Heart UK

The Media Show

<p>Social media, anti-social media, breaking news, faking news: this is the programme about a revolution in media.</p>

BBC Radio 4

The right of reply has long been a cornerstone of journalism, giving those involved in a story the chance to respond before publication. But with politicians and public figures now using social media to publish their own version first, is this principle being undermined? Guto Harri, former Downing Street Director of Communications, Professor Karen Fowler-Watt from City St George’s, University of London, and journalist Matt Shea assess how the practice is changing.As streaming services compete for attention, TV remotes usually now include buttons for platforms like Netflix and YouTube often paid for by the services themselves. UK broadcasters argue this disadvantages British platforms and have called for a dedicated ‘British’ button. Technology historian Edd Thomas and Professor Catherine Johnson from the University of Leeds explain why the remote has become such a significant battleground.Universities are increasingly offering degrees in content creation, with Arizona State University launching a BA in the subject and several UK institutions following suit. But is a degree necessary for success in this field? Damien Jordan, creator of Damien Talks Money, and Jacky Gurr, Course Leader for BA Content Creation at Nottingham Trent University, share their perspectives on what formal education can offer aspiring creators.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Is the right of reply under threat in the social media age?

What does Channel 4's undercover investigation into Reform UK tell us about the relationship between polling, politics and the press? Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins hear from journalists Jake Kanter International Investigations Editor at Deadline, and James Ball Political Editor at The New World,  and the polling experts Professor Sir John Curtice and Stephan Shakespeare CEO of YouGov. 
They also hear from the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy about the future of the BBC and speak to ITV's Jo Clinton-Davis about 70 Up, the final instalment of one of television's most remarkable documentary projects.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

70 Up the final instalment of 7 Up, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on the BBC & how polling informs political media strategy?

Five years after the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet has returned to the country to report on life under the regime, including the secret schools educating girls despite restrictions on female education. Lyse joins us to explain how reporting trips to Afghanistan are organised, what it is like negotiating access with the Taliban and how journalists protect vulnerable sources.Artificial intelligence is changing the way information is created and shared, and a new phrase has emerged to describe one aspect of that shift: the "meat proxy". Coined by German software engineer Niklas Gruhn, the term refers to people acting as conduits for AI-generated content. Niklas explains why he believes the phenomenon matters and whether AI risks weakening human judgement. We also explore a debate sparked by the Wall Street Journal after it defended publishing an opinion article created with the assistance of AI. Will Oremus of The Atlantic and Diane Brady of Fortune discuss what the controversy means for transparency and the future of opinion journalism.Good Food has become one of Britain's most successful digital publishing brands, attracting hundreds of millions of recipe views every year. Senior Food Editor Barney Desmazery, who has spent more than two decades with the brand previously known as BBC Good Food,  reflects on the evolution of recipe media, from magazines and websites to social media platforms and he explains why trusted food journalism still matters.The Grand Tour is back with a completely new presenting line-up. Viral train enthusiast Francis Bourgeois joins YouTube creators James Engelman and Thomas Holland of Throttle House as Amazon revives the motoring format made famous by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Executive producer and director Phil Churchward explains why the programme turned to digital creators and  how the new format differs from previous versions,Presenter: Ros Atkins
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Reporting the Taliban, AI's "meat proxies" and The Grand Tour returns

As the Edinburgh TV Festival gets under way, attention is focused on YouTube's growing position in the television market.  Against a backdrop of changing viewing habits and competition between broadcasters and digital platforms, questions remain about audience reach, commissioning and distribution. Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK, talks to Ros Atkins and outlines the company's position.
Jamie MacDonald, Head of Originals at After Party Studios, Richard Cowles, CEO of Lifted Entertainment, and Claire Mundell, Managing Director and Creative Director of Synchronicity Films outline priorities and predictions for their areas of the industry.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Laura Cain

YouTube and the battle for television’s future

The death of Cambridge academic Jason Arday has prompted intense debate about media conduct, following weeks of reporting on allegations of plagiarism and questions about aspects of his life story. Critics have accused journalists of contributing to an atmosphere of relentless scrutiny, while others argue that legitimate public interest questions were being pursued. Nick Clark, a childhood friend of Jason Arday, reflects on his experience of speaking to reporters. Charles Moore, columnist at The Telegraph and The Spectator, Seun Matiluko, freelance journalist, Sarah Ditum, Times Columnist and Stephen Bush, columnist at the Financial Times, consider questions of proportionality, public interest and journalistic responsibility.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Jason Arday: examining the media coverage after his death

This programme was broadcast before the announcement of the death of Jason Arday.The resignation of Cambridge professor Jason Arday is one of the biggest stories to hit British academia in years. We speak to Times Higher Education journalist Jack Grove, who began investigating allegations of plagiarism more than a year ago but says legal threats prevented his publication from reporting them at the time.Last month, The Times’ Martyn Ziegler revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had been exploring plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. He joins New York Times Global Sports Correspondent Tariq Panja to discuss what it takes to break a major football story.And as established broadcasters like Holly Willoughby move onto YouTube, does success on TV automatically translate online? Former Top Gear presenter James May joins us to reveal what he’s learned from building his own successful YouTube channel, Planet Gin.Guests: Jack Grove, Reporter and Deputy Features Editor, Times Higher Education; Martyn Ziegler, Chief Sports Reporter, The Times; Tariq Panja, Global Sports Correspondent, The New York Times; James May, Presenter, Planet Gin; Lucy Brown, Producer, Planet Gin; Holly Graham, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, Little Dot Studios.Producer: Dan Hardoon
Presenter: Katie Razzall

Jason Arday, Investigating Football, Broadcasters Moving to YouTube

How is a new wave of film-making finding success by appealing to traditional American values? Ros Atkins speaks to Max Tani of Semafor as well as Brandon Purdie of Angel Studios and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten of Wonder Project about how these films are finding an audience and making money.Also on the programme, a project to archive the oral history of local newspapers. Ros is joined by former BBC journalist Clare Jenkins, Alan Powell, former editor of the Sheffield Star, and Jim Waterson, editor of London Centric, to discuss the changing landscape of local news.Plus, we hear how prison radio is helping people prepare for life outside of jail with Garth St Clair, the co-Founder of Rise Maximum Radio in Trinidad and Tobago, and Ninna Gaensler-Debs, the co-director of Uncuffed, a training programme for prisoners in California.Presenter: Ros Atkins
Producer: Laura Cain

Alternative Hollywood films, oral archive of local newspapers, prison radio

What are the unique challenges of covering the devastating wildfires in France and Spain? Ros Atkins hears from Sadiya Chowdhury from Sky News and Mehdi Lebouachera, Global Director at AFP, whose colleague Maximilien Lamy photographed the viral image of beachgoers observing the fires. The Economist's editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes joins Ros to discuss her viral interview with Elon Musk. Plus, the CEO of Reach, Piers North, explains why the publisher is changing its strategy to move away from volume towards original content. And Abi Watson, Head of Publishing at Enders Analysis, and James Warrington, Media and Telecoms Editor at The Telegraph, provide analysis.

Reporting the wildfires, Interviewing Elon Musk, CEO of Reach Piers North

Social media has been an important way for the new Prime Minister to get his message across, but where does that leave the traditional media? Katie and Ros discuss with Lizzy Buchan, Political Editor of the Daily Mirror and Chair of the Lobby; Jennifer Gerber, Burnham’s former special advisor; and the creator and founder of Slow News Day, Tom Nicholas. Also on the programme, broadcaster Andrew Neil shares why he’s moving to Youtube for his new weekly podcast series The Andrew Neil Report. Plus, the filmmaker Eline Van der Velden explains why she’s created the controversial AI actor Tilly Norwood, with Deadline’s Jake Kanter analysing the response from Hollywood.

Andrew Neil, the PM and the press, AI actor Tilly Norwood

Katie Razzall presents The Media Show.Broadcaster and author Iain Dale, whose new memoir Have I Said Too Much? is out now, reflects on a career spanning politics, publishing and radio, and considers how public debate and the media have changed.We analyse the BBC's annual report with Rhodri Talfan Davies, Deputy Director-General of the BBC, discussing the corporation's performance, funding pressures and future direction.The programme also looks at proposed changes to the television industry's terms of trade. Joining the discussion are Tim Hincks, Co-CEO of Expectation, and Kate Beal, Founder and CEO of Woodcut Media and a Pact Council member to debate what the reforms could mean for producers, broadcasters and programme rights.Finally, Claire Atkinson, founder of The Media Mix newsletter and contributing editor at The Ankler, joins us from the US to discuss the Trump administration's subpoenas issued to New York Times journalists and the wider implications for press freedom and national security reporting.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Iain Dale, on a life in the media and politics,  TV production rights, Trump subpoenas NYT journalists, BBC Annual Report

In a packed week for media news, Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins talk to Sunday Times investigative journalist Gabriel Pogrund about their article into Nigel Farage's finances which triggered a strong reaction, culminating yesterday in Mr Farage's resignation as an MP and his decision to run again in a by-election. Journalists Michael Crick and Brendan O'Neill discuss Nigel Farage's relationship with the media, his claims about press treatment over two decades, and the wider debate over how public figures are scrutinised. Media lawyer Susan Aslan is on hand to explain the reasons why Prince Harry lost his legal case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. And Michael Crick and the BBC's Sue Mitchell discuss the art and ethics of 'doorstepping'. Producer: Tim Bano

Nigel Farage and the media, Prince Harry legal case, doorstepping

Katie and Ros are joined by seven-time Grand Slam tennis champion Jamie Murray as he launches The Set, a Youtube channel, with his brother Andy. The co-host of The Tennis Podcast, Catherine Whitaker, reflects on the changing tennis media landscape. Also on the programme, Deadline's Max Goldbart dissects Sky’s plans to take over part of ITV. Lachlan Cartwright, founder of the media news site Breaker Media, reveals the challenges and opportunities of building an independent business after decades in legacy media. Plus, we discuss the controversy around the Russian cartoon series Masha & The Bear. Since the programme was recorded, a spokesperson for the producers of Masha & the Bear, has been quoted in news coverage as saying “my client categorically rejects the false and defamatory suggestion that Masha and the Bear is associated with propaganda”.

