Top Comment

When newly-elected Green Party MP Hannah Spencer gave her maiden speech on International Women's Day, she was subject to a torrent of online abuse targeting her appearance, with one user on X prompting Grok to "smarten up" her look. The chatbot continues to be flooded with similar requests, despite a crackdown by the platform on 'undressing' content earlier this year. Marianna and Matt discuss how AI is supercharging misogyny online, and hear from Hannah Spencer about her experience.Also on this episode, apparently it's a bad week to be a boomer (unless you're Kris Jenner). We chat about Paul McCartney's Reddit ban, the leaked photos exposing the private life of Kristi Noem's husband, and a crypto hoax wrongly announcing the death of a 194-year-old tortoise.Plus, why an animatronic snowman is sending the internet into meltdown.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

After a California jury found Meta and YouTube liable in a landmark social media addiction case, we explain why the platforms you use may soon be unrecognisable. Plus - an exclusive interview with an expert witness from the trial, the world-leading addiction psychiatrist Anna Lembke, about how tech companies used persuasive design techniques found in gambling to keep us hooked online. Also on this episode, after Instagram and OnlyFans removed the accounts of the so-called 'Maga dream girl', Matt and Marianna discuss the world of AI influencers. As an increasing number of virtual creators amass millions of followers, is this becoming a medium for political propaganda? And do regular users care if they are real or not?Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.Apply for tickets to Castfest here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

How has an algorithmic arms race created an environment where controversial and incendiary content is routinely amplified on our feeds? On this episode, Marianna discusses her latest investigation, which provides a paper trail showing how social media giants ignored internal warnings about the design of their platforms. She's heard from whistleblowers about problematic moderation practices, how companies deal with so-called borderline content, and the troubling reality that algorithms may now be beyond our control. Also this week, we look at the website 'your ai slop bores me' which launched two weeks ago and is already claiming over a million unique visitors. It may look like a chatbot, but this is actually humans cosplaying as generative AI and completing mundane tasks for one another. Matt explains how this relates to what's becoming known as the 'meat layer', where humans are used to prop up the shortcomings of artificial intelligence.Plus, how did a satirical post about a man being kidnapped by dolphins inspire a whole ecosystem of memes? And can you really make a million dollars online by selling ad space on your toilet seat?Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Almost six weeks since the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie (the 84-year-old mother of Today show host, Savannah Guthrie) the case which has shocked America remains unsolved. It's also led to a host of online amateur sleuths broadcasting their own investigations to a mass audience on TikTok, with many descending on Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona. Marianna has reached out to some of the people posting to discuss their motives, the issue of misinformation and the risk of undermining an active investigation. And, as TikTok montages from the official account of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attract criticism and ridicule, why do established politicians often struggle to thrive on the platform? Matt has been getting the perspective of the strategists behind some of the most successful political campaigns on social media.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

A series of posts appearing to encourage violence between neighbouring UK schools has caused widespread moral panic, and prompted police forces to issue dispersal orders. But, with zero incidents reported, could the 'red vs blue' phenomenon be a phantom trend? Matt and Marianna discuss the knowledge gap between parents and younger people on social media, and how online frenzies can have dangerous real-world consequences.Also, has Iran's retaliation to days of US-Israeli strikes exposed the reality of Dubai's flourishing influencer economy? As people in the UAE shelter from the threat of drones, content creators have been warned by the Emirati government about what they choose to share.And, one of the world's biggest football journalists, Fabrizio Romano, is attracting criticism for a paid advert endorsing Saudi Arabia's humanitarian aid agency.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Over the past year, prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket have exploded in popularity, as users bet on everything from battles in Ukraine to sex toys being thrown at sports games. So with concerns over both regulation and the prevalence of insider information inviting intense scrutiny, Matt has been examining how these platforms really work.Also on this episode, is the recent rise in measles cases in London down to disinformation? With several proponents of vaccine scepticism being welcomed back to social media, Marianna explains how these often discredited accounts are being amplified online.And, as the viral story of Punch the monkey and his orangutan companion drives mass sales of an Ikea soft toy, we consider how brands are increasingly looking to profit from organic content through 'trendjacking'.Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

If your feed has been flooded with content about the 'dangers' of western cities like London or San Francisco, you're not alone - it's part of a growing phenomenon known as decline porn, and it's driving narratives of political neglect and uncontrolled immigration.On this episode, Marianna examines a niche take on this trend - AI videos which falsely portray zoos and waterparks in Croydon. She tracks down the original creator of these posts, and explains why they might not be as innocent as they seem.Also, Matt has been investigating Clavicular - the internet's man of the moment. After signing up to his 'looksmaxxing' course, we discuss the controversial relationships propping up his virality, and what the mainstream media is getting wrong about the streaming sensation. Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. The commissioning producer is Nathan Jones. The commissioning editor is Rhian Roberts. If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is [email protected] or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

In this brand new weekly show, BBC correspondent Marianna Spring and investigative journalist Matt Shea talk through the stories behind your social media feed. From global events that go viral, to bizarre moments that spill into real life, Marianna and Matt unpack the trends, theories and digital chaos shaping our world.

Can Coroners' courts cope with conspiracy? It’s been more than a year since Paloma Shemirani died after rejecting chemotherapy in favour of alternative methods. Her brother Gabriel blames the beliefs of their mum Kate - who is a prominent British conspiracy theorist - for his sister’s death. This summer, he’s found himself face to face with his mum for the first time since Paloma died at an inquest into how and why she lost her life. After investigating - and revealing - what happened to Paloma for the first time almost four months ago, the BBC’s social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring is back following the twists and turns of an inquest that has felt like Conspiracyland colliding with the real world. In the coroner’s court she see’s medics questioned by conspiracy theorists and tense family feuds unfolding in real-time. Could Paloma have been saved? And can society handle Conspiracyland?

Can people fight back against medical misinformation? In the months after Paloma’s death, her brothers say they want to prevent other deaths, and they believe social media companies should take stronger action against medical misinformation. Meanwhile her Mum, Kate Shemirani, takes to social media to share a different account of her death. She has promoted a range of unproven theories on social media and podcasts about how Paloma was murdered by medical staff. The BBC has not seen evidence to support this. The BBC’s social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring interrogates whether and how some politicians and social media companies are emboldening anti-medicine conspiracy theorists, and speaks to a former cancer surgeon and patient trying to bust cancer myths online. Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Anna Harris Sound Engineer: Tony Churnside Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning producer: Nathan Jones Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts This was a BBC collaboration with Panorama.

Are we equipped to deal with a rising tide of misinformation? The BBC’s social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring investigates how safeguarding procedures work and how social services and hospitals are trying to deal with the mainstreaming of medical misinformation. She speaks to a social worker who says it’s time for the law to be reviewed in England and finds out more about what happened to Paloma in the months after she left hospital. Were there missed opportunities to help her?Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Anna Harris Story Editor: Matt Willis Sound Engineer: Tony Churnside Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning producer: Nathan Jones Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts This was a BBC collaboration with Panorama. Watch Cancer Conspiracy Theories on iPlayer now.

What are cancer patients seeing on social media? The BBC’s social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring goes down the cancer conspiracy rabbit hole to find out. She returns to the days Paloma spent in hospital after her cancer diagnosis to analyse the advice Paloma was being given by medical staff versus the advice she was receiving from alternative practioners and her Mum, Kate Shemirani. Marianna investigates Paloma’s mum’s platform as a conspiracy theory influencer and looks at the wider role some social media sites are playing in turbocharging accounts that promote health misinformation. Plus, she speaks to the Vice President of Royal College of Radiologists to understand how harmful content on social media is affecting patients. Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Anna Harris Sound Engineer: Tony Churnside Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning producer: Nathan Jones Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts This was a BBC collaboration with Panorama.

