A graduate of Swinburne University of Technology has launched a new weekly crime news podcast and newsletter aimed at listeners looking for a shorter way into Australia’s major crime stories.
Steve Cook, creator of Weekly Crime Brief, has designed the format to deliver a seven-minute roundup of national crime headlines each week, paired with a featured segment focused on an unsolved or lesser-known case.
The podcast targets audiences interested in true crime but looking for a more concise format than long-form series.
Each episode includes a fast-paced summary of major national crime developments, followed by a “Spotlight Case” segment that highlights stories Cook believes deserve renewed public attention.
Cook said the format responds to a growing appetite for crime content that fits into shorter listening windows.
“There’s a strong appetite for true crime, but not everyone has time to consume hours of content,” Cook said.
“I’m particularly interested in the cases that aren’t as well known – the ones that may not have had sustained coverage but still deserve attention.”
Returning to media through podcasting
Before launching the podcast, Cook worked across community radio, regional television and investigative roles, later moving into media and spokesperson training.
He said the project marks a return to familiar territory, combining broadcast writing with investigative instincts developed over time.
“I still love the buzz of starting with an empty screen and turning something around quickly,” he said.
“It’s about producing something each week – not perfect – and continuing to develop and improve over time.”
Cook is also developing a future long-form podcast series that will examine how crime is reported in Australia and how public narratives around major cases take shape.
Top Image: Weekly Crime Brief