Factcheck: News Corp isn’t excluded from subsidies because they’re conservative – it’s because they’re foreign-owned.
There have been some recent claims that the Journalism Assistance Fund is funnelled toward left-wing outlets, but this is not true.
Thu 7 May 2026 12.45 AEST

AAP Image/Lukas Coch
After major missteps, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is falling well short of the gold standard for integrity bodies.
On this episode of Follow the Money, journalist and writer Nick Feik joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the NACC’s handling of its Robodebt investigation, its decision not to hold public hearings so far, and concerns about the legal experience required of some senior leaders.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 5 May and some things may have changed.
The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code ‘PODVP’ at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Nick Feik, journalist and writer // @nickfeik
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Built to fail? NACC: the integrity body undermined from the start by Nick Feik, Michelle Fahy & Elizabeth Minter, The Point (April 2026)
Resignation of Deputy Commissioner highlights need for transparent, merit-based NACC appointments, the Centre for Public Integrity (May 2026)
National Anti-Corruption Commission: Reforms Needed, the Australia Institute
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
There have been some recent claims that the Journalism Assistance Fund is funnelled toward left-wing outlets, but this is not true.
It’s not hard to see why the politics of grievance is flourishing in this environment. It has fertile ground. People are angry because it’s one of the only things they can still afford, and yet the economy is still being viewed through the lenses of those who have the most.