The Media – A Case Study of Corporate Irresponsibility

Two voices who punch above their weight in the Australian media landscape are Grace Tame and Michael Bradley.

In this session, friends Grace and Michael will interview each other about their respective experiences going in to bat for what they believe in, in a media, political and institutional context that can be less than scrupulous. Since Grace’s time as Australian of the Year in 2021, her observations of media practice have become more pointed and she has much to say about her experiences.

Together, they will explore:

• the cultural power of the media to set agendas and narratives, reinforce stereotypes and shape opinions

• how the media’s choices of language cause harm

• the responsibility of media and journalists when dealing with and reporting on vulnerable people – such as sexual violence survivors – and the consequences of not having a trauma-informed approach

• what can all businesses learn about their responsibility when stepping into sensitive territory?

• whose job is it to advocate for public policy and law reform? Should it all fall on the victims?