For decades, Rupert Murdoch’s media empire has helped shape politics and public debate, and in doing so, has often left lasting consequences for some of the people caught in its sights, from politicians, to public figures to everyday people. The consequences can be devastating. 

Journalists Matthew Ricketson and Andrew Dodd have a name for what happens when that attention becomes a campaign, they call it ‘getting Murdoched’.

Today, co-author of their new book Getting Murdoched, Matthew Ricketson on the people who’ve found themselves on the receiving end, and the media culture that could outlast Rupert Murdoch himself. 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Co-author of Getting Murdoched Matthew Ricketson

Photo: AP Photo/Jason Reed, Pool, File

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just when you thought world politics couldn’t get any more ridiculous: tonight, far-right British politician Nigel Farage is set to face a by-election of his own making. His main opponent? A joke candidate by the name of Count Binface, who says he’s an alien space warrior, and wears a superhero costume featuring a bin for a head.

The contest has turned into a circus, but the five-million-pound donation scandal which prompted it, is deadly serious.

Today, European correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, Andrew Tillett, on the contest, the scandal behind it, and the parallels between Farage and Australia’s far-right offering, One Nation.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: European correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, Andrew Tillett

Photo: PA/Alamy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia yesterday left interest rates on hold at 4.35 per cent: a relief for those with a mortgage. 

But as the bank weighs up future interest rate hikes to try and combat inflation, some economists say there’s a fairer way to keep spending under wraps and spread the pain around. 

And the alternative could leave us all with bigger retirement nest eggs.

Today, independent economist Saul Eslake on whether superannuation could be used to manage inflation, and what it all means for the future of housing. 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Independent economist Saul Eslake

Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As One Nation’s political clout rises, so too does its bank balance, courtesy of the very elites Pauline Hanson often rails against.

Now an investigation by the Brisbane Times and SMH has detailed some of the places One Nation’s cash is coming from: from exclusive parties hosted at Gina Rinehart’s mansion, to movies, to merch.

But perhaps even more pertinent are the contributions hidden from public view.

Today, SMH Investigative Reporter Patrick Begley on the sources of One Nation’s wealth. 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: SMH Investigative Reporter Patrick Begley

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the early hours of July 5 last year, a group of masked people allegedly broke into a defence manufacturer in Melbourne’s north-east. 

Three cars were set alight. The building was vandalised, and later, a video message appeared online with a masked man claiming responsibility; warning workers involved in the weapons supply chain that they were being watched. 

Waleed Aly has a PhD in global terrorism and says the message left behind is crucial to understanding what happened and what might happen next. 

Today, Waleed Aly on what makes political violence terrorism, and whether this attack is a sign of something much bigger taking hold. 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Monash University terrorism expert Waleed Aly

Photo: Supplied: AFP

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Alan Jones went on trial in Sydney, more than 20 months after his arrest.

The once-powerful broadcaster is now facing 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving six complainants. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denies any wrongdoing.

When we recorded this episode, Jones had just been charged with 24 offences involving eight complainants. Since then the case has narrowed, with a number of charges withdrawn or replaced before the trial began.

Today, we revisit our conversation with investigative reporter and author of Jonestown: The Power and Myth of Alan Jones, Chris Masters, on the fall of one of Australia’s most powerful men, and what it tells us about the nature of power itself in this country.

This episode was first published in November 2024.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Investigative reporter Chris Masters

Photo: AAP Image/Damian Shaw

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Australian politics, access can be bought, factions can operate beyond public view, and conduct can be deeply troubling without ever meeting the definition of corruption.

None of it is especially new, and maybe that’s the problem.

Meanwhile, people are becoming more disconnected from the institutions that shape their lives, and less convinced that those institutions are working in their interests.

Today, columnist for The Age and SMH Sean Kelly, on the money, secrecy and private power shaping our politics, and what happens when voters stop trusting the system itself.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Columnist for The Age and SMH Sean Kelly

Photo: AAP Image/Jane Dempster

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost 30 years ago the Howard government shut down Australia’s public employment service and privatised the system that helps unemployed people find work.

Since then, repeated inquiries have found the system is failing the people who need it, while the companies paid to run it rake in huge profits.

Now, the Albanese government has admitted the system isn’t working and promised its biggest overhaul in decades. But Labor says these private providers will still remain part of the system, even as a new report has followed the billions of dollars flowing through the industry

Today, ABC business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens, on how helping unemployed Australians became a massive money spinner, and whether Labor can fix the system while leaving private companies at its centre.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: ABC business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens

Photo: AAP Image/Dan Peled

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Jones is used to attracting attention. But not like this.

At 85, the once-powerful shock jock who for decades acted as judge, jury and executioner in the court of public opinion, is now the one on trial.

Jones is accused of historical offences involving the indecent assault and sexual touching of teenagers and young men – claims he’s always denied.

Now, a judge will decide, with the trial slated to run over the next four months.

Today, National Affairs Editor at Ten News, Hugh Riminton on how the first few days of the Alan Jones trial played out in court, and what comes next.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: National Affairs Editor at Ten News Hugh Riminton

Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades it’s shone a light on corruption of the highest order, even toppling premiers: Now NSW ICAC, the state’s corruption watchdog, has set its sights on a secretive right-wing Christian faction of the Liberal Party, “the Reformers”, and its cashed-up group of backers.

Already the public inquiry, codenamed Operation Rosny, has heard of shit sheets, sham payments, phone taps, and dodgy deals with fugitive developers – with the reformers' connections reaching all the way to the top of the Liberal party.

Today, The Sydney Morning Herald’s chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont unpacks the tangled web of players at the centre of what she’s calling ICAC’s Game of Thrones.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: SMH chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont

Photo: PR Handout/Supplied by NSW Police

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do Jacqui Lambie, Pauline Hanson, Lidia Thorpe and David Pocock all have in common?

Usually not much. But they're part of an unlikely group of politicians backing former senator Rex Patrick in a legal fight with the Albanese government over information the government does not want released.

At the centre of that fight are documents about potential sites for nuclear waste storage from AUKUS submarines, a bill that could see Patrick forced to pay $150,000, and a warning about what happens when ordinary Australians push too hard for answers. 

Today, transparency campaigner Rex Patrick on the case that has united some of parliament's most unlikely allies. 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Transparency campaigner Rex Patrick

Photo: AAP Image/Jono Searle

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.