📖 Overview
Chris Masters is one of Australia's most prominent investigative journalists, known for his work spanning over four decades with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). His groundbreaking exposés on corruption, organized crime, and military affairs have earned him multiple Walkley Awards, Australian journalism's highest honor.
Masters gained particular recognition for his 1985 Four Corners report "The Big League," which exposed corruption in Rugby League and led to a major defamation case. His investigative work also included landmark reports on police corruption, military misconduct, and political scandals that frequently sparked official inquiries and reforms.
He has authored several notable books including Inside Story (1992), Not For Publication (2002), and Jonestown (2006), a controversial biography of broadcaster Alan Jones. His 2012 book "Uncommon Soldier" drew on extensive battlefield access to document modern Australian military operations in Afghanistan.
Masters' work has significantly influenced Australian journalism and public discourse, particularly in relation to institutional accountability and corruption. His methodical research style and commitment to exposing wrongdoing have established him as a key figure in Australian investigative journalism.
👀 Reviews
Reader reviews consistently highlight Masters' thorough research and direct reporting style in exposing corruption and misconduct in Australian institutions.
What readers liked:
- Deep access to sources and detailed documentation
- Clear presentation of complex investigations
- Neutral tone when handling controversial topics
- "Meticulous attention to detail" (Goodreads review)
- "Raw honesty in describing both heroic and problematic behavior" (Amazon reviewer on Uncommon Soldier)
What readers disliked:
- Dense writing style with heavy detail
- Some sections move slowly due to extensive background information
- "Too much insider baseball" (Goodreads review of Inside Story)
- "Could have been edited down" (Amazon review)
Ratings summary:
- Goodreads: Jonestown 3.8/5 (180+ ratings)
- Amazon Australia: Uncommon Soldier 4.2/5 (65+ ratings)
- Inside Story 3.9/5 (90+ ratings across platforms)
- Not For Publication 3.7/5 (45+ ratings across platforms)
Most critical reviews focus on pacing rather than accuracy or bias concerns.
📚 Books by Chris Masters
Inside Story (1992)
A behind-the-scenes account of investigative journalism at ABC's Four Corners program, detailing major investigations and their impact on Australian society.
Not For Publication (2002) An examination of journalism practices, media power, and notable cases from Masters' career as an investigative reporter.
Jonestown: The Power and the Myth of Alan Jones (2006) A detailed biography of influential Australian broadcaster Alan Jones, exploring his rise to power and impact on Australian media and politics.
Uncommon Soldier (2012) A documentation of modern Australian military operations in Afghanistan, based on direct battlefield observations and soldier interviews.
Not For Publication (2002) An examination of journalism practices, media power, and notable cases from Masters' career as an investigative reporter.
Jonestown: The Power and the Myth of Alan Jones (2006) A detailed biography of influential Australian broadcaster Alan Jones, exploring his rise to power and impact on Australian media and politics.
Uncommon Soldier (2012) A documentation of modern Australian military operations in Afghanistan, based on direct battlefield observations and soldier interviews.
👥 Similar authors
Bob Woodward exposes high-level government misconduct and institutional corruption through deep investigative reporting and extensive source networks. His methodical approach to uncovering political scandals mirrors Masters' focus on accountability journalism.
David Marr writes detailed investigations of Australian public figures and institutions with a focus on power structures and social impact. His work examining political figures and media personalities shares common ground with Masters' institutional critiques.
Nick McKenzie investigates organized crime, corruption, and corporate misconduct in Australia through long-form journalism and documentary work. His exposure of systemic issues in Australian institutions follows Masters' tradition of accountability reporting.
Kate McClymont specializes in investigating corruption, crime, and misconduct in Australian politics and business. Her work uncovering political scandals and exposing wrongdoing employs similar investigative techniques to Masters'.
Michael Brissenden focuses on national security, defense matters, and political investigations in Australia. His coverage of military affairs and institutional conduct aligns with Masters' work on defense forces and government accountability.
David Marr writes detailed investigations of Australian public figures and institutions with a focus on power structures and social impact. His work examining political figures and media personalities shares common ground with Masters' institutional critiques.
Nick McKenzie investigates organized crime, corruption, and corporate misconduct in Australia through long-form journalism and documentary work. His exposure of systemic issues in Australian institutions follows Masters' tradition of accountability reporting.
Kate McClymont specializes in investigating corruption, crime, and misconduct in Australian politics and business. Her work uncovering political scandals and exposing wrongdoing employs similar investigative techniques to Masters'.
Michael Brissenden focuses on national security, defense matters, and political investigations in Australia. His coverage of military affairs and institutional conduct aligns with Masters' work on defense forces and government accountability.