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Media Confidential

Media Confidential

214 episodes — Page 1 of 5

Will Ofcom finally sanction GB News?

May 14, 202628 min

Liam Byrne: What happens when populists win?

May 11, 202632 min

Slapped: Why can’t we talk about Nigel Farage’s crypto donations?

May 7, 202635 min

KIlling with impunity: the death of Amal Khalil in Lebanon

May 4, 202633 min

Trump: AI accusations and assassination attempts

Apr 30, 202628 min

Press Gazette and the end of ‘Barbara Santini's’ career

Apr 27, 202631 min

Mandygate: The mega-ton bomb that shook Westminster

Apr 23, 202628 min

Sidney Blumenthal: ‘There’s about to be a real, severe change in American politics’

Apr 20, 202635 min

How the media brought down Viktor Orbán

Apr 16, 202623 min

Democracy at risk: The big banks censoring free speech

Apr 13, 202626 min

The madness of King Trump (continued)

Apr 9, 202627 min

Susan Glasser on Trump: ‘The big, fat, naked emperor in the room’

Apr 6, 202632 min

S3 Ep 57Why the US treasury secretary thinks the FT has become ‘tabloid trash’

Alan and Lionel discuss the Observer after investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr, the paper’s former features writer, suggests that some of its new funders may not be who they seem.And as Scott Bessent, US secretary to the Treasury, takes aim at the Financial Times—claiming that a story about him was “manufactured”—former FT editor Lionel gives a considered reply.The editors also examine the selection process for the new head of Ofcom. What’s taking so long?And they discuss the BBC’s sacking of Scott Mills, following new information about abuse allegations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 202626 min

S3 Ep 57Does the Washington Post have a future?

In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by former Washington Post media reporter Paul Farhi.The three discuss the Post’s editor-in-chief Will Lewis, following his resignation in February. They discuss how Lewis got the role, his tenure and his abrupt exit, days after overseeing mass layoffs.They also talk about key decisions made by Post owner Jeff Bezos and how they led to the loss of more than 250,000 subscribers. Is there any hope for the publication? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 30, 202639 min

S3 Ep 56Breaking news: the BBC’s new director-general

In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel react to the news that Matt Brittin has been confirmed as the new director-general of the BBC. They discuss his suitability for the role and make their predictions. What will his first moves be?Following Alan’s recent investigation into GB News, the duo ask if the electoral commission should be paying attention to the channel for its coverage of Reform UK.Alan also shares what he learned from speaking to Ben Habib and Rupert Lowe, who confirm that their guest invitations to GB News dried up after defecting from Nigel Farage’s party.Plus, a year Observer’s sale to Tortoise Media, the hosts also discuss the paper’s offer of voluntary redundancy to its entire workforce.To read Alan’s column on GB News and Ofcom, click here or head to prospectmagazine.co.uk.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 202626 min

S3 Ep 55Why isn’t Ofcom investigating GB News?

In today’s episode of Media Confidential Alan and Lionel are joined by Chris Banatvala. Chris was Ofcom’s founding director of standards and executive member of the content board.The three discuss Ofcom’s approach to GB News after Alan headed an investigation into the broadcaster and ask if the regulator is turning a blind eye to the channel’s content.They also discuss the evolution of Ofcom’s investigation and complaint handling over recent years and question if there is a two-tier impartiality system for public broadcasters like the BBC and commercial channels like GB News. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 23, 202637 min

S3 Ep 55Pete Hegseth and the future of American press

In today’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk about the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, after he told a CNN reporter he was looking forward to the CNN takeover by the family of billionaire Larry Ellison.They’ll also discuss the comments of Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in which he threatened to censor broadcasters who don’t toe the Republican party line, and the BBC’s response to Donald Trump suing it for $10m in a defamation case in Florida.Plus, they review the work of Bellingcat and the New York Times in uncovering who was behind the missile that hit a girls’ school in Iran. And publisher Reach accused the BBC of bulldozing local journalism: does that statement ring true?You can listen to Alan and Lionel talking to Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 202622 min

S3 Ep 54What gets lost when war hits the headlines

In today’s episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Margaret Sullivan, former public editor at the New York Times and writer of the Substack newsletter American Crisis.The three talk about the war in Iran and how it has been covered by the American press, as well as debating whether certain other stories have fallen to the wayside because war is dominating the headlines. They’ll talk who benefits from having some stories swept under the carpet. As three former editors they also discuss when it is good to feel uncomfortable, and what the role of the public editor is. The New York Times no longer has one—is it time the position came back?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 16, 202626 min

