Media Confidential

This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack.The platform, which now has over five million paid subscriptions, allows writers to self-publish their newsletters and make money directly from readers.Since launching in 2017, it has gained huge popularity with journalists and the public.Alan, Lionel and Hamish discuss what makes it fundamentally different to other social media sites, including the platform's surprising approach to content moderation. Hamish also shares how Elon Musk offered to buy Substack, and why he was turned down.Plus, Lionel makes a faux pas... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Q&A, Alan and Lionel discuss a media screw up: who's to blame for the Telegraph publishing a fake story about the fictional “Al Moy” and his family?They break down how editors should deal with stories that seem too good to be true.The hosts also discuss award ceremonies for journalists...do they matter? Plus, Alan and Lionel answer a question sent in by listener Tony which asks “How can you help the BBC?”If you have a question for Alan and Lionel, send it to mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk and we'll answer it on the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Karen Hao, journalist and author of Empire of AI.Karen talks about being banned from returning to OpenAI, after being embedded there to write a profile of the company in its early days.She charts the rise of AI companies and the three discuss why journalists and newsrooms should be wary of making deals with “a company or industry that fundamentally doesn't want you to exist”.Karen's book ‘Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI' is available now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Q&A, Alan and Lionel look back over their journalistic careers and recall their toughest decisions.The former editors also discuss why they left the Guardian and the FT when they did, and what they read in their free time.Plus, as the New York Times signs an AI deal with Amazon, what will it mean for readers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk to Vox editor-in-chief Swati Sharma.They discuss why Vox's change in style is working for a younger audience, the ways in which the company is responding to new digital challenges—and how AI is pushing them towards more innovative journalism.The hosts also discuss Business Insider axing a fifth of its staff. And after chairing the European Press Prize judging panel for the last time, Alan reflects on his trip to Bari, Italy, and how he's feeling about the future of journalism.Plus, Alan shares his concerns about why he could be banned from the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Q&A episode, Alan and Lionel are asked if they would ever pay for an interview—and if there are any interviewees who would be off limits. They discuss whether media studies should be added to the UK curriculum for 11-16 year olds to combat misinformation.Plus, will news organisations suffer financially when Donald Trump is no longer president?Send your questions in to us mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by historian Fara Dabhoiwala to discuss his new book What is Free Speech?They discuss how the concept of “free speech” came about—and how the notion has always been weaponised. They also analyse the role of media and social media companies and answer: are broadcasters responsible for everything shared on their platforms?And after being called out in a speech, Alan responds to right-wing media baron Paul Marshall, who recently lamented the problems with today's media landscape. Plus, the hosts reflect on the passing of presenter Alan Yentob.Fara's book ‘What is Free Speech? The history of a dangerous idea' is out now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Q&A, Alan and Lionel discuss the sale of the Telegraph and what comes next for the newspaper.They also talk about whether anything can be done to revive the print newspaper and are asked about what's happening with the sale of Paramount in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Joseph Kahn, executive editor of the New York Times. Alan, Lionel and Joe discuss editing in the time of Trump, why US media organisations are bending to the president, and whether publications owned by corporations are really equipped to resist the government.Plus, the hosts talk about Gary Lineker's departure from the BBC—and a new book which explores what journalists knew about former president Joe Biden's deteriorating health but withheld from the public, for fear of losing access to the White House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Q&A episode, Alan and Lionel discuss their most difficult interviews.They also discuss why journalists are no longer sent out to cover council meetings and whether that has an impact on democracy. Plus, the hosts answer an email about the BBC's dominance over online news in the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the Truth Tellers summit in London, Alan and Lionel sit down with Mark Thompson, the CEO of American media giant CNN.Mark is asked if he has sat down with Trump since he started in office.Does he feel a slide towards state-owned media, monitored by the White House? And why does CNN continue to give the president airtime?“If the rule was [that] we didn't have politicians on the air who might lie", he says, "we'd be struggling possibly to fill the airwaves.”Plus, after listening to the ‘Rest is Classified' podcast series on whistleblower Edward Snowