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"The time's right": Neil Mitchell signs off

After 34 years on the air, 3AW radio veteran Neil Mitchell is signing off. Neil Mitchell has been a staple of Australian radio for decades, growing a reputation for being fair, decent, honest and sometimes "a bit grumpy". A Current Affair's Ally Langdon joined the 3AW veteran to reflect on a stellar career that earned him a legion of loyal listeners. "I've always wanted to be a journalist from about age 14," he told Langdon. "But not for a moment did I think that I would end up doing something such as I have, editing a newspaper and doing this." His passion as a radio presenter lies in the "real people" who call in each morning, saying, "You can go from a person laughing and telling you jokes and carrying on to great stories." "And then a couple of calls later there's somebody in tears that you need to help. It is real people." "I regularly shed tears on air ... And if we can make a difference, I shed tears again because we've had success." Over his decades on air, Mitchell clashed with many Aussie politicians, sharing how he took it upon himself to be a spokesperson for everyday Australians. "They've established a system where they don't have to be accountable," he said. "And [if] anybody attempts to make them accountable ... they resented it. Accountability is disappearing I'm afraid." While he is stepping back from his flagship show, he has assured listeners he isn't signing off forever. "I'll still be here. I'll be doing podcasts and all sorts of things. I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be an interesting change." "I'm going to miss it, stepping away. But the time's right." Image credits: Nine

Music

Edwina Bartholomew's husband shares encouraging health update

Edwina Bartholomew's husband Neil Varcoe has shared an encouraging health update, just months after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue. In June, the father-of-two revealed how he was struck down with chronic fatigue syndrome after suffering from a virus that “knocked him”. At the time, he told Australian's Women Weekly that he had to cut back on his work after his energy depletion made him feel like he "had nothing left" to give to his job. Now, Varcoe has shared a positive update on his condition, saying he has returned to work as a communications teacher at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst. The university campus is a 40 minute drive from Carcoar, where Neil, Edwina and their two children moved last year with plans to renovate a historic hotel. Neil shared in a heart-warming update on Instagram that he has taught his final class in feature writing and data journalism, with his wife Edwina joining in via Zoom. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyPCQMQBeUq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyPCQMQBeUq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Neil Varcoe (@neilwrites)</a> </div> </blockquote> “I wrapped my final class at Charles Sturt University Bathurst yesterday with a chat with a journalist I greatly admire — my wife Edwina,” Neil’s caption began. “For the past three-and-a-half months, I’ve taught feature writing and data journalism to a talented group of students.” He went on to thank his colleagues and students, before teasing a return to the regional university in the new year. Neil's followers took to the comments to share praise for his return to university, and wish him all the best on this health journey. One person wrote, “Well done 🤩 So rewarding to get back on the bike as the saying goes!" Another local added, “I hope you both keep returning to us at Charles Sturt! Congratulations…I’m sure the students loved you.” Image credits: Instagram

Caring

Radio veteran steps down after 34 years on the air

Radio veteran Neil Mitchell has announced he will be stepping back from hosting his 3AW Mornings show after 34 years on the air. Mitchell shared the news to his dedicated listeners on Friday morning in an emotional statement. “Apart from my family, radio has been my life and my love. I will miss enormously the energy, excitement, and occasional whack that the audience dishes out to me daily,” he said. “But it is time, after 34 years of 4am starts, peddling flat out is getting a little hard.” In his statement, Mitchell said he will stay on with 3AW and Nine in a new role, including hosting his successful new podcast, Neil Mitchell Asks Why. “I will still appear on 3AW as an analyst, will do a weekly podcast, and hope to continue writing and TV work as well,” he continued. “And, don’t celebrate yet Daniel Andrews, I am here until December. Thanks to all for the superb support over the years." In a follow-up statement, Mitchell assured listeners he will stay true to himself and his beliefs in his new roles. “I have been acutely conscious of that privilege of the microphone every day I have been on air for over 36 years,” he wrote. “It is a tough decision to step away from the daily program. It is the best job I have ever had. But I promise I will continue my philosophy and attitude through this new role. It is one I have crafted carefully with the approval of 3AW and Nine management because I want to continue to have an impact and continue to work for the audience as the media landscape changes.” Mitchell has been a key player at 3AW since beginning his radio career with the station in 1987, where he started working part-time on weekends and as a morning fill-in host for former broadcaster Derryn Hinch. From there, he got his big break hosting the Drive show before moving to the Mornings slot, where he has been ever since. Mitchell has won several awards during his time as a radio journalist, while also devoting his time to helping those less fortunate, and helping to raise over $10 million for charities and causes close to his heart. Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio, thanked Mitchell for his service in his career. “Thirty four years hosting Mornings on 3AW is a record that’s likely never to be beaten. Neil has been at the top of his game and the top of ratings for nearly all of that time. It’s an incredible run. We’d have loved him to stay on, but Neil is adamant it’s time.” Image credits: 3AW

