Stories

INTERVIEW: Scientology Speedruns to e-bike takeovers - Why social media is built to reward public nuisance

Last month, hundreds of teens stormed the Brisbane CBD following the rise of two separate social media trends: Scientology speedruns and Takeovers. 4ZZZ spoke to Digital Anthropologist and author of TikTok and Youth Cultures, Crystal Abidin, about how the algorithm is trending toward bad-faith content.

INTERVIEW: Greens Senator Nick McKim on Robbins Island

The Federal Government has approved the construction of a 1.6 billion dollar wind farm on Robbins Island, which environmentalists and scientists believe will push vulnerable species further to the brink. The Greens Australia party have called for an expert-led consultation of projects like Robbins Island so that renewable projects don't have an adverse effect on biodiversity.

Global outcry as Australian activists recount "brutal" detention after Gaza Flotilla interception

Australian activists have recently been released from Israeli detention following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla. 4ZZZ speaks to David Heilpern, former New South Wales magistrate and spokesperson for the Australian delegation.

LISTEN: Landmark federal court case for trans justice

Interview with Jackie Turner, Director of the Trans Justice Project

The Gas Debate Explained: Why Experts Are Calling for a 25% Tax on Australian Gas Exports

As the federal budget approaches, a heated debate is unfolding over how Australia taxes its massive gas reserves. It all sits in a background of a suspected slashing in the budget and cost of living concerns.

Digital Duty of Care: The urgent call for regulation of addictive algorithms

Social media has evolved from an organic tool for connection into an unregulated, profit-driven environment. It is now being described as a "national crisis."

LISTEN: Colm Gannon, CEO of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children

4ZZZ journalist Elly Pashen speaks to Colm Gannon, the CEO of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about legislation to criminalise deep fake and AI abuse.

Just as harmful as cigarettes: why Australian gambling reform doesn’t go far enough

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled what he claims is the “most significant reform on gambling that has ever been implemented,” yet advocates remain sceptical.

Immigration

Australia’s migration policy paradox

The Australian government is navigating a stark contradiction in its migration policy, characterised by what experts call "unprecedented."

As the nation recently celebrated providing humanitarian asylum to seven members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who feared persecution after a silent protest, the government has quietly fast-tracked a bill that could block others from similar protections.

The legislation grants the Home Affairs Minister the power to impose an "arrival control determination" on specific groups.

Foreign Affairs

Caribbean Confrontation - Venezuela and the US

US President Donald Trump has recently announced the seizure of a large Venezuelan oil tanker, marking the latest escalation between the two nations. Over the past few months, the United States has sent covert CIA operatives to Venezuela as well as increasing its military presence in the region. So what has led to the current political situation between Venezuela and the United States to further deteriorate? To answer this question and more, 4ZZZ’s Toni Pankaluic spoke with Lecturer and PhD Candidate of Political Science, International Relations and Constitutional Law at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Juan Zahir Naranjo Caceres.

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