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Matthew Ricketson

Matthew Ricketson

The Conversation

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Secrets, sexism and hypocrisy: Bonfire of the Murdochs reveals the family’s real succession drama

Gabriel Sherman, author of the latest and shortest Murdoch biography, is an outstanding journalist. But does he have something new to say about the...

13.03.2026 20

The Conversation

Matthew Ricketson

Best of 2025 - Journos as heroes and villains - 'The Hack' reviewed - Part 1

10.01.2026 30

Pearls and Irritations

Matthew Ricketson

Over 100 issues, Quarterly Essay has generated news, controversy – and the occasional explosive scene

Longer than a magazine piece but shorter than a book, Quarterly Essay shapes our public culture in significant ways.

18.11.2025 10

The Conversation

Matthew Ricketson

Journos as heroes and villains - 'The Hack' reviewed - Part 2

09.10.2025 10

Pearls and Irritations

Matthew Ricketson

Journos as heroes and villans - 'The Hack' reviewed - Part 1

08.10.2025 10

Pearls and Irritations

Matthew Ricketson

Biden’s advisers hid his decline – and the media didn’t dig hard enough

13.06.2025 10

Pearls and Irritations

Matthew Ricketson

‘He’d only have to show proof of life once in a while’: Joe Biden’s advisors hid his decline – and the media didn’t dig hard enough

This devastating book successfully prosecutes the case of Biden’s decline and the conspiracy to hide it – but underplays Biden’s achievements.

10.06.2025 10

The Conversation

Matthew Ricketson

In its soul-searching, the Coalition should examine its relationship with the media

07.05.2025 10

Canberra Times

Matthew Ricketson

In its soul-searching , the Coalition should examine its relationship with the media

Voters wanted to hear the details of policies that matter to them, such as housing and cost of living. Instead, the Coalition gave them culture wars.

04.05.2025 10

The Conversation

Matthew Ricketson

Friday essay: as the legacy media have dumbed down, The New Yorker has dumbed up

On its 100th anniversary, Matthew Ricketson, considers The New Yorker’s remarkable journalism and vital role in our chaotic, algorithm-driven world.

20.02.2025 10

The Conversation

Matthew Ricketson

Murdoch’s UK newspapers have apologised to Prince Harry. Where does it leave the legally embattled media empire?

While few people have received an apology from a Murdoch-owned publication, Prince Harry now has. But if you think this is the end of the long legal...

23.01.2025 20

The Conversation

Matthew Ricketson