2026 Festival

Speaker Profile

Mark Kenny

Professor Mark Kenny is a political journalist, commentator, and academic, formerly chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning HeraldThe Age, and The Canberra Times. A regular on ABC’s Insiders and Sky News, he has reported from locations including Kandahar, Beijing, and the Vatican, covering global summits such as G20 and APEC. Now at ANU, his research focuses on national politics, democracy, and the rise of populism 

Podcasting Mania: Has it reshaped the media landscape?

Friday April 24
Ellen Grant Hall
3.00pm / 60 mins

Monica Attard, Mark Kenny and Clare Stephens with Libbi Gorr

Democracy’s Frontline: Tales from investigative journalists who hold power to account

Saturday April 25
Sorrento Bowls Club
2.30pm / 60 mins

Monica Attard, Charlote Grieve and Kate Wild with Mark Kenny

Over their outstanding journalism careers, our three guests have exposed wrongdoings and bad behaviour - often at great personal cost. Join academic Mark Kenny as he explores the reporting journey of shining light in dark corners. 

Middle-Tier Power: When small nations take on the big guys

Saturday April 25
Portsea Village
4.00pm / 60 mins

Mark Kenny, Julianne Schultz and Greg Sherida with Dan Ziffer