Claim OwnershipMedia Confidential
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Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber—two of the world’s greatest editors—dive into the hugely important world of media. What—and who—drives it? What do they get right... And what do they get wrong?
Lionel, former editor of the Financial Times, and Alan, editor of Prospect and former editor of the Guardian, will bring you revealing, high profile interviews and in-depth discussion.
Media Confidential is produced by Prospect Magazine.
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175 Episodes
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This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by historian Fara Dabhoiwala to discuss his new book What is Free Speech?They discuss how the concept of “free speech” came about—and how the notion has always been weaponised. They also analyse the role of media and social media companies and answer: are broadcasters responsible for everything shared on their platforms?And after being called out in a speech, Alan responds to right-wing media baron Paul Marshall, who recently lamented the problems with today’s media landscape. Plus, the hosts reflect on the passing of presenter Alan Yentob.Fara’s book ‘What is Free Speech? The history of a dangerous idea’ is out now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You’ve been listening to the Prospect Podcast, Media Confidential’s sister podcast. To subscribe on Spotify, click HERE. For Apple podcasts, click HERE. Why does every platform seem to get worse over time? Ellen Halliday and Alona Ferber are joined by journalist, tech activist and sci-fi writer Cory Doctorow, who coined the term “enshittification” to describe the decay of digital services into exploitative, user-hostile platforms.As constraints that once kept platforms in check have broken down, Cory shares how tech giants polluted the digital landscape, why AI-generated “slop” has sped it up, and why we should all care. What’s in it for tech CEOs? What is this is doing to us as humans? And what would real de-enshittification look like?Cory discusses how to grab people’s attention, and how to fight back against tech giants.Cory’s book ‘Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It’ is published by Verso Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Back in July, Alan and Lionel were joined by Line Vaaben, who is ‘existential editor’ at Danish newspaper Politiken.Line and her team write stories that explore the complexities of life, love and death. She discussed her award-winning journalism with Alan and Lionel, which included spending time embedded in a palliative care ward, notepad in hand, as people took their last breaths.To listen to all past episodes of Media Confidential, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does “no-platforming” have a place in journalism? Alan and Lionel are joined by Zanny Minton Beddoes, the editor-in-chief of the Economist.They discuss how to cover far-right politics and whether a reporter should ever avoid interviewing divisive figures. Zanny and Lionel talk about the backlash they each received after interviewing Steve Bannon.The three also reflect on biggest news stories of the year, the “extraordinary” state of politics in the USA and the challenges of mainstream media in covering the Trump administration.Plus, Zanny explains how the Economist created a new AI lab and changed its strategy to adapt to how readers consume journalism now. And, with the biggest UK media job of still up for grabs, could she be in the running for director general of the BBC? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As his time as editor comes to an end, Alan talks to Lionel about his final edition of Prospect—and what he plans to do next. He reflects on his time at the magazine and how it compares to his old haunt at the Guardian.The pair also discuss Netflix’s bid for Warner Bros, the hunt for Channel 4’s new CEO and the murky world of content moderation.‘Media Confidential’ with Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber will continue on Monday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Franz Wild is our guest on this week’s Media Confidential. He’s the editor-in-chief and CEO of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism—also known as “The Bureau”.Alan, Lionel and Franz discuss society’s dire need for investigative journalism and why the job of being an investigative journalist attracts a certain type of character: someone who is willing to keep their eye on a story that might take years to come to light.They also talk about funding models, the menacing letters Bureau editors receive, and why they won’t be intimidated by threats of legal action against their journalists.Franz also talks about the importance of editorial independence and why the public discourse needs investigative journalists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Alan and Lionel discuss editorial independence, the BBC’s search for a new director general and ask if the current structure is even working.Is the role too much for one person? As the post-budget scrutiny rumbles on, they also talk about which publications are producing the best analysis—and whose is best avoided...Plus, the hosts discuss 40 years of the Independent after learning of the death of one of its founders, Andreas Whittam Smith, and reminisce about the life and legacy of the late Tom Stoppard.Today’s episode is brought to you by ENERGISE AFRICA – the innovative UK-based investment site that helps bring vital solar energy access to people across sub-Saharan Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1Alan and Lionel are joined by documentary maker Ben Zand, founder of documentary company Zandland and co-host of the new current affairs podcast Untangled.He talks about the era of podcasts, how to reach younger audiences and what being “authentic” means in practice. Ben also shares his journey from self-shooting to the BBC, to starting his own company.He gives advice for early career journalists, including how to cope with rejection, and discusses the democratisation of media. What opportunities have opened up?Plus, the trio discuss the challenges facing the BBC, its strengths and how it must adapt to survive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After this month’s media chaos, Alan shares his experience of Monday’s select committee hearing, where BBC board members were brought before MPs. But why did no-one address the elephant in the room?As Lionel returns from his overseas travels, the reunited hosts discuss the media bombshells that dropped in his absence. They also examine claims by historian Rutger Bregman that the BBC censored his speech at its annual lecture to remove negative mentions of Donald Trump.Finally, after the OBR accidentally published its budget forecast before the chancellor’s speech, the pair answer a question about reporting on leaks.You can read Alan’s BBC analysis here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/71655/firestorm-has-ripped-through-bbc-no-one-will-say-why Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Media Confidential team got up early to talk through the options in advance of BBC heads facing the cross-party