S3 Ep 53The Telegraph: The deal is done

In today’s episode Alan and Lionel focus on the sale of the Telegraph.They discuss the new owner, Axel Springer, and what its CEO Mathias Döpfner said he would do if he bought it when he appeared as a guest on Media Confidential in 2023. Döpfner had previously tried and failed to buy the same paper.Our hosts also disagree over Döpfner’s approach to controversy, the political right and journalism—and they speculate about how a Telegraph journalist might be feeling now the deal has been done. Lionel also talks of how Döpfner's views might not be exactly as they seem.Alan and Lionel also try to conclude their long-running bet as to whether or not Rupert Murdoch is a genuine Substack follower and respond to listener questions.You can listen to a full interview with Mathias Döpfner on Media Confidential here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 202637 min

S3 Ep 52The Murdochs: Autopsy of a family’s slow death

In this Monday’s Media Confidential interview Alan and Lionel talk to Gabriel Sherman, journalist and author of Bonfire of the Murdochs, how the fight to control the last great media dynasty broke a family and the world.Gabriel has been a Murdoch-watcher for many years and scoured the thousands of documents of the Nevada trial where the succession struggles played out in the courts and all “their petty grievances and jealousies” went on the record. The three discuss the rise of Rupert, his relationship with three of his children Lachlan, James and Elizabeth and how their lives were shaped by his plans. They also discuss the news empire’s ability to pivot politically and keep ahead of the curve and the impact of legal scandals across the years. Our hosts and Gabriel also reflect on the TV series Succession and how closely it reflects real life and discuss what might happen next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 9, 202633 min

S3 Ep 51Reporting on Iran: How to cover total warfare

On this week’s Media Confidential, as conflict in the Middle East escalates, Alan and Lionel explore the challenges of reporting on fast-moving international crises. How has the Trump administration been briefing the media, as Israel and the United States wage war with Iran?And after the Pentagon's blacklisting of Claude, they also discuss artificial intelligence: should governments and militaries be using language models like ChatGPT at all?Plus, Alan and Lionel ask whether, like columnist George Monbiot, all journalists should keep a register of interests. And they examine Ipsos’s ruling over a fabricated Telegraph story—is this “justice dispensed with a feather duster”? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 202630 min

S3 Ep 50Is the Westminster lobby a victim of groupthink?

This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Ailbhe Rea, political editor at the New Statesman, and George Parker, political editor of the Financial Times, for an insider’s account of the Westminster “Lobby”—the exclusive group of journalists with privileged access to Britain’s corridors of power.With enormous influence over political narratives, the Lobby shapes how the country understands its government. But is there a danger in being too close to power? The four discuss the Lobby at its best—forensic, rigorous and brutal when necessary—and at its worst, from criticisms of herd mentality to exaggerating stories.Ailbhe and George reveal how the system really works, from briefings with the prime minister’s spokesperson to secretive tip-offs. They also discuss the ethics of relying on anonymous sources: does the cloak of secrecy allow smears to spread? Or is it the only way to discover what politicians are really thinking?And they make the case for why, despite its flaws, the bubble of Westminster is better off with the Lobby inside it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 2, 202639 min

S3 Ep 49Arresting images: How to snap an (ex) prince

In this episode of Media Confidential, the Times beats Lionel to his scoop about the leading contender for the BBC’s new director-general. Will Matt Brittin be a good fit? Alan and Lionel investigate Brittin’s background and discuss why the BBC urgently needs editorial oversight.After a takeover of the Telegraph collapsed, negotiations about its sale are underway (again). The editors analyse competing bids from the big players and explain what they'll mean for the paper.They also talk about the future of the Economist and the New York Times, two giants who have adapted their strategy to adjust to a changing media landscape.And, as pictures of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson hit the front pages, the editors discuss the role of photojournalists—and what it takes to get a newsworthy snap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 26, 202629 min

S3 Ep 48‘It’s dangerous work’: The battle against digital disinformation

This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by Clare Melford, CEO and co-founder of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), a non-profit which aims to mitigate the spread of digital disinformation.Labelled a “radical activist” by the Trump administration and denied a Visa waiver from the US for her work, Clare discusses the political and financial pressures on the GDI—and the protective measures her co-founder has had to take. From angry mobs to governments, she explains why tackling disinformation is increasingly “dangerous work”.Plus, the three break down the difference between misinformation and disinformation, as well as the challenges AI could pose to journalism and democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 23, 202645 min

