No matter what we read, watch or listen to, we’re all affected by the media and how it works. It shapes our culture, drives policy and politics, and is an essential part of a functioning democracy. But how is the media in Australia changing? And is the media getting it right?

Media Files is a new monthly podcast, featuring discussion between media researchers, experts and working journalists on the big issues in the media landscape today.

Media Files is hosted by Andrew Dodd at the University of Melbourne, Andrea Carson at LaTrobe University and Matthew Ricketson at Deakin University, who between them have decades of experience reporting on and researching the media. Media Files will also involve journalists, editors and other practitioners reflecting on topics such as ethics, digital disruption and the trends affecting what we hear, watch and read.

As old media empires collapse, and new ones rise, the need to protect diversity, public interest journalism and public broadcasting has arguably never been greater.

Catch Media Files each month for discussion about the key issues and ideas facing this vital industry.

Andrew Dodd receives funding from The Australian Research Council.