Antoinette Lattouf, a prominent journalist and human rights advocate, is set to make her long-awaited appearance at the Write Around the Murray (WAM) festival in Albury from September 10 to 14, 2023. This visit comes after she was unable to travel to the area during the global pandemic due to a sudden border closure. Lattouf’s participation at the festival marks a significant moment in her career, especially following her recent legal victory against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
In June 2023, the Federal Court of Australia ruled that Lattouf was unlawfully dismissed by the ABC shortly after she shared a post by Human Rights Watch regarding the escalating violence in Gaza. Her dismissal occurred just three days into a five-day role as a presenter on ABC Radio Sydney. The ruling has led to the coining of the phrase “to be Lattoufed,” which signifies being silenced or dismissed for advocating one’s beliefs.
Empowering Voices Through Storytelling
Lattouf’s journey to becoming a celebrated storyteller has been deeply influenced by her background. As the daughter of Lebanese refugees, her parents faced educational barriers. Lattouf recalls her mother’s determination to ensure her children received an education, even purchasing the expensive Encyclopedia Britannica in the 1990s. “For me, reading was my connection to knowledge in the world,” she said. This passion for language ultimately guided her to a career in journalism.
While she feels a sense of vindication from the court’s decision, Lattouf remains troubled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Her book, How to Lose Friends and Influence White People, published three years ago, reflects her experiences and the challenges faced by those from marginalized communities. “I literally wrote the preamble to what I experienced in the past year about the sometimes dangerous and unfair terrain that people from marginalized backgrounds have to face,” she explained.
The book serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of challenging established power structures. Lattouf discusses figures like Adam Goodes and Yassmin Abdel-Magied, who faced significant backlash for their activism. “It’s a book for allies as well, for people who know how to lean into their power and privilege for marginalized communities,” she added.
Challenges in Media Diversity
As a co-founder of Media Diversity Australia, Lattouf has been at the forefront of advocating for cultural and linguistic diversity in mainstream media. She has observed a troubling trend over the past two years, with many from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds leaving the industry. “We’ve seen an exodus of people from those communities, either because they were pushed out, or unlawfully fired like myself,” she noted.
Despite some positive trends highlighted by academic research, Lattouf argues that the desire for diversity in media often focuses on appearances rather than genuine inclusion. “There’s a tendency towards wanting diversity for photo opportunities, but not allowing people with diverse experiences to exercise their skills freely in journalism,” she said.
This climate has spurred the emergence of independent media outlets led by former mainstream journalists. Lattouf, along with others, is carving out new spaces to contribute to journalism in Australia.
In light of the ABC’s recent implementation of new social media policies for employees following the Lattouf ruling, she expressed concern that such changes should focus on those in power who misuse their authority. “The Australian public would have expected any policy changes not to have been directed down at employees, but to those who abuse their power unlawfully,” she stated.
Lattouf continues to engage with literature relevant to her experiences. Currently, she is reading Randa Abdel-Fattah’s novel, Discipline, which explores the struggles of a young journalist navigating her identity in a challenging newsroom environment.
On September 12, 2023, Lattouf will participate in two events at the WAM festival, including a panel discussion with Thomas Mayo, a noted advocate and author, and a session focused on pursuing a career in media as part of the festival’s Schools Program. For more information and bookings, visit the WAM website.
Antoinette Lattouf’s upcoming appearance at the Write Around the Murray festival underscores her commitment to advocacy, diversity, and the power of storytelling in shaping public discourse.
