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This year Rupert Murdoch turned 90, and that milestone has focused discussion on who will take over the world’s largest media empire.Now, Murdoch’s son Lachlan is making major strategic moves in his role as News Corp’s co-chair.He’s also changing the way the company is structured - signalling that power is finally shifting in the media dynasty. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Paddy Manning on Rupert Murdoch’s succession plan, and what the media empire will look like under Lachlan’s control.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paddy Manning.Background reading: Lachlanland: the power shifts in the Murdoch dynasty in The Saturday PaperStay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison has so far refused growing international pressure to commit to net zero emissions by 2050.Now he’s facing a concerted push from MPs in his own party to embrace the policy. But on the other side of the Coalition, right-wing Nationals are refusing to budge - including senior figures in the government.Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on how climate politics has wedged Scott Morrison, and why he’s running out of time.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.Background reading: Biden adviser: ‘I don’t know whether Angus Taylor is an ideologue or an idiot’ in The Saturday Paper.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday, Dominic Perrottet won the support of his Liberal Party colleagues to become the party’s leader, and the 46th Premier of NSW. He’s taking over the Premiership at a crucial time for the state, as it prepares to end a long lockdown and enter a new phase of living with Covid-19.But he’s already facing criticism for his socially conservative views on issues ranging from abortion to voluntary euthanasia.Today, journalist with the Australian Associated Press Hannah Ryan on Dominic Perrottet’s life and career so far, and what it tells us about the kind of leader he will be. Guest: Journalist for the Australian Associated Press, Hannah Ryan.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s two largest states are getting ready to end their long lockdowns and reopen when 80 percent of eligible residents are fully vaccinated.  But what does reopening with that target mean for the 20 percent who are yet to receive their vaccines? Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on how some of our most at risk communities fell through the cracks of the national vaccine rollout.Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.Background reading: Exclusive: Australia’s most vulnerable ignored in plan to open up in The Saturday PaperStay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday, after serving for a decade on the front line of New South Wales politics, nearly half of that as Premier, Gladys Berejiklian suddenly resigned.Her shocking departure from the top job has left the state in political turmoil in the midst of a pandemic.It's also raised important questions about political accountability and transparency. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on why Gladys Berejiklian resigned and what happens next in New South Wales. Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Hugh White, emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, reads his cover essay from the latest issue of The Monthly.It’s called ‘War of Error’. It explores the failures of the United States in Afghanistan, and the folly of Australia’s unquestioning support.Guest: Hugh White, emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When NITRAM, a newly released film about the perpetrator of the Port Arthur massacre, was announced there was swift backlash from politicians and film critics who argued that the story was too painful and traumatic to tell. On today’s episode of The Culture we dissect the film, and explore the bigger questions it raises about how to tell stories about trauma and violence.Plus, we speak to the director of the film, Justin Kurzel and the film’s writer, Shaun Grant. Guest: Justin Kurzel, director of Nitram; Shaun Grant, writer of Nitram; Mahmood Fazal, writer, journalist and contributor The Saturday Paper and The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison has returned from his trip to Washington, and is spending the next couple of weeks in quarantine at The Lodge in Canberra.But he’s already facing pressure over another international summit - the UN climate change conference in Glasgow next month.Scott Morrison is under criticism from the UK government, the hosts of the summit, over his unwillingness to confirm his attendance. But what’s really driving the Prime Minister’s reluctance to participate in the most important international climate event in years?Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the climate policy paralysis plaguing the Morrison government, and what it means for Australia’s international reputation.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Catholic Church has historically been one of the most powerful institutions in Australia, influencing both sides of politics.But now the Church is in steep decline with dwindling congregations and fewer and fewer donations. In response to its current crisis, a once-in-a-century meeting is being organised to discuss the future of Catholicism in Australia.This plenary is pitting church reformists against conservatives, with Cardinal George Pell making a surprise return to the country to try and influence the debate.Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the influence the Catholic Church has on Australia, and the battle for its future.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's two largest states, NSW and Victoria, now have clear roadmaps out of the pandemic and towards a future where we live with COVID-19.Those pathways, as well as the national plan, are heavily influenced by modelling conducted by the Doherty Institute, which estimates case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths as the country reopens.But the Doherty Institute isn’t the only organisation modelling our future. There are other, highly influential, bodies projecting their own numbers that contradict the national plan.Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the models deciding our future and who we should trust. Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.Background reading: Covid figures: Splits emerge in government health models in The Saturday PaperStay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.