• Anchored in Community
    Nov 21 2025

    On this episode of Local Lens, we explore the impact news anchors can make within their communities, both on and off-screen.

    Longtime NBN News presenter Natasha Beyersdorf discusses her involvement in charitable initiatives, particularly her support for the Mark Hughes Foundation, a local organisation raising funds for brain cancer research.

    Produced by Mai Tessede. Interviewees: Natasha Beyersdorf and Professor Mike Fay.

    Music credits: Dale Hunt and Aleksey Chistilin

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    16 mins
  • Women in Sport
    Jun 12 2025

    On this episode of Local Lens, we explore the rise of women in sport — both on the field and behind the scenes.

    NBN Sports Reporter Sophie Scanlon shares her experiences and players and local experts offer a broader look at how women are shaping the future of sport in Australia.

    Producers: Isabella Mulligan and Niamh Marsh

    Interviewees: Sophie Scanlon, Kirsten Ansell (Girls Day Out), Professor James Skinner, and Zoe and Ellie (junior players).

    Composer and sound mixer: Dale Hunt.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    12 mins
  • Court Reporting
    Jan 31 2025

    On this episode of Local Lens, we get a rare insight into court reporting, with NBN Chief Court Reporter, Tyson Cottrill.

    Tyson talks through his extensive experience of being 'the eyes and ears of justice,' with coverage of high profile cases in the Hunter, including former NRL player Jarryd Hayne, Hunter Bus Driver, Brett Button and missing teenager, Zac Barnes.

    Produced by Charlotte Wintle and Zachary Peters.
    Composer and sound mixer Dale Hunt.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    19 mins
  • Disappearing Sands
    Mar 4 2024

    Like sand falling through an hourglass, time is running out for our beaches.
    This episode of 'Local Lens' explores the issue of coastal erosion, with a particular focus on Stockton Beach, in an attempt to shed light on why our beaches are disappearing and what we need to do to stem the tide.

    In 'Disappearing Sands' we speak to NBN News Reporter and Weather Presenter Lauren Kempe, who's closely followed the issue of coastal erosion in her reporting - and we also hear from researchers and the residents affected.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    18 mins
  • Missing Girls
    Mar 4 2024

    What happened to Lake Macquarie teenagers Amanda Robinson, Robyn Hickie and Gordana Kotevski? Amanda and Robyn disappeared in 1979. Gordana, in 1994. Police have long suspected they were murdered. In 2019, detectives launched Strike Force Arapaima to investigate their disappearances.

    In this episode of 'Local Lens,' NBN News Presenter Jane Goldsmith takes us through her close coverage of the story - and we also hear from family and the people who've followed one of the Hunter's most enduring missing persons cases for decades.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    18 mins