In this final instalment of Truth, Trust, and Politics, Mary Gearin interviews former ABC colleague Jon Faine, reflecting on the evolving media landscape, misinformation, and political trust.

They discuss how social media has fueled misinformation, widening the gap between facts and public perception.

The conversation explores the decline of traditional media, the rise of new influential voices, and how fear-driven narratives shape political discourse.

They also examine the challenges of political accountability, voter scepticism, and the growing demand for transparency from politicians.

Public health messaging, particularly in engaging vaccine sceptics, is highlighted as an area requiring innovation.

Mary Gearin and Faine emphasise the importance of political diversity and civic engagement in strengthening democracy.

As voter expectations shift, they question how politicians and the media must adapt to restore trust. This final episode brings together key themes of the series, offering insights into the intersection of truth, trust, and political communication in today’s world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Truth, Trust, and Politics

02:35 The Evolution of Facts and Mistruths

06:15 The Business of Misinformation

08:13 Democracy and Political Disengagement

11:00 The Role of Politicians in Society

15:43 Media's Accountability and the Fear Factor

20:35 The Existential Crisis of Journalism

23:44 The Evolving Landscape of Media Influence

26:14 Legacy Media vs. New Voices

28:14 Engaging the Vaccine Skeptics

32:01 Innovative Communication Strategies

36:49 Restoring Trust in Politics

41:24 The Future of Political Engagement

The Spread of Misinformation: Lessons from the Voice to Parliament Referendum In this episode, Mary Gearin interviews Andrea Carson, who unpacks the complexities of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the lead-up to the Voice to Parliament referendum.

Drawing on her extensive research, Andrea Carson examines how social media has reshaped political discourse, creating an environment where falsehoods can spread rapidly and influence public perception.

Professor Andrea Carson explores the challenges of regulating misinformation, the role of fact-checking and media literacy, and the responsibility of political leaders in shaping public trust.

In an era where trust in media and institutions is fragile, Andrea Carson argues that empowering the public with critical thinking skills is key to safeguarding democracy.

Chapters

00:00 Mapping the Information Ecosystem

02:53 The Impact of Misinformation on Politics

05:53 Regulating Misinformation and Disinformation

08:59 The Role of Fact-Checking in Trust

12:05 Youth, Social Media Literacy, and Trust

14:51 The Future of Political Discourse and Trust

With the 2025 federal election approaching, trust in politics and the media is at an all-time low. Unchecked misinformation is spreading, political discourse is increasingly polarised, and voters struggle to separate fact from fiction. Can we rebuild trust before it’s too late?

In this episode, Mary Gearin speaks with Bill Browne, Director of the Democracy & Accountability Program at The Australia Institute, and Mark Kenny, journalist and Professor at ANU, to explore the crisis of trust in political communication.

They discuss the media’s role in shaping public perception, the impact of misinformation on elections, and the decline of trust in democratic institutions. With election campaigns becoming battlegrounds for misleading narratives, they examine whether stronger truth-in-political-advertising laws and greater media accountability could help restore public confidence.

How can politicians and the media rebuild credibility? Who should be held accountable for misinformation? And most importantly, how do we strengthen democracy before Australians head to the polls?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Truth, Trust, and Politics

02:35 The Evolution of Facts and Mistruths

06:15 The Business of Misinformation

08:13 Democracy and Political Disengagement

11:00 The Role of Politicians in Society

15:43 Media's Accountability and the Fear Factor

20:35 The Existential Crisis of Journalism

23:44 The Evolving Landscape of Media Influence

26:14 Legacy Media vs. New Voices

28:14 Engaging the Vaccine Skeptics

32:01 Innovative Communication Strategies

36:49 Restoring Trust in Politics

41:24 The Future of Political Engagement