Could the answer lie in the past? The BBC’s social media investigations correspondent, Marianna Spring, continues investigating what happened to Paloma Shemirani. She speaks to Paloma’s brothers to see if the answers could lie in the house they grew up in. Who is Paloma’s mum - prominent British conspiracy theorist influencer Kate Shemirani - and how did her beliefs evolve and impact Paloma and her siblings? Could her mum’s conspiracy theory views have influenced Paloma’s decision to reject chemotherapy?Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Anna Harris Story Editor: Matt Willis Sound Designer: Tony Churnside Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning producer: Nathan Jones Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts This was a BBC collaboration with Panorama. Watch Cancer Conspiracy Theories on iPlayer now.

What happened to Paloma? Aged 22, Paloma Shemirani has her whole life ahead of her. She’s recently graduated, moved into a flat and found a job. But just days before Christmas in 2023 she receives bad news, she has cancer - an aggressive but treatable form of Lymphoma. Despite a good prognosis, Paloma decides - at least initially - to reject chemotherapy. The BBC’s social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring investigates what happened and what this tells us about the mainstreaming of anti-medicine ideas. Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Anna Harris Story Editor: Matt Willis Sound Designer: Tony Churnside Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning producer: Nathan Jones Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts This was a BBC collaboration with Panorama.

In Why Do You Hate Me? USA, BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring is investigating how what’s happening online can shape the 2024 presidential election. In this episode, Marianna goes deep inside the world of a particular kind of social media tribe: the fandom. These groups revolve around the love for celebrities from pop stars like Taylor Swift to billionaire Elon Musk. And now political activists are operating a bit like fandoms to boost the chances of their favourite candidate. So could the social media tactics used by mega fans change the minds of voters in the upcoming election? And can the dedication fandoms inspire exist without trolling and hate? Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Daniel Wittenberg Story Editor: Matt Willis Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Designer: Tony Churnside Production Co-ordiantor: Katie Morrison

Few topics have caused as much division online as the deepening war in the Middle East. In this episode, Marianna is in New York investigating the experiences of students targeted on social media. They have been affected by doxxing – where their personal information is shared online triggering racist and misogynistic hate – by people wanting to make a wider political argument. The abuse that they have received has impacted each of their views in different but significant ways and potentially influenced their vote in the US presidential election. Marianna tracks down some of their trolls and confronts one of them.Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Daniel Wittenberg Story Editor: Matt Willis Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Design: Tony Churnside Production Co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

A headteacher at a school in small American suburb of Baltimore was a prominent member of the local community. But many in the neighbourhood turned on Principal Eric Eiswert, after an audio clip emerged of him appearing to make racist and antisemitic remarks. Except, what no one knew then was that another bombshell would transform what they thought of the headteacher – and of themselves. In this episode of Why Do You Hate Me? USA, Marianna investigates the network of posts and people that can make it so hard to know what’s really going on, even down the street. She explores a new tool at the disposal of conspiracy theorists, trolls, and bad actors at the 2024 presidential election, and interrogates the damage it can cause to tightly-knit communities. Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Daniel Wittenberg Story Editor: Matt Willis Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Design: Tony Churnside Production Co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

What are the real-world consequences of the belief that almost anything and everything can be staged or rigged – from assassination attempts to elections? In Why Do You Hate Me? USA, BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring is investigating how what’s happening online can shape the 2024 presidential election. In this episode, Marianna continues her journey through Colorado to hear about what happens when some people no longer trust systems and institutions – and then send hate to the people they see complicit in unproven plots and conspiracies. She meets the election workers who feared for their safety after Donald Trump and some of his supporters falsely claimed the 2020 election was stolen and public officials were overwhelmed with abuse and threats online. Could it possibly get worse this time around? Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Daniel Wittenberg Story Editor: Matt Willis Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Designer: Tony Churnside Production Co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