S3 Ep 47Labour Together’s snooping operation on journalists

In today’s Media Confidential, Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber discuss Labour’s latest scandal, after thinktank Labour Together reportedly hired a company to gather material about journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke—who were investigating its financial affairs—and then handed over the information to GCHQ.The information produced by the US-based PR firm allegedly included “deeply personal and false claims”; though Starmer has promised an investigation, has this happened to other journalists, too?And, as Prince Harry's legal war with the Daily Mail continues, they also discuss the evidence of former Mail editor Paul Dacre during the ongoing trial.Plus, the pair talk about the changing role of the court reporter, and the big libel cases they have faced in their respective editorships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 202623 min

S3 Ep 46Marty Baron on the Washington Post’s ‘death spiral’

In today’s Media Confidential, Alan Rusbridger is joined by Marty Baron, long-time former editor of the Washington Post. Marty discusses the recent sweeping cuts across the paper—including the decimation of the sports department—and reveals the shocking way one foreign correspondent found out their job was being axed.He talks about his own relationship with Post owner Jeff Bezos, as well as how the billionaire’s editorial ambitions for the paper may have been influenced by his ties to President Trump. The pair also discuss the reasons behind the controversial decision not to endorse a candidate for the 2025 election, and the subsequent fallout.And, after more than 300 staff were laid off, Marty and Alan discuss how a newspaper deals with the dreaded “death spiral”. Is this is the beginning of the end for the Post? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 202626 min

S3 Ep 45‘Jeff Bezos could have saved the Washington Post. Instead he’s trashed it’

In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss the Washington Post sacking over 300 journalists—or one-third of its newsroom—and the dangers of not having a strong journalistic organisation in the US capital.Lionel challenges Post owner Jeff Bezos’s argument that decisions about cuts have to be data-led and speculates on the departure of editor Will Lewis: was it out of his own free will?They also discuss Ofcom’s decision not to investigate a GB News interview with Donald Trump which contained false claims.And, after one listener asks what Lionel and Alan make of a Telegraph article lamenting how the Financial Times has “gone woke”, the pair disagree over the FT’s infamous How To Spend It (HTSI) luxury magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 12, 202622 min

S3 Ep 44Bellingcat founder: ‘Playing whack-a-mole with disinformation is always going to fail’

In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Eliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat, an independent investigative collective of researchers, investigators and citizen journalists.The trio discuss the growing importance of open-source investigation techniques to verify cases, including the recent ICE shooting of Alex Pretti, where Bellingcat was able to confirm events through multiple pieces of video footage.They talk about how to combat manipulated video and misuse of AI in an age of misinformation. Eliot also discusses an ongoing disagreement with veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, and the clash between traditional journalism and new methodologies.And, after spending years exposing and embarrassing wrongdoing high-profile figures and institutions, is Eliot is worried for his personal safety?To read our profile of Eliot Higgins, click here or head to prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 202644 min

S3 Ep 43Bezos, the BBC and reporting the Epstein files

In this week’s episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss the decline of the Washington Post. Has owner Jeff Bezos just lost interest—and is the Post now losing the readers? And, staying in America, they discuss President Trump’s ongoing treatment of female reporters in Washington.Keeping track of the BBC, Alan and Lionel also discuss the new interim director general at the BBC, Rhodhri Telfon-Davies, and assess who’s in and who’s out of the race for the permanent job.Plus, they discuss how newsrooms can respond to the Epstein files, and one listener asks about the Observer’s slogan—did George Orwell really call the paper “the enemy of nonsense”, or has the quote been wrongly ascribed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 5, 202629 min

S3 Ep 42When did climate coverage become part of the culture wars?

In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Bob Ward, policy and communications director of LSE’s Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment.The three discuss how climate issues are covered by the press, why this kind of reporting has become embroiled in the culture wars—and why the health of our democracy (and planet) depends on solid reporting about climate change.They also talk about an increase in misleading coverage: is press regulator IPSO systemically failing in its responsibilities? And, though journalists should be able to verify truth and report facts independently, how does politics inevitably affect media coverage?Plus, Bob names and shames outlets he believes are covering climate change badly and suggests how reporters can become part of the solution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 2, 202644 min

S3 Ep 41Alex Pretti, ICE and the New York Times

After ICE’s killing of nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Alan and Lionel discuss how strong reporting has shed light on what really happened. As the New York Times’s forensic video analysis contradicts the government narrative, the pair explore the fractious relationship between US politics and journalism.They also analyse GB News presenter Matthew Goodwin standing for Reform UK, a shake-up at CBS and whether the Washington Post has lost its soul under the ownership of Jeff Bezos.Plus, Alan discusses his Prospect profile on Haaretz—the Israeli newspaper revered and reviled for its unflinching coverage of the war on Gaza—and plays some never-before-heard audio from one of his interviews. Can the paper survive a possible future succession crisis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 202629 min

S3 Ep 40How to protect the BBC from its enemies

Should the BBC be publicly funded? This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by media researchers and fellows of the British Academy, Georgina Born and Justin Lewis, whose new report on public service media tells us what the data really says. Reforms are needed, but how radical should they be?The researchers discuss how to ensure the BBC’s independence and accountability, and what the UK can learn from international media systems, like those in Germany and Scandinavia, about how to make governance more democratic. They also explore what works, what doesn’t—and why it all matters.And, with Nigel Farage promising to abolish the licence fee, is there a way to future-proof the broadcaster? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 26, 202645 min

S3 Ep 39Prince Harry v the tabloids

This week, Alan and Lionel unpack Prince Harry’s ongoing trial against the Daily Mail’s publisher, Associated Newspapers—and the implications for media ethics and privacy.They also discuss US government intrusion into journalism, in light of the FBI’s seizure of a Washington Post reporter’s electronic equipment to reveal her sources, which Alan calls “menacing in the extreme”.Though a judge has temporarily blocked the government from searching seized data, what does this mean for the first amendment?Plus, with certain publications reportedly aware of US plans to abduct Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, Alan and Lionel seem to disagree: do reporters have a duty to report on potentially illegal operations, or should they choose not to publish? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 22, 202638 min

S3 Ep 38Elon Musk vs Wikipedia: Jimmy Wales on why democracy won’t survive without facts

This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk to Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia and the author of The Seven Rules of Trust. They discuss how the online encyclopaedia has evolved to deal with the rise of new digital challenges, like bots and AI. After Elon Musk branded the website “Wokepedia” and launched Grokipedia as a competitor, the trio discuss regulation, as well as how to address the threat from the far-right.Plus, in an age of disinformation, how can platforms rebuild trust? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 19, 202630 min

S3 Ep 37Liz Truss and the rise of YouTube politics

This week, Lionel tunes in from a cycling trip in South Africa to discuss the baboons he’s encountered on his visit—and in British journalism. Alan reviews Liz Truss’s recently launched YouTube channel, which seems rife with conspiracy theories, and the pair discuss the rise of social media politics.As Starmer says that X could lose the right to self-regulate, our hosts also talk about the UK’s stance on online safety and the ongoing tussle with tech giants. Should the government go head-to-head with Elon Musk?Plus, the editors share concerns about the potential sale of the Telegraph to the Daily Mail group and ask whether the merger of broadsheet and tabloid values can ever work.To read Alan’s recent column ‘How did Liz Truss become prime minister?’, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 15, 202633 min

S3 Ep 36How CBS lost its way

With one America’s biggest news broadcasters, CBS News, reportedly in turmoil under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, Alan and Lionel are joined by former CBS president Sir Howard Stringer. After Bari Weiss reportedly pulled a recent episode of the popular 60 Minutes programme from the air, some critics have accused the channel, and its editor, of censorship. Alan and Lionel ask Howard about the effect of Weiss’s management. Has CBS strayed from its original mission? And when did this slide begin?In a detailed conversation, Howard reflects on journalism at CBS during the Reagan administration, the decline of the network since, and the challenges it now faces. He also discusses the evolution of news media, Donald Trump’s impact on American journalism, and the state of the BBC.Plus, the three discuss the challenges posed by technological advancements in the media landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 11, 202624 min

S3 Ep 35Trump, Maduro and the Washington Post

This week, Alan and Lionel return to their Media Confidential duties to analyse the good, the bad and the ugly media reactions to the US abduction of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.They also discuss a new documentary on investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, whose career has spanned from Watergate to Abu Ghraib. In response to a listener’s question, Alan shares a life hack to broaden your reading for free, and escape information bubbles in an increasing polarised digital landscape.Plus, Lionel shares some gossip from Piers Morgan’s Christmas party.To have your question featured on Media Confidential, email [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 8, 202623 min

S3 Ep 34Are we losing our civil liberties?

