Media Confidential

In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan questions the quality of reporting around the Henry Nowak case, and questions why so many in the media are focusing on the cost of DEI training in the police and neglecting to mention the recent Louise Casey report into racism in the police force.They also discuss how the media is amplifying the messages of politicians such as Nigel Farage when Nowak’s family has called for calm.Our hosts talk about the joint investigation into the conduct of former newspaper owner David Sullivan by BBC Panorama and the Times, and they raise questions of why he was banned from owning a local newspaper in the 1980s and how the investigation is the product of years of work for the two outlets.They also discuss new director general Matt Brittin’s interview with the Financial Times and what it reveals about his views on the BBC’s future, including its digital offering. Plus: rumours are swirling about who will take on the vacant Head of News position.They also respond to a listener question about how to implement AI in a newsroom to get the best features without impacting quality journalism.

In this week’s Media Confidential Alan and Lionel are joined by Joshi Hermann, founder of The Mill. The three discuss how The Mill has expanded out from Manchester to seven cities in just three years and it’s plans to revitalise and redefine local reporting. They also discuss The Mill’s funding model and why Joshi believes the method is sustainable, and how he is ensuring that essential public interest journalism is still freely available to read.They’ll discuss the Mill’s investigative work, how they fund and fight their legal battles and what the business is doing to utilise AI without being overwhelmed by it. 

Should a politician be allowed to present the BBC’s Today Programme? Former Ofcom chair Michael Grade thinks so.This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel pick apart Grade’s recent interview, where he claimed that mainstream broadcasters are afraid of GB News.They discuss the logic behind the rules of impartiality—and what Grade’s opinions reveal about Ofcom’s controversial decisions under his tenure. Plus, they invite him to respond on Media Confidential.Alan and Lionel disagree on coverage around the killing of Henry Novak, the young stab victim who was handcuffed by police in Southampton. Plus, after a veteran 60 Minutes presenter was fired in a spectacular fashion, the hosts discuss the explosive situation at CBS and its relationship with the BBC. And one listener asks: why do all media organisations seem to have the same stories? Get in touch with your questions at mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk

Who do media organisations go to when they get sued? In today’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk to Gavin Millar KC, an expert in media law. The three talk about SLAPPs, strategic lawsuits increasingly used by the powerful to silence journalists and stop crucial reporting. They discuss why the fight against SLAPPs is vital for democracy: after suggestions that a Labour government would reform the law, why has progress been so slow? They also compare existing UK libel laws with those in the US and Canada and reflect on a few of the most high-profile cases of their careers.Plus, Gavin weighs in on the case between Donald Trump and the BBC.

On this week’s Media Confidential Alan and Lionel talk to Peter Geoghegan, journalist, broadcaster and founder of Democracy for Sale.The three discuss the problem of SLAPPs, lawsuits used by the wealthy to silence and intimidate critics. They talk about the chilling effect these lawsuits can have have on democracy, and how they discourage journalists from pursuing stories in the public interest. Why has the government made such slow progress in tackling them?They’ll discuss what it is like as a small media outlet or single journalist to receive the financial and emotional weight of a SLAPP and the lobbying actions of media lawyers.The three will also discuss Democracy for Sale’s investigation into Labour Together and ask about the thinktank's impact on UK politics. Read the investigation here.

In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss the changing winds at Ofcom, after its prospective new chair was scrutinised by a select committee. How much was Ian Cheshire briefed beforehand? And will he do anything to tackle GB News?The pair also talk about Trump's latest attack on the BBC—as well as Fran Unsworth’s departure from the broadcaster, after the former news boss claimed that she was driven out by trans activism in an interview with the Telegraph.They answer a listener’s ethical question, as the Economist draws controversy for its hiring practices. And they discuss a Panorama investigation into disturbing allegations around Channel 4’s reality TV show Married At First Sight.

In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk to Gabriel Pogrund, newly appointed editor of Insight, the Sunday Times investigative team. After Gabriel exposed £730,000 in undeclared donations to Labour Together, he and other journalists became victims of a smear campaign. He discusses why the thinktank commissioned an investigation into him—and how he was falsely accused of having Russian ties.As the co-author of Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer, Gabriel also discusses the prime minister’s leadership.Plus, in an age of weaponised libel laws and abusive SLAPP lawsuits, the trio discuss the challenges facing investigative journalists.

In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss Ofcom finally investigating GB News over their second airing of a controversial interview with Donald Trump. Did it fail the impartiality test?After Nigel Farage was confronted about an undeclared £5m donation from a crypto billionaire, the pair discuss how to deal with evasive politicians. They also talk about the Evening Standard running a full wraparound of Reform UK adverts on the day of the local elections.Plus, how is Matt Brittin preparing for the role of incoming director-general of the BBC?

In this episode of Media Confidential Alan and Lionel talk to Liam Byrne, Labour MP for for Birmingham Hodge hill and Solihull and author of Why Populists are winning; and how to beat them.The three discuss the rise of populism and what happens to the media and democracy when they win—including how foreign influence and money can corrupt the UK media landscape.They’ll talk about GB News, with Alan asking why Ofcom isn’t dealing with the channel’s biased coverage and what the government could be doing to make the regulator act.The three discuss the media’s role in shaping public opinion and will talk about what needs to be done to protect the BBC and institutions like it before it is too late.