Paul Barry

Paul Barry is an investigative journalist and author based in Australia, known for his in-depth reporting on business, media, and politics. His work has earned multiple Walkley Awards, Australia's highest journalism honor. Barry has written several influential books examining powerful figures and organizations, including "The Rise and Rise of Kerry Packer" and "Who Wants to Be a Billionaire?" which investigated the business dealings of media moguls. His 2009 book "Breaking News" provided a detailed analysis of the decline of newspapers and traditional media in the digital age. Since 2013, Barry has hosted Media Watch on ABC Television, Australia's leading media analysis program. Prior to this role, he worked for various news organizations including the BBC, The Sydney Morning Herald, and the Seven Network. Barry's investigative work frequently focuses on corporate misconduct, media accountability, and the intersection of money and power in Australian society. His reporting style combines extensive research with clear, accessible analysis of complex financial and political matters.

Readers praise Barry's investigative depth and ability to untangle complex financial scandals into clear narratives. Many readers point to his detailed research and documentation, with several Amazon reviewers noting his skill at "following the money trail" in corporate investigations. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complicated business dealings - Thorough research and fact-checking - Balanced presentation of evidence - Engaging writing style for dense financial topics What readers disliked: - Some found the level of detail overwhelming - Occasional repetition of key points - A few readers noted dated references in older works Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.9/5 (primarily for "Rise and Rise of Kerry Packer") Amazon Australia: 4.2/5 average across titles LibraryThing: 3.8/5 composite rating One frequent reader comment highlights Barry's "talent for making corporate crime readable without sensationalizing." A minority of reviews critique his occasional focus on minutiae at the expense of narrative flow.

The Rise and Rise of Kerry Packer (1993) A biography covering Kerry Packer's business empire, media influence, and personal life in Australia.

Going for Broke: How Bond Made and Lost His Billions (1990) Chronicles Alan Bond's journey from sign painter to billionaire businessman and his subsequent financial collapse.

The Rise and Fall of One.Tel (2002) Documents the creation, rapid growth, and ultimate failure of Australian telecommunications company One.Tel.

Who Wants to Be a Billionaire? The James Packer Story (2009) Examines James Packer's business ventures, personal relationships, and role in the Packer family empire.

Rich Kids: How the Murdochs and Packers Lost $950 Million in One.Tel (2002) Details the involvement of Lachlan Murdoch and James Packer in the One.Tel business venture and its collapse.

Breaking News: Sex, Lies and the Murdoch Succession (2013) Analyzes the News of the World phone hacking scandal and its impact on the Murdoch media empire.

Code Breakers: Inside the Shadow World of Signals Intelligence in Australia's Two Bletchley Parks (2022) Explores Australia's role in signals intelligence during World War II through its codebreaking facilities.

Michael Wolff writes about power dynamics and behind-the-scenes revelations in business and politics. His investigative style and focus on media empires parallels Barry's approach to examining influential figures and institutions.

David Cay Johnston specializes in detailed investigations of financial and political systems, with emphasis on exposing corruption. His work examining tax systems and wealth inequality shares Barry's focus on following money trails and uncovering hidden dealings.

Jane Mayer produces long-form investigative journalism focused on money, power, and political influence. Her work examining dark money and corporate influence in politics aligns with Barry's methods of tracking complex networks of power.

Peter FitzSimons writes about Australian history and notable figures with an investigative focus. His examination of Australian cultural institutions and power structures reflects Barry's interest in domestic power players and institutional analysis.

Steve Boggan investigates complex stories through detailed research and documentary evidence. His work following paper trails and examining corporate misconduct mirrors Barry's methodical approach to investigative journalism.