You’ve been listening to the Prospect Podcast, Media Confidential’s sister podcast. To subscribe on Spotify, click HERE. For Apple podcasts, click HERE. Is Britain becoming a police state?Last September, Ellen and Imaan were joined by Conor Gearty, a barrister and professor of human rights law at LSE. In his final interview before his passing, Conor explained how his views on the future of protest had changed—and why he was more concerned than ever. Plus, after hundreds were arrested for supporting the proscribed group Palestine Action, he discussed his reaction to the ban and criticised the Labour government’s stance on protest, which he said panders to a “middle covert authoritarianism”. Are protests from the political left and right treated differently?Conor also weighed in on what will be at stake if Britain leaves the ECHR. How must Labour respond to Reform’s rhetoric on human rights? And how can democracy be fortified?To read Conor Gearty’s past writing for Prospect, click here.Or, to read an edited transcript of this interview, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 5, 202639 min

S3 Ep 33‘Despair is a luxury’: A year of hope with Zizek, Mehdi Hasan, Robert Macfarlane and others

You’ve been listening to the Prospect Podcast, Media Confidential’s sister podcast. To subscribe on Spotify, click HERE. For Apple podcasts, click HERE. In the final podcast of the year, Ellen and Alona look back at their favourite episodes from 2025. During a dark year, Prospect has been collecting glimmers of hope. They asked some of the most interesting thinkers today—from politics, to environment to tech—for their perspectives on hope and optimism. What keeps them fighting for a more just world?Philosopher Slavoj Zizek and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan talk about the merits of pessimism. Human rights lawyer Philippe Sands discusses justice in the age of international impunity, while authoritarianism expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat considers the situation in the US.Poet and writer Robert Macfarlane reflects on preserving nature in a time of destruction. Cory Doctorow and Laura Bates weigh in on transformations in technology and artificial intelligence. Yassmin Abdel-Magied discusses the humanitarianism crisis in Sudan, while Nicola Kelly explores the untold immigration story.Plus, veteran journalist and outgoing Prospect editor Alan Rusbridger joins the podcast to reflect on his journey, his mistakes, and how he feels about the future—including the contentious thing that unexpectedly makes him feel hopeful.You can revisit all our episodes from the past year here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 29, 202542 min

S3 Ep 32Cory Doctorow: How the internet went to sh*t

You’ve been listening to the Prospect Podcast, Media Confidential’s sister podcast. To subscribe on Spotify, click HERE. For Apple podcasts, click HERE. Why does every platform seem to get worse over time? Ellen Halliday and Alona Ferber are joined by journalist, tech activist and sci-fi writer Cory Doctorow, who coined the term “enshittification” to describe the decay of digital services into exploitative, user-hostile platforms.As constraints that once kept platforms in check have broken down, Cory shares how tech giants polluted the digital landscape, why AI-generated “slop” has sped it up, and why we should all care. What’s in it for tech CEOs? What is this is doing to us as humans? And what would real de-enshittification look like?Cory discusses how to grab people’s attention, and how to fight back against tech giants.Cory’s book ‘Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It’ is published by Verso Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 22, 202547 min

S3 Ep 31Only in Denmark? The ‘existential editor’ covering life, death, love and everything in between

Back in July, Alan and Lionel were joined by Line Vaaben, who is ‘existential editor’ at Danish newspaper Politiken.Line and her team write stories that explore the complexities of life, love and death. She discussed her award-winning journalism with Alan and Lionel, which included spending time embedded in a palliative care ward, notepad in hand, as people took their last breaths.To listen to all past episodes of Media Confidential, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 18, 202529 min

S3 Ep 30Zanny Minton Beddoes on Steve Bannon: ‘Comparing Trump to Moses was quite something’

Does “no-platforming” have a place in journalism? Alan and Lionel are joined by Zanny Minton Beddoes, the editor-in-chief of the Economist.They discuss how to cover far-right politics and whether a reporter should ever avoid interviewing divisive figures. Zanny and Lionel talk about the backlash they each received after interviewing Steve Bannon.The three also reflect on biggest news stories of the year, the “extraordinary” state of politics in the USA and the challenges of mainstream media in covering the Trump administration.Plus, Zanny explains how the Economist created a new AI lab and changed its strategy to adapt to how readers consume journalism now. And, with the biggest UK media job of still up for grabs, could she be in the running for director general of the BBC? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 15, 202547 min

S3 Ep 29What’s next for Alan Rusbridger?

