Welcome to the first episode of a new limited podcast series called Truth, Trust & Politics.

As Australia edges closer to the 2025 federal election, trust in politics, media, and public institutions is under pressure. Misinformation spreads faster than facts, public confidence in journalism is trembling, and the space for honest political discourse feels smaller than ever. In response to these challenges, the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute presents Truth, Trust & Politics, a six-part series within the Voices of Australia podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Mary Gearin.

This series goes beyond the headlines, unpacking the forces shaping public perception and democracy in Australia. It asks critical questions: Who benefits from misinformation? Who is most vulnerable? And most importantly, how do we rebuild trust in the systems meant to serve us? Featuring thought leaders, policymakers, journalists, and researchers, each episode explores how political narratives, media spin, and digital influence are reshaping the way Australians engage with democracy.

EPISODE 1 – Rebuilding Trust in Journalism

In our first episode, Mary Gearin and Kate Torney discuss the declining trust in journalism and its interrelation with political discourse and other institutions. Kate Torney emphasises the need for journalism to reflect on its role and constructively engage with audiences, particularly younger generations. Kate Torney also advocates for a shift from traditional conflict journalism to constructive journalism, which focuses on solutions and civil discourse. She highlights the importance of representation in media and the need for media literacy to combat misinformation and engage audiences effectively. The conversation also touches on the challenges of political discourse and the role of optimism in journalism.

Listen to the episode here.

Watch the podcast episode below: