Media Confidential

As Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber discuss the new cabinet on Media Confidential. When it comes to new appointments, how did the media get it so wrong?

As Lisa Nandy keeps her role as culture secretary, the pair discuss the BBC charter renewal and the broadcaster’s advert during the football World Cup which asked “what has the BBC ever done for me?”

They also reflect on the death of BBC stalwart Edward Stourton and consider the Telegraph as it takes small steps towards change under new ownership.

Plus, they discuss the influence of former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre and his proteges, after a longform Guardian article explored his influence on Britain’s rightwing press and the advent of culture war journalism.
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In this episode of Media Confidential, Clothilde Redfern and Martin Bright join Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber to discuss how national security laws are increasingly being used to restrict journalism around the world.

Clothilde is the director of the UK branch of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Martin Bright is a journalist and contributing editor of a new report by the charity which shows a growing pattern of governments expanding the meaning of “national security” to justify secrecy, surveillance, and sustained pressure on reporters.

The four discuss cases like that of Julian Assange and how legal action can have worrying impacts on journalists. They also talk about the line between legitimate security concerns and unnecessary suppression of reporting.

To read the RSF report ‘National security as a weapon against journalism’, click here: https://rsf.org/en/new-rsf-report-national-security-weapon-against-journalism
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Alan and Lionel discuss the suspected murder of MP Ann Widdecombe. They discuss contempt of court laws and how they differ from those in the United States, as well as the impact of public scrutiny on police communication. Is it wise to have a running commentary on all investigations?

They also unpick the Trump administration’s latest attack on the journalism, as the Department of Justice serves subpoenas to New York Times journalists in order to find out who in the administration leaked a story about Donald Trump’s acceptance of a Qatari plane.

In other news, the editors also talk about devastating cuts at GB News and what they mean for the broadcaster. And they examine the big bucks in the world of broadcasting, as the BBC reveals its highest earners.

Plus, they analyse former Today programme presenter John Humphrys’s critical comments about his successors in the role.
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In this week’s episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by presenter and commentator Iain Dale.

As he releases a new memoir, the three discuss his life in broadcasting and a brief stint of political ambition, as well as his ideological leanings.

Iain discusses how he tries to keep his LBC show unbiased and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating lively debate with a broad spectrum of views.

He also reflects on Brexit, GB News and the BBC and his thoughts on the future of political broadcasting.
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In today’s Media Confidential, Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber discuss Nigel Farage’s resignation in Clacton, triggering a by-election in which he will stand. They discuss Farage’s attacks on the press, including on a Sky News reporter. Did reporting around undeclared donations really cross the line?

They also analyse the judgment in Prince Harry’s case against the Daily Mail, which alleged unlawful information gathering by Associated Newspapers. As the Mail wins a massive legal victory, they discuss the role of editors in these kinds of court cases and disagree over the role of tabloid newspapers.

Alan and Lionel also talk about Comcast and Sky’s $1.6bn takeover of ITV: what does the merger mean for staff, and for the network’s stories? Will it be a good thing for public broadcasting—or not?

And they answer a listener’s question on climate coverage, in the midst of another heatwave.

To read more on the Prince Harry case, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/74059/daily-mail-victory-prince-harry-hacked-off
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