The Bolt Report

The Bolt Report Podcast

The Bolt Report is a daily news and current affairs commentary program broadcast on Sky News Australia, hosted by journalist and columnist Andrew Bolt. Originally launched as a weekly Sunday morning show on Network Ten in 2011, the program transitioned to a daily format on Sky News in 2016, where it has since become a central fixture of the network’s evening schedule. The show is distributed as a podcast, providing an audio version of its televised episodes for domestic and international audiences interested in Australian political discourse.

The program’s structure is primarily centered on editorial commentary and interviews. Each episode typically opens with a monologue from Bolt, where he outlines his perspective on significant national and international headlines, often focusing on federal politics, economic policy, and cultural issues. This is followed by one-on-one interviews with members of parliament, industry experts, and fellow commentators. The show maintains a consistent focus on topics such as energy policy, media criticism, and constitutional law, frequently offering a conservative-leaning analysis of these subjects.

As a host, Andrew Bolt draws on his extensive background as a columnist for the Herald Sun, often integrating his print journalism into the show’s discussions. The program is known for its critical examination of public institutions and mainstream media narratives. It frequently features regular contributors who provide insight into legal matters, international relations, and social trends.

The Bolt Report functions as an opinion-led platform that aims to provide a counter-narrative to other major news outlets in Australia. It covers a wide range of current events, from high-level legislative debates in Canberra to global geopolitical shifts. The podcast version of the show allows listeners to access these daily briefings on-demand, maintaining a focus on what the host characterizes as a direct and evidence-based approach to the news cycle. Through its combination of news reporting and ideological commentary, the program remains a significant influence within the Australian media landscape.

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Episode's summary

Host James McPherson critiques the Church of England's decision to honor an Islamic scholar and analyzes recent debates surrounding immigration policy, including Tony Burke's press club speech and Senator Jonathan Duniam's criticisms of visa hopping. The episode also covers local protests in Pittington, UK, regarding asylum seeker housing, and various Australian political developments involving Senator Pauline Hanson, the ABC, and veterans' healthcare policy. The discussion further explores the reliability of Earl Spencer's claims regarding the Royal Family and concludes with a debate over the Labor government's decision to scrap the $5,000 veterans' health care cap.

Chapters

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Highlights

this story illustrates what I consider to be the incredible naivety of Western elites.

00:01:10 · The host uses the Church of England's award to an Islamic scholar to argue that Western institutions are being dangerously naive about cultural differences.

We keep imagining that every culture is our culture, just with different food.

00:04:23 · McPherson critiques the assumption that all cultures share the same fundamental values regarding liberty and equality.

It's a remarkable rhetorical trick, sneaking in the word radicalised to insinuate that your opponents on immigration are only one step removed from the Taliban.

00:10:27 · The host analyzes Senator Nick McKim's use of the word 'radicalised' to describe opposition to immigration policies.

The housing crisis isn't caused by bringing hundreds of thousands of additional people into the country with a finite number of houses. It's caused by people like you wanting fewer people in your house.

00:15:04 · The speaker uses a provocative analogy to argue that the housing shortage is driven by local opposition to development rather than immigration levels.

And this minister had failed them continually. This prime minister has failed continually.

00:47:34 · Phil Thompson criticizes both the Veterans Affairs Minister and the Prime Minister regarding their treatment of veterans.

Episodes

1967-

The Bolt Report | 17 September

Host James McPherson critiques the Church of England's decision to honor an Islamic scholar and analyzes recent debates surrounding immigration policy, including Tony Burke's press club speech and Senator Jonathan Duniam's criticisms of visa hopping. The episode also covers local protests in Pittington, UK, regarding asylum seeker housing, and various Australian political developments involving Senator Pauline Hanson, the ABC, and veterans' healthcare policy. The discussion further explores the reliability of Earl Spencer's claims regarding the Royal Family and concludes with a debate over the Labor government's decision to scrap the $5,000 veterans' health care cap.

17 Sep 2026
1966-

The Bolt Report | 16 September

This episode examines critical domestic and international issues, beginning with a critique of the government's 'ideologically neutral' approach to counter-radicalisation and concerns regarding anti-Semitism and immigration policy. The discussion extends to Australian universities, the instability of the property market, and the failure to meet renewable energy targets. The program also covers significant geopolitical developments, including US defense production capabilities, Australian defense strategy regarding China, and the financial costs of the war in Iran. Finally, the segment addresses cultural shifts such as the rise of AI in Hollywood and the social implications of decriminalising begging in Melbourne.

16 Sep 2026
1965-

The Bolt Report | 15 September

This episode explores a range of political and social issues, beginning with a critique of the Liberal Party's immigration policy compared to One Nation's proposal. The discussion features an interview with Shari Markson regarding her book 'Bondi Terror,' which examines the aftermath of the Bondi Beach attack and themes of cultural integration. The program also covers debates over multiculturalism, energy policy critiques from Matt Canavan, and analysis of AI risks and global competition. Additional topics include the 2028 Democratic primary dynamics, the controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney's sports betting advertisement, and Victoria's pothole crisis.

15 Sep 2026
1964-

The Bolt Report | 14 September

This episode explores the resurgence of Pauline Hanson's controversial comments regarding Aboriginal Australians and debates the economic and social implications of Australia's immigration policies. The discussion covers the potential for migration cuts to impact living standards, alongside concerns regarding fuel excise, national security risks involving Chinese-linked technology in military infrastructure, and the rise of anti-Semitism within the Labor Party. The conversation also addresses international geopolitical tensions, including the political fallout surrounding the Albanese government's stance on Israel and a near-miss drone incident involving Boris Johnson near the Polish border. Finally, the episode touches upon the long-term sustainability of military funding for Ukraine and critiques the social media presence of Meghan and Harry.

14 Sep 2026
1963-

The Bolt Report | 10 September

This episode explores a range of intense political and social conflicts, beginning with an analysis of the 'war on terror' and the escalating feud between Andrew Hastie and Pauline Hanson. The discussion covers Senator Jackie Lambie's intervention in the political dispute and includes an interview with Barnaby Joyce regarding the fallout from controversial political cartoons. The episode also examines legal battles surrounding freedom of speech and medical regulation, Grace Tame's clarification on her recent comments, and diplomatic tensions between the UK and Israel. Finally, the program delves into the political policies of the Green Party and the ongoing rift within the British Royal Family involving King Charles, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle.

10 Sep 2026