Jamie Murray, Sky ITV deal, Building a media business

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins look at Andy Burnham's media strategy with Jennifer Williams, North of England Correspondent for the Financial Times, and Joshi Herrmann, founder and editor of The Mill. The shop workers Union says the filming of its member is becoming widespread, with Jayne Allport, National Officer at USDAW, on the impact. Carlos Barragan, New York Times reporter and author of The Yahoo Boys: Real Life with the Love Scammers of Lagos, on going under cover with romance fraud networks. And as BBC long wave closes Jeffrey Borinsky explains its place in broadcasting history.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Andy Burnham's media strategy, smart glasses and filming in public places, BBC Long Wave closes

As the BBC announces new cuts, Jonathan Munro, Interim CEO of BBC News & Current Affairs, joins Katie and Ros to discuss the decision. Ritula Shah, former presenter of the World Tonight on Radio 4, reacts to the news that the programme is being axed.The acclaimed documentary maker Norma Percy reflects on making Brexit: A Very British Civil War and her wider career. Also on the programme, Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan from the ISD analyses the trend of ‘auditors’ and ‘citizen journalists’ filming at the recent Southampton protests. Plus, the Youtuber Wesley Winter explains why he filmed there.

BBC cuts, Ritula Shah, Norma Percy, Filming protests

As the World Cup kicks off, Ros and Katie speak to Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s Director of Sport about his ambitions for the tournament and vision for BBC Sport. We also hear from two football journalists covering the World Cup: Craig Hope from the Daily Mail is reporting on the England team from Orlando, while Daniel Storey from The i is embarking on a solo road trip across the US. Also on the programme, the BBC’s Dan Johnson reflects on his experience covering the disorder in Belfast following Monday night’s knife attack. Plus, Samantha Berkhead from The Moscow Times and Evie Aspinall from the British Foreign Policy Group discuss how states use influencers to wield soft power around the world.

Alex Kay-Jelski, World Cup coverage, Belfast reporting, Influencers in Russia

The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg joins Ros and Katie to discuss her exclusive interview with Nicola Sturgeon, the first since her estranged husband pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,000 from the SNP. John Ferguson, Political Editor at the Sunday Mail in Scotland, also shares his experience of reporting on the story from the very beginning. Also on the programme, director Zach Heinzerling discusses how he secured unprecedented access to tennis player Rafael Nadal for his Netflix documentary Rafa. Minal Modha from Ampere Analysis assesses whether we are in the middle of a sports documentary boom. Plus, analysis of the ruptures in CBS’ 60 Minutes newsroom by Michael Grynbaum from The New York Times.

Laura Kuenssberg, SNP embezzlement story, Rafa documentary, 60 Minutes

TV grandee and former Chairman of Ofcom, Michael Grade, joins Katie Razzall to discuss his outlook on the broadcasting sector. The Society of Editors is warning that local journalists are struggling to get access to elected councillors. Its CEO Dawn Alford shares her concerns, and we get the views of Oliver Rouane-Williams, founder and editor of Ipswich.co.uk, and Michael Hadwen, Reform leader of Suffolk County Council. Over 600 figures in French cinema have signed an open letter voicing concerns about the influence of French billionaire Vincent Bolloré. The BBC’s James Waterhouse introduces us to the media tycoon often dubbed the ‘French Rupert Murdoch’. Plus, what are the editorial challenges of reporting on the heatwave? Laura Tobin, ITV’s weather presenter, joins us to discuss.

Lord Grade, Media access to local councils, Vincent Bolloré profile, Reporting on the heatwave

The BBC’s new Director General Matt Brittin joins Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins live on his third day in the job.
We examine serious allegations revealed by BBC Panorama that have led to Married At First Sight being pulled with BBC Culture Correspondent Noor Nanji.  Richard Madeley on his new documentary inside El Salvador’s mega jail CECOT and there'll be analysis from the Sunday Times Media Editor  Rosamund Urwin throughout.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content Producer: Lucy Wei.

The new BBC Director General Matt Brittin, MAFS under investigation & Richard Madeley goes inside El Salvadore's CECOT mega jail

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins are joined by comedian and filmmaker Munya Chawawa to discuss satire and his new documentary Wrestling with Trump. 
They examine the limits on journalists’ access to prisoners with Emily Bolton from Objection and Guardian writer Simon Hattenstone.
What are the boundaries for parents in the booming world of family influencers with author Fortesa Latifi and Jasmine McInnes aka @winging_mamahood. 
And Spectator political correspondent Noa Hoffman on whether the media is driving political chaos at Westminster or simply reporting on the unfolding events.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Munya Chawawa; journalists and access to prisoners in jail; Family influencers and the boundaries of parenting online.

Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall on some of the week’s biggest media stories:Could AI be used to hold journalists to account? We speak to the entrepreneur Aron D’Souza about his new platform “Objection”, which promises to investigate journalists' reporting and give them a ratings card.Nearly 20 years on, one of the BBC’s most famous on-air mix-ups is still being watched around the world. We hear from Guy Goma and Elliott Gotkine about how the "wrong Guy" was put on live TV and became one of the earliest viral clips.Saudi Arabia has spent billions investing in global sport and media, from football clubs to golf. But what does a shift away from LIV Golf tell us about its wider strategy and how it uses media and sport to project influence?Former BBC Science Editor David Shukman joins us to discuss his argument that the media’s framing of climate change has failed to reflect how close to home its impacts really are.Guests: Aron D’Souza, founder and CEO, Objection; Guy Goma; Elliott Gotkine, Emmy-winning journalist; Claire Atkinson, founder of Media Mix and contributing editor at The Ankler; Claire Enders, founder, Enders Analysis; David Shukman, journalist and former BBC Science Editor.Producer: Dan Hardoon
Assistant Producer: Laura Cain

AI judging journalists, the BBC’s “Wrong Guy”, Saudi Arabia's media strategy, covering climate change

Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall on some of the week’s biggest media stories:As King Charles III visits the United States, we ask how the media is covering the event on both sides of the Atlantic. We also examine attacks on journalists around the world following the killing of a Lebanese reporter in an Israeli air strike. A row over I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! raises questions about how reality television is edited. Plus, as a new series of Virgin Island begins on Channel 4, we speak to one of the people behind the format.Guests: Sean Coughlan, Royal Correspondent, BBC News; Jack Blanchard, managing editor, POLITICO; Christina Lamb, chief foreign correspondent, The Sunday Times; Lauren Morris, Culture News Editor, The Independent; Donald Clarke, edit producer in reality television; Rob Davis, executive producer and co-owner of Double Act.Producer: Dan Hardoon

King Charles's US visit, attacks on journalists, I'm a Celeb editing row

Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall on some of the week's biggest media stories:
QVC is restructuring its business in the US while remaining popular in the UK, with analysis from Katie Linsell, UK retail reporter at Bloomberg News, alongside Rob Locke, presenter for ITV’s ShopOnTV, and consumer expert Kate Hardcastle, author of The Science of Shopping.
We also examine the Guardian investigation into the vetting of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK Ambassador to Washington, with Paul Lewis, Head of Investigations at the Guardian, discussing national security, leaks and public trust.
AsHungary elects a new prime minister after sixteen years of Viktor Orbán, we ask what the change could mean for press freedom, with Professor Amrit Singh of NYU School of Law and Hungarian political journalist Iván Nagy.
Plus, Danny Robins, creator of Uncanny, joins us live to talk about turning a Radio 4 podcast into a television series, live stage show and fan phenomenon.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

The future of teleshopping, Hungary's media post Orban defeat, Danny Robins from Uncanny, Mandelson vetting row scoop

The BBC’s interim Director General Rhodri Talfan Davies talks to Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins following the announcement of major job cuts across the corporation. 
Jodie Ginsberg from the Committee to Protect Journalists on the detention of Ahmed Shihab Eldin  in Kuwait.
BBC Science Editor Rebecca Morelle reflects on covering the Artemis II launch, after her emotional reaction went viral
And as HBO Max launches in the UK with record sign‑ups, we assess its strategy and what the arrival of another major streamer means for British audiences.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

BBC job cuts, Journalist detained in Kuwait, HBO Max enters UK streamer market, Reporting the Artemis II launch

This week on "The Media Show" with Katie Razzall we hear from Ronan Farrow about his major New Yorker investigation into OpenAI and its chief executive Sam Altman.Madhumita Murgia, the Financial Times’ Artificial Intelligence Editor, examines how the media should scrutinise AI leaders and whether tech journalism risks oversimplifying personalities at the centre of vast systems.Misha Glenny reflects on historic parallels in the concentration of technological power, drawing on his new series "Race to Control the World" his role as the new presenter of "In Our Time".And Bel Trew, The Independent’s Chief International Correspondent, reports on the realities of covering the war with Iran from access and safety, to misinformation and the growing role of AI in shaping narratives.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Ronan Farrow on investigating OpenAI and Sam Altman, Misha Glenny, Bel Trew & Madhumita Murgia

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins discuss some of the week's biggest media stories:Jane Martinson of the Guardian and Max Goldbart of Deadline on Scott Mills' departure from the BBC and Tim Davie's legacy as Director General of the corporation.As newsrooms around the world continue to debate the use of artificial intelligence in reporting, we hear from Fortune Business Editor Nick Lichtenberg who outlines his method for producing AI-assisted articles.After two recent United States rulings which found Meta and YouTube liable for developing addictive platform features, we talk to the BBC North America Technology Correspondent Lily Jamali about the legal arguments and potential consequences for design and regulation. Interface designer Aza Raskin from the Centre for Humane Technology explains the tools used by platforms to keep people scrolling, and we hear about a major new UK scientific trial to assess the impact of reduced social media use among teenagers from Professor Amy Orben of the University of Cambridge.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Scott Mills' exit & Tim Davie's final week at the BBC, AI-assisted journalism, new UK research project on teens & social media

As Matt Brittin is confirmed as the BBC’s new Director-General, we discuss his in-tray with Alex Farber from The Times. We look at the relationship between the press and police with Alan Woods from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Rebecca Camber from the Daily Mail, who were involved in putting together the new Policing and Media Charter. Natalie Fahy from The Nottingham Post also joins us to discuss her experience of reporting the Nottingham attacks as the public inquiry continues. Plus, how to cold-call President Trump. Edward Luce from the Financial Times and Max Tani from Semafor give their top tips. And the journalist and writer Jamie Bartlett takes us behind the scenes of his new BBC Radio 4 series Everything is Fake (And Nobody Cares).

Matt Brittin profile, How to cold call a president, The Policing and Media Charter, Jamie Bartlett

Ros Atkins talks to Lisa Nandy MP Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport

Bonus interview Lisa Nandy MP Culture Secretary

Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall with some of the week’s biggest media stories:Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy talks about her plans to support local news, the £12 million funding package she’s announced, and what she thinks the future holds for the BBC.CNN Senior International Correspondent Frederik Pleitgen explains how he gained access to Iran to report from the ground during the war and how he navigated restrictions, safety, and criticism of his coverage.And behind the scenes at the Oscars with the BBC’s Tom Brook and The Ankler's Katey Rich. From falling TV ratings to rising production costs, the move to streaming, and what this year’s ceremony reveals about the state of the film industry.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Laura Cain

Lisa Nandy on saving local news and the future of the BBC, reporting from inside Iran & behind the scenes at the Oscars

This week on The Media Show, Ros Atkins is in Washington DC, speaking to some of the most influential voices in American journalism. He talks to Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor in Chief of The Atlantic, Mehdi Hasan, Editor in Chief and CEO of Zeteo, the BBC’s North America Editor Sarah Smith, and filmmaker and YouTube creator Johnny Harris. Together, they reveal how very different media organisations are covering President Trump’s war with Iran and  how they see the US media landscape at this moment.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content Producer: Lucy Wai

The people shaping American media including Mehdi Hasan, Jeffrey Goldberg, Sarah Smith and Johnny Harris

Katie Razzall hears how the conflict in the Middle East is being covered across the region with staff from the  BBC Monitoring Unit. 
Christina Lamb, Chief Foreign Correspondent at the Sunday Times, Aaron Bastani from Novara Media and broadcaster Sir John Tusa discuss whether day to day crisis reporting is crowding out the deeper story of geopolitical realignment.
We also discuss whether the were media blind spots behind the Green Party’s shock win in Gorton and Denton. 
And Sir John Tusa returns to talk about his new podcast The Best Is Yet to Come -  why he’s interviewing the over 90s, and what a lifetime in broadcasting has taught him about how the media should evolve.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content Producer: Lucy Wai

Media coverage of Middle East conflict,  Green Party’s by-election victory chances "missed" by journalists? Nonagenarian podcast

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins on the biggest media stories of the week, including:
Jake Kanter from Deadline on the racial slur shouted during the Baftas ceremony which made it into the BBC’s broadcast.
Anthony Loyd, special correspondent at The Times, reflects on his latest trip to Ukraine, while the BBC’s Olga Malchevska discusses how the anniversary is being covered across Eastern Europe and the personal impact of reporting on her home country.
Suzanne Plunkett, Chief Photographer at Reuters, and Arthur Edwards, long serving royal photographer for The Sun, explain how the now viral picture of Prince Andrew leaving police custody was taken and why royal photos matter more than ever. And the BBC’s Sean Coughlan and Ingrid Seward, editor in chief of Majesty Magazine, explore how the palace press team manages public messaging and whether a more direct communication style is now unavoidable.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Baftas fallout , Reporting on the Ukraine War four years on,  the power of photography to capture the essence of a story

On this edition of The Media Show, Ros Atkins examines the continuing public interest in the Lucy Letby case, as a new Netflix documentary reaches the top of the UK viewing rankings.  He speaks to Josh Halliday, North of England Editor at The Guardian, and Dr Bethany Usher of Newcastle University, whose work focuses on the ethics of true‑crime storytelling and the development of new guidelines for the genre.Tom Freston, co‑founder of MTV, reflects on how the channel’s launch in 1981 transformed popular culture and what its closure in the UK and Europe signifies for its legacy.And we assess the state of the advertising industry following one of its most challenging years on record.  James Kirkham, founder of Iconic, discusses his view that the traditional agency model is in steep decline, while Becky Owen, Chief Marketing Officer at Billion Dollar Boy, outlines the rapid expansion of influencer marketing and the new dynamics shaping the sector.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

MTV’s legacy, the new Lucy Letby documentary on Netflix and the traditional ad agency in crisis.

Gabriel Sherman joins Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins to discuss the real‑life Murdoch family battle at the heart of his new book , Bonfire of the Murdochs, including the secret Nevada court case that pitted Rupert Murdoch against his own children. We assess the reporting of a turbulent week in Westminster with Catherine Neilan, Whitehall Editor at The Observer and Simon Nixon, publisher of the Wealth of Nations newsletter and a former journalist at the Wall Street Journal and The Times.As The Washington Post lays off around 300 staff, we talk to one of them, reporter Marissa Lang and former senior managing editor, Cameron Barr, assesses what comes next.And we discuss the issue of balance and due impartiality  in the digital age as Ofcom faces criticism for declining to investigate a GB News interview with Donald Trump.
 
Producers: Lisa Jenkinson & Dan Hardoon

Revelations about the Murdoch dynasty in new book, Reporting on the Starmer crisis, Washington Post cuts, Ofcom under scrutiny

On The Media Show Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins consider the new Epstein files and how journalists work through huge document releases while avoiding misinterpretation. The Financial Times’ Jim Pickard explains how newsrooms decide what is reliable and what is not and the veteran editor Tina Brown gives her take from across the Atlantic.
We look at the growing demand for behind the scenes cameras in sport. Former British tennis number one Johanna Konta and Minal Modha from Ampere Analysis discuss how much access athletes should be expected to give and whether privacy is being eroded.  
And finally, with the delay of the Artemis II mission the BBC’s Science Editor Rebecca Morelle and Dr Chris Lintott from The Sky at Night talk about launch scrubs, shifting timelines and the practical realities of reporting on spaceflight.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Emily Channon

Tina Brown on the latest Epstein files, the boundaries of behind-the-scenes access in sport, reporting on a rocket launch

On The Media Show with Ros Atkins. Meg Anderson, NPR correspondent in Minneapolis, explains how newsrooms are managing a surge of online footage and what it means for journalism.
Aled Haydn Jones, Radio 1 Controller; DJ Sian Eleri and Chelsea Little on the Radio 1 Christmas Presenter Takeover. 
James Ball Tech journalist and author of “The System: Who Owns The Internet And How It Owns Us” unpacks what algorithms are, and whether the move towards increased transparency by platforms will actually give users more control.
And Vicky Jessop, commissioning editor and culture writer at the Evening Standard, joins us to discuss Netflix’s Skyscraper Live and whether extreme risk is becoming a new form of entertainment.Presenter: Ros Atkins
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Laura Cain

Viral videos  shaping reporting in Minnesota, Radio 1’s Christmas Presenter Takeover, Algorithm Transparency and Skyscraper Live

As tensions rise between the US and Europe over Greenland, how are international media reporting the story? Elisabet Svane, political analyst at Politiken in Denmark, and Michael Birnbaum, White House reporter for The Washington Post discuss their approach. Jamie Angus, former head of the BBC World Service, says the BBC should move faster into unblockable technologies to reach people in repressive regimes. He explains why, alongside Evie Aspinall, Director of the British Foreign Policy Group.
 
One month on, how successful is Australia's under 16s social media ban? We hear from Bronte Gossling from the Sydney Morning Herald as the UK government considers a similar move. And we unpack the media storm surrounding Brooklyn Beckham’s bombshell Instagram post with Simon Boyle, freelance showbiz journalist and former showbiz editor at The Sun; and Mail on Sunday columnist and former editor of British Vogue Alexandra Shulman.

Greenland coverage, Australia’s social media ban, Brand Beckham

Katie Razzall and guests discuss how Iran’s recent protests have sparked debate about how they were covered by international media. We speak to BBC Persian’s Behrang Tajdin, Lyse Doucet, and Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat about the challenges of reporting from one of the world’s most restricted environments. Also, Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is under fire for generating sexualised, non-consensual images of women and children. Ofcom has launched an investigation under the Online Safety Act, and the UK government is preparing new laws to ban ‘nudification’ tools. We hear from Chi Onwurah MP and CNN’s Hadas Gold on what this means for tech regulation. Plus, Phil Maguire, co-founder of the Prison Radio Association, reflects on building the world’s first national radio station for prisoners and its impact on rehabilitation. And Liza Marshall, producer of the new film Hamnet, reveals how she secured the rights early - before Maggie O’Farrell’s novel became a global sensation- and what it takes to back a winner in Hollywood.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Grok AI, Media coverage of the Iran protests, Hamnet film producer Liza Marshall and inside prison radio

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins on what the media knew and when regarding the US military raid on Venezuala. They're joined by US based journalist  Max Tani from Semafor the Defence Editor at the Times Larisa Brown and Brigadier Geoffrey Dodds who oversees the UK’s D notice system.Actors fight back against the TV and film industry using AI scanning on their images without consent with the General Secretary of Equity Paul Fleming.And as the government brings in changes to the lobby briefing system for journalists with more influencers being invited to press events  we talk to personal finance content creator Rachel Harris, journalist Steve Richards and head of the Westminster press lobby Lizzy Buchan. Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content Producer: Lucy Wai

US raid on Venezuela & what it says about military-media relations, Actors & AI, Influencers at Westminster & the lobby system

Have you ever wondered how reality TV gets made? Why some shows become instant classics, while others vanish without trace?In this special edition of The Media Show, four of the UK’s top creatives in unscripted television reveal their secrets. From The Traitors to Pointless, Hunted to Gogglebox, they discuss what makes a hit format, how casting decisions are made, how streamers and influencers are changing the landscape, and where the next big hit might come from.Guests:  Tim Harcourt, Chief Creative Officer, Studio Lambert; Matt Bennett, Director of Programmes, Shine Television; Tamara Gilder, Joint MD, Remarkable Entertainment; Art Sejdiu, Head of Commissioning Development, Channel Four.Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall
Producer: Dan Hardoon

