Larrikins, Rebels and Journalistic Freedom in Australia

“This is an extremely very well-informed and highly insightful work which ought to appeal equally to those interested in journalism and in Australian politics.”

— Julian Petley, Professor, Brunel University London, UK

Larrikins, Rebels, and Journalistic Freedom is a cultural history of Australian journalism. In a democratic nation where a free news media is not guaranteed, Australian journalism has inherited what could be described as a ‘Larrikin’ tradition to protect its independence. This book mines Australian journalism’s rebelliousness, humor and distinct disrespect for authority in various socio-historical contexts, to explore its determination to maintain professional independence. Beginning with a Larrikin analysis of Australian journalism’s inherited Enlightenment tradition, Dr Josie Vine takes the reader through the Colonial era’s hardships, Federation, two World Wars, the Cold War’s fear and suspicion, the swingingsixties, a Prime Minister’s dismissal, 1980’s neo-liberalism, post-9/11 and, finally, provides a conclusive synthesis of current Australian journalism culture. Throughout, the book highlights the audacious, iconoclastic and determined figure of the Larrikin-journalist, forever pushing boundaries to protect democracy’s cornerstone – freedom of the news media. 

Dr Josie Vine is Senior Lecturer in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. Her research interests revolve around the cultural history of Australian journalism, and the development of professional ideologies and ethical sensibilities. Her current project is a comparative analysis of the cultural functions of newsrooms in Australia and the UK.