The media watchdog program, Media Watch, recently called out Sky News reporter Laura Jayes for allegedly revealing details about Ashlee Good, a woman who was stabbed while protecting her baby. The program accused Jayes of “setting reporters on the trail” and criticized media outlets for revealing the victim’s details while she was fighting for her life. However, Barry, the host of Media Watch, issued a weak apology on Twitter stating that Jayes did not actually give away details about her friend. Despite this apology, the original clip remains on Media Watch’s Twitter account and iview, and the broadcaster has stated that it has nothing further to add beyond Barry’s tweet.
In other news, China Matters, a policy initiative created in 2015 to provide nuanced discussion of Sino-Australian affairs, announced that it would be winding down. The think tank, which attracted political and diplomatic figures such as former Liberal MP Peter Hendy and former China advisor Stephen Fitzgerald, fell out of favor with the Morrison government in 2020, leading to the scrapping of its federal funding. The founder of China Matters, Linda Jakobson, addressed the situation in her final message to supporters, acknowledging the support they received when facing criticism from those in government who sought to silence their voice in the China debate in Australia.
Seven’s departing corporate figure, Bruce McWilliam, made headlines last week for his controversial email exchanges, where he called The Australian’s media editor James Madden “a piece of shit” in non-off-the-record texts. However, McWilliam’s mood seemed to improve over the weekend as his son, Hugo McWilliam, married Fox Sports presenter Isabella Leembruggen. Leembruggen is the niece of Real Housewife of Sydney Krissy Marsh, who documented the lavish eastern suburbs wedding on social media in detail.
Overall, the COVID years have been a fruitful time for foreign policy think tanks, with the blame game surrounding the pandemic, the Morrison government’s approach to China, and the ongoing drama of the Donald Trump presidency. However, it seems that times are changing, as China Matters announced its closure and the redirection of its remaining funds to support budding China analysts. Despite attracting serious political and diplomatic figures, the think tank fell out of favor with the Morrison government, leading to the end of its federal funding and ultimately its closure.
Barry’s accusation against Laura Jayes for allegedly revealing details about Ashlee Good highlights the complexities and responsibilities of reporting on sensitive and tragic events. The controversy surrounding China Matters’ closure and the ongoing tensions between Australia and China reflect the broader geopolitical shifts that have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the personal drama of Bruce McWilliam’s public outbursts and his son’s wedding adds a human touch to the news cycle, highlighting the personal lives and relationships of public figures in the media landscape.