As his time as editor comes to an end, Alan talks to Lionel about his final edition of Prospect—and what he plans to do next. He reflects on his time at the magazine and how it compares to his old haunt at the Guardian.The pair also discuss Netflix’s bid for Warner Bros, the hunt for Channel 4’s new CEO and the murky world of content moderation.‘Media Confidential’ with Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber will continue on Monday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 11, 202523 min

S3 Ep 28The investigative journalists resisting legal threats

Franz Wild is our guest on this week’s Media Confidential. He’s the editor-in-chief and CEO of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism—also known as “The Bureau”.Alan, Lionel and Franz discuss society’s dire need for investigative journalism and why the job of being an investigative journalist attracts a certain type of character: someone who is willing to keep their eye on a story that might take years to come to light.They also talk about funding models, the menacing letters Bureau editors receive, and why they won’t be intimidated by threats of legal action against their journalists.Franz also talks about the importance of editorial independence and why the public discourse needs investigative journalists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 8, 202540 min

S3 Ep 27‘I’m with you on the free press, it’s the newspapers I can’t stand’: What Tom Stoppard got right about journalism

This week, Alan and Lionel discuss editorial independence, the BBC’s search for a new director general and ask if the current structure is even working.Is the role too much for one person? As the post-budget scrutiny rumbles on, they also talk about which publications are producing the best analysis—and whose is best avoided...Plus, the hosts discuss 40 years of the Independent after learning of the death of one of its founders, Andreas Whittam Smith, and reminisce about the life and legacy of the late Tom Stoppard.Today’s episode is brought to you by ENERGISE AFRICA – the innovative UK-based investment site that helps bring vital solar energy access to people across sub-Saharan Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 202525 min

S3 Ep 26Ben Zand: How to make money in journalism (without selling your soul)

Alan and Lionel are joined by documentary maker Ben Zand, founder of documentary company Zandland and co-host of the new current affairs podcast Untangled.He talks about the era of podcasts, how to reach younger audiences and what being “authentic” means in practice. Ben also shares his journey from self-shooting to the BBC, to starting his own company.He gives advice for early career journalists, including how to cope with rejection, and discusses the democratisation of media. What opportunities have opened up?Plus, the trio discuss the challenges facing the BBC, its strengths and how it must adapt to survive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 1, 202533 min

S3 Ep 25The OBR springs a leak! Reporting on a budget shambles story

After this month’s media chaos, Alan shares his experience of Monday’s select committee hearing, where BBC board members were brought before MPs. But why did no-one address the elephant in the room?As Lionel returns from his overseas travels, the reunited hosts discuss the media bombshells that dropped in his absence. They also examine claims by historian Rutger Bregman that the BBC censored his speech at its annual lecture to remove negative mentions of Donald Trump.Finally, after the OBR accidentally published its budget forecast before the chancellor’s speech, the pair answer a question about reporting on leaks.You can read Alan’s BBC analysis here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/71655/firestorm-has-ripped-through-bbc-no-one-will-say-why Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 27, 202527 min

S3 Ep 24The BBC crisis: The next test

The Media Confidential team got up early to talk through the options in advance of BBC heads facing the cross-party Culture, Media and Sport select committee.Alan and Janine discussed what might happen next, as MPs prepare to question organisation chiefs over a leaked memo accusing the BBC of bias and systemic problems. And who might be helicoptered in to sort the chaos at the broadcaster?The hosts also discuss the Financial Times’ scoop on the potential sale of the Telegraph to the Mail and what it might mean for the broadsheet—and the strength of right-wing media in Britain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 202532 min

S3 Ep 23‘The New York Times won’t settle’: Why reporters will not be intimidated by Donald Trump

In an era of punitive lawsuits, how can we protect journalistic freedoms? This week, Alan and Janine talk to David McCraw, the lead newsroom lawyer for the New York Times. With Donald Trump’s record of launching libel cases against major media outlets on both sides of the pond, the three discuss how big lawsuits are used to capture headlines and apply pressure.They talk about the significance of the 1964 landmark case New York Times v Sullivan, the weaknesses of UK legislation, and the need for reform.Plus, David gives his expert advice to the BBC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 202526 min

S3 Ep 22What’s next for the BBC? A new director-general

Alan and Janine discuss the potential candidates for the top job in British media—and there’s no shortage of suspects.The pair break down the candidates’ CVs and even ring up one Lionel Barber on holiday to get his thoughts...Plus, one listener asks who signs off on decisions like the one to edit the Trump speech that got BBC’s Panorama programme into such hot water. Where does an editor’s responsibility end? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 202530 min