Journalists at Alan Jones's trial off to 'inauspicious' start as spelling error and rogue mobile phone antagonise judge | Weekly Beast
Guardian AU
β’Fri, 07 Aug 2026 02:48:46 GMT
π° What Happened
The Guardian's Weekly Beast media column reported on the awkward start for journalists covering the Alan Jones trial, where media organisations had to apply individually for access given the complainants testify in an otherwise closed court. Seven media organisations, including Guardian Australia, won approval to report the evidence, while the Daily Aus was criticised by local court judge Glenn Walsh for a 'inauspicious' start after misspelling his name. The column also noted awkward moments involving a rogue mobile phone and a new boycott campaign targeting the Daily Telegraph.
π The Backstory
The Weekly Beast is the Guardian's weekly column on the Australian media industry, written by Amanda Meade among others. The Alan Jones trial on indecent assault and sexual touching charges has become a major national story, drawing intense coverage and leading media companies to dedicate significant resources. Because the six complainants give evidence in a closed court, reporting access has become a tightly managed and contentious process.
π― Why It Matters
The column highlights the practical challenges and tensions of covering a high-profile sexual assault trial, where balancing media access with the protection of complainants is a delicate matter. The friction between the court and journalists, and the competitive scramble among outlets, illustrates how deeply the trial has permeated Australian media and the pressures shaping coverage of a legal case of national significance.
The Guardian's Weekly Beast media column reported on the awkward start for journalists covering the Alan Jones trial, where media organisations had to apply individually for access given the complainants testify in an otherwise closed court. Seven media organisations, including Guardian Australia, won approval to report the evidence, while the Daily Aus was criticised by local court judge Glenn Walsh for a 'inauspicious' start after misspelling his name. The column also noted awkward moments involving a rogue mobile phone and a new boycott campaign targeting the Daily Telegraph.
The Weekly Beast is the Guardian's weekly column on the Australian media industry, written by Amanda Meade among others. The Alan Jones trial on indecent assault and sexual touching charges has become a major national story, drawing intense coverage and leading media companies to dedicate significant resources. Because the six complainants give evidence in a closed court, reporting access has become a tightly managed and contentious process.
The column highlights the practical challenges and tensions of covering a high-profile sexual assault trial, where balancing media access with the protection of complainants is a delicate matter. The friction between the court and journalists, and the competitive scramble among outlets, illustrates how deeply the trial has permeated Australian media and the pressures shaping coverage of a legal case of national significance.