How to Make a Hit TV Show

Ros Atkins on some of this week's biggest global media stories. Jacqueline Maley of the Sydney Morning Herald talks us through the newsroom’s challenge in covering the Bondi Beach attack during a Hanukkah celebration - a story shaped by rapidly circulating bystander video, fraught community tensions and intense scrutiny over tone and verification.Jeremy Vine reflects on his hard‑fought legal victory after sustained defamatory and harassing posts from former footballer Joey Barton.Media correspondent Alex Farber of The Times examines the BBC’s newly launched charter renewal process, the debate around future funding models, and how all this intersects with President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the corporation over an edited Panorama clip.And finally, Mengchen Zhangfrom the BBC’s Global China Unit explains the rapid global rise of the microdrama -  the ultra‑short, phone‑first video dramas attracting huge investment and reshaping viewing habits around the world.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Jeremy Vine’s legal battle, Bondi Beach attack coverage, , BBC charter renewal pressures, Trump’s $5bn lawsuit and microdramas

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins on some of the biggest media stories this week:Hollywood is in turmoil as Netflix agrees to buy Warner Bros Discovery’s film and streaming businesses for $72bn, but Paramount has stepped in with a rival bid that could reshape the industry. We’ll hear from Natalie Jarvey, reporter at The Ankler, and Dade Hayes, Business Editor at Deadline, and Charlotte Henry author of Streaming Wars about what this means for franchises like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, and for the future of streaming itself.Eurovision faces its biggest crisis in years, with countries pulling out over Israel’s participation and broadcasters debating whether to air the contest at all - BBC Music Reporter Mark Savage joins us with the latest. 
Meanwhile, the Christmas edition of the Radio Times, once as much a part of the season as mince pies and port, fights to remain relevant in the streaming era. We’ll be joined by Shem Law, Brand Editor of the Radio Times.And as Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta cuts back on its metaverse ambitions, shifting billions into artificial intelligence we talk to Alex Hern, AI writer at The Economist.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

The battle for Warner Bros, Eurovision controversy latest over Israel participation, festive TV battles and Meta’s pivot to AI.

This week on The Media Show with Ros Atkins: Ian Hislop joins us to talk satire, lawsuits, and the making of Private Eye. We’ll hear why the Manchester Evening News is putting up a paywall, and ask whether YouTubers filming drug and alcohol use in Manchester count as journalists. 
Football piracy is costing the sport billions - we’ll explore the scale of the problem. And Gary Lineker signs with Netflix for his Rest Is Football podcast.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Ian Hislop, Gary Lineker's new podcast deal with Netflix, YouTubers filming drug and alcohol use in Manchester, football piracy

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins on some of the biggest stories shaping the UK and global media. Dame Caroline Dinenage MP Chair of the Culture Media and Sport Committee, former Financial Times editor Lionel Barber, and Max Goldbart from Deadline discuss the BBC crisis: from Samir Shah’s leadership challenges to Shumeet Banerji’s damning resignation letter, and the controversy over editing Rutger Bregman’s Reith Lecture to remove a line about Donald Trump. We also examine the £500m sale of the Telegraph to the Daily Mail group – one of the biggest consolidations in British media – and ask what it means for press plurality with Dr Alice Enders from Enders Analysis and CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan on his new documentary MisinfoNation: White GenocideProducer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

The Reith Lecture row, Telegraph sale & CNN documentary MisinfoNation: White Genocide

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins discuss the latest developments in the BBC’s ongoing crisis  after President Trump threatens a multi-billion dollar lawsuit with: Baroness Tina Stowell, Conservative Peer and former Head of Corporate Affairs at the BBC and the Media Editor at the Sunday Times Rosamund Urwin. Phil Riley, co-founder of Boom Radio, warns that BBC Radio risks becoming an 'orphan asset' unless the BBC rethinks its funding and leadership and Jordan Schwarzenberger, co-founder of Arcade Media and manager of The Sidemen, argues Gen Z won’t pay the licence fee and calls for a creator-led, platform-savvy BBC that can compete in a decentralised media world.And Ben Winston, producer of The Kardashians, Gavin and Stacey, and the upcoming 2028 Olympic ceremonies talks about his latest project: a Netflix documentary with Ed Sheeran, filmed entirely in one take.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Martha Owen

Manager of YouTube's Sidemen Jordan Schwarzenberger, BBC crisis latest, Ed Sheeran Netflix producer Ben Winston

On this week’s edition of The Media Show Katie Razzall  and Ros Atkins take you inside the biggest crisis to hit the BBC in decades. A Panorama edit of Donald Trump’s speech has spiralled into a leadership meltdown, culminating in the simultaneous resignation of the Director General and Head of News. The BBC Chair is under fire, the Board is divided, and the President of the United States is threatening legal action. All this as the BBC begins negotiations for a license fee renewal  in a shifting media landscape.  Joining the show to make sense of it all are: John Shield, former BBC communications chief, now at the advisory firm Teneo, Jamie Angus former World Service director and Today programme editor, Tim Montgomerie, journalist and cohost of Not Another One podcast,  Jane Martinson, Guardian columnist and with the view from America the former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker Tina Brown. Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Martha Owen

How do we fix the BBC?

Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall talk to Mishal Husain about her new Bloomberg radio show and her departure from the BBC after 26 years. Andy Wilman, the creative force behind Top Gear and Clarkson’s Farm, shares candid insights from his new book and decades of collaboration with Jeremy Clarkson. As Celebrity Traitors heads into its nail-biting finale, executive producer Mike Cotton reveals how the show became one of the year’s biggest hits. And we unpack the BBC’s latest controversy - Panorama’s editing of Donald Trump’s Capitol riot speech -  and what it means for public trust in journalism. Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Mishal Husain, Andy Wilman and the Traitors Finale

Katie Razzall and guests discuss some of this week's media stories including:
The relaunch of the drama series Play for Today by Channel 5 with actors Anita Dobson and Nigel Havers who star in one of the new productions and Graham Kibble-White Head of TV & Radio at The Telegraph.
After Reform MP Sarah Pochin complained about adverts being "full" of black and Asian people we look at representation in UK advertising with Dino Myers-Lamptey, Founder, The Barber Shop and Sara Denby, Director, Oxford Future of Marketing Initiative, Oxford University.
We discuss consolidation in the streaming industry and ask what it could mean for producers and views with the CEO of Curve Media Camilla Lewis and historian Professor Bettany Hughes tells us about founding her production company Sandstone Global and her new TV series Treasures of the World.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content Producer: Lucy Wai

Play for Today relaunch, diversity in advertising, streaming consolidation, Bettany Hughes and Treasures of the World

Ros Atkins talks to Paul Salopek the journalist who’s walking around the world in search of stories. We catch up with him in Alaska.  
We’ll hear about new research on how AI is influencing how we consume news - and what impact that is having on the information we trust - with Luke Tryl, from the think tank More in Common, and Niamh Burns, senior analyst in Tech and Media at Enders Analysis.
And how have the media reported the Prince Andrew scandal with royal biographer Robert Hardman, broadcaster Simon McCoy and royal correspondent Emily Andrews.
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content Producer: Lucy Wai

Reporting on the Prince Andrew scandal, 'slow journalism' and how AI is influencing how we consume news

Channel 4’s Krishnan Guru-Murthy and The Independent’s Bel Trew join us to discuss their reporting on the Gaza ceasefire. Professor Lee Edwards from the LSE analyses how the media has been framing recent events. Also on the programme, who is the new editor-in-chief of CBS News? Semafor’s Max Tani profiles Bari Weiss. Plus, the BBC’s Susan Hulme reflects on the future of Today in Parliament as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Reporting the Gaza ceasefire, Bari Weiss profile, Today in Parliament

Katie Razall on some of the week's biggest media stories: BBC Russia Editor, Steve Rosenberg, on winning  the Charles Wheeler Award for outstanding contribution to broadcast journalism. Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor in Chief of the Economist on their new video podcast Insider which launches this week. What are the editorial and ethical issues around secret filming as seen in the recent Panorama documentary Undercover In The Police? And as a new three part Victoria Beckham documentary drops on Netflix we consider the rise  of the self produced celebrity documentary. Producer: Lucy Wai
Assistant Producer: Elena Angelides

Steve Rosenberg, Zanny Minton Beddoes, new Victoria Beckham documentary and the ethics of secret filming

Ros Atkins on some of the biggest media stories this week. 
As the BBC loses TV rights to the  Boat Race – we talk to Siobhan Cassidy Chair of the Boat Race Company and  Pete Andrews, Head of Sport at Channel 4 which will now broadcast the annual event. We profile the tech billionaire Larry Ellison – as he steps further into the media world -  with Telegraph journalist James Warrington. We'll look at the routes that conspiracy theories take through the media ecosystem with Dr Robert Topinka from Birkbeck University and the broadcaster and author Dr Matthew Sweet.
We hear why online content creators teaming up with broadcasters can sometimes be a difficult working relationship with Ben Doyle, co-founder of After Party Studios 
and Natalie Fahy Editor of the Nottinghamshire Post and its online arm Nottinghamshire Live tells us about their legal challenge to Reform UK  after they stopped speaking to their reporters, sending them press releases and inviting them to events.  Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

TV rights and the Boat Race, conspiracy theories in the media ecosystem, Larry Ellison, Newspaper legal challenge to Reform UK

A new BBC investigation into the government's use of hotels to house migrants has led to the government ordering an urgent review into its findings. Journalist Sue Mitchell explains how she got access to record inside these hotels. As Jimmy Kimmel returns to the screen, Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst, assesses what it means for relations between the US media and the Trump administration. Tara Copp, Pentagon correspondent for the Washington Post, takes us through the Pentagon's new restrictions on reporters. Also on the programme, the executive producer of ITV's new drama The Hack, Patrick Spence, reveals how they made the series and the financial pressures facing the TV industry. Plus, creators Jade Beason, BrandonB and Shabaz Ali discuss the value of making niche content.

Reporting on migrant hotels, Jimmy Kimmel's return, The Hack

Katie Razzall speaks to the Director General of the BBC Tim Davie at the Royal Television Society Festival. Ros Atkins discusses the language used by the media to discuss the Unite the Kingdom rally and the shooting of Charlie Kirk with studio guests Guto Harri, James O Brien and Isabel Oakeshott.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Guto Harri, James O Brien, Isabel Oakeshott on the Unite the Kingdom rally and the Charlie Kirk Shooting, Tim Davie

Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall on Super Mario at 40 with the Guardian's Video Games Editor Keza MacDonald, State crackdowns on social media in Russia and Nepal with Eva Hartog from Politico and Dr Nayana Prakash from Chatham House. Also resolution in the Murdoch family succession battle with Claire Atkinson from The Media Mix  and the impact of media coverage on the judiciary with Sir Robert Buckland and legal journalist Frances Gibb.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Super Mario is 40, Russia Whatsapp ban, Murdoch succession, The media v The Judiciary?