News

Edwina Bartholomew announces surprising new living arrangement with husband

Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew has shared her unusual new living arrangement with her husband. The Seven presenter and Neil Varcoe, who tied the knot in 2018, will be transitioning into a long-distance relationship as she continues her Monday to Friday donair duties and her partner moves full time to their Capertee Valley home to become a farmer. Varcoe, a former journalist, left his job at Twitter after Elon Musk took over and plans to be the “chief farming officer” at Warramba, the 1980s farm that he and his wife have restored. He will also become the project manager of The Victoria — a historic hotel in the Blue Mountains. It is believed that Bartholomew, 39, will remain in Sydney with their two children, Molly, three, and Tom, one, throughout the week, with the trio joining Varcoe at the rural property on weekends. The Sunrise star announced the news on Instagram, describing it as “a big day” for their family “Neil was born and raised in Lithgow and went to school in Bathurst, so it’s pretty exciting he now gets to contribute to the extraordinary growth in the Central West,” she wrote. “He is also the proud new owner of a very big jacket and beard to survive the winter. “We have our first stay in Carcoar as a family this weekend. We will miss him during the week but let the commuting, designing, renovation fun begin!” Varcoe also shared the news on his Instagram page, praising the “courage” of his wife, saying that “this wild scheme was her idea”. He wrote that he was “excited to build a business for his family” from the ground up. “The chance to contribute to the extraordinary growth that’s occurring in my home region is irresistible,” Varcoe wrote. Earlier in 2023, Bartholomew sparked debate when she revealed she and her husband have <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/works-like-a-charm-edwina-bartholomew-s-surprising-trick-for-a-happy-marriage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">slept in different beds</a> for the past seven years. Image credit: Instagram

Relationships

"The beat goes on": Neil Diamond opens up about life with Parkinson’s

Neil Diamond has opened up about his experience living with Parkinson’s, and how it has taken a long and uphill battle to come to terms with his 2018 diagnosis. In a candid interview with Anthony Mason for CBS Sunday Morning, the 82-year-old singer - best known for his hit song ‘Sweet Caroline’ - detailed how he moved from denial to acceptance, and the impact it has had on his life and his career ever since. “When the doctor told me what it was, I was just not ready to accept it,” he said. “I said, ‘oh, okay, I’ll see you whenever you want to see me, but I have work to do, so I’ll see you later’.” For “the first year or two”, Diamond admits he refused to accept his condition, but as acceptance finally came to him, so did a sort of calm and peace of mind “I think this has just been in the last few weeks,” he explained to Mason, “but somehow, a calm has moved in and the hurricane of my life, and things have gotten very quiet. “And I like it. I find that I like myself better. I’m easier on people. I’m easier on myself and the beat goes on and it will go on long after I’m gone.” He went on to note his understanding that “this is the hand that God’s given”, and how his only option was “to make the best of it”. “There’s no cure, there’s no getting away from it. You can’t just say ‘okay, enough already, let’s get back to life’. It doesn’t work like that,” he said. “But I’ve come to accept what limitations I have and still have great days.” And while Diamond retired from touring in 2018 in the wake of his diagnosis, he can still find those great days in music, with his life playing out in the musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical on Broadway. As for how it feels to see his story performed on the stage, he admits that initially it was difficult, and that he felt some embarrassment, before going on to add that he “was flattered, and I was scared. “Being found out is the scariest thing you can hope for because we all have a facade. And the truth be known to all of them. I’m not some big star - I’m just me.” “The show is part of my psychotherapy,” he explained, “and it hurt.” On opening night, Diamond even returned to the stage for a singalong performance of ‘Sweet Caroline’, and as he told Mason, “I can still sing. I’ve been doing it for 50 years and I enjoy it. It’s like all the systems of my mind and my body are working as one. “I’ve had a pretty amazing life, it’s true.” Images: Getty

Caring

"I just went numb": Man recalls helicopter crash that gravely injured wife and stepson

A father has recounted the horrifying moment he watched his wife and stepson plummet to the ground in a wrecked helicopter after a mid-air collision on the Gold Coast. Neil De Silva told the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fnews%2Fvictoria%2Fgeelong-mum-son-among-sea-world-chopper-casualties%2Fnews-story%2Fc3de255af1ae5ea3e8b5611b2eeae87c&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-high-control-score&V21spcbehaviour=append" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a> that he felt powerless to help as he watched his family collide with another helicopter at high speeds. “Winnie and Leon’s helicopter took off, it only went about 200 metres in the air,” Mr De Silva said. “I could see the other helicopter that was due to land … it looked like they were going to crash into one another." “As it got closer, I was thinking ‘this is crazy, this looks really bad’ and I just went numb”. After a pain-staking two hour wait, Neil was eventually informed that his wife Winnie, 33, and stepson Leon, 9, had survived the devastating crash, but had been rushed to hospital in critical condition. <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/helicopter-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Four others</a> on their flight were killed in the collision, while another young boy, 10, also remains critical in hospital. In a heart-wrenching twist to the De Silva's story, Neil revealed that the Geelong family were celebrating the end of a challenging year by treating themselves to a budget Gold Coast getaway. Mr De Silva shared that it had always been Winnie’s dream to take her son Leon on a chopper ride, so they decided to treat themselves to the adventure ride. “It was Winnie’s dream to take Leon on a helicopter,” Mr de Silva said. “I thought I would shout them a 10-minute flight." “We were on a budget holiday, trying to save money but I wanted them to have that experience.” Winnie remains critical but stable in the Gold Coast University Hospital with two broken legs, a damaged left knee, a broken right shoulder and a broken collarbone. Leon remains in a coma with facial and head injuries, a cracked skull and severe trauma to the brain in Brisbane’s Queensland Children’s Hospital. Mr De Silva has organised a<a title="www.gofundme.com" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-winnie-leon-seaworld-crash-victims?qid=8e66b72e6929303fe5aef72a4eb79661"> GoFundMe</a> to support the family as he takes time off work to be by their side. Leon moved from Kenya to Australia about a year ago to be with Winnie, and his life Down Under was set to be full of new experiences. “This was his first helicopter flight,” he said. “Everything is a new experience for him.” “I feel blessed that Winnie and Leon survived." “Four people died — they are blessed to be alive.” Image credits: GoFundMe

