.
Joining this Reddit AMA is Michael West, an Australian investigative journalist and founder of Michael West Media. He began his journalism career as a cadet at The Australian Financial Review and later worked at The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald, where he was a journalist and editor. A Walkley Award winner, Michael has spent much of his career examining business and finance through the lens of the public interest.
In 2016, Michael founded his own publication to investigate the growing influence of corporations on Australian democracy. Michael West Media describes itself as independent, non-partisan and funded by readers rather than advertising. Its reporting focuses on big business, including multinational tax avoidance, financial markets, banking and the energy sector.
Michael’s work often starts with a question that can be hard to answer from a headline alone: who benefits from a decision, who pays for it, and what do the financial records show? His background as a finance journalist, editor and former stockbroker informs that approach. He has also been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney’s School of Social and Political Sciences.
Michael brings decades of reporting experience to this conversation. This AMA is a chance to ask him how investigative stories are found and checked, what makes an investigation worth pursuing, and how independent journalism can hold powerful institutions to account. Questions about corporate tax, energy, political influence, the media and the practical challenges of running a reader-funded newsroom are all welcome.
Craig Hill is a Brisbane-based author, journalist, teacher, business consultant and social justice campaigner. He is the General Manager of the Australian Book and Language Studio.
Please check out our online shop where you can buy all our Doctor Who books as paperbacks or eBooks.
Please check out our video podcast, “Australia Asks”. There are interviews with Australian federal politicians and political commentators, as well as special features addressing current political issues.
Follow Me on Social Media
Discover more from Craig Hill
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