The Media Show with Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins:
The Nottingham Post and BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporters  have been banned from speaking to Reform UK councillors.  The dispute centres on a story about local government reorganisation. Nottinghamshire Live Senior Editor Natalie Fahy joins us to explain what happened, and Kitty Donaldson, Chief Political Commentator at the i paper, explores Reform UK’s broader media strategy.
France is facing political upheaval as Prime Minister François Bayrou submits his government to a confidence vote. BBC Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield explains how Bayrou is using podcasts and YouTube to justify his unpopular budget cuts. Meanwhile, a new protest movement, Bloquons Touts (“Let’s block everything”), is gaining traction via Telegram. Paola Sedda, associate professor of communications at the University of Lille, joins us to discuss how the movement is using media to mobilise support.
Historian Richard Evans joins us live in the studio to discuss his new book on George Ward Price, the British journalist who interviewed Hitler in the run up to WWII. We explore the ethical compromises journalists make for access, and draw modern parallels with today’s media landscape.
And as Anna Wintour steps down, Vogue ushers in a new chapter with editor Chloe Malle. We look at what this means for the future of fashion journalism and the legacy Wintour leaves behind. Is this a generational shift or a strategic pivot?
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Reform UK media strategy,  French Bloquons Tout protestors, new Vogue editor & the British journalist who interviewed Hitler.

Actor Noel Clarke has lost his libel case against The Guardian. The paper had run a series of stories containing allegations of sexual misconduct. The judgment found that the meaning of each of the newspaper’s articles was ‘substantially true’. We speak to The Guardian's Sirin Kale, one of the reporters behind the original reporting. Plus, legal commentator Clive Coleman explains how libel cases work.A number of online news outlets have withdrawn articles by what they thought was a freelance journalist called 'Margaux Blanchard'. But now, it seems the stories may have been written by AI. Press Gazette broke the story last week – they were tipped off to the story by Jacob Furedi, editor of Dispatch, whose suspicions were raised by one of her pitches. Jacob joins us alongside Dr Glenda Cooper, Head of Journalism at City St George's, University of London.A new football season is upon us, and with it, fresh innovations in how we watch. In the UK, for the first time, some of the live TV rights to the German Bundesliga have been awarded to YouTube channels. Minal Modha from Ampere Analysis analyses the changes to football broadcasting. Telegraph sport columnist Graham Scott also joins us to discuss pivoting from Premier League refereeing to journalism. As the BBC's natural history series Parenthood approaches its finale this weekend, series director and producer Jeff Wilson from Silverback Films, takes us behind the scenes.

Noel Clarke libel case, AI articles, filming wildlife

Ros Atkins talks to Hollywood insider and founder of the digital media company Puck Matt Belloni and Camilla Lewis from Curve Media at the Edinburgh TV Festival. Sam Koppelman from Hunterbrook Media on his new business model to trade off the news and how has the global media covered the Ukraine peace talks at the White House. It was the first day in her new role as US Editor for Channel 4 News for Anushka Asthana for the summit which included a unprecendented delegation of European leaders. We also talk to Ekaterina Kotrikadze news director and anchor at TV Rain about Russian media coverage.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

Trading off the news, Edinburgh TV Festival,  how the global media covered White House peace talks

After an Israeli attack in Gaza City killed four Al Jazeera journalists, including correspondent Anas al-Sharif, we examine the situation for journalists in Gaza with Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists. Oren Persico from Israeli news website Seventh Eye discusses how Israeli media is covering the war.A journalist's exchange with an AI avatar of Joaquin Oliver, who was killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has raised questions about posthumous “interviews.” We hear from Joaquin’s father Manuel and Claire Leibowicz of the Partnership on AI.A scoop by The i’s housing correspondent Vicky Spratt prompted the resignation last week of homelessness minister Rushanara Ali. Vicky joins us to explain how the story came about.Plus: Simon Ford, executive producer of Channel 4’s Operation Dark Phone: Murder by Text, on gaining access to a landmark investigation into Encrochat and the long-running 24 Hours in Police Custody.Producer: Dan Hardoon
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Journalists in Gaza, AI Avatar, Housing Journalism, True Crime

MasterChef has returned to our screens. We hear from the BBC journalist who first broke the story about allegations of misconduct and ask what the future holds for one of the BBC’s biggest brands.As Downing Street holds its first ever influencer reception, we speak to one of the TikTok creators who attended and the journalist who first reported on the event. We lift the lid on the relationship between influencers and the government.Children’s cartoon Bluey is riding high in the YouTube charts. We hear from the BBC executive behind Bluey's YouTube strategy.Plus, New York Times reporter Chris Buckley on the Taiwanese TV drama imagining a Chinese invasion and the political controversy it's sparked. And the German journalist who gained access to an extraordinary data leak from Tesla discusses what he found about the company and its boss, Elon Musk.Producer: Dan Hardoon

Return of MasterChef, No. 10's TikTok Strategy, Bluey on YouTube, Investigating Tesla

What is the ‘dead internet theory’ and what does it tell us about our anxieties about AI? The Economist’s Alex Hern explains. We also hear from Newsguard’s Isis Blachez about a network of fake news sites built not for people – but to manipulate what answers we get from AI chat bots. Plus, Mark Graham from the Internet Archive discusses how the organisation is approaching its task in the age of AI.Christiane Amanpour is CNN's Chief International Anchor and host of Amanpour on CNN and PBS. She's interviewed presidents, prime ministers, and popes, and is one of the best-known journalists covering international news. She reflects on her career and tells us why she’s turning to podcasting.How can food journalism and content drive news subscriptions? We discuss with Emily Weinstein, Editor in Chief of Cooking and Food at The New York Times; and get an insight into the art of restaurant criticism with The Sunday Times’ Charlotte Ivers.

Christiane Amanpour, Dead Internet Theory, Food journalism

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins discuss some of the biggest media stories this week, including how the protests at the migrant hotel in Epping are being covered by different media outlets. Videos by YouTube journalist Wesley Winter have been seen hundreds and thousands of times online.Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Ofcom’s Broadcasting and Media Group Director talks about a new report from the regulator which says BBC and other public service broadcasters are in danger of becoming 'endangered species'. Phil Chetwynd, Global News Director of Agence France-Presse on claims that journalists reporting in Gaza face starvation and as the Catholic Church prepares to hold a social media influencers conference in Rome we talk to someone who's attending, Mary-Aoife Ong Co Director of Carlo Acutis Ireland, and to Justin Tackett a philosopher at North Carolina State University about the Vatican's media strategy.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

YouTube media coverage of Epping migrant hotel protests, Catholic influencers, Claims journalists in Gaza face starvation

This week a super-injunction was lifted that allowed the press to report on a story it’s known about for some time – the Ministry of Defence’s leaking of personal details of almost 19,000 Afghan people who had applied to move to the UK. The Times’s Larisa Brown tells us how she, alongside other journalists, fought the super-injunction.The BBC’s Annual Report has contained some good news for the organisation, but has been overshadowed by recent controversies. We assess its future with the BBC’s former Editorial Director, Roger Mosey, and The Financial Times’s Daniel Thomas.As new TV show Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters begins on ITV, we hear from creative director of Plimsoll Productions Andrea Jackson about what it takes to develop a new format blending entertainment and natural history.This is the last year that the Tour de France will be on free-to-air TV in the UK. Rachel Jary, staff writer at Rouleur, and Chris Boardman, Active Travel Commissioner and former racing cyclist, discuss how the media covers the race.Producer: Lucy Wai
Assistant Producers: Emily Channon and Martha Owen

Afghan data breach superinjunction, Future of the BBC, Tour de France

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins discuss some of the main media stories in the news this week including the latest allegations about TV presenter Gregg Wallace with Max Goldbart, International TV Editor at Deadline. 
French police have been filmed getting tough with migrants getting into dinghies to cross the Channel this week, but was it just for the cameras as some claim? Andrew Harding  BBC Paris Correspondent talks about his report which made headlines this week and  Catherine Norris Trent, senior correspondent at France 24 reflects on how the French media cover the issue. 
Heloise Wood, Deputy News Editor, at Bookseller talks about fact checking in the publishing industry after claims the hit book The Salt Path which was made into a film isn’t really a truthful biography and as Oasis performs live for the first time since 2009,  we consider who owns the iconic images of their reunion concert? Andrew Moger, Chief Executive of the News Media Coalition and Danni Scott, Music and entertainment reporter at the Metro discuss. Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Gregg Wallace, The Salt Path, Oasis reunion tour, migrant small boats media coverage

As Channel 4 airs the Gaza documentary that the BBC has shelved, we speak to Dorothy Byrne, former Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel 4; Rosamund Urwin from The Sunday Times; and Chris Banatvala, former Director of Standards at Ofcom, about why the broadcasters took contrasting decisions. They also analyse the BBC’s much criticised broadcasting of Bob Vylan’s IDF chants at Glastonbury. What’s it like to do your job when people assume you’re biased due to your personal identity? Newshour presenter Tim Franks discusses his new book The Lines We Draw: The Journalist, the Jew and an Argument About Identity.  As the British Grand Prix kicks off this Sunday, we discuss the F1’s media strategy with F1 journalist Rebecca Clancy and broadcaster Steve Rider.

