City Sounds

In Part 2 of our mini series on the legacy of City Journalism, we investigate how the reporting of disasters has evolved since the Lockerbie tragedy.We hear from some of the first reporters at the scene, including one who had only recently graduated from his newspaper degree.In the decades that have followed, much has changed in the technology and ways of working, but also in our understanding of how reporting such tragedies affects the journalists involved.The series is part of the 50 year anniversary of the journalism department and has been produced by students of the MA in Podcasting.Presented by Lotte Micklethwaite (MA International Journalism) and Nancy Sangare (BA Journalism) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalism is under fire - with the combined threats of AI and media manipulation causing many to question who and what they should believe. There's arguably never been a moment when quality reporting mattered more.One of the world's leading journalism schools is marking 50 years of producing editors, researchers and reporters who continue to be front and centre of that debate and this mini series matches some of our journalists in training with former students to examine the big stories of our time.In this Episode Pippa Crerar and George Parker explain how the 'Partygate' story developed.Produced by students on the MA Podcasting course.Presented by Guy Seagars (MA International Journalism) and Ianthe Whiteley (BA Journalism) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Unspoken Rules, we dive into one of the most overused—and misunderstood—words in everyday life: sorry. Sparked by a listener’s voicemail, the team unpacks the many meanings behind this seemingly simple word, from polite reflex to genuine expression of remorse.Host Lizzy reflects on her own habit of over-apologising—something many of us can relate to—whether it’s saying sorry for sneezing, asking someone to move their bag, or even when someone else bumps into you. But why do we do this? Is it cultural, gendered, or simply ingrained social behaviour?To explore this, the episode features insights from Dr. Eva Ogiermann, a linguistics expert specialising in apologies across cultures. She explains how apologies have evolved from serious, religious acts of seeking forgiveness into everyday social tools—especially in English, where “sorry” can be used casually and often without deep intent.Mediator, Stephen Wildblood KC, adds another layer, sharing how apologies function in conflict resolution. He highlights the importance of sincerity, tone, and body language, noting that words alone don’t determine whether an apology feels genuine.The episode also examines cultural differences. Research shows that British people apologise far more frequently than others—often automatically—while in countries like Germany, apologies are less frequent but more deliberate and meaningful.Through listener stories, including a failed grand romantic gesture involving graffiti, the episode reveals how complicated apologies can be. Ultimately, it asks: has “sorry” lost its meaning, or has it simply evolved?Producers: Jake Preston, Lizzy Leach, Michael EllisEditors: Michael Ellis, Jake PrestonSound Designer: Michael EllisWith special thanks to Stephen Wildblood and Dr. Eva Ogiermann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this debut episode of Glorious Mud, the series for those who are London curious — host Lucinda Acland introduces mudlarking past and present, uncovering the striking story of Peggy Jones, a Georgian mudlark captured in an 1805 volume of the magazine, Kirby’s Wonderful and Eccentric Museum — and who later vanished without trace or explanation. Wading waist-deep at Blackfriars to feel for coal with her bare feet, Peggy survived on what the Thames surrendered between tides. But who was she, how did she live and why did she disappear?  Through vivid historical accounts and insight from Kate Sumnall, curator of the Museum of London Docklands’ 'Secrets of the Thames' exhibition, we explore the stark divide between mudlarking as survival in the past and today’s regulated, increasingly popular hobby.  Perfect for listeners who love London history, past lives and intrigue, this episode brings a cast of the Thames’s forgotten characters back into view.   Step into the mud. Meet Peggy Jones. Listen to Glorious Mud now and discover what the river remembers.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: Food & Drink In this episode, detective Melusi is sent into the streets of Islington to uncover the history of food, drink and the spaces that shaped everyday life in the borough. Guided by local experts, he follows a trail through markets, dining halls, and gin distilleries, revealing how trade, industry, and working-class communities transformed Islington over the centuries. From the bustling meat trade of Smithfield to the chaos of the gin craze, the evidence is everywhere - if you know where to look. Stops on the trail include: Smithfield Market: London’s historic meat market, operating since at least the 12th century and rebuilt in 1868 by Horace Jones. Once a site of livestock trading, public spectacles, and even executions - including that of William Wallace - it remains the UK’s largest wholesale meat market today (albeit whose days are numbered). St Bartholomew’s Hospital area: a site tied to the darker history of Smithfield, where public executions took place, reflecting the area’s role as both a centre of commerce and spectacle. Alexandra Trust Dining Rooms: founded by Thomas Lipton with the support of Princess Alexandra, these dining halls provided affordable meals for working-class Londoners in the early 20th century, serving thousands with innovative large-scale kitchens. Whitecross Street Market: a historic street market that once served a poor and densely populated community, now a vibrant food destination offering global cuisines. The area was also home to a notorious debtor’s prison and an 18th-century red-light district. Clerkenwell Gin Distilling Sites: including the legacy of Booth’s Gin and other distillers, which flourished during the 18th-century gin craze - a period famously depicted in Gin Lane, highlighting the social consequences of widespread alcohol consumption. Islington guides, in order of appearance: Jane Parker · Nigel Smith · John Finn · Jonathan Wober Produced by: Sandy WarrWith thanks to: Jane Parker and the tour guides at Islington Guided Walks Presented by Islington Guided Walks and City St George’s, University of London To book a walk or find out more, visit Islington Guided Walks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.