News Club Interview: The Betoota Advocate

I won’t forget the first time I saw an article by The Betoota Advocate pop up on my Facebook feed…

It was nearly a decade ago - right when they started - and whilst I can’t recall what it was about, I can recall falling for it… big time. I sent it to my mates and said, “Can you believe this?” before being told, “It’s a satirical news site, it’s a joke”. They got me. 

Over the years, whenever Betoota comes up, I have felt less embarrassed by that tale. As it turns out, many have discovered Betoota’s unique content in the very same way. Thinking it was real news, and realising, it’s running a commentary on pretty much everything using humour. 

For those unacquainted, to give you a flavour, its more recent headlines include: 

• King Sends Nice Portrait To The Mint In Case They Change Their Mind About The $5 Note

• “I Will Cut Wasteful Spending” Says Man Proposing Another $400M Referendum To Deport Two People

• Australia Considers Hitting The US With Reciprocal 20% Tariffs On Keith And Nicole

• Report: Looking At A Blokes Socks Found To Be Quickest Way To Tell If He’s Single

This week, Newsmakers talks to two of its best: Charles Single, who goes by the pseudonym Errol Parker, Editor-at-Large and Zenon Kosmider, known to Betoota’s audience as Wendell Hussey, Cadet. 

I talk to them in this conversation with both hats on - as their characters Errol and Wendell and hats off - as the real-life journalists Charles and Zenon. They explain all they’ve learnt about Australians, our sense of humour and what we really care about when it comes to news.

You can listen to the conversation here, tune in on YouTube - and hit subscribe while you’re at it - or scroll down for an edited transcript.

Interview Highlights

Highlight 1: On the line between funny and offensive

Kate Watson: There are people who are offended by what you write, and you’ve had your criticism in the past. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in your office where someone writes something, and everyone goes, “Ooh, is that too far”?

Charles Single (aka Errol Parker): A hundred per cent. Like only a third of what we pitch should ever get written.

Zenon Kosmider (aka Wendell Hussey): I think the two things for the line are fairness and punching up. If you're punching up, generally, it's pretty hard to cross the line. And if you're being relatively fair, then it's hard to cross the line. Like if you're consistently hammering someone not based on anything in particular or if you're punching down on someone who, you know, doesn't need it, then you're towing with the line there and potentially crossing it.

Highlight 2: On being sued

Kate: Have you ever been sued?

Zenon: Not successfully.

Charles: No, but there's been a few legal letters, a lot of cease and desist. Some of them are very funny, and I could probably tell you down at the pub, but certainly not here because we're NDA'd up to the eyeballs…I can't imagine being a lawyer and having to write a letter to us.

Zenon: A lot of people are aware of the Streisand effect as well, I think. Like, if this were to go public, I don't think you want to be the first person to sue The Betoota Advocate.

Highlight 3: On selling The Betoota Advocate

Kate: I read on your website’s ‘About Us‘ that you'll continue to report real and apolitical news and will never allow our organisation to be hijacked by any of the family news dynasties, Packer, Fairfax or Murdoch. Betoota’s not for sale…ever? 

Charles: Poof. No, not really. With hats off? No

Kate: …Never say never?

Charles: Well, look, it's getting tough out there. So James Packer, if you're listening, save us. Save me from this life.

Zenon: Everyone's got a price, and ours isn't that high.

Charles: No, just a couple nights on the Arctic P and the top-up of my sports betting account.

Zenon: Yeah, and a year’s worth of Domino's pizzas.

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