Caring

Australian Hall of Fame footballer killed in car accident

The AFL world is in mourning after legendary footy player Neil Kerley AM died in a horrific car accident. The 88-year-old was towing a trailer in Walker Flat in the Murraylands, South Australia just before 5:30pm on Wednesday when he crashed through a fence and into a paddock. He tragically died at the scene. The Australian Hall of Fame icon, nicknamed Knuckles and King and Kerls, was affectionately known as the “King of South Australian football”. With a career spanning over 17 years, Kerley made a name for himself after playing 265 games in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). He represented South Australia 32 times, six times of which he was captain. Kerley then went on to coach 628 games and was a two-time premiership coach and two-time premiership captain-coach. Eventually Kerley was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, as well as the South Australian Football Hall of Fame. Images: Twitter/Getty

News

Neil Diamond's incredible rare treat for fans

Baseball fans were given a surprise treat from singer Neil Diamond who made an appearance at the Boston Red Sox game. Diamond gave a heartwarming performance of his classic “Sweet Caroline” at the game on June 18 at Fenway Park in Boston. Heartwarming footage shows Diamond enthusiastically singing along while sporting the black and red Boston Red Sox letterman jacket as the crowd joined in. This was Diamond’s first performance since 2018 after he retired due to his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Neil Diamond singing "Sweet Caroline" at Fenway Park is incredible 🎤 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/P1yRDJR5ho">pic.twitter.com/P1yRDJR5ho</a> — FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1538345916490473472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote> He previously sang the song at the same stadium in 2013 when the Red Sox played their first home game since the Boston Marathon bombing. The song has now become a part of tradition for the Red Sox who play “Sweet Caroline” during the eighth inning of each home game. Despite retiring from live touring, Diamond said that he would “continue his writing, recording and development of new projects”. There is a musical about Diamond’s life currently in pre-production and is expected to open on Broadway later in the year. Image: Twitter

Music

Australian artist and philanthropist Neil Balnaves dies in boating accident

Australian arts philanthropist Neil Balnaves has died at 77 following a boating accident. Balnaves was reportedly holidaying with his wife, Diane, near Tahiti when the accident occurred. Leading figures from the art industry have paid tribute to Neil, as a man who had a vision to “create a better Australia”. The Balnaves Foundation released a statement on Tuesday, confirming his death. “The Balnaves family sends their heartfelt thanks for people’s kind words and wishes and kindly requests privacy at this difficult time,” it read. Balnaves had a successful career in TV, running Southern Star production house and producing popular shows including Big Brother, Bananas in Pyjamas, Water Rats and McLeod’s Daughters. After a string of successes, he became chair of the Ardent Leisure Group, which ran theme parks such as Dreamworld on the Gold Coast from 2003 until 2016. After a boating accident on the Gold Coast in 2002, which almost killed him, Balnaves became an avid philanthropist. He gave away $20m of his fortune to arts organisations. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/feb/22/neil-balnaves-australian-arts-philanthropist-dies-aged-77-after-boating-accident">Guardian Australia</a> was just one of the beneficiaries of his philanthropic foundation, which also donated to Sydney’s Ensemble and Belvoir Street theatres, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery of South Australia, the Adelaide festival and Bangarra Dance Theatre. The foundation gave a grant to Guardian Australia for in-depth reporting on Indigenous affairs, and an in-depth reporting project on Australian art. The Balnaves Foundation also funded Indigenous and health research. Balnaves is survived by his wife, Diane Balnaves, whom he married in 1971, and his children, Hamish and Victoria. Kilmurry described Balnaves as a champion for the creative community, not just with his philanthropy but his personal passion for the arts. “We will miss his generous and fearless spirit,” he said. Image: Getty

Art

Neil Young’s ultimatum to Spotify shows streaming platforms are now a battleground where artists can leverage power

