andrew olle media lecture

28/10/202328/10/2023Blogging

“Who’s Been Parking In My Car Space?”

The speech delivered by Leigh Sales, former host of ABC TV’s 7.30, during last night’s Andrew Olle Media Lecture, began with a really funny anecdote. She recounted a time when she mistakenly parked in the reserved space for the ABC Chair, the renowned Australian media figure and last year’s lecturer, Ita Buttrose.

The position of ABC Chair is officially a part-time role, and, on paper, it would be unusual for Ita to be using that parking space at the time, especially during the COVID lockdowns.… Read the rest ““Who’s Been Parking In My Car Space?””

25/06/202225/07/2022Blogging

Big Events

by James O'Brien2 Comments

“I think she might be Scomo’s biggest mistake”, an “old leftie” whispered into my ear at the Andrew Olle Media Lecture.

There was a perception, rightly or wrongly, that the appointment of Ita Buttrose as ABC Chair was simply another political appointment and that Ita would do the “government’s bidding”. Indeed, the appointment was a “captain’s pick” by the Prime Minister, made outside the process which had been established for ABC and SBS board appointments.

From my own perspective, I was pleased to see someone with CONSIDERABLE media experience had been appointed, instead of someone who was there as an obvious “political appointment”.… Read the rest “Big Events”

02/11/201902/11/2019Blogging

Andrew Olle Media Lecture 2019

by James O'Brien2 Comments

I took a rebel stand on my outfit for this year’s “Andrew Olle Media Lecture”. Though I’ve been attending the lecture for over twenty years (only missing one, the year I lived in Western Australia) dressing for it is pretty simple.

As a man, all you need to worry about is a tuxedo and a bow-tie. In contrast, a friend/colleague mentioned on Facebook earlier in the week, she was struggling with her outfit, while trying to maintain her carbon footprint.… Read the rest “Andrew Olle Media Lecture 2019”

04/11/201825/07/2019Blogging

Never Drink During The Speech

by James O'Brien1 Comment

A colleague messaged me yesterday saying “I just watched Caroline Wilson’s speech. I saw you in the crowd”. He was referring to the Andrew Olle Media Lecture, which I’ve written about previously. In reply I asked him if they’d crossed to me with a glass of wine in hand, as once occurred.

I learned my lesson well from that fateful television screening about a decade ago. After crossing to me in the audience (on my third consecutive sip) friends messaged me saying “you look like you had a good night”!!!… Read the rest “Never Drink During The Speech”