Media Confidential

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?

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.

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.

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.

Alan 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.

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

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.

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.

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?