Background Briefing

4.3 (14)
NEWS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Background Briefing tells true stories not everyone will want you to hear. We infuse investigative reporting with captivating drama, following the thread of an individual story only to find that it leads us to something bigger. It's the only podcast in Australia that does this week in, week out. Hosted by Thomas Oriti. We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au

OCT 17

The secret teacher blacklist

Kim saw a teacher’s aide laughing at a video of a vulnerable student and reported it to the principal. She had no idea it would come to define the next seven years of her life.

40 min
OCT 10

05 The Favourite - A Day in Court

Daring narrative journalism: Australian investigations with impact.

32 min
OCT 3

04 The Favourite | Full Disclosure

Alliyah steps into a police station on the outskirts of Brisbane, and says: “I want to report a crime.” After keeping the so-called relationship with Kellie secret for almost a decade, Alliyah is finally ready to tell their story.

35 min
SEP 26

03 The Favourite | Alliyah's choice

A new job and a surprise encounter show Alliyah that another way is possible. Will they manage to slip out of Kellie's control?

40 min
SEP 19

02 The Favourite | A marriage proposal

When the principal discovers Alliyah and their teacher Kellie are exchanging secret messages outside class, Kellie is warned — but not fired. Then, on the last day of Alliyah’s graduation, another message arrives: “Secret squirrel… you can’t tell anyone.” As suspicion mounts at home, Alliyah's connection with Kellie grows stronger and more dangerous by the day.

35 min
SEP 12

01 The Favourite | Secrets after school

12-year-old Alliyah’s clowning around in science class, testing the waters to see how the new teacher will respond. An unusual bond grows between them — and what starts with a death stare and a smirk, soon slips into a world of secrets.

31 min
SEP 9

Introducing... The Favourite

She's every student’s favourite teacher — warm, funny, the kind who bends the rules. But for one 12-year-old, Alliyah, her attention goes far beyond the classroom. The Favourite is a five-part series by Background Briefing about how a secret remained hidden in plain sight for nearly a decade.

2 min
SEP 4

The invisible stuff on your blueberries

When a marine scientist starts picking up traces of pesticides in oysters, she follows a trail that leads inland — to NSW blueberries carrying a poison not permitted for use in Australia.

32 min

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4.3

out of 5

14 Ratings

Background Briefing tells true stories not everyone will want you to hear. We infuse investigative reporting with captivating drama, following the thread of an individual story only to find that it leads us to something bigger. It's the only podcast in Australia that does this week in, week out. Hosted by Thomas Oriti. We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au