The power of journalism to change the course of history
A decision to trust a journalist and a masthead, to trust the story, and to trust that a murder conviction could be the possible outcome, laid the foundations for a groundbreaking podcast, writes Michael Miller, executive chairman, News Corp Australasia.
Occasionally a news story captures the national psyche. And won’t let go.
Such a story came to a dramatic conclusion in Australia this week.
It involved a teacher in the early 1980s who had a relationship with a 16-year-old student.
And the disappearance of the teacher’s wife, whose body has never been found.
His name was Chris Dawson. And this week he was convicted of the murder of his wife Lynette, 40 years after she disappeared.
The case was eventually reopened and resolved due to police and legal processes, but it was thorough, thoughtful and impactful journalism that brought it back into the spotlight.
And while the result was a significant one for justice, it was also significant for the role of all trusted media, and the way the public perceives that media.
To re-investigate a case that had long ago been abandoned by police and the media The Australian investigative journalist Hedley Thomas had to convince people to trust him. The fact that he worked for a trusted brand played a significant role in securing that trust.
That decision to trust the journalist and the masthead, to trust the story, and to trust that a murder conviction could be the possible outcome, laid the foundations for the groundbreaking podcast.
The Teacher’s Pet – and the subsequent The Teacher’s Trial – are testament not only to the power of storytelling, but also the increasing power of the podcast – and use of multi-mediums – to reach new audiences.
It is the result of blending tried and tested investigative techniques with new technology.
Paul Whittaker – who was The Australian editor at the time – said, “Podcasts allow news brands to amplify big and complex stories by giving a voice to victims and their families in a way that our journalism has never previously been able to.”
Thomas’s podcast was one of the first times in Australia that an investigative journalist had focused their attention on the medium.
The production wasn’t perfect – as Thomas was still learning the craft – but the authenticity of the story as it unravelled was totally compelling.
Its 16 episodes have been downloaded 52 million times.
As Thomas gathered new evidence and new witnesses, more witnesses came forward, and the podcast became part of the story. It became self-perpetuating.
And it was all leading to an undeniable conclusion – that Dawson was a liar … and a murderer.
On August 30 Dawson was convicted of Lynette’s murder by New South Wales Supreme Court judge Ian Harrison SC, who concluded Dawson’s obsession with his teenage lover led him to “kill his wife”.
Historically cold cases have been reliant on forensic science (and obviously will continue to be), but investigative journalism is also proving impactful in highlighting unresolved cases, re-examining evidence and tracking down new witnesses.
For those who have lost a loved one without resolution they have renewed faith in trusted journalism to do what the police and courts have on occasion failed to do.
It gives confidence for families to question the justice system, and the abuse of power – be it corporate, gender, business or politics.
Thomas’s persistent quest for answers showcases journalism’s profound importance, with a clarity that is indisputable.
It stands as a seminal moment in journalism’s trusted role, questioning authority and holding it to account.
As a consequence of Thomas – and The Australian’s editorial team’s work – much has been done to expose the blight of domestic violence, predatory grooming and coercive control, not only here in Australia – but globally.
For the victims family, justice has finally been served.
For journalism, the future shines brightly.
Michael Miller, executive chairman, News Corp Australasia
