, and how far she believes the Herald has fallen in recent years - and why.Plus, she has a special message for her former colleagues, delivered in classic Wilcox style. (Nine newspapers were contacted for comment, but did not respond).Senior Producer: Alyssa Partington Support Ette Media by subscribing here.Send us your tips and feedback tips@ettemedia.com

Israel held a general election this week, and it’s a stalemate. Neither Netanyahu nor his rival Gadi Eisenkot, has won a majority to govern. But something has already happened since voting closed that is gonna shift things big time. Shift the material reality for Palestinians? No, shift the existential reality for Israelis? Yes. And it has to do with “Arabs” in Israel or Palestinian-Israelis. And yes, they exist.

We give a nod to the Brazilian journalists who helped uncover Meta’s questionable role in the lead up to their country’s general election. Did Meta try to sway the vote in favour of the far-right candidate? If so, it didn’t work!Antoinette unpacks Ben Roberts-Smith’s ‘exclusive’ media blitz ahead of his war crimes trial but loses count of the billionaire media barons helping rehab his reputation. Jan also explains the so-called “dirt sheet” on independent MP Helen Haines and what it shows about how dirty politics can be. Plus, a small Tasmanian school finds itself in the middle of a “cancelling Christmas” culture war thanks to the state’s Premier. His answers to our questions offer no accountability but some entertainment. There’s also a shout-out to Bec(ette), our unofficial producer on the Tasmanian story, for the tip and the research.Shooter/Editor: Lachlan FrenchSupport Ette Media by becoming a subscriber.Send us your tips tips@ettemedia.com

In the wake of the violent and deplorable attack on Independent MP Helen Haines, the Prime Minister has been asking everyone to “turn the temperature down”, but Jan Fran is not entirely clear on what that means or who it’s directed at. ​In this episode of Only Fran, Jan Fran combs through previous examples of the PM using that phrase and finds that some people are turning the temperature up more than others.

Jan and Antoinette look at how a violent attack on independent MP Helen Haines was politicised by The Australian, despite the scant details and evidence available.Antoinette reflects honestly on her time in Lebanon, why it’s a country of contrasts and what "holidaying" in a warzone is really like. Also, we bring you a special interview with local reporter Widad Francis about the multifaceted challenges of being a journalist in Lebanon.Plus, what extremist settler attacks on Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine reveal about the paper’s inconsistent ethical and editorial standards.And Jan Fran has strong feelings about ABC Radio National's Top 100 Books of All Time.Support Ette Media by subscribing here.Shooter/Editor: Lachlan French Send us your tips tips@ettemedia.com

In the span of 12 months Chile, Colombia and now (likely) Brazil will join Argentina and take a Trumpian turn by electing far-right leaders. As it happens, they are the top four largest economies in South America.This week Jan Fran takes a look at why a far-right wave is is making a splash across South America and what that has to do with the current US president and the man who was US President in 1823.

In this special episode, Jan Fran is joined by Soaliha Iqbal, Ette’s social media editor, who brings a unique Gen Z perspective on media and journalism.They talk about Soaliha’s time in online youth media, why Israel/Palestine was such a fraught story to cover, what made Soaliha finally quit and why she doesn’t aspire to be an ‘objective’ journalist. Support Ette Media by becoming a subscriber here.Shooter/Editor: Lachy French Send us your tips tips@ettemedia.com

Sorry folks, there wont be an Only Fran this week. Antoinette is away and I'm traveling, which has made it a bit difficult to put one together for you this week. Figured I'd keep you updated.