Neil Young has given Spotify an ultimatum: remove the Joe Rogan Experience podcast or Neil Young walks. In a letter to his management team and label, the 79-year-old rocker lambasted Spotify for spreading Rogan’s misinformation about COVID vaccinations. “I want you to let Spotify know immediately TODAY that I want all my music off their platform,” <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/neil-young-demands-spotify-remove-music-vaccine-disinformation-1290020/">said Young to his management team</a> and record label. “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both.” Young is the first high-profile artist to condemn Spotify for its handling of COVID misinformation, but far from the first person to single out Rogan’s podcast on the platform. The Joe Rogan Experience podcast has the highest amount of subscribers on Spotify. In 2020 the podcast became a Spotify exclusive through a deal <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/19/21263927/joe-rogan-spotify-experience-exclusive-content-episodes-youtube">estimated at $100m</a>. Despite its massive popularity, the Joe Rogan Experience has been frequently criticised for promoting conspiracy theories, misinformation and other problematic content. In January 2022, 270 medical health practitioners and researchers submitted <a href="https://spotifyopenletter.wordpress.com/2022/01/10/an-open-letter-to-spotify/">an open letter</a> calling on Spotify to moderate misinformation on its platform. The letter was prompted by an episode that featured a controversial physician who openly promoted conspiracy theories and baseless claims about COVID vaccinations. “This is not only a scientific or medical concern; it is a sociological issue of devastating proportions and Spotify is responsible for allowing this activity to thrive on its platform,” the letter read. Two days later, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/spotify-neil-young-joe-rogan-1235081916/">Spotify has reportedly removed Young’s music from its platform</a>. This isn’t the first time Young has removed his songs from Spotify, citing poor sound quality as the reason when he temporarily <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/neil-young-interview-archives-crazy-horse-upcoming-albums-784773/">pulled his entire catalogue</a> from Spotify in 2015. <a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/442842/original/file-20220126-14-1914439.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/442842/original/file-20220126-14-1914439.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /></a> Joe Rogan on his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. A few weeks ago, 270 doctors, scientists, healthcare professionals and professors wrote an open letter to Spotify, expressing concern about medical misinformation on Rogan’s podcast. YouTube <h2>Stream of conscience</h2> Neil Young is not the first musical artist demanding change from the streaming giant. Spotify and other music streaming platforms have become a battleground where artists can leverage their power, notably over disputes concerning artists’ revenues and the value of music in an era of streaming. In 2015, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/9/15767986/taylor-swift-apple-music-spotify-statements-timeline">Taylor Swift briefly removed her album 1989</a> from Apple Music due to the platform offering a three month free trial that would not generate royalties for artists. In 2021, the artist payout debate was reignited after the publication of a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/apr/10/music-streaming-debate-what-songwriter-artist-and-industry-insider-say-publication-parliamentary-report">Parliamentary report in the UK</a> calling attention to Spotify’s handling of artists’ rights management, revenue rates, and commercial fairness. Recently, following the release of her latest album 30, <a href="https://theconversation.com/adele-has-successfully-asked-spotify-to-remove-shuffle-from-albums-heres-why-thats-important-for-musicians-172301">Adele took aim at Spotify</a> demanding the shuffle feature be removed from albums encouraging users to listen to the tracks in their intended order. <h2>Self-regulation</h2> Spotify has taken action to regulate harmful content on its service in the past. In 2017, Spotify <a href="https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/8/17/16162146/spotify-removing-white-supremacist-neo-nazi-bands">announced it would remove content</a> from bands connected to white supremacist and neo-Nazi movements. Spotify also joined several other social media and streaming platforms including Facebook, Apple Music and podcast platform Stitcher to remove the <a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/8/6/17655516/infowars-ban-apple-youtube-facebook-spotify">polemical right wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones</a> and his podcast InfoWars for spreading misinformation and lies about the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting. In 2018, Spotify added <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/news/spotify-is-officially-policing-the-music-it-hosts-627638/">a new hate conduct policy</a> to its terms of use that included guidelines for removing music that “promotes, advocates, or incites hatred or violence.” Spotify developed the policy in partnership with the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League. The platform faced immediate backlash when it <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/10/arts/music/rkelly-spotify-accusations-xxxtentacion.html">cited the policy to defend</a> removing American artists R. Kelly and XXXTentacion from its editorial and algorithmically curated playlists. The two artists’ catalogues were not removed from Spotify’s streaming library, but would be far less visible to listeners. Critics viewed Spotify’s use of the policy an attempt to censor music. With such a sweeping definition of hate conduct, some observers wondered, why were R. Kelly and XXXTentacion removed and not the dozens, if not hundreds, of other artists with controversial pasts or criminal convictions? The move prompted other prominent artists, most notably Kendrick Lamar, to threaten <a href="https://pitchfork.com/news/kendrick-label-head-confirms-he-threatened-to-pull-music-from-spotify/">withdrawing their music from Spotify</a> entirely. Shortly afterwards, Spotify rolled back the policy. In a <a href="https://newsroom.spotify.com/2018-06-01/spotify-policy-update/">corporate statement</a> announcing the shift, Spotify also minimised its responsibility in political matters or public controversies: “That’s not what Spotify is about. We don’t aim to play judge and jury.” Digital platforms have taken steps to moderate misinformation. For example, in the lead up to the 2020 US election, Twitter began <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/twitter-adds-fact-check-warning-trump-tweets/">adding fact-check labels</a> to tweets shared by former president Donald Trump. Later that year, Facebook’s Oversight Board <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/22/tech/facebook-oversight-board/index.html">began hearing cases</a> to oversee key decisions related to content moderation. Throughout the COVID pandemic, academics and public health officials <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-a-virus-goes-viral-pros-and-cons-to-the-coronavirus-spread-on-social-media-133525">have called on social media platforms</a> to help fight the spread of dangerous health-related misinformation. <h2>Policing platforms</h2> Reliance on platforms to moderate podcast content is a tenuous proposition. As commercial entities operating internationally, platforms simultaneously seek to serve their corporate interests and comply with regulations and laws in multiple jurisdictions. Significant change can be achieved when platforms act in unison, such as in <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/12/28/792078881/spotify-becomes-latest-tech-company-to-hit-on-pause-political-ads">the decision to ban political advertising</a> implemented by several major digital platforms including Spotify after facing significant public pressure. Still, users and advocates should not hold their breath waiting for platforms to do the right thing. Failures to moderate harmful content are harder to ignore when they involve bigger name artists. Neil Young has never shied away from political action in a musical career spanning nearly six decades. The singer’s demands were bolstered by a credible threat: he’s removed his music before and now he’s done it again. Ideally, the pressure from Young’s fans and other prominent artists will push Spotify to take effective action against misinformation so users can spend time rockin’ in the free world instead of listening to COVID conspiracy theories.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/175732/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/d-bondy-valdovinos-kaye-1046676">D. Bondy Valdovinos Kaye</a>, Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/queensland-university-of-technology-847">Queensland University of Technology</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/neil-youngs-ultimatum-to-spotify-shows-streaming-platforms-are-now-a-battleground-where-artists-can-leverage-power-175732">original article</a>.

