Legacy mainstream media outlet Stuff is standing by its decision to publish police audio communications from the chase that ended fugitive Tom Phillips’ four-year manhunt, despite strong criticism from police leadership.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers condemned the release as “grossly irresponsible,” saying it contained sensitive operational details that jeopardise ongoing inquiries and distressed staff involved.
She stressed the audio was not released by police and should not be public.
In response, Stuff editor-in-chief Keith Lynch defended the story as being of “great public importance,” claiming it was “handled with sensitivity”, protected identities, and avoided sensationalism.
Meanwhile, Chris Lynch of Chris Lynch Media accused Stuff of breaking the law under the Radio Communications Act 1989.
You can ‘stand’ by your ‘story’ all you like Stuff but you broke the law under the Radio Communications Act 1989. https://t.co/9yrUTbrkvi
— Chris Lynch (@chrislynchmedia) September 11, 2025
Stuff suffers from a credibility problem
Which does not appear to correcting itself anytime soon
The Police should have no secrets.
Clickbait to the vulnerable.
So what are the police afraid of, if you did things by the book, all is well, right? I’ll add we need MORE transparency in policing including journalistic reporting as opposed to “documentaries”.
I am appalled that the police have allowed a documentary crew to be filming for 12 months – I mean what the F???? Care about the children do they? Unbelievable. What a bad taste decision and shame on all media for creating the narrative that lead to the moment Tom Phillips was shot. Whatever he may or may not have done, his children will live on and grow up and everyone sensationalising this sad drama has added to their misery. I have no doubt Jayda will one day tell us what REALLY happened. In the meantime LEAVE those poor kids alone. Whether you filmed them or not Julie Christie, the fact you were in there 12 months ago tells us what a desperate money hungry GHOUL you are. 👎
Instead if you want your “drama” find out WHY the “mother” didn’t have custody and WHY Tom decided to go bush.
Keith Lynch the covid jabber muppet
You’ve got to be a bit careful calling people a muppet these days. You will probably get a knock on the door from the anti-terror squad.