Bruce Lehrmann filed a defamation lawsuit against Network Ten in Australia, following media coverage surrounding allegations of rape against him. The case, highly publicized and scrutinised, revealed significant issues within Australian journalism, particularly regarding ethics and approach to reporting.

Network Ten, along with some journalists such as Lisa Wilkinson from The Project, were accused of prioritizing sensationalism and advocacy over factual and objective reporting. The case brought to light the media’s potential for contributing to misinformation and bias, concerns that were amplified by the defamation verdict in Lehrmann’s favor, which opposed allegations of his guilt in the rape of Brittany Higgins.

The proceedings underscored ongoing debates in the media industry about the balance between advocacy journalism and the necessity for objectivity and factual integrity. Notable commentator Margaret Simons pointed out the complexities and the necessity of maintaining objectivity in journalism, despite the challenges it poses.

The criticism of the journalists involved highlighted a perceived need for greater humility and self-awareness in the press, with a focus on ensuring accurate and unbiased reporting rather than succumbing to the allure of sensationalism.