Music

Neil Young demands his music is removed from Spotify

In an open letter to his management team, record label, and Spotify executives, Neil Young has demanded his entire music catalogue be removed from the streaming service. His reasoning behind the demand stems from Spotfiy giving a platform to podcasters who spread vaccine misinformation and dangerous rhetoric about the Covid-19 pandemic. He wrote, “I am doing this because Spotify is spreading fake information about vaccines – potentially causing death to those who believe the disinformation being spread by them.” “I want you to let Spotify know immediately TODAY that I want all my music off their platform,” he continued. “They can have [Joe] Rogan or Young. Not both.” Neil’s callout directly targets right-wing podcaster Joe Rogan, who regularly pedals an anti-vaccine sentiment on his show Joe Rogan Experience, and even claimed he used livestock medication ivermectin to “cure” his bout of coronavirus. “With an estimated 11 million listeners per episode, JRE, which is hosted exclusively on Spotify, is the world’s largest podcast and has tremendous influence,” the letter reads. “Spotify has a responsibility to mitigate the spread of misinformation on its platform, though the company presently has no misinformation policy.” Just 48 hours after Neil Young issued his public demand, Spotify confirmed they would be removing his music from their platform. The company said they regretted the turn of events and hoped to “welcome him back soon”. “We want all the world’s music and audio content to be available to Spotify users,” it said in a statement. “With that comes great responsibility in balancing both safety for listeners and freedom for creators. We have detailed content policies in place and we’ve removed over 20,000 podcast episodes related to Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic.” Neil Young responded to Spotify’s move, saying he was willing to take the hit to his yearly revenue, and urged other artists to contemplate a similar move. “Spotify represents 60 per cent of the streaming of my music to listeners around the world. Almost every record I have ever released is available – my life’s music. (It is) a huge loss for my record company to absorb,” he said. “I truly want to thank the many, many people who have reached out to me thanking me for taking this position – people who are health professionals on the front lines, people who have lost loved ones to Covid or who are worried for their own children and families. I have never felt so much love coming from so many,” said Young. “I sincerely hope that other artists and record companies will move off the Spotify platform and stop supporting Spotify’s deadly misinformation about Covid.” Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Neil Diamond reworks ‘Sweet Caroline’ to encourage hand washing

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond has joined a growing number of actors and musicians that are encouraging persistent hand-washing and social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. He posted a video on Saturday night of him at his home playing “Sweet Caroline”. “I know we’re going through a rough time right now, but I love you, and I think maybe if we sing together we might feel a little bit better,” he says during the video. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Stay safe out there! “Hands... washing hands..” 🎶 <a href="https://t.co/QaRB1qZshp">pic.twitter.com/QaRB1qZshp</a> — Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilDiamond/status/1241584423927074818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2020</a></blockquote> Diamond proceeds to sing the opening verse of “Sweet Caroline” with the revised chorus, saying “Hands, washing hands, reaching out, don’t touch me, I won’t touch you!” The video has racked up more than 1.2 million views on Twitter alone. Diamond is just one of many musicians that are taking to social media to perform for their followers, with John Legend and Chris Martin recently performing a mini concert in their homes for their followers. Actors, such as Josh Gad, are using the time in quarantine to do daily book readings for kids and adults. </div> </div> </div>

Music

“Kids are like dogs:” Pauline Hanson compares raising children to “training pets”