Broadcasting Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, Tim Franks, F1’s media strategy

Katie Razzall on some of this week's biggest media stories including an interview with Sebastien Lai, the son of the the political prisoner and media tycoon Jimmy Lai.
We talk to Minal Modha  Head of Sport Media Rights at Ampere Analysis about why the streaming giant Netflix is embracing some traditional linear TV channels.
After one couple win libel damages against the gossip website Tattle Life media lawyer Persephone  Bridgman Baker talks about the wider implications of the ruling.   
Deborah Haynes Sky News Security and Defence Editor on her new podcast The WarGame and reporting on the NATO summit in the Netherland and Behrang Tajdin a Correspondent with the BBC Persian News Service talks about the intimdation many staff and their families are facing because of their work.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer:  Lucy Wei

Jimmy Lai - media tycoon and political prisoner, the new Wargame podcast, Tattle Life gossip website

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins on some of the week's biggest media stories: How are journalists reporting on the Israel Iran conflict in the UK and around the world?  We talk to Shaina Oppenheimer from BBC Monitoring and Shashank Joshi Defence Editor at the Economist. The traditional pipeline of journalists moving into radio and television presentation is increasingly being replaced by the new social media influencers.  Caroline Frost Columnist at the Radio Times and Sarah Carson Chief Culture Writer and Contributing Editor at the i paper discuss the trend and Laura Nestler from Reddit on how the platform, which celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year, has become the fastest growing social media outlet in the UK.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Reporting on the Israel Iran conflict, influencers on the radio, Reddit at 20, Grenfell Uncovered documentary

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins with some of the biggest media stories of the week including Sir Martin Sorrell's take on the growth of Artificial Intelligence in the advertising world and how the industry is managing the change with Alex Dalman from the Advertising Association. 
Dan Snow talks about his History Hit podcast which is about to celebrate its tenth anniversary. Michael Bristow Asia/Pacific editor for the BBC World Service has the latest on cuts to Radio Free Asia's services and BBC investigative journalist Annabel Deas talks about her new podcast series exploring the world of people smuggling. What are the ethics of working with a convicted criminal to tell a story?Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai.

Sir Martin Sorrell on AI & Advertising, Dan Snow History Hit, the ethics of working with a convicted criminal to tell a story

Ros Atkins with some of the week's biggest media stories: 
Katherine Maher the CEO of National Public Radio in America on the attempts by President Trump to cut federal funding for the network.
How does the global media cover the Hajj at Mecca, we talk to ITV reporter Shehab Khan who has visited as a journalist and a pilgirm.
The journalist Patrick McGee talks about his new book "Apple in China: The capture of the World's Greatest Company." 
And what does the future hold for voice over artists in the AI era? We hear from Gayanne Potter who believes her voice has been used to train an AI generated voice and also to the General Secretary of Equity Paul Fleming.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai.

Reporting from the Hajj at Mecca, Katherine Maher from National Public Radio in America takes on President Trump's funding cuts

Katie Razzall presents some of the big stories in the media this week, including how the police in Merseyside changed their media strategy after a car ploughed into crowds attending a football victory parade in Liverpool. Rebecca Camber, who is security and crime editor at the Daily Mail and chair of the Crime Reporters Association, explains what is behind the shift.Travel presenter Simon Reeve joins YouTube influencer Alfie Watt, who won Race Across the World last year, to discuss the different media platforms selling the excitement of exploration to a range of audiences.And with news that ITV is to radically trim the air time of two of its long-running shows, Loose Women and Lorraine, presenter Kirstie Allsopp and media analyst Bella Monkcom from Enders Analysis discuss if there is a crisis in Britain's daytime TV sector.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson 
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Daytime TV crisis? Police media strategy shift after car ploughs into crowd at Liverpool FC parade, Simon Reeve

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins on some of this week's big media stories.
As Gary Lineker leaves the BBC we talk to the former Grandstand presenter Steve Rider, and current sports commentator Henry Winter. 
The Sunday Times Media Editor Ros Urwin discusses her scoop on Huw Edwards as well as the persistance needed in investigative journalism with BBC correspondent Sanchia Berg who has been reporting on Baby Elsa, one of three infants abandoned by the same mum.
We'll also be talking to the journalist who has just won Private Eye's Paul Foot Award which was announced last night.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson and Lucy Wai
Assistant producer: Emily Channon

Gary Lineker fallout

Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall on the week's big media stories from around the world. 
What next for presenter Jo Coburn who leaves Politics Live next week after nearly thirty years with the BBC? She's covered the tumultuous years of the Scottish and EU referendums, Brexit, the pandemic, lockdown and shifting political landscape. We hear about her highs, lows, and plans for the future.
Who to trust for news in the India/Pakistan conflict as disinfomation spreads across the media from all sides?  Shayan Sardarizadeh a senior journalist at BBC Verify has been monitoring the situation.
Nino Bucci the  justice and courts reporter at Guardian Australia tells us about the mushroom murder trial which has gripped the interest of the global media.
As the BBC's Director General Tim Davie delivers a speech about the unique role the corporation can play in the future, the media executive Sir Peter Bazalgette considers the long term future for all public service broadcasters in the UK.
And the weather influencers taking social media by storm. Are they as reliable as traditional forecasters?  We hear from Max Velocity, a YouTube weatherman based in the United States and ITV's Laura Tobin.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

The weather influencers taking social media by storm, Sir Peter Bazalgette, reporting the mushroom murder trial in Australia

Ros Atkins & Katie Razzall talk to the self professed Media Diva Tina Brown.  The former editor in chief of Tatler, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, and the founding editor in chief of The Daily Beast talks about the changing media landscape and her recent move onto the online publishing platform Substack with her Fresh Hell diary. She's joined by Chris Best cofounder of Substack.
Allegations that Viktor Orban is subsidising supportive media outlets with the BBC's Central European Correspondent Nick Thorpe and after Reform UK’s successes in last week’s English elections the BBC’s chief political adviser Ric Bailey, Anna Gross from the Financial Times and James Heale from the Spectator consider how the media has handled Nigel Farage in this campaign – and over the years.   Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Self-professed media diva Tina Brown and Chris Best, cofounder of the publishing platform Substack

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins talk to Piers Morgan about his new Youtube venture Uncensored. 
What are the implications for the Media of the UK Supreme Court's ruling that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex? Rosamund Urwin Media Editor at The Times and the New Statesman Associate Editor Hannah Barnes and author of Time to Think: The Inside Story of the Collapse of the Tavistock’s Gender Service for Children”, jane fae from the charity Trans Media Watch and Dominic Casciani the BBCs Legal and Home Affairs Correspondent discuss.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Piers Morgan, the impact of the  Supreme Court ruling on sex and gender for the media

Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins discuss some of the biggest media stories this week including:
The latest on the Pentagon leaks in America from David Smith Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian newspaper. Political commentator Isabel Oakeshott and Peter Cardwell author of "The Secret Life of Special Advisers" consider the relationship between politicians and the media in the UK.
As the TV show Genius Game begins on ITV, we hear from its executive producer Tamara Gilder. The series is based on a  South Korean Show and is fronted by David Tennant.
Tony Pastor from Goalhanger podcast company talks about the role of advertising revenue in the industry and how are media outlets covering the death of Pope Francis? Tom Kington Italy Correspondent for The Times newspaper joins us from the Vatican Media Centre.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Pentagon leaks, reporting on the death of the Pope, Genius Game

Katie Razzall talks to Katy Balls, Political Editor of the Spectator as she heads off for her new posting as Washington Editor for the Times and Sunday Times. 
What's it like reporting on the industrial crisis which led to the recall of parliament at the weekend? Sky's Economics Editor Ed Conway describes his difficulties gaining 
access to the Chinese owned British Steel factory in Scunthorpe, BBC North reporter Jo Makel has followed the story for  years and former BBC political correspondent  Nick Jones is a veteran of industrial reporting and author of "The Lost Tribe: Whatever Happened to Fleet Street's Industrial Correspondents?" 
Intellectual property law in the age of artificial intelligence under threat:  At the weekend Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, posted “delete all IP law” on the social media platform, now rebranded as X. Current owner Elon Musk swiftly responded to the tweet with: “I agree." Dr Hayleigh Bosher, Reader in Intellectual Property Law at Brunel University, takes us through Dorsey's argument and what it tells us about Big Tech's changing attitude towards copyright. 
Amit Katwala, features editor at Wired, profiles Alexis Ohanian. The co-founder of Reddit is now a venture capitalist who has made headlines for acquiring the social media platform Digg, and joining Frank McCourt's 'People's Bid' for US TikTok.   
And is the UK ready for Sky's Saturday Night Live, the hit American show which will soon be on our screens ? We talk to  comedian Tamar Broadbent and Caroline Frost from the Radio Times about what we can expect from the remake.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Reporting on the British Steel crisis, should we 'ditch' intellectual property law? and Saturday Night Live for Britain?

Katie Razzall and guests discuss some of the biggest media stories this week: As the cricket season gets going Tim Wigmore cricket commentator at The Telegraph focuses on the Indian Premier League which has become one of the most valuable sports media events ever. Former Editor of The Lady magazine Rachel Johnson and current editor Helen Budworth discuss the closure of the UK's oldest women's magazine and the BBC's deputy economic editor Dharshini David and Max Goldbart the International TV editor at Deadline news site consider the impact of President Trump's tariffs on the TV and streaming industries as well as tech companies. Tony Allen, CEO of the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) based in Stockport has been tasked by the Australian government to trial age assurance technologies, following the government's decision to ban social media for those under 16. He'll be giving an update on his progress . Our latest tech-bro profile tells the story of Jensen Huang who founded the chip company Nvidia. Stephen Witt, author of "The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, and the World’s Most Coveted Microchip" out this week tells his story.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

IPL cricket , the end of The Lady magazine, Tech bro profile Nvidia boss Jensen Huang, impact of tariffs on TV and the streamers

We explore the impact of the hit Netflix drama, Adolescence, which has sparked national debate over boys' media consumption and online misogyny. Katie talks to Cenk Uygur, founder of US progressive network The Young Turks and, on the afternoon it's released, we get the lowdown on Nintendo's long-awaited Switch 2 console. Guests: Claire Holubowskyj, Senior Research Analyst, Enders Analysis; Dr Marcus Gilroy-Ware, Lecturer in Creative Digital Media SOAS, University of London; Oli Dugmore, Editor, Joe; Cenk Uygur, Host, Founder, CEO, Young Turks; Keza MacDonald, Video Games Editor, The Guardian Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producers: Simon Richardson and Lucy Wai