Meet Camille and ‘Wild Mother’. Both women love nature, animals, and the outdoors. Both women also believe the assassination attempts on Donald Trump were staged – but have very different political views. Why do people believe the things they do? And what role do social media sites – and their algorithms – play? In this series, BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring travels to the United States to investigate the social media backdrop to the 2024 presidential election and explore the different ways in which what is happening online is influencing the campaign offline. Marianna starts her journey in Colorado, looking at how conspiracy theories have spread so far across the political spectrum in the US. She interrogates the consequences for Camille, ‘Wild Mother’, and the upcoming election. Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Daniel Wittenberg Story Editor: Matt Willis Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Designer: Tony Churnside Production Co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

For the second series of BBC Radio 4’s Why Do You Hate Me, disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring heads to the USA. She investigates the social media backdrop to the presidential election, interrogating different online phenomena and cases of hate – looking at how they could potentially influence the way people vote.Marianna travels from Colorado to Baltimore and New York, tracking down both those harmed and causing harm on social media. She investigates everything from extreme hate targeting officials and students, to online fandoms, deepfakes and corrosive conspiracy theories.Over five episodes, she uncovers why people behave the way they do on social media during a heated presidential race. Each episode exposes the real-world consequences of what happens in this online world and its potential impact on society and democracy.

Marianna investigates online abuse targeting Eni Aluko and tracks down one of her trolls.In this series, Why Do You Hate Me?, Marianna Spring delves into her inbox to investigate extraordinary cases of online hate like this one. She meets the people at the heart of the conflicts, to see if understanding – even forgiveness is possible.In this episode, she speaks to former footballer Eni Aluko and investigates the wave of online abuse directed at her. Marianna tracks down one of the people behind the abusive messages to understand why they do it.If you have been affected by some of the issues raised in this programme, please visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

The Premier League has told the BBC it’s fighting a rise in social media threats against both its players and their families, with a team dedicated to hunting down online trolls. The BBC’s Disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring goes inside the team for the first time, talks to striker Neal Maupay about social media abuse - and tracks down the man they helped convict for threatening him.In this series, Why Do You Hate Me?, Marianna delves into her inbox to investigate extraordinary cases of online hate like this one. She meets the people at the heart of the conflicts, and in some cases brings them together, to see if understanding – even forgiveness – is ever possible.Subscribe to BBC Sounds to hear the episodes first. And watch the episodes on BBC iPlayer too.If you have been affected by some of the issues raised in this programme, please visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

Last November, a faked audio clip of London's mayor went viral. Marianna Spring talks to Sadiq Khan about the impact it had and tracks down it's suspected creator.The clip used artificial intelligence to create a replica of Mr Khan's voice saying words scripted by the faker, disparaging Remembrance weekend with an expletive and calling for pro-Palestinian marches to take precedence.In this series, Why Do You Hate Me?, Marianna Spring delves into her inbox to investigate extraordinary cases of online hate like this one. She meets the people at the heart of the conflicts, and in some cases brings them together, to see if understanding – even forgiveness – is ever possible.Subscribe to BBC Sounds to hear the episodes first. And watch the episodes on BBC iPlayer too. If you have been affected by some of the issues raised in this programme, please visit bbc.co.uk/actionline.Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

Marianna Spring talks to a survivor of the mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017 about how posts on a social media account made him question an event he’d witnessed with his own eyesListen to more episodes of Why Do You Hate Me on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. For this series, Marianna Spring (one of the most trolled BBC journalists) dives into her inbox and investigates a different extraordinary case of online hate to find out. She meets the people at the heart of these conflicts, and in some cases brings them together, to see if understanding - even forgiveness - is ever possible. Subscribe to BBC Sounds to hear the episodes first.And watch the episodes on BBC iPlayer too. If you have been affected by online abuse, please visit bbc.co.uk/actionlineHost: Marianna Spring Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell Production co-ordinator: Rosie StrawbridgeCellphone footage courtesy of Lindsay Sherk

