Editors at several publications say they are receiving daily story pitches from AI agents, which they have rejected. Defector editor-in-chief Tom Ley said he would not publish an agent's work. Offrange editor Jesse Hirsch said he would never consider taking such pitches. Many of the agents come from the startup iLands, where users can create bots for tasks such as writing. Some agents have reportedly earned small sums from inbound work, but none have been found to have won a paid story through pitching.
A radio station has introduced an AI-generated host who speaks Spanish and voices support for immigrants, and the on-air persona is reportedly drawing a growing audience. The source material here is limited: it consists mainly of a newsletter promotion and the author's biography, which describes Jessica Lipsky's writing for outlets including The New York Times and the LA Times. It does not provide the station's name, the host's programming details, audience figures, or direct comments from station management or listeners. Claims about the host's popularity should therefore be treated as reported rather than independently verified.
The Climate Media Centre has released a new toolkit to help journalists report on climate disasters responsibly. Titled the Trauma-Informed Media Toolkit, the resource offers guidance for journalists and media professionals covering these events. It focuses on accurate, ethical and person-centred reporting. The toolkit aims to help media professionals handle the challenges of covering traumatic events while putting the experiences and wellbeing of affected communities first.
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Katie Maclean is described as a respected community advocate and accomplished journalist who leads the growth of Echo Media Group. Her experience spans country newspapers, glossy magazines and digital and print marketing.
Shontae Iafeta is building practical experience while she studies journalism. She feels a strong commitment to regional reporting and believes it matters to the communities it serves. Iafeta is known for forming genuine relationships with the people she interviews. She holds the view that everyone deserves a chance to have their experiences shared publicly, and she often points to the idea that everyone has a story worth telling.
The ABC has sacked a reporter after its ombudsman found two of his stories gave audiences a misleading impression. Mahmood Fazal, a former Four Corners reporter, was dismissed in May 2026 after an investigation into his external work. The ABC initially stood by Fazal in 2024 when allegations emerged that he passed on threats from an organised crime gang to YouTuber Jordan Shanks' producer. Shanks' Bondi home was firebombed in November 2022, with police saying retaliation for his videos was a strong possibility. Fazal denies passing on any threats.
Charikleia Kaldis, wife of the late journalist and New South Wales Senator Jim Kaldis, has died. A former colleague at the state radio station 2EA, who first met her in 1970, has paid tribute to her. He describes her as a strong woman who fought for social justice, the rights of immigrants and an end to the war in Vietnam. He also recalls her opposition to the colonels' junta and her devotion to her son Antonis. He remembers her for her dynamism and her love of Greece.
Matt Kamen explores how 'Final Fantasy VII Revelation' blends classic elements with modern innovations, offering a fresh yet familiar gaming experience. The journalist, known for his work in media and technology, provides insights into the game's successful balance.
Former WIRED editor Adam Rogers explores how Elizabeth Holmes deceived the publication and broader public through her actions, revealing insights into her manipulative tactics and the widespread impact of her fraudulent behaviour.
Katie Maclean is described as a respected community advocate and accomplished journalist who leads Echo Media Group. Her background includes country newspapers, glossy magazines, and digital and print marketing, and the source credits her with driving the group's growth.
Nine News journalist Gillian Lantouris has received the 2026 Mersina Halvagis Award from Crime Stoppers Victoria. The award recognises contributions to community safety and crime prevention. It is named after Mersina Halvagis, a 25-year-old Greek woman murdered in 1997 while visiting her grandmother's grave at Fawkner Cemetery in Melbourne. Peter Dupas was found guilty of the murder in 2007 and convicted again after a retrial in 2010. Her father, George Halvagis, has advocated for crime victims for years and volunteered in police detective training.
The Newcastle Herald says it will continue covering the Newcastle Jets despite a club ban on its chief soccer reporter, James Gardiner. The Jets barred Gardiner from club-sanctioned media briefings. The club had said in August it did not want him at its media events. The ban followed stories by Gardiner and other Herald journalists about late payments to several local businesses and individuals. The Herald says it will not let any partner dictate what it covers. It says its coverage may look different in the coming weeks.
A documentary profiling broadcaster Amy Goodman, founder of Democracy Now!, is screening at the Adelaide Film Festival. It will be released in Australian cinemas nationally from October 22. Directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, the film follows Goodman's reporting over three decades. Goodman says the media industry is increasingly dominated by corporate interests, and that independent reporting matters more than ever. The directors say they finance and produce their own films to avoid corporate editorial influence.
ABC finance reporter David Chau has been named a presenter on the 7pm News, replacing Alan Kohler, who is retiring. Chau, who once worked as a litigation lawyer, says he switched to journalism in 2015 after years of unhappiness in law. He joined the ABC after a short stint at a small financial news publication and became a permanent staff member. Chau says he wants to make finance updates clear and relevant for general viewers, including people with an interest in cost-of-living pressures.
Noah Shachtman, a seasoned journalist, explores the evolving landscape of digital security in his latest work. With a background at prestigious outlets like Rolling Stone and The New York Times, Shachtman brings a wealth of experience to his analysis. His career highlights include leading Rolling Stone to notable accolades, such as a Polk Award and an Emmy nomination. Shachtman's insights delve into the complexities and challenges of modern cybersecurity, offering readers a comprehensive look at the field. His contributions continue to shape discussions in technology and journalism.
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Finance presenter Alan Kohler will end his 31-year career at the ABC tonight after presenting his final finance report from the Melbourne studios. Kohler, 74, said it was time to stop going to the studio. He began as a cadet and later reached the editorship of the Australian Financial Review by the age of 32. Kohler says he will keep working in journalism, now mainly from home. He remains optimistic about the field, arguing that human work will become more valuable as artificial intelligence takes over routine tasks.
A feature documentary about independent journalist Amy Goodman, Steal This Story, Please!, has won awards at film festivals worldwide. The film made its Australian debut at the Sydney Film Festival. It is already drawing early discussion in the Academy Awards documentary category and opens across Australia.
Noosa Today photographer Rob Maccoll has won the 2026 Queensland Clarion Award in the Regional and Community News Photograph category. His photo, titled Boom, shows the aftermath of an explosive device being detonated by Australian Defence Force bomb disposal experts on Peregian Beach in August 2025. It was chosen from three finalist entries. The awards drew a record 425 entries, up from 331 in 2025. Winners were announced at a gala dinner on Saturday 10 October at the Sofitel Brisbane Central.
Seven Network is marking its 70th birthday with a special Spotlight program airing on Sunday evening. Presenter Nat Barr, who grew up in Bunbury, says her career began with a job at Channel 7 in Sydney in 1994 and later led to Sunrise. Host Michael Usher, who began his career in Bunbury and Kalgoorlie, is now the network's Chief Network Anchor. The program will revisit memorable live events and shows such as Home and Away and Kath and Kim. Both presenters credit the network with supporting their careers over many years.
