Voices of Australia Podcast | Truth, Trust & Politics | Episode 6 | Truth, Trust, and the Future of Democracy

In this final instalment of Truth, Trust, and Politics, Mary Gearin interviews former ABC colleague Jon Faine, reflecting on the evolving media landscape, misinformation, and political trust.

They discuss how social media has fueled misinformation, widening the gap between facts and public perception.

The conversation explores the decline of traditional media, the rise of new influential voices, and how fear-driven narratives shape political discourse.

They also examine the challenges of political accountability, voter scepticism, and the growing demand for transparency from politicians.

Public health messaging, particularly in engaging vaccine sceptics, is highlighted as an area requiring innovation.

Mary Gearin and Faine emphasise the importance of political diversity and civic engagement in strengthening democracy.

As voter expectations shift, they question how politicians and the media must adapt to restore trust. This final episode brings together key themes of the series, offering insights into the intersection of truth, trust, and political communication in today’s world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Truth, Trust, and Politics

02:35 The Evolution of Facts and Mistruths

06:15 The Business of Misinformation

08:13 Democracy and Political Disengagement

11:00 The Role of Politicians in Society

15:43 Media's Accountability and the Fear Factor

20:35 The Existential Crisis of Journalism

23:44 The Evolving Landscape of Media Influence

26:14 Legacy Media vs. New Voices

28:14 Engaging the Vaccine Skeptics

32:01 Innovative Communication Strategies

36:49 Restoring Trust in Politics

41:24 The Future of Political Engagement