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has shared some outlandish opinions by comparing raising children to training animals. The politician told The Today Show on Monday there are similarities with disciplining your children and pets. Ms Hanson also said reports suggesting parents should “train” their babies as a dog was not so far off from the truth. “Kids are like dogs... you actually look after them, treat them well, give them that love and care and attention,” she said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> “Kids are like dogs, if you actually look after them, treat them well, give them that love and care and attention. The problem today is parents aren’t allowed to discipline their kids. We are losing respect, they lose respect for authorities.” <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulineHansonOz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaulineHansonOz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9Today?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9Today</a> <a href="https://t.co/DboCmqm5OP">pic.twitter.com/DboCmqm5OP</a> — The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTodayShow/status/1163195148760518656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2019</a></blockquote> The outlandish comments amused the morning show host Georgie Gardner, who said she was reluctant to end the segment. “Pauline, I loathe to interrupt because I'm scared I'm going to get in trouble but we have to go now,” she said. “Its been enlightening and everyone is awake across the country and terrified of you.” A controversial new British television show has caused a stir for it’s hosts, behaviourist Jo-Rosie, sharing her own parenting tips. She said she would be applying the same techniques as she would to train an animal with a three-year-old toddler. Ms Hanson said the “technique” gets results, and would use the same methods on her own children. “I would give them a clip over the ear if they didn't do what they were told. I had to control five of them and they had to do what they were told... and my grandkids get it too,” she shared. Radio host Neil Mitchell, another panelist sitting in on the controversial segment, sat shocked by Hanson’s admission to hitting her children. “You can't hit dogs, let alone children,” he said. The politician argued children need strong discipline. “The problem today is parents aren't allowed to discipline their kids. We are losing respect, they lose respect for authorities,” she said.

Family & Pets

Coming soon to Netflix: Neil Gaiman's popular comic book series

Fans of Neil Gaiman rejoice – one more of his work is set to be adapted for the screen. After more than three years of failed attempts to make a screen adaptation, Netflix has finally acquired The Sandman for a live-action TV series in a reportedly “massive” deal with Warner Bros. Throughout the years, attempts to adapt the popular horror fantasy comic book series – which has been running since 1989 – have floundered. The most recent was in 2016, when a plan to produce a feature film directed by Third Rock From The Sun star Joseph Gordon-Levitt dissolved. According to the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sandman-tv-series-neil-gaiman-david-goyer-a-go-at-netflix-1220761">Hollywood Reporter</a>, industry insiders said the show will become “the most expensive TV series that DC Entertainment has ever done”. Gaiman will be involved in the show as an executive producer along with Wonder Woman (2017) screenwriter Allan Heinberg and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) screenwriter David S. Goyer. “We’re thrilled to partner with the brilliant team that is Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer and Allan Heinberg to finally bring Neil’s iconic comic book series, The Sandman, to life onscreen,” said Channing Dungey, VP of original series at Netflix. “From its rich characters and storylines to its intricately built-out worlds, we’re excited to create an epic original series that dives deep into this multi-layered universe beloved by fans around the world.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Are you prepared to meet the Lord of Dreams? THE SANDMAN is officially coming to <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netflix</a>! Head here for more: <a href="https://t.co/zlamTMHen0">https://t.co/zlamTMHen0</a> <a href="https://t.co/zQbgXKdrZX">pic.twitter.com/zQbgXKdrZX</a> — DC (@DCComics) <a href="https://twitter.com/DCComics/status/1145836913078755328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2019</a></blockquote> The show, which will have 11 episodes in its first season, was described as “a rich blend of modern myth and dark fantasy in which contemporary fiction, historical drama and legend are seamlessly interwoven”.

Books

Neil Perry’s secret to cooking restaurant quality meals from the comfort of your home

Iconic Australian chef Neil Perry appeared on the Today show to explain how good cooking doesn’t necessarily mean that it needs to be complicated or time-consuming to end up with a fantastic final result. He’s launching The Good Food Cookbook, where a group of high profile celebrity chefs have come together to show punters just how easy it is to cook these stand out dishes in the comfort of their own homes. “Some of the best recipe writers in the country have gotten together and collaborated on great simple food to cook at home” Neil said. “We all know that restaurants are one thing but cooking from needs to be simple and fast. Also, interesting and delicious.” The cookbook aims to give hope to everyday cooks and for them to gain the confidence to dive into more complicated gourmet recipes. It also aims to provide home chefs with a base for experimenting with a restaurant standard dish. “We want people to cook our recipes in kitchens. The worst thing for any of us is to have those recipes printed, and know that no one is going to try it” “The joy is the great feedback you get. When people say, I loved that one, I go back to it all the time. That’s why we write these recipes”. The book features over 100 recipes and features a range of easy weeknight dishes to the more complicated Neil Perry dish, which is spicy braised lamb with apricots, pistachios and roast pumpkin. The chapters are easily labelled for those who are looking for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free recipes.

