Political communications expert Andrea Carson joins us to discuss the media's performance during the Voice referendum and why the ‘yes’ campaign struggled to get off the ground.

How did support for the Voice fall 20 per cent in a year?

Was a failure to agree on effective, targeted messages in early 2023 the reason for the ‘yes’ campaign’s downfall?

And were journalists too focused on providing equal airtime to both sides of the debate and not proactive enough in calling out false and low-quality claims?

On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Professor of Political Communication and award-winning former journalist Andrea Carson joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss the future of Australia’s political debate after the Voice’s defeat.

Andrea Carson is a Professor of Political Communication in the Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy at La Trobe University.

Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.

Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.

Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au.

This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.

Top image: Benjamin Crone/shutterstock.com

You may also like

Article Card Image

ANU looks to the future with realignment

The Australian National University is taking steps to ensure the long-term sustainability and financial viability of the University.

Article Card Image

‘Growth comes from outside your comfort zone’: why Olympian Emma McKeon refused to give up

Australian swimmer Emma McKeon has made history inside of the Olympic pool, but her legacy spans further than 50 metres.

Article Card Image

Statement from Vice-Chancellor at Senate Inquiry

ANU Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell's opening statement to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee.

Subscribe to ANU Reporter