When Julia Wandelt posted on social media that she believed she was Madeleine McCann, she became a lightning rod for online anger. In the first of a new series exploring extraordinary cases of online hate and the possibility of forgiveness, Marianna Spring, the BBC's Disinformation and social media correspondent, speaks to Julia about her motives and regrets. Listen to more episodes of Why Do You Hate Me on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. For this series, Marianna Spring (one of the most trolled BBC journalists) dives into her inbox and investigates a different extraordinary case of online hate to find out. She meets the people at the heart of these conflicts, and in some cases brings them together, to see if understanding - even forgiveness - is ever possible. Subscribe to BBC Sounds to hear the episodes first.And watch the episodes on BBC iPlayer too. If you have been affected by some of the issues raised in this programme, please visit bbc.co.uk/actionline. Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Sam Bonham Commissioning editor: Rhian Roberts Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell Production co-ordinator: Rosie StrawbridgeArchive credits: Peteski Productions distributed through CBS Media Ventures.

The online world can be a breeding ground for hate. But why do some people behave the way they do on social media? In each episode, the BBC's Disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring - one of the most trolled BBC journalists - dives into her inbox and investigates a different extraordinary case of online hate to find out. She meets the people at the heart of these conflicts, and in some cases brings them together, to see if understanding - even forgiveness - is ever possible. Producers: Emma Close and Ben Carter Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Editor: Sam Bonham

Marianna travels to Dublin to investigate a court case unfolding against the Irish Light conspiracy theory newspaper. Edel Campbell and her lawyer have been targeted by an extreme campaign of abuse after suing The Light which falsely claimed Edel’s son Diego died from a Covid vaccine, when in reality he had died by suicide. Conspiracy theorists worldwide have used dozens of tragic deaths to spread vaccine misinformation. This case is thought to be the first where a relative has sued. And what is the cost of taking action like this?

In this bonus episode, the BBC’S International Editor Jeremy Bowen and Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent Marianna Spring talk about their respective new podcasts: Frontlines of Journalism and Marianna in Conspiracyland. They reflect on the obstacles that stand between journalists and the truth and the conspiracy theory movement that seems to have boomed in the UK after Covid. Exploring the similarities and differences of their journalistic specialisms, they discuss techniques to hold interviewees to account – especially when their position is based on disinformation - and the significance of social media in modern journalism.Host: Marianna Spring Producer: Georgia Catt Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Senior news editor: Sam Bonham Commissioner: Rhian Roberts

What will happen next in Conspiracyland? In the final episode, Marianna is back where she started, in the Devon town of Totnes. With the help of locals, she makes sense of the legacy left by the conspiracy theory newspaper and the wider movement all over the UK. Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Philip Marzouk and Olivia Lace-Evans Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Technical Producer: Alex Portfelix Senior news editor: Sam Bonham Commissioner: Rhian RobertsNew episodes released every Monday. If you're in the UK, listen to the whole series first on BBC Sounds.And please get in touch with Marianna by emailing at: [email protected].

Do you know someone who’s fallen down the rabbit hole? During the investigation, Marianna’s inbox has been filled with messages from people sharing their stories about those they know and love who’ve been sucked into conspiracy theories. With the help of social psychologist Karen Douglas, Marianna explores how people find themselves in Conspiracyland, why they stay, and how some managed to escape.Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Philip Marzouk, Olivia Lace-Evans Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Technical Producer: Neva Missirian Senior news editor: Sam Bonham Commissioner: Rhian RobertsIf you’ve been impacted by any of the issues that have come up in this podcast, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/actionline. And please get in touch with Marianna by emailing at: [email protected].

Could people in the UK conspiracy theory movement ever become violent? Returning to the UK, BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring meets possibly the only person outside of the movement who has read as much of the Light as her: political scientist at King’s College London Dr Rod Dacombe. What insights will he have for Marianna from his years studying The Light and the conspiracy theory movement in the UK? Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Philip Marzouk and Olivia Lace-Evans Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Technical Producer: Tom Brignell and Neva Missirian Senior news editor: Sam Bonham Commissioner: Rhian RobertsNew episodes released every few days. If you're in the UK, listen to the whole series first on BBC Sounds bbc.in/42x5sO5And please get in touch with Marianna by emailing at: [email protected].

