Heat pumps, net zero, decarbonisation, the Paris agreement. With less than two weeks to go until Cop26, we’re being deluged with detail and jargon. But how much do you actually understand about climate change? Do you even know what COP actually stands for? (It’s Conference of the Parties if you don’t). Katie Razzall asks what role the media has in educating us about climate change. Maybe you feel hectored rather than informed? Or maybe you think the media isn’t going far enough; if we now face an existential crisis, should journalists dispense with the notion of objectivity and become activists in the fight to save the planet?
It's been another tough week for Facebook, as the world's biggest news brands publish co-ordinated and critical stories, all based on whistleblower Frances Haugen and her trove of documents. How did Haugen, a former Facebook product manager, come to have such strong media and PR support? Facing difficulties in the real world, Facebook are investing heavily in alternative reality. But what exactly is the 'metaverse' and how soon before we all live in it?
This has been a nervy week in the media world, as radio stations finally found out what happened to listening habits. Audience data was suspended during the pandemic and has only just returned. So what did the RAJARS (Radio Joint Audience Research) reveal about audiences? Who were the big winners and losers? And can broadcast radio stand up against the giants of Silicon Valley with their well funded podcast plans?
The UK has become a production hub, with giant companies like Amazon and Netflix filming on our shores - and driving up the cost of shoots. But how easy is it to build up a thriving TV industry in a new part of the country? And faced with an influx of US programmes, should the government lay down legal requirements for ‘Britishness' on TV?
The UK has become a production hub, with giant companies like Amazon and Netflix filming on our shores - and driving up the cost of shoots. But how easy is it to build up a thriving TV industry in a new part of the country? And faced with an influx of US programmes, should the government lay down legal requirements for ‘Britishness' on TV?
A faltering speech by Boris Johnson has Westminster journalists in a spin. The government changed its stance on lobbying following attacks in the Daily Mail and other bits of the media. And a BBC interview with Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, has made headlines. But how much do political stories like these actually cut through with the public?
What is the relationship between journalists and their audiences? Reporters covering the Omicron variant say they’ve received abuse from people angry about the government’s response, and blaming journalists. One newspaper group announced they’ve had to disable reader comments altogether on their coverage of the tragedy in the English Channel. So are trolls making it impossible to have a healthy debate between reader and reporter? Plus Jack Dorsey, founder of Twitter, is stepping away from the company. What are the big tasks facing new CEO Parag Agrawal?
Was there a Christmas party in 10 Downing Street last year during lockdown? The Mirror received a tip-off from an anonymous source, alleging that a party took place. ITV News then secured footage of Downing Street aides joking about a party. How did the journalists involved get hold of these stories, and what did they do to 'stand them up'? These two scoops dominated Prime Minister's Questions and every news bulletin. So, what is the relationship between the government and the Lobby?
Jon Snow is the longest-running presenter of Channel 4 News and one of the most famous faces in broadcasting. Over the course of three decades, he has grilled every prime minister from Margaret Thatcher to Theresa May. He drew the iconic words ‘Let bygones be bygones’ from Nelson Mandela, shared a plane with Idi Amin, and reported on wars in Iran and crises in Vietnam.
A year on from the storming of the US Capitol, and the media is still coming to terms with what happened. Some US news outlets have been accused of 'obsessing over' the scenes on 6 January 2021. Others have condemned parts of the media for 'normalising' the violence. So how can these divisions be healed? And in the week that several political figures were banned from Twitter, what role do the tech giants now play in our democracy?
A bold new media start-up plans to create from scratch a news provider that will rival the likes of CNN, the New York Times and the BBC. The people behind it are Justin Smith, boss of Bloomberg Media, and Ben Smith, former editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News and media columnist at the New York Times. And with those two at the helm, journalists around the world are paying attention. But what does this new company tell us about the state of global journalism, the aftermath of the Trump years and declining trust in the news? Social media, anti-social media, breaking news, faking news: this is the programme about a revolution in media.
The prime minister is under intense scrutiny, with political journalists reporting on backbencher unrest and a fiery PMQs. But is there really a government media strategy called 'Operation Red Meat', using headline-grabbing policies to distract the media? Should we worry about the apparent cosy relationship between those in government setting these policies and those in Fleet Street reporting on them? And amidst all this, what does the new BBC licence fee deal mean for the industry?
A major trial will take place this year in the US. Elshafee El Sheikh is accused of being a member of the Islamic State group, and of being one of the notorious IS Beatles, so named by their hostages because of their British accents - and accused of torturing and beheading journalists and aid workers. ITV News’ Rohit Kachroo secured interviews with El Sheikh and another of these men before they were transferred to US custody. Those interviews are expected to form part of the trial. So what are the ethics of interviewing suspected members of a terrorist group? Is it ever OK to give what amounts to publicity to people accused of such serious crimes? And how do you even go about doing it?
One of the world's most popular podcasters has given Spotify a headache. Some critics and musicians claim that Joe Rogan is promoting COVID misinformation in his podcasts, which are exclusive to Spotify after a reported $100m deal in 2020. So how did Spotify - originally a music streaming service - become embroiled in a free speech debate? Also in the programme, BBC Three returns as a traditional TV channel, six years after the BBC decided it should be online only.