Impact of Adolescence drama, Nintendo Switch 2 launch, The Young Turks

The director of Wolf Hall, Peter Kosminsky, and CEO of Bad Wolf, Jane Tranter, discuss a TV industry in crisis. As the editor of the Atlantic magazine reveals he was added to a White House group chat on Signal, we profile the founder of the messaging app. Also on the programme, how authors and publishers are responding to their works allegedly being used to train AI models. And as protests continue in Turkey, we speak to a reporter about the detention of journalists covering the events.Guests: Peter Kosminsky, Director, Wolf Hall; Jane Tranter, Co-founder, Bad Wolf; Alex Reisner, programmer and contributing writer, The Atlantic; Rosie Wilby, author, The Breakup Monologues; Catriona MacLeod Stevenson, Deputy CEO, Publishers Association; James Ball, Political Editor, The New European; Selin Girit, journalist, BBC  Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Lucy Wai
Assistant Producers: Flora McWilliam and Elena Angelides

Peter Kosminsky, AI and publishing, Media crackdown in Turkey

Ros, Katie and guests assess Labour's media strategy amid its £5bn welfare cuts and weigh up the impact of Donald Trump’s defunding of US state-backed broadcasters. We've another in our series of 'tech bro' profiles, this week of Chinese AI entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng, whose Deepseek chatbot is challenging the US tech giants. Plus we talk to Dan Reed about Leaving Neverland 2, his latest documentary on the fallout from allegations against Michael Jackson.Guests: Kate McCann, Breakfast Presenter, Times Radio; Sophia Smith Galer, writer and creator; Bay Fang, President, Radio Free Asia; Jennifer Gyrgiel, Associate Professor, Syracuse University; Richard Spencer, China Correspondent, The Times; Dan Reed, Michael Jackson docPresenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Welfare reform coverage, Michael Jackson documentary, cuts to US-backed overseas media

An exclusive interview with Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former Facebook executive publishing a revealing new book, Careless People, about her time at the company. Having held a top global public policy role, she shares her views on the tech giant’s values and policies. Also in the programme, literary agent Jonny Geller live from the London Book Fair, we profile AI leader Demis Hassabis and get the inside track on a new reality TV show all about chess, Chess Masters.Guests: Sarah Wynn Williams, former Facebook executive; Suzanne Nossel, Member, Meta Oversight Board; Jonny Geller, CEO, Curtis Brown; Melissa Heikkilä, AI Correspondent, FT; Camilla Lewis, CEO, Curve Media Presenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Emily Channon

New Facebook memoir, TV show Chess Masters, books to films at London Book Fair

As the Trump administration takes control of the 100 year-old media pool system, Eugene Daniels, President of the White House Correspondents' Association shares concerns about government transparency and who now gets access to the President. Max Tani, Media Editor at Semafor explains the Washington Post's controversial new opinions policy and former Managing Editor Cameron Barr tells us why he resigned in protest. A new documentary, Kursk: 10 Days That Shaped Putin, sheds light on the early days of the Russian leader's presidency. Its Director Becky Read tells us how she made it alongside BBC Monitoring’s Francis Scarr who explains how the 2000 submarine disaster shaped Putin’s media strategy.  We hear a profile of Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos from Greg Williams, Deputy Global Editorial Director at WIRED. Also in the show, Oscar-winning director Molly O’Brien discusses her film The Only Girl in the Orchestra and the media demands of winning an Academy Award.Eugene Daniels, Chief Playbook and White House Correspondent, POLITICO and WHCA President; Cameron Barr, former Senior Managing Editor, Washington Post; Max Tani, Media Editor, Semafor; Becky Read, Director, Kursk: 10 Days That Shaped Putin; Francis Scarr, Russia Specialist, BBC Monitoring; Greg Williams, Deputy Global Editorial Director, WIRED; Molly O’Brien, Director, The Only Girl in the Orchestra  Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

White House press access, Kursk documentary, Jeff Bezos's new rules for the Washington Post

Social media bosses from Meta, X, TikTok and Google were grilled by the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee yesterday. We speak to Labour Chair of the committee, Chi Onwurah, for her reaction. Also on the programme, a career interview with the British-American broadcaster Mehdi Hasan. He discusses his new media business Zeteo, his departure from MSNBC and the importance of opinion journalism. As the BBC faces criticism about its Gaza documentary – it’s emerged that the boy who narrates the film is the son of a Hamas official – we discuss the controversy with former Head of News & Current Affairs at Channel 4, Dorothy Byrne, and TV executive Leo Pearlman. Plus, Max Chafkin, Bloomberg reporter and author of The Contrarian, profiles Paypal co-founder Peter Thiel.Guests: Chi Onwurah, MP, Labour; Mehdi Hasan, broadcaster and CEO, Zeteo; Dorothy Byrne, former Head of News and Current Affairs, Channel Four; Leo Pearlman, Co-CEO, Fulwell Entertainment; Max Chafkin, tech reporter and author, BloombergPresenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Mehdi Hasan, BBC Gaza doc controversy, Peter Thiel profile

As international talks continue about the war in Ukraine, former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu and Times defence editor Larisa Brown compare notes. David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, joins us to discuss his editorial process and business strategy as the magazine turns 100. Also on the programme, Mike Isaac from The New York Times profiles the CEO of OpenAI. Plus, how can the media adapt to the needs of Gen Z? We discuss with the FT’s Stephanie Stacey and Hilary Xherimeja, CEO of the media recruitment company Sondr.Guests: Oana Lungescu, former spokesperson, NATO; Larisa Brown, Defence Editor, The Times; David Remnick, Editor, The New Yorker; Mike Isaac, Tech Correspondent, The New York Times; Stephanie Stacey, Tech Reporter and graduate trainee, FT; Hilary Xherimeja, CEO, SondrPresenter: Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Media diplomacy, The New Yorker at 100, Sam Altman profile

What happened at Elon Musk’s unexpected White House press conference alongside President Trump? Reuters’ Jeff Mason was there. Semafor’s Max Tani and First Amendment expert Katie Fallow discuss Trump’s $20 million lawsuit against CBS News. We also examine the impact of US AID cuts on global media, with BBC Media Action’s Simon Bishop addressing claims of foreign influence. Wired’s Lauren Goode profiles venture capitalist Marc Andreessen in a new series on Silicon Valley elites and MSNBC’s Chris Hayes discusses his book The Siren's Call, all about the attention economy and big tech’s grip on our focus.Guests: Max Tani, Media Editor, Semafor; Katie Fallow, litigation expert, Knight First Amendment Institute; Simon Bishop, CEO, BBC Media Action; Chris Hayes, Host, MSNBC, Lauren Goode, Senior Writer, Wired; Jeff Mason, White House Correspondent, Reuters Presenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

In the room with Trump and Musk, BBC Media Action answers its critics, what makes tech bros tick?

Katie and Ros are joined by some of the biggest names in media to dissect the shifting landscape of news, business models, and audience trust. Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon discusses the network’s latest research on Gen Z’s relationship with truth and news consumption, while Sky News Group Executive Chair David Rhodes lays out his vision for the future of Sky’s journalism in a digital-first world. Lorna Woods from The University of Essex weighs up how some of the proposals we've heard to regulate online content might work in practice. The Independent’s Editor-in-Chief Geordie Greig reflects on the publication’s digital success and its latest funding from the Bill Gates Foundation. Plus, an exclusive interview with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who reflects on the power and pitfalls of big tech. Guests: Alex Mahon, CEO, Channel 4; David Rhodes, Executive Chairman, Sky News Group; Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief, The Independent; Lorna Woods, Professor of Internet Law, University of Essex; Bill Gates, Co-Founder, Microsoft Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Future-proofing media

From TikTok to AI, concerns are growing around the world about the influence of Chinese technology. Kathrin Hille, FT Greater China correspondent, tells us how TikTok might be influencing the political views of young people in Taiwan but former Head of Cybersecurity at GCHQ Ciaran Martin says the threat may not be as it seems. What will new reporting rules mean for the way the press covers the family court? We get two perspectvies. Katie and Ros meet the producer of a controversial new Channel 4 programme which puts people with strong opinions about immigration into the shoes of those attempting to come to the UK. Plus, we find out why a gang of nerds has been flocking to Las Vegas to solve unusual game tasks in Microsoft Excel.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy WaiGuests: Shirin Ghaffary, AI Reporter, Bloomberg; Ciaran Martin, Professor, Oxford University Blavatnik School of Government; Kathrin Hille, Greater China correspondent, Financial Times; Hannah Summers, Family Courts Journalist, Bureau of Investigative Journalism; Emily Verity, Barrister, 1GC Family Law; Emma Young, Executive Producer, Minnow Films; Robert McMillan, Reporter, Wall Street Journal

China's AI win, transparency in family courts, refugee life close up

The long-running legal battle between Prince Harry and the British tabloids has come to a dramatic end. As the owner of the Sun newspaper offers him a full apology and substantial damages, we unpick the significance of the settlement. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have also made headlines as subjects of a new cover story in Vanity Fair - we speak to its author. Also on the programme, we look at how news outlets have reported the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Plus the BBC’s Director of Children & Education joins us to discuss the crisis facing children’s TV.Presenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy WaiGuests: Jake Kanter, International Investigations Editor, Deadline; Joshua Rozenberg, legal commentator; Chris Huhne, former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change; Anna Peele, Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair; Noga Tarnopolsky, freelance journalist; Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children & Education, BBC; David Kleeman, Senior Vice President of Global Trends, Dubit.