Culture, Media and Sport select committee.Alan and Janine discussed what might happen next, as MPs prepare to question organisation chiefs over a leaked memo accusing the BBC of bias and systemic problems. And who might be helicoptered in to sort the chaos at the broadcaster?The hosts also discuss the Financial Times’ scoop on the potential sale of the Telegraph to the Mail and what it might mean for the broadsheet—and the strength of right-wing media in Britain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In an era of punitive lawsuits, how can we protect journalistic freedoms? This week, Alan and Janine talk to David McCraw, the lead newsroom lawyer for the New York Times. With Donald Trump’s record of launching libel cases against major media outlets on both sides of the pond, the three discuss how big lawsuits are used to capture headlines and apply pressure.They talk about the significance of the 1964 landmark case New York Times v Sullivan, the weaknesses of UK legislation, and the need for reform.Plus, David gives his expert advice to the BBC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Alan and Janine discuss the potential candidates for the top job in British media—and there’s no shortage of suspects.The pair break down the candidates’ CVs and even ring up one Lionel Barber on holiday to get his thoughts...Plus, one listener asks who signs off on decisions like the one to edit the Trump speech that got BBC’s Panorama programme into such hot water. Where does an editor’s responsibility end? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The BBC is under attack. Alan and Janine go to heart of the biggest media story of the week, and reveal what really happened at the disastrous board meeting that toppled BBC leadership. Under fire from powerful enemies at home and abroad, does the broadcasting service have a future? They're joined by Pat Younge, chair of the British Broadcasting Challenge, which promotes public discussion about UK public service broadcasting, and former chief creative officer of BBC Television.The three discuss how to best tackle the legal threats from Donald Trump over an edited Panorama episode—and the challenges that lie ahead for British media. Plus, Alan and Janine pick apart the resignations of its director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness, and unpack the shadowy influence of Robbie Gibb. What role did Gibb play in the drama that unfolded? And, with some coaxing, Pat shares who he’s betting on for top job. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you have the nerve? Carole Cadwalladr and Sarah Donaldson join Alan and Janine to discuss their new independent media platform the Nerve which focuses on culture, politics and tech—and share why they felt there was no room for their work at the Observer under new management.The four discuss the all-female founding team, the driving mission behind the project and how they are already ahead of subscriber targets. But will they be able to cope if Carole’s latest story gets them into legal trouble? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s Media Confidential, the co-founder of podcasting giant Goalhanger, Tony Pastor, reveals the drama behind The Rest is Politics and the secrets to the podcast’s success.He, Alan and Lionel chat about the podcast revolution and how the Covid-19 pandemic transformed the audio landscape in the UK. Plus, Tony explains how each host gets ‘chemistry tested’ before a new series, which podcasts aren't worth listening to—and how the video renaissance is changing everything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As American firm RedBird continues its bid to take over the Telegraph, Alan and Lionel discuss concerns about foreign influence and what it means for media ownership in Britain.They weigh in on Ofcom updating its guidance on politicians being news presenters. Does it open the doors to a Fox News equivalent in the UK?Plus, Alan and Lionel talk about Michael Wolff counter-suing Melania Trump, after she threatened a $1bn lawsuit against him to prevent reporting about her alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein. And as Hurricane Melissa wrecks havoc in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, one listener asks how to report safely on natural disasters.Send your questions to Alan and Lionel at mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is the British media complicit in the Gaza genocide?This week, things heat up as Alan and Lionel are joined by Peter Oborne, former Telegraph chief political commentator, whose most recent book is Complicit: Britain’s role in the destruction of Gaza.Peter discusses the influence of pro-Israel lobbyists on British politics, his own political evolution, and the challenges of reporting fairly. He asks why the BBC never reported on Israel’s Dahiya doctrine, which he thinks explains its assaults on civilian infrastructure.Peter, who now writes for Middle East Eye, analyses where the British media has failed on Gaza—but also which reporters are getting it right. The three discuss the impact of media narratives about international events, the stories that get silenced, and who the heroes of this moment in history might be. Plus, Peter and Lionel go head-to-head in a memorable exchange—one of the fieriest in Media Confidential history. Listen to hear it as it happened. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s special episode, Alan and Lionel are grilled by Sheffield University’s third-year Broadcast Journalism students.The pair are asked about using artificial intelligence in newsrooms, how to cover Gaza with fairness, and whether they think China is being underreported on.They also discuss imposter syndrome in the media world, and how to report stories that people don’t want to hear (but also get them to pay for it).Send your questions to Alan and Lionel at mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More journalists have been killed in Gaza than in any other conflict in history.This week, the editor-in-chief at Reuters, Alessandra Galloni, joins Alan and Lionel to reflect on the last two years of covering the war on Gaza.She discusses the Israeli Defence Force’s killing of journalists in both Gaza and Lebanon, amid ongoing calls for accountability, and reveals why the news agency stopped giving the coordinates of their reporters to the IDF.She also recalls asking the Israeli government for an investigation into the killing of a Reuters journalist at the start of the war, and asks why, two years later, they’re “still waiting”.To read more on this subject from Prospect, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan has returned from a trip to Israel that coincided with a ceasefire brokered in Gaza. The hosts discuss his visit to the West Bank with Gideon Levy of Haaretz and how Israeli news outlets have covered the war.Alan and Lionel also talk about the Pope being an unexpected voice against clickbait and review “The Nerve”, a new publication launched by ex-Observer journalists.Plus, in a conversation about the rise of Substack, the hosts take an expensive bet on whether Lionel’s new follower is who he seems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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