February
Trump, Zuck and the rise of the manosphere
For years, a masculinist current in culture and politics has been rising outside traditional media and entertainment. Now, it has flooded the banks of the mainstream.
January
Zuckerberg says workplaces need more ‘masculine energy’. He’s wrong
The Meta chief executive wants to celebrate aggression, but his suggestion that office life has become less competitive is nonsense, even amid all the home-baked treats.
Wall St bankers ‘feels liberated’ in MAGA land
Tech billionaires, financiers and the leaders of some of the best-known US consumer groups are rushing to adjust to a more conservative zeitgeist.
Silicon Valley’s lurch to the right catches the eye of local VCs
Some 15,000 kilometres away from Washington DC, where tech is cosying up to Donald Trump, local start-ups are pondering whether to ride the anti-DEI wave.
‘Cognitively diverse’: Meta’s new workforce mantra
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has axed all policies aimed at creating an equitable workforce as he laments the rise of “culturally neutered” companies.
Zuckerberg says most companies need more ‘masculine energy’
The billionaire, who launched his career by rating the attractiveness of women at Harvard University, lamented the rise of “culturally neutered” companies.
December 2024
Why Luigi Mangione stars in a new era of villainy
What explains the public fascination with the man charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare chief Brian Thompson?
November 2024
Labor pushes 36 bills; RBA reforms loom; Don’t be a Black Friday fool
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
ABC chairman cops ‘watch out’ messages after Joe Rogan criticism
Asked what the ABC could learn from Joe Rogan, the most popular podcast presenter on Spotify, ABC chairman Kim Williams didn’t hold back.
Actor Russell Crowe’s very surprising political conversion
The legendary actor’s long been affiliated with the prime minister. Now, teals are claiming him.
Advertisers set to return to X as they seek favour with Musk and Trump
Media executives said brands were preparing to advertise on X again, as its billionaire owner was likely to gain influence in the White House.
Why the Libs can’t do a Trump
The lesson for Peter Dutton is not to copy the Donald – which in an Australian context would be impossible anyway. What he must be, though, is authentic.
Taylor Swift v Joe Rogan. How gender will decide the US election
Deep divisions in America’s electorate have been exposed in a tumultuous race to be decided in just a few hours.
October 2024
Harris launches media blitz to regain momentum
The push marks a gamble by the Democratic candidate to reach a wider pool of voters as party leaders worry she is losing momentum to Trump.
April 2024
Melbourne rivals hope Kyle and Jackie O’s sins haunt advertiser demand
Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson signed a 10-year, $200 million contract late last year. Now they’re taking on Melbourne’s $220 million radio market.
November 2023
Scientists need to admit they got COVID-19 wrong
Public health officials assume they can rebuild trust through clearer, more persuasive communication, rather than acknowledge the unnecessary pain they caused.
September 2023
YouTube stops Russell Brand from making money off his channels
YouTube said monetisation from the comedian’s account, which has 6.6 million subscribers, has been suspended ‘following serious allegations against the creator’.
How digital cash got caught up in the culture wars
Plans for central bank digital currencies are gaining momentum around the world — and so are conspiracy theories.
How Oliver Anthony became a sudden superstar
The country singer has gone from living in a campervan to being a contender to perform at the Super Bowl within a month.
August 2023
MrBeast is a YouTube megastar. Can he make it in business?
Even creators with hundreds of millions of followers can find their names mean little to older audiences, hampering their chances of building a brand outside social media.