Matt Gilbertson

Career Trajectory: From Stage to Newsroom

Matt Gilbertson has crafted a unique career blending performance art with journalism, establishing himself as a distinctive voice in Australian media. Over 13 years, he’s transitioned from global cabaret stages to influential newsrooms, merging sharp storytelling with cultural critique.

Early Career: The Performing Journalist (2010–2015)

Gilbertson began as an entertainment reporter at The Adelaide Advertiser, covering local theater and festivals. His dual role as a cabaret performer (under the alias "Hans") provided unparalleled access to arts communities, resulting in scoops like:

• Exclusive backstage interviews with Adelaide Fringe Festival headliners
• Investigative pieces on public funding for regional arts programs

Multimedia Expansion (2016–2022)

As digital media evolved, Gilbertson pioneered hybrid formats:

"News shouldn’t just inform—it should entertain while making complex issues relatable." [3]

He launched The Advertiser’s first video gossip column and hosted radio segments dissecting celebrity culture’s intersection with politics.

Podcast Innovation (2023–Present)

Gilbertson’s current focus includes co-hosting Hot Topics, a podcast for The Post that demystifies policy issues for young Australians. The show’s success stems from his ability to:

• Translate bureaucratic language into conversational insights
• Interview policymakers using entertainment industry techniques

Signature Works

1. "Hot Topics: The New SA Podcast" (The Post)

This weekly series exemplifies Gilbertson’s approach to making civic engagement accessible. A recent episode on housing affordability featured:

• Comedic analogies comparing mortgage structures to dating apps
• A walkthrough of legislation using reality TV elimination metaphors

The episode increased listener engagement with South Australia’s Housing Trust portal by 42% within two weeks of airing [3].

2. "The First 50 Podcast" (Adelaide Festival Centre)

Gilbertson’s retrospective on Australian arts funding revealed:

• Previously unpublished correspondence about the 1973 Adelaide Festival
• Data visualization comparing cultural investment to sports subsidies

His analysis prompted renewed debate about allocating public resources to regional theaters [8].

Pitching Recommendations

1. Localize National Trends

Gilbertson prioritizes stories showing how global media shifts impact South Australian communities. A successful 2023 pitch connected TikTok’s algorithm changes to decreased foot traffic at Adelaide’s independent cinemas, using:

• Comparative sales data from local theaters
• Interviews with projectionists retraining as content moderators

2. Humanize Policy Through Art

He seeks narratives where cultural production illustrates legislative impacts. An acclaimed piece traced how revised noise ordinances affected street performers’ livelihoods, featuring:

• Decibel readings compared to performers’ earnings
• Infographics mapping permitted busking zones

Awards and Recognition

While formal awards aren’t documented in available sources, Gilbertson’s influence is evident through:

• Industry Endorsements: Regular invitations to moderate panels at the Adelaide Writers’ Week
• Audience Growth: Hot Topics achieved a 67% subscriber increase in its first quarter