The Matter of Facts on ABC

24th February 2026

Untangling the truth online: Hamish Macdonald presents The Matter of Facts this March

The ABC is thrilled to announce The Matter of Facts, a compelling new three-part documentary series presented by award-winning journalist Hamish Macdonald, will premiere on Tuesday 24 March at 8:30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. It explores the question, how do we function as a society if we can’t agree on facts?

In an era defined by trolls, Chatbots, misinformation and disinformation, truth and lies can be indistinguishable. The Matter of Facts, produced by Northern Pictures in association with Media Ocean, takes audiences to the frontline of the global information wars, where information is manipulated to influence what we believe, how we behave and who we vote for. 

Hamish Macdonald meets leading experts from Australia and around the world to explore how disinformation travels so effectively through our digital ecosystem – from affecting small communities like Jindabyne to having international impact in Paris, Poland or the Philippines. He investigates the rise of AI, the technological revolution that is redefining our world, and what it will take to ensure the survival of facts.

The Matter of Facts explores what happens if we lose our faith in facts, and what we can do about it.

Discover a range of bingeworthy factual series exploring real people, real lives and extraordinary stories on ABC iview now.