Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps PREMIUM: “Old Media, New Media & the Truth” with legendary journalist Chris Uhlmann
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Jun 12, 2025 
Chris Uhlmann, veteran Australian political journalist turned Substack writer and broadcaster. He talks about the fall and value of legacy media, the tug between short-form and long-form news, social media echo chambers and Substack, reporting from Ukraine and interviewing Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and his regrets about past aggressive interviews.
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Legacy Journalism's Role In Declining Trust
- Chris Uhlmann argues legacy journalists share culpability for the erosion of public trust because they shaped gatekeeping norms and sometimes failed to self-reflect.
- He stresses the collapse of commercial reporting has reduced watchdog capacity, especially at state and local levels, increasing risks of corruption and misinformation.
Press Pack On Kevin Rudd's Tiny Jet
- Uhlmann recounts travelling with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on cramped business-class jets while other nations arrived in large aircraft.
- The tiny press plane highlighted Australia's small-country status and later spurred procurement of a branded government jet with economy media seating.
24-Hour News Compresses Judgment And Depth
- Uhlmann observes the 24-hour news cycle forced journalists to make rapid judgments on thin information, expanding surface-level coverage while straining accuracy.
- He warns this constant demand erodes depth and increases errors because reporters often work with only the 'bare bones' of events.