Spotify has transformed how the world listens to music. But as it’s grown, the company behind it, and its founder Daniel Ek, have been reshaping more than just the music industry.

Ek has become a key figure in the global defence industry, investing more than a billion dollars into military technology based on artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Spotify itself has embraced AI in ways that many artists say undermine their work.

Today, author of Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist Liz Pelly, on how Spotify’s pursuit for power and profit is changing music, and what listeners can do to take back control.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Author of Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist Liz Pelly

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When journalist Antoinette Lattouf picked up a casual contract with ABC Radio Sydney, she didn’t expect it to end in court. But after she reshared a Human Rights Watch post about Gaza, the ABC pulled her off-air on day three and ended her employment.

Last month the Federal Court ruled that decision unlawful, finding senior executives acted after “an orchestrated campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists to have Ms Lattouf taken off air”, and ordered the ABC to pay her $70,000 in compensation.

The verdict is already forcing change: the ABC has pledged to overhaul its social-media rules, and questions have been raised about how journalists can report on Gaza without lobbying pressure.

Today, co-founder of Ette Media and plaintiff in the case, Antoinette Lattouf, on why she fought and what her win means for the future of journalism in Australia.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Journalist and co-founder of Ette Media, Antoinette Lattouf

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Central Australian community of Yuendumu, Kumanjayi Walker’s family gathered this week to hear coroner Elizabeth Armitage share her findings into his death.

Walker was a 19 year old Warlpiri-Luritja teenager who was shot and killed by former constable Zachary Rolfe in 2019.

Today, investigative journalist Kate Wild on what the inquest revealed about the racist culture of the Northern Territory police, how it enabled Zachary Rolfe to act with impunity – and whether institutional change is possible.

Kate Wild’s book about the life and death of Kumanjayi Walker is called The Red House. It will be published in August.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Investigative journalist Kate Wild

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.