Food & Wine

"This makes me smile" – Neil Diamond touched by New Zealand fans’ donations

Neil Diamond has revealed how happy he is to find out that some New Zealand fans are donating the refund money from tickets to his cancelled concerts to Parkinson’s disease research. Yesterday, Diamond announced his immediate retirement from touring after being diagnosed with the disease. His looming Australian and New Zealand tour, which was to begin in March, was cancelled as a result. Diamond’s wife and manager Katie McNeil took to Twitter to express her joy of the news that Australian and New Zealand fans were donating their refunded money to Parkinson’s research, animal rescue groups and fire victim funds. “My heart is so full of joy to see this silver lining,” McNeil said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This makes me smile. Thank you. Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support. It makes a difference. <a href="https://t.co/TLZAa69q1B">https://t.co/TLZAa69q1B</a> — Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeilDiamond/status/955885442209140743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote> Diamond wrote, “This makes me smile. Thank you. Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support. It makes a difference.” Neil Diamond fan Roseanne Holliday used her refund money to donate to the Shake It Up foundation in Australia, which is partnered with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. “It is a small gesture and goes a little way to saying thank you to Neil for a soundtrack to my life,” Holliday said. “I’ve been listening to Neil Diamond for as long as I can remember. I grew up with my mum playing him in the 70s. “I’ve seen him 11 times in total, including once in San Diego just after September 11. That was an awesome night. I was going to the Sunshine Coast concert on March 22 and was heartbroken to hear the news about his diagnosis. I saw on Twitter where his wife Katie had been so touched by people from Australia and NZ pledging their refunds to go to a good cause and thought it was a brilliant idea. So this morning I did just the same and donated my ticket to Parkinson’s research here in Australia.” On Sunday, Diamond will make his first public appearance since the announcement at the Grammy Awards in New York. He will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, which had already been decided before this week’s shock reveal. Were you planning to see Neil Diamond in concert and awaiting a refund? Tell us in the comments below if you plan to donate your refund to Parkinson's research.

Caring

Elton John announces retirement

After almost 50 years of gracing stages around the world with his timeless music, Sir Elton John has announced his retirement. “This is the end,” he said. “I’ve had a good run, I think you’d admit that.” The biggest driving force behind Elton’s decision is a desire to spend more time with his husband, David Furnish, and two young children, who will be aged 10 and eight when his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concludes. “I love them so much. I don’t want to miss them and I don’t want them to miss me,” he said. "My priorities now are my children and my husband and my family.” The 70-year-old icon says he hopes to go out “with a bang", announcing a massive three-year final world tour, which will come to Australia and New Zealand between December 2019 and February 2020. “It will be a wonderful way to thank people,” he said. “It’s a way of going out with a bang. I’m not the kind of guy to go out with a whimper.” The announcement comes just days after legendary singer Neil Diamond <a href="/entertainment/music/2018/01/neil-diamond-cancels-tour-after-shock-diagnosis/" target="_blank">revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease</a>, forcing him to cancel all future performances. For more information on his upcoming final world tour, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tours/971324269687321/" target="_blank">click here</a>.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tours/971324269687321/)"> </a>

Music

Neil Diamond cancels tour after shock diagnosis

Legendary singer Neil Diamond has cancelled his tour of Australia and New Zealand (scheduled for March and April) after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He announced his retriment from touring through a statement posted on Tuesday. "It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honoured to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years," he said. The 76-year-old said he would continue to make music, but touring had become impossible. "This ride has been 'so good, so good, so good' thanks to you," he said. The decision to cancel his shows had been made on doctor's advice, he said. Refunds would be given. Garry Craft, Mission Concert event director at Mission Estate Winery in Napier, NZ, where tickets sold out, heard the news about midday on Tuesday. "We had no idea he was dealing with Parkinson's. It's obviously something he's become aware of quite recently, and I mean within the last week or two. "My understanding was that they were trying to get medication that would allow him to do at least the two New Zealand shows, but doctors said 'absolutely no way'," Craft said. "It's a very sad day for everyone, particularly Neil and his family," he said. Diamond released his first studio album in 1966, The Feel of Neil Diamond, and went on to become one of the highest-selling artist of all time, according to Billboard. He has released 32 albums since. His last release, apart from 2016's Christmas album, was Melody Road in 2014. All remaining shows of his 50 Year Anniversary Tour, including those in Australia and New Zealand, have been cancelled. The pop singer had already completed the European and American legs of his tour that started in April and included 55 dates. Promoters said all ticket holders would be refunded within 10 working days. Written by Glenn McConnell and Marty Sharpe. Republished with permission of <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Music

Sunrise’s Edwina Bartholomew reveals her happy news

It seems love is in the air in the breakfast TV world! Just a couple of weeks after Sylvia Jeffreys and Pete Stefanovic <a href="/news/news/2017/04/guests-share-beautiful-photos-of-sylvia-and-peters-wedding/" target="_blank">tied the knot</a> in a stunning Kangaroo Valley ceremony, Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew has announced her engagement to her partner of six years, digital journalist Neil Varcoe. The weather presenter made the announcement last night on Instagram, sharing a sweet photo of the couple with the caption, “On this day, two wonderful weeks ago, the love of my life [Neil] asked me to be his wife. And I said... umm... ahh... let me have a think... just kidding... YES. We are over the moon.” <img width="499" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35620/image__499x375.jpg" alt="edwina bartholomew engaged" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> The news comes just weeks after Bartholomew revealed to <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/i-don-t-know-how-she-does-it/edwina-bartholomew-how-to-keep-friends-and-alienat" target="_blank">Mamamia</a> her unorthodox secret to a long and happy relationship – something she says saved the pair from growing resentful to one another. “During the week, he sleeps in one room, I sleep in the other,” she admitted. “For the first two years I would wake him up every morning at 3am and let’s be honest, nothing exciting is happening between a couple at 3am when one is going to work and one person is trying to sleep. “So we just kind of decided that that was the best solution for us to be able to function as a couple because we just stared to resent each other in terms of he could just never go back to sleep, we were both tired and then it was just a total disaster. “So that’s been one of the secrets for us. I guess date night comes on the weekends when we can actually spend time together and sleep in the same bed. That sounds more racy than it was intended to be.” Congratulations to the happy couple!

News

Sri Lankan chicken curry

Neil Perry’s authentic and flavoursome Sri Lankan chicken curry recipe is a festival of flavour and once you gather the ingredients together it's really simple. Prawns or white-fleshed fish are good substitutes for the chicken. You can also add steamed potatoes or yams at the end and fold them through. Ingredients: For the onion sambal <ul> <li>2 tbsp. vegetable oil</li> <li>1 large red onion, thinly sliced</li> <li>½ tsp. sea salt</li> <li>2 cloves garlic, chopped</li> <li>2 tbsp. grated ginger</li> <li>1 tsp chilli powder</li> <li>½ tsp. ground cloves</li> <li>½ tsp. cardamom seeds, crushed</li> <li>3 curry leaves</li> <li>2 tsp caster sugar</li> <li>1 tbsp. tamarind puree</li> <li>2 tbsp. coconut milk</li> <li>2 tsp lime juice</li> </ul> For the spice mix <ul> <li>3 tsp. black peppercorns</li> <li>1 tbsp. cumin seeds</li> <li>1 tbsp. fennel seeds</li> <li>1 tbsp. coriander seeds</li> <li>2 tsp. fenugreek seeds</li> <li>1 stick cinnamon</li> <li>2 tsp. dill seeds</li> <li>2 tsp. ground turmeric</li> </ul> For the curry <ul> <li>2 tbsp. vegetable oil</li> <li>1 large brown onion, diced</li> <li>2 tsp sea salt</li> <li>4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced</li> <li>1 small green chilli, halved lengthways</li> <li>1 lemongrass stem, finely sliced</li> <li>750g skinless chicken thigh fillets, each cut into 3 pieces</li> <li>8 curry leaves</li> <li>1 tbsp. tamarind puree</li> <li>¾ cup coconut milk</li> <li>1/3 cup coconut cream</li> <li>1 tbsp. lime juice</li> <li>Steamed rice to serve</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>For the sambal, warm the oil in a heavy-based saucepan on a medium-low heat.</li> <li>Add onions and salt and cook for about 10-15 minutes until softened.</li> <li>Add garlic and ginger and cook for a further 5 minutes, then add chilli powder, cloves and cardamom and continue for another 5 minutes.</li> <li>Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the onions are glossy.</li> <li>For the spice mix, lightly toast spices in a dry pan over a medium heat until fragrant, then finely grind in a mortar.</li> <li>For the curry, warm oil in a heavy- based saucepan on a medium heat. Add onion and salt and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.</li> <li>Add garlic and chilli and continue for a further 5 minutes before adding lemongrass and ground spices and cooking for another 5 minutes.</li> <li>Add chicken, cooking for 2-3 minutes to coat in the spices. Add curry leaves, tamarind and coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes. Add coconut cream and bring to a simmer, being careful not to let the mixture boil.</li> <li>Remove curry from the heat, cover and stand for 10 minutes.</li> <li>Add lime juice to taste. Serve with the spicy sambal and steamed rice.</li> </ol> What’s your favourite curry recipe? We’d love to hear it! Share it with us in the comments below. Written by Neil Perry. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/spicy-beef-curry-with-cauliflower-rice/">Spicy beef curry with cauliflower rice</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/potato-and-pea-curry/">Potato and pea curry</a> <a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/goan-coconut-lamb-curry/">Goan coconut lamb curry</a>

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"The time's right": Neil Mitchell signs off

Edwina Bartholomew's husband shares encouraging health update

Radio veteran steps down after 34 years on the air

Edwina Bartholomew announces surprising new living arrangement with husband

"The beat goes on": Neil Diamond opens up about life with Parkinson’s

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Neil Young’s ultimatum to Spotify shows streaming platforms are now a battleground where artists can leverage power

Neil Young demands his music is removed from Spotify

Neil Diamond reworks ‘Sweet Caroline’ to encourage hand washing

“Kids are like dogs:” Pauline Hanson compares raising children to “training pets”

Coming soon to Netflix: Neil Gaiman's popular comic book series

Neil Perry’s secret to cooking restaurant quality meals from the comfort of your home