The explosion of true crime documentaries and podcasts has captivated millions - what is driving our insatiable appetite? True crime isn’t new, but the recent explosion in popularity is!

Kicked off by the massive success of Serial’s 2014 debut season in the US, true crime has gone from strength to strength – dominating podcast charts, tv schedules, and public discourse. From Teacher’s Pet to Crime Investigation Australia, audiences cannot get enough. Australia has a long history of tracing unsolved true crime mysteries. Reporting these stories often re-opens investigations with fresh eyes, revealing new evidence, even decades after the tragic events. Sometimes it leads to arrests or case closures; other times it leads to more hurt as old wounds are reopened.

Recently in Australia we have seen the revisiting of high-profile cases including Lindy Chamberlain, Ivan Milat, William Tyrell, and the Bowraville Murders. So, what is the allure of true crime for story tellers? This panel will explore what it takes to tell grizzly cases, the ethics of telling crime stories for entertainment, and the potential legal minefields of investigative work.

Moderator & Session Producer 
Ruby Schmidt - Toy Shop Entertainment