Prince Harry settles, Gaza ceasefire coverage, Children’s TV

We talk to reporters in Los Angeles about the challenges of covering the fires there. As the government prepares to begin the charter renewal process which will decide the future of the BBC, one option being discussed is mutualisation. We explore what that could look like. A new podcast features celebrities interviewed by a reincarnated AI Michael Parkinson. We meet the team behind it. We get an update on the possibility of Tiktok being banned in the US, plus sift the TV industry’s viewing data for Christmas to see what it tells us about the kind of TV we all want to watch.  Presenter: Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy WaiGuests: Jonathan Hunt, Chief Correspondent, Fox News; Emma Vardy, LA Correspondent, BBC News; Allison Agsten, Director, USC Annenberg’s Center for Climate Journalism and Communication; Caroline Frost, Columnist, Radio Times; Lara O'Reilly, Senior Correspondent, Business Insider; Tom Mills, Chair, Media Reform Coalition; Benjamin Field, Executive Producer, Deep Fusion Films

Reporting the LA Fires, AI Michael Parkinson, US TikTok ban approaches

We talk to Andrew Norfolk, one of the first journalists to report on the grooming gangs story, an issue now in headlines around the world because of the interventions of Elon Musk. Nazir Afzal, former prosecutor explains how journalists helped advise the Crown Prosecution Service about the case. Meta’s decision to scrap US fact-checkers in favor of user-led "community notes," has proved controversial. We find out why. We ask what journalists in the so-called legacy media can learn from news influencers on TikTok. Plus get the latest on one of the most hyped releases of the year (if it happens) Grand Theft Auto 6.Guests: Andrew Norfolk, Former Chief Investigative Reporter, The Times; Nazir Afzal, former chief prosecutor for the North West England region; Julia Angwin, journalist and fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School; Angie Drobnic Holan, Director, PolitiFact; Joey Contino, TikTok news influencer; Alessandra Galloni, Thompson Reuters editor-in-chief; Vic Hood, games critic  
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Uncovering the grooming gangs, Meta ditches fact checkers, Grand Theft Auto 6

A New Years Day programme where we look forward and back. The Media Show teams up with Radio 4's crisis communications podcast, When it Hits the Fan, to discuss what the big stories of the year tell us about how journalists and PR professionals interact. It’s a year since the hugely influential ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office brought the plight of hundreds of sub-postmasters and mistresses wrongly accused of fraud into our living rooms. We hear how those affected have approached their relationship with the media since then. Plus we assemble a panel of media experts to get their predictions of major trends we'll see in 2025.Guests: David Yelland and Simon Lewis, presenters, When it Hits the Fan; Rebekah Foot, Chair, Lost Chances; Madhumita Murgia, AI Editor, FT; Charlotte Tobitt, UK Editor, Press Gazette; Rebecca Jennings, Senior correspondent, Vox  Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson

PR v journalism, Post Office drama one year on, predictions for 2025

We discuss why CNN is under pressure after a viral news report from Syria turned out not to be all it claimed to be. As ABC News settles a defamation lawsuit with Donald Trump for $15m, we look at what it means for journalism. Also on the programme, a BBC World Service investigation has found that Steven Bartlett’s Diary of A CEO is amplifying harmful health misinformation with little or no challenge. We hear why health and wellness content has proven so popular on podcasts and social media. One half of the Youtube comedy group Map Men reveal how they turned their passion for cartography into a global phenomenon. Plus the editor-in-chief of Time Magazine tells us why they have selected President Elect Trump as their Person of the Year. Guests: 
David Folkenflik, Media Correspondent, NPR; Katie Fallow, Deputy Litigation Director, Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University; Cécile Simmons, Investigative Researcher, Institute for Strategic Dialogue; Dr Megan Rossi, Dietician, known as The Gut Health Doctor; Nick Hilton, Co-founder, Podot; Jay Foreman, Comedian and YouTube creator; Sam Jacobs, Editor-in-chief, Time magazinePresenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Lucy Wai
Assistant Producer: Martha Owen

CNN Syria Report, Health Misinformation, Time Person of the Year

Kholoud Helmi, co-founder of independent Syrian newspaper Enab Baladi and reporter Edmund Bower discuss the fall of the Assad regime. We hear about claims of misconduct at one of the world’s largest LGBT media platforms. Mia Sato from The Verge and influencer Michael McWhorter examine how online communities responded to the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO and we discuss a controversial lawsuit about the ownership of social media aesthetics. Plus Benjamin Strick, an expert in open-source intelligence, reveals simple tools to uncover the truth behind online content.Guests: Kholoud Helmi, founder of Syrian independent newspaper Enab Baladi; Benjamin Strick, Investigations Director, Centre for Information Resilience; Josh Parry, BBC journalist, LGBT and Identity; Mia Sato, Platforms & Communities Reporter, The Verge; Michael McWhorter, social media influencer known as Tizzy Ent; Edmund Bower, freelance reporter covering Syria for The Times Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer Lucy Wai

Media in the new Syria, how to be an online investigator, can you copyright a vibe?

Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour talks to Katie about her career and the new exhibition, VOGUE: Inventing the Runway. As more allegations emerge about the conduct of Master Chef host Gregg Wallace, we hear about the on-set rules supposed to protect participants in reality TV. The civil war in Syria has a sophisticated social media front. We get a briefing now the conflict is back in the headlines. Plus we've a guide to getting started on Reddit, the fastest-growing social media platform in the UK. Guests: Jo Hemmings, Duty of Care Psychologist; James Ball, Political editor, The New European; Robert H Peck, Associate Professor, The University of Iowa; Charlie Winter, Associate Fellow, International Centre for Counter-Terrorism; Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue; Hadley Freeman, Columnist, Sunday Times Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

How to interview Anna Wintour, welfare on TV sets, where to start with Reddit

We talk to journalists and influencers about how they discuss assisted dying. As staff at The Observer vote to go on strike over the plans, its outgoing editor explains why he's against a proposed sale of the Sunday newspaper to Toirtoise media. We ask if department store Christmas adverts still retain their iconic status in 2024 and we consider what presenter Mishal Husain's departure means for BBC flagship news show, Today. Plus we get the latest on the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which is now heading for the courts.Guests: Alex Farber, Media Correspondent, The Times; Paul Webster, outgoing Editor, The Observer; Franki Goodwin, Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi and Saatchi; Maisie McCabe, UK editor, Campaign magazine; Julie McFadden, end of life care influencer; Janet Eastham, Social and Religious Affairs Editor, The Telegraph; Mark Savage, BBC Music CorrespondentPresenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall
Producer; Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

The end-of-life influencer, Christmas adverts, Mishal Husain leaves the BBC

The resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury has sparked renewed discussion about accountability in the Church of England. Cathy Newman, Presenter and Investigations Editor, Channel 4 News, reflects on her investigation which triggered it. Mark Stibbe, one of Cathy's original sources, discusses the impact of coming forward with his story. Colin Campbell, Investigative Journalist, BBC News, shares his experience of reporting on cover-ups and systemic failures in the Church’s handling of abuse cases.Friday’s Netflix boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson was more than a fight; it was a media moment. Evan Shapiro, Media Commentator and ‘Media Cartographer,’ sees it as evidence of influencer dominance over traditional media. Oliver Brown, Chief Sports Writer, Daily Telegraph, discusses whether such events mark a shift from genuine sport to spectacle.Games are more than leisure activities; they are now central to media business models. Zoe Bell, Executive Producer of Games, The New York Times, explains how puzzles like Wordle and its new game Zorse contribute to subscription growth. John Halpern, crossword setter, shares insights into his process for crafting puzzles and the timeless appeal of crosswords.Katie Martin, Columnist, Financial Times, discusses her move from X to Bluesky. She reflects on the challenges of platform migration, the persistence of echo chambers, and the broader implications for media spaces.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Investigating abuse in the Church of England, Tyson vs Paul, NYT Games, Leaving X for Bluesky

When Donald Trump won in 2016, it boosted cable news and newspaper subscriptions, with some outlets taking an avowedly anti-Trump stance; some even called this the ‘resistance’. What’s going to happen now? We talk to journalists with different approaches. As popular Channel 4 gameshow Taskmaster celebrates its tenth anniversary, creator Alex Horne shares the secrets of its success. And we assess the choices facing BBC Sport after it was announced Gary Lineker will be standing down from Match of the Day.  Guests: Edward Luce, Associate Editor, The Financial Times; Megan McArdle, Columnist, The Washington Post; Katie Drummond, Global Editorial Director, Wired; Alex Horne, creator, Taskmaster; Caroline Frost, columnist, Radio Times 
 
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer

How to cover Trump now, Taskmaster creator Alex Horne and who will replace Gary Lineker?

Donald Trump has pledged to send reporters to jail and strip major television networks of their broadcast licenses. We discuss how the Presidential campaign was covered and what happens next. James Harding of Tortoise Media discusses his plans to buy The Observer, and as a new investigation into the business interests of the Royals is released, we discuss the story, its coverage and the life of the royal journalist.Guests: James Harding, Editor and Founder, Tortoise Media; Claire Atkinson, Media Reporter, Media Mix Newsletter; Max Tani, Media Editor at news website, Semafor; Alistair Jackson, Investigations Editor, Channel 4; Jennie Bond, former BBC Royal Correspondent; Kinsey Schofield, Host, To Di for DailyPresenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Trump's winning media strategy, Observer sale, royal journalism

This week, The Media Show broadcasts from Washington DC, and asks what the election tells us about the media's role in modern America. The Washington Post finds itself at the heart of a debate on media impartiality after a reported loss of thousands of subscribers following its decision not to endorse a candidate. NPR's media correspondent, David Folkenflik, joins us to unpack the unfolding crisis. With tech billionaires wielding significant influence, this election has seen figures like Elon Musk openly backing Donald Trump. Critics argue that big tech’s sway over public discourse has become too potent. Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow in technology policy at the Cato Institute, and Marietje Schaake, a former MEP now with Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center, debate the issues. For over 170 years, the Associated Press has been at the forefront of election coverage, calling winners across the nation. Anna Johnson, AP’s Washington bureau chief, explains how it does what might be "the single largest act of journalism in the world". Also on the show, Lauren Egan, White House reporter for Politico, talks Ros through her job and what access she gets to the President. And David A Kaplan, former Newsweek legal affairs expert, reflects on the 2000 election—a time when the relationship between the media, the candidates and the public looked very different.Presented by: Ros Atkins 
Produced by: Simon Richardson 
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai 
Sound: Ben Martin

Ballots, bias and big tech

George Osborne, presenter of Political Currency, on covering his first Labour budget as a journalist. After it was pulled from the programme of the London Film Festival at the weekend, Katie talks to the makers of the undercover film exposing UK far-right activists some consider too dangerous to show. After Katie's recent interview with Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, we look at how he used the media to promote his message and whether that’s still possible in Russia right now. And we meet the executive producer behind the Real Housewives franchise, Andy Cohen.Guests: George Osborne, Co-host, Political Currency podcast; Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor, The FT; Havana Marking, documentary maker; Nick Lowles, CEO Hope Not Hate; Andy Cohen, Host and Executive Producer, Real Housewives franchise; Francis Scarr, Russia specialist, BBC Monitoring; Daniel De Simone, Investigations Correspondent, BBC News Presenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai