In this panel, Antoun Issa (Deepcut News), Antoinette Lattouf (Ette Media) and Amy Remeikis (The Australia Institute) and host Osman Faruqi (Lamestream) discuss the rise of independent media in an era of mainstream media consolidation and declining public trust.

Drawing on their own experiences, they consider the possibilities and challenges of alternative platforms such as podcasts, social media, newsletters and reader-supported publications, and the benefits a greater plurality of independent voices can offer.

Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

In this panel, Antoun Issa (Deepcut News), Antoinette Lattouf (Ette Media) and Amy Remeikis (The Australia Institute) and host Osman Faruqi (Lamestream) discuss the rise of independent media in an era of mainstream media consolidation and declining public trust.
Drawing on their own experiences, they consider the possibilities and challenges of alternative platforms such as podcasts, social media, newsletters and reader-supported publications, and the benefits a greater plurality of independent voices can offer.
Recorded live at Melbourne Writers Festival 2026.

Australia's boldest literary festival.

Melbourne Writers Festival

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.

Conversations from Australia's boldest literary festival.