Open-source investigators forensically analyse digital evidence - social media posts, eyewitness videos, satellite imagery, to find the truth behind news events. Their techniques are now increasingly used by investigative journalists to achieve big impact. An investigation by The New York Times into civilian deaths from air and drone strikes has resulted in a policy change by the US military. Also in the programme - in the west it is headlined as the Ukraine crisis, but how is the situation being reported in Russian and Ukrainian media?
How much power do our newspapers really have? John Witherow has been at the heart of Fleet Street for decades, He is one of the longest-serving national newspaper editors, first at the Sunday Times and now The Times, exposing cash for honours, abuse in Rotherham and corruption at Oxfam. But what role has his paper played in exposing the Partygate scandal that could bring down the prime minister? And what does this tell us about the relationship between the press and those running the country?
Culture secretary Nadine Dorries is calling on regulator Ofcom to consider action against Russian 'propaganda' in the UK, shining a spotlight on TV channel RT. Elsewhere in the UK, the Supreme Court has stopped Bloomberg from publishing an investigation, on privacy grounds. Some have condemned this as a threat to journalists' ability to investigate. So when should a state or the law intervene in press freedom?
Alongside fighting in Ukraine, an 'information war' is playing out. While Western media on the ground are describing a brutal war, Russian media offers a very different narrative. Journalists are not even allowed to describe the situation in Ukraine as a 'war'. So how will the latest crackdown on independent Russian media affect what people in the country see? And what does that mean for the future of this conflict?
A media crackdown in Russia, including a new law against 'fake news', has led many independent news outlets to shut down. So what news can ordinary Russians access?
On the eve of the Academy Awards, Katie Razzall meets Scott Stuber, Netflix's Head of Global Film, to find out how the platform continues to disrupt the film industry.
Katie Razzall interviews Pamela Abdy, one of the most powerful women in Hollywood. The co-chair and CEO of Warner Bros Motion Picture Group discusses her career and the role of women in the industry.
As governments around the world race to sanction associates of Vladimir Putin, the British media turns its attention to the role Russian oligarchs have played in public life.
Piers Morgan discusses his departure from Good Morning Britain, 'cancel culture' and the limits of free speech, and changing business models in the media. Presented by Ros Atkins.
Ros Atkins and guests discuss Elon Musk’s Twitter deal, the implosion of CNN+, and the launch of TalkTV.
The journalists who exposed Tim Westwood and wrongdoing in Westminster.
Channel 4 approaches its 40th birthday facing one of the most pivotal moments in its history. Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4, is the guest in this edition.
What does the Wagatha Christie trial tell us about celebrity journalism? Simon Boyle reveals how The Sun managed to keep its journalists out of court.
The Media Show looks at the role played by the media in the Partygate saga. Presented by Ros Atkins.
Are Royal journalists capable of ever being truly critical? Plus Dan Walker on his move from BBC Breakfast to Channel 5.
GB News chief executive Angelos Frangopoulos discusses the launch of the channel and where it goes next.
The media regulator Ofcom has released a review of how the BBC operates. It has considered how the BBC deals with complaints, how it approaches impartiality, and how it decides which services to provide. Across all three, Ofcom wants an improvement. Presented by Ros Atkins.
Leader of the QAnon conspiracy theory appears to be back online.
After a stream of resignations from Boris Johnson's government, we look at the role the media has played in this scandal, and see how politics, power and the press intertwine.
What role does the press play in choosing the next Conservative leader? How do you cover an election campaign that most of the public does not have a say in?
There’s a balance of risk and reward for any politician taking part in a TV debate, but what's at stake for the presenters? Julie Etchingham and Krishnan Guru-Murthy explain.
Do soaps still matter in a world of structured reality, streaming and social media?
What has the Russian invasion taught us about how journalists work? And what has the media taught us about the war?
As another daily news download launches, why high-profile journalists are turning to podcasting. Presented by Ros Atkins.
The Queen's funeral was the culmination of days of coverage across the British media, but did it get the tone right? Amid the pageantry, was there room for journalism?
On the day the Bank of England intervened to calm turmoil following the Chancellor's mini-budget, we look at the challenge facing journalists to tell this story well.
Katie Razzall meets Universal's Donna Langley as she shares her plans to bring audiences back to the cinema. Plus a film in space with Tom Cruise.
John Simpson’s week in Ukraine, and Emma Tucker, editor of The Sunday Times.
Does it matter that the world’s richest man now owns Twitter? Elon Musk is the latest American billionaire to take control of an influential social media platform. How much will change?
Jürgen Klopp says media should have sent a message about Qatar's unsuitability years ago.
How should journalists cover climate protests? In an era of increasing direct action, what’s the media’s role? And by giving the latest stunt publicity, is it fanning the flames?
Football presenter Gary Lineker says the BBC should speak out on human rights abuses by World Cup hosts.
As protests sweep China, The Media Show looks at the challenge facing journalists to report the story to ensure the Chinese public get accurate information.
Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, explains how ITVX will reach new audiences, why he agreed to Matt Hancock joining I'm a Celebrity and what he texts to Ant and Dec during ad breaks. Presented by Ros Atkins.
The US launch of British tabloids the Mirror and Express. Plus, Katie Razzall interviews Google's UK boss, Matt Brittin.
As The Traitors prepares to launch in the US, the producer behind the series discusses why it was a hit in the UK. Presented by Ros Atkins.
Katie Razzall interviews Michelle Donelan, secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and is also joined by Lara O'Reilly, senior correspondent on Insider's business desk.
How the Conservative chair's tax affairs were exposed by journalists.
The Indian government asks Twitter and YouTube to take down a new documentary, but what are the implications for press freedom in India?
Ros Atkins and guests explore what the rise of controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate tells us about modern masculinity and the media.
Journalist Gary Younge has seen up-close some of the defining moments of our age. From Nelson Mandela's rise to power, to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, to the Black Lives Matter protests, he's been there to report the story. Presented by Katie Razzall.
Katie Razzall talks to Geordie Greig about his plans for the future of The Independent, and whether the relationship between the media and those in power has become too cosy.
The Media Show explores China's campaign to influence the global narrative about the country across traditional and social media.
Katie Razzall and guests explore the tensions journalists navigate when working in parallel to the authorities in pursuit of the truth.
BBC News international editor Jeremy Bowan talks about his career and new BBC Sounds series, Frontlines of Journalism, which explores the obstacles that stand between journalists and the truth.
The journalist who specialises in getting megastars to say things they’ll later regret, devising TV formats that are global hits, and can you teach creativity?
To mark World Press Freedom Day, a special live event from the BBC Radio Theatre that explores how billions of people around the globe have restricted access to impartial news reporting.
How student journalists have helped mainstream media report pro-Palestinian demonstrations at US colleges, and Al Jazeera responds to its ban from Israel.
Baby Reindeer is the latest Netflix hit but faces allegations as to whether it’s fact or fiction. Plus, the secret to a hit TV news theme tune and the network of AI journalists that posed as human.
What’s it like to report on a historic boxing match in Saudi Arabia amidst allegations of ‘sportswashing’? Plus has Scarlett Johansson got a case against OpenAI?
We look at the changing business model for journalism, and the challenge editors face when covering Trump and the upcoming US election.
As the UK general election heats up, we discuss the art of interviewing political leaders. And the latest twist in the fallout from hit Netflix series Baby Reindeer.
In the space of 20 years, podcasting has gone from hobby to big business. What’s the secret of success for the best in the industry? Also, why there’s trouble at the top of The Washington Post.
The WikiLeaks founder and his impact on journalism. Also on the show, Steven Moffat, the showrunner behind global TV hits Sherlock and Doctor Who.
Is the White House press corps doing its job? Also on the show, reporting from Glastonbury, one of the world's largest music festivals.
Why Oz Katerji made the decision to temporarily stop reporting and help injured Ukrainians. Also on the show, what challenges do journalists face when reporting on populist movements?
The Media Show hears from journalists from the BBC, Bloomberg and Getty who were witness to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
Do memes hold the key to the White House? Supporters of Kamala Harris believe viral clips can swing the youth vote. Also on the show, how a sports journalist has been limbering up for the Olympics.
How Rupert Murdoch is locked in a legal battle with three of his children.
Parts of England have experienced riots after the fatal stabbing of three young girls. We meet journalists who've been reporting events. Also on the show, the ongoing saga of Netflix's Baby Reindeer.
Elon Musk’s interview on X with Donald Trump. What impact will his political views and his content moderation policies have on the social media platform?
What the arrest of the founder of Telegram means for the regulation of social media, the editor of The Onion on returning to print, and the new Chinese video game breaking records.
From Squid Game to The Masked Singer, why some of the most popular TV formats of recent years have come from South Korea. And the British journalist who's been inside Russia with Ukrainian forces.
The Department of Justice says it has busted a Russian plot to recruit popular right-wing influencers to convey its messages. Also, the media’s fascination with the case of baby killer Lucy Letby.
The journalist who found the origin of Donald Trump’s false claim that migrants are eating pets in Ohio, life as a reporter in China, and the tech bro rivalries at the heart of the AI arms race.
Behind the scenes on the BBC exposé of billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed. Also, the battle for viewers on late night TV in America, and the man running a TV network in Afghanistan.
Jordan Schwarzenberger, manager of the biggest YouTube creators in Europe, The Sidemen, explains how they do it. Also on the show, reporting the Middle East crisis, and Sony’s huge video game flop.
What’s it like to report from Gaza? The BBC’s Rushdi Abualouf discusses the editorial and practical challenges, keeping his family safe while reporting in a conflict zone, and how he made the difficult decision to leave Gaza in November and continue his work from abroad.
The journalists documenting the atrocities of the so-called Islamic State, and why a "cringeworthy" interview with Anne Hathaway has gone viral.
How Andy Cohen turned the Real Housewives franchise into a phenomenon. And after Yulia Navalnaya’s BBC interview, assessing Putin’s crackdown on media which her husband used to promote his message.