A seasoned journalist with over three decades of experience, Tracey Kirkland has spent her career on the front lines of news and information. She's worked in both broadcast and print, and is currently the Continuous News Editor for ABC News Channel, following a stint as the ABC’s senior Newsgathering Editor.
Her professional focus on media and truth extends to her work as the co-editor of two thought-provoking essay collections: Age of Doubt: Building Trust in a World of Misinformation and Pandemedia: How COVID Changed Journalism.
This November, Tracey will bring her wealth of experience to the True Story Festival to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time. She will appear on the "You Better Believe It" panel on Sunday, November 16, from 10-11am. Joined by fellow authors Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson, and in conversation with media commentator Jan Fran, Tracey will dive into the complex world of conspiracy theories, misinformation, and the role of scepticism in a post-truth world.
True Story Festival's theme for 2025 is ‘But Seriously’. The festival will be held over Saturday, 15 November and Sunday, 16 November at Coledale Community Hall. Early bird single day and weekend passes are available via Humanitix.
What is your latest writing project?
I'm working on an Australian Story program for the ABC about inspirational Sydney woman, Lauren Huxley, who has overcome incredible odds to simply survive. She has the most joyous and can-do view on life. But, she's about to face a new and life-altering challenge – and her greatest fear. Even the raw script is giving me goosebumps.
What is your earliest reading memory?
Without a doubt, it was The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. What a marvellous, imaginative, delightful collection of books (of its time!), back in the days when Jo, Bessie and Fanny were just three kids knocking about in strange and foreign lands with Moon-face and Silky. It's now been read to my own kids and I still have my original copies.
Which book made you want to be a writer?
I have wanted to be a writer since primary school. The first novel I penned – in a brown paper-covered school book – was set in an underwater paradise. By year 7, I was writing poetry – about topics like the Cold War and God. Yes, I was an earnest child! I don't think there was one book that inspired me to want to write – rather the collective force of Enid Blyton, the Sweet Valley High series, the Narnia series, Anne of Green Gables, 1984 and The Day of the Triffids.
Who is the writer that changed your mind?
Thanks to my mum, I read a lot of historical fiction growing up, in particular James A. Michener. I particularly remember devouring The Source and The Covenant. It was the first time I realised you could combine fact and fiction in a way that brought history to life on the page. I think my first inkling I might enjoy journalism as a career started with these books.
What is a book you discovered later in life?
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte! This was required reading in my Masters in Creative Writing and it blew my mind. I was almost 40 and I couldn't believe I had never read this incredibly powerful novel. It transported me to another world, and was intense, passionate, eye-opening and beautiful. I could not put it down.
SUNDAY, 16 NOVEMBER: You Better Believe It, 10:00 – 11:00am
Nothing could be more topical than conspiracy theories, as recent events such as the tragedy at Porepunkah demonstrate; and in a so-called post-truth world, what role does scepticism have in determining who we trust and what we believe? To discuss these thorny, burning issues, we have assembled a formidable panel: Walkley award winner Ariel Bogle and her co-writer Cam Wilson, authors of Conspiracy Nation, which covers everything from pandemic origin theories to school shootings; and Tracey Kirkland, editor of Age of Doubt, in conversation with fearless media commentator Jan Fran.