What can the UK learn from Germany? In Berlin, BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring meets a whistleblower who stopped writing for a conspiracy theory newspaper in his country because he feared it was becoming more radical. Marianna uncovers more about the connections between the German paper and a failed coup attempt, and unpicks what it can tell us about our own conspiracy theory movement in the UK.Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Philip Marzouk, Olivia Lace-Evans Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Technical Producers: Graham Puddifoot, Tom Brignell, Neva Missirian Senior news editor: Sam Bonham Commissioner: Rhian RobertsNew episodes released every few days. If you're in the UK, listen to the whole series first on BBC Sounds bbc.in/42x5sO5And please get in touch with Marianna by emailing at: [email protected].

Why are journalists being attacked in Germany? Marianna travels to Berlin to meet a journalist called Jorg who’s been covering the conspiracy theory movement in his country. He’s been attacked several times trying to do his job and he’s not the only one. Jorg says he’s heard from other journalists who’ve experienced something similar. And the latest figures from Germany show attacks against journalists have risen sharply since the pandemic. Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Philip Marzouk and Olivia Lace-Evans Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Technical Producer: Alex Portfelix Senior news editor: Sam Bonham Commissioner: Rhian RobertsNew episodes released every few days. If you're in the UK, listen to the whole series first on BBC Sounds bbc.in/42x5sO5And please get in touch with Marianna by emailing at: [email protected].

Who is funding this UK conspiracy theory newspaper? Flicking through the pages of The Light, Marianna is drawn to the adverts that populate its back pages. After the face-to-face encounter with the paper’s editor Darren she has more questions for the people involved in funding the paper. The advertisers. She manages to track down one: Iain, a property developer in Glastonbury. The two of them discuss wizards, goddesses, capital punishment and what motivates him to promote his business in The Light.Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Philip Marzouk and Olivia Lace-Evans Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Technical Producer: Alex Portfelix Series producer: Emma Close Senior news editor: Sam BonhamNew episodes released every few days. If you're in the UK, listen to the whole series first on BBC Sounds bbc.in/42x5sO5And please get in touch with Marianna by emailing at: [email protected].

Who is the man behind The Light? BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring tracks down the editor of the conspiracy theory newspaper, The Light. His name is Darren and he agrees to meet Marianna in a pub just outside Manchester for a dual interview in which she interviews him for the podcast and he interviews her. What answers will she get about the paper and the man at its helm?Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Philip Marzouk and Olivia Lace-Evans Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Technical Producer: Alex Portfelix Senior news editor: Sam Bonham Commissioner: Rhian RobertsNew episodes released every few days. If you're in the UK, listen to the whole series first on BBC Sounds bbc.in/42x5sO5And please get in touch with Marianna by emailing at: [email protected].

Where does all the anger come from? As Marianna delves further down the rabbit-hole, she finds herself in the alternative medicine clinic of one Totnes’ movement’s figureheads. He is one of the people behind a conspiracy-theory group in the town called the New World Alliance who are key to organising monthly rallies in the town and distributing The Light. Curiously Marianna finds herself invited along to one of the rallies to learn more about it and the people within it. Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Philip Marzouk and Olivia Lace-Evans Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Technical Producer: Alex Portfelix Senior news editor: Sam Bonham Commissioner: Rhian RobertsNew episodes released every few days. If you're in the UK, listen to the whole series first on BBC Sounds bbc.in/42x5sO5And please get in touch with Marianna by emailing at: [email protected].

What do those in the movement believe? And why? BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring continues her investigation into Totnes’ conspiracy theory movement after hearing about one of its prominent members: an artist named Jason Liosatos. Meeting him in his gallery she learns more about some of his beliefs and what that indicates about the movement. Host: Marianna Spring Producers: Philip Marzouk and Olivia Lace-Evans Producer for BBC Radio 4 podcasts: Nathan Jones Technical Producer: Alex Portfelix Senior news editor: Sam Bonham Commissioner: Rhian RobertsNew episodes released every few days. If you're in the UK, listen to the whole series first on BBC Sounds bbc.in/42x5sO5And please get in touch with Marianna by emailing at: [email protected].