In this special year-in-review episode of Stop The Press!, Bill, Nick and Rob take a deep breath and dive into the whirlwind that was 2025. From Trump’s escalating tariff battles to the latest round of turmoil inside the Labour Party, the trio unpack the stories that dominated headlines - and the ones that shaped the world in quieter but equally important ways. Who came out on top this year, and who stumbled spectacularly? The team breaks down the political players, media moments, surprise su...
This week, Rob, Bill and Nick, look back at 30 years of crossing paths with every British Prime Minister from Margaret Thatcher to Boris Johnson. Bill, especially shares what they were really like when the cameras stopped rolling, how they dealt with the media - and how the media dealt with them. From cool operators to total chaos merchants, it’s a lively tour through three decades of political personalities and press showdowns.
In this week’s Stop the Press!, hosts Rob Chadwick, Nick Copson and Bill Martin break down the latest developments in Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the BBC for defamation. The team explores why the lawsuit has escalated now, the likely legal outcomes, and what this unprecedented clash means for the BBC’s future, especially with the Royal Charter renewal just over 2 years away. Expect sharp analysis on media independence, political pressure, newsroom accountability, and how this case could re...
In this week’s episode of Stop the Press!, hosts Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick, and Bill Martin unpack two of the biggest stories shaking the UK media landscape — the latest developments in the Prince Andrew scandal and the property licence avoidance controversy surrounding Rachel Reeves. How have Britain’s leading outlets handled these sensitive and politically charged stories? The hosts debate questions of press bias, editorial responsibility, and whether the public is getting the full picture ...
In this episode of Stop the Press!, hosts Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick, and Bill Martin explore how journalism in film and media in pop culture have shaped the public’s view of the news. From the iconic All the President’s Men and the Oscar-winning The Post to the modern digital-era drama The Hack, the team dissects how reporters in movies and TV news dramas capture — or distort — the real-world challenges of investigative journalism and press freedom. They discuss how Hollywood and the press ha...
While the rest of Britain was busy incinerating sausages and arguing over who forgot the sun cream, Westminster went one better and set itself on fire. What’s usually the media’s quiet season — when journos are forced to turn “seagull steals chip” into a front-page exclusive — turned into a summer blockbuster of political scandals, power plays and panic stations. In this episode of Stop The Press!, we look back at the UK’s summer of 2025: the non-stories that filled the airwaves, the headline...
In this episode of Stop The Press!, Rob, Nick and Bill dive into the shifting habits of Gen Z when it comes to consuming news. With headlines losing ground to TikToks and traditional media struggling to keep up with scroll culture, what does journalism mean to a younger audience? Joining the discussion is special guest Katie Martin - an actual real life young person - who brings insight, honesty and a few home truths about how her generation engages with current affairs. From social media alg...
In this episode of Stop The Press!, we explore how the podcast boom has breathed new life into long-form journalism. From deep-dive investigative series to immersive narrative storytelling, podcasts have created space for nuance and depth in a fast-twitch media world. We chat about what makes audio such a compelling format, and how traditional media outlets are adapting to the new soundscape. Tune in to hear how journalism is evolving - one episode at a time.
In this episode of Stop The Press!, we delve into a pressing question: Why does the public seem to care less about the news today than they did 30 years ago? From the rise of digital overload to growing distrust in media, we explore the shifting habits, attitudes, and platforms that have reshaped how (and whether) people engage with current affairs. Has the 24-hour news cycle left audiences fatigued? Has social media replaced journalism with algorithms and opinion? Or are people simply overwh...
In this episode of Stop The Press!, we dive into the media coverage surrounding Reform UK - the most disruptive force in British politics today. As the party gains traction in the polls, we examine how outlets on both the left and right are reporting on its progress, policies, and leadership. Is the traditionally partisan press adapting to Reform UK’s rise - or doubling down on familiar narratives? What does this say about longstanding media biases and the shifting political landscape? Join u...
In this special two-part edition of Stop The Press!, Rob, Bill and Nick turn the spotlight on the BBC - Britain’s most iconic media institution. Part One charts the broadcaster’s historic role in shaping journalism, culture, and public trust, from its founding principles to its golden moments and controversies. Part Two dives into the present-day challenges facing the BBC: political pressure, funding dilemmas, digital disruption, and shifting audience expectations. We also explore what the fu...
In this special two-part edition of Stop The Press!, Rob, Bill and Nick turn the spotlight on the BBC - Britain’s most iconic media institution. Part One charts the broadcaster’s historic role in shaping journalism, culture, and public trust, from its founding principles to its golden moments and controversies. Part Two dives into the present-day challenges facing the BBC: political pressure, funding dilemmas, digital disruption, and shifting audience expectations. We also explore what the fu...
In this episode of Stop The Press!, hosts Rob Chadwick, Nick Copson, and Bill Martin sit down with special guest Mike Baker to tackle a question weighing on the minds of aspiring reporters: Is there still a career in journalism? With the industry facing challenges like dwindling print circulation, AI-generated content, and the rise of social media as a news source, is there still a viable path for those who dream of breaking stories and holding power to account? Mike Baker, a seasoned journal...
In this episode of Stop The Press!, hosts Rob, Nick, and Bill dive into the world of sports journalism, sharing their all-time favourite pieces, writers, and moments that shaped the industry. From legendary columnists to groundbreaking investigative reports, they explore what makes great sports journalism stand out. Whether it's the poetic storytelling of classic game recaps, hard-hitting exposés on corruption in sports, or the rise of digital media changing the landscape, this episode celebr...
In the wake of the sacking of Labour MPs Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan, who were dismissed from their positions and suspended from the Labour Party over offensive WhatsApp messages. These messages, leaked from a group chat named "Trigger Me Timbers," contained racist, sexist, and antisemitic remarks, including Gwynne expressing hope for a constituent's death and making derogatory comments about fellow MPs. Rob, Nick, and Bill explore the content of these messages, the context in which t...
The news and media landscape is evolving faster than ever. From the rise of AI-generated content to the shifting tides of social media platforms, what trends will shape how we consume information in the coming year? In this episode, we break down our media predictions — from the impact of deepfake technology to the future of independent journalism and the ongoing battle against misinformation. Join us as we explore what’s next for news, who’s leading the charge, and how these changes will aff...
In this episode, we dive into the intriguing topic of how the BBC covers its own news, from internal controversies to its role as a global broadcaster. With a reputation for impartiality and credibility, the BBC often finds itself under scrutiny, especially when it is the subject of the story. We’ll explore key questions: How transparent is the BBC when reporting on its own decisions, scandals, or criticisms?Does it apply the same editorial rigor to self-reporting as it does to external stori...
Social Media and News have shared the same bed for 20 years, but how much is this space now affecting democracy, freedom of speech, and is it creating more and more division in society?
We're no AI experts, we're all still learning (everyone is), but we've learnt enough to form opinions, so listen to Bill, Nick, and Rob debate how AI is currently infiltrating our newsrooms and news consumption habits, and where it all could eventually lead.
Our first ever episode! It's a little rough around the edges but we'll get better and more polished. It's the topics that are most important, right? On this episode, Bill, Nick, and Rob, discuss the current state of local newspapers (and media in general) and ask the big question, does anyone still care about them, and can they survive?