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Robert Phiddian

Articles by Robert

Political cartooning – is this the end of an era?

One of the great satirical achievements of the mass media era, the editorial cartoon, is losing its centrality in the digital age. Yet the 'visual terrorism' of cartoons can cut through the verbiage of political commentary.

Why scorecards in arts and culture do more harm than good

Modern society has become addicted to ratings and league tables. But a new scorecard, which aims to give 'good art' a numerical ranking, is utterly wrong-headed.

John Clarke, who died suddenly at the weekend, called out absurd politicking and dishonest language wherever he found it. ABC Pr handout/AAP

Farewell John Clarke: in an absurd world, we have never needed you more

In our more than usually absurd world, we have never needed satirist and social commentator John Clarke more.