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Step into an infinite world of stories

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Background Briefing tells true stories not everyone will want you to hear. We infuse investigative reporting with captivating drama, following the thread of an individual story only to find that it leads us to something bigger. It's the only podcast in Australia that does this week in, week out.

Hosted by Thomas Oriti.

We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au

Background Briefing

Hair loss ads are everywhere. Telehealth clinics with thousands of five-star reviews promise fast consults and discreet delivery to your doorstep. But what happens when the treatment messes with your brain chemistry?

01 Before and After | The cost of keeping your hair

Before and After is a new series by Background Briefing that exposes how medical hype spreads online, who profits, and who pays.

Introducing... Before and After

Kim saw a teacher’s aide laughing at a video of a vulnerable student and reported it to the principal. She had no idea it would come to define the next seven years of her life.

The secret teacher blacklist

After years of manipulation, Alliyah is determined to see justice done. When Kellie appears in the dock, what will she say? And how will the judge respond?

05 The Favourite - A Day in Court

Daring narrative journalism: Australian investigations with impact.

Alliyah steps into a police station on the outskirts of Brisbane, and says: “I want to report a crime.” After keeping the so-called relationship with Kellie secret for almost a decade, Alliyah is finally ready to tell their story.

04 The Favourite | Full Disclosure

A new job and a surprise encounter show Alliyah that another way is possible. Will they manage to slip out of Kellie's control?

03 The Favourite | Alliyah's choice

When the principal discovers Alliyah and their teacher Kellie are exchanging secret messages outside class, Kellie is warned — but not fired. Then, on the last day of Alliyah’s graduation, another message arrives: “Secret squirrel… you can’t tell anyone.” As suspicion mounts at home, Alliyah's connection with Kellie grows stronger and more dangerous by the day.

02 The Favourite | A marriage proposal

12-year-old Alliyah’s clowning around in science class, testing the waters to see how the new teacher will respond. An unusual bond grows between them — and what starts with a death stare and a smirk, soon slips into a world of secrets.

01 The Favourite | Secrets after school

She's every student’s favourite teacher — warm, funny, the kind who bends the rules. But for one 12-year-old, Alliyah, her attention goes far beyond the classroom. The Favourite is a five-part series by Background Briefing about how a secret remained hidden in plain sight for nearly a decade.

Introducing... The Favourite

There are only two witnesses to Brad Balzan's final moments: the two officers who chased him into his backyard. But their accounts of what happened don't match up.

Stop and Search | 04 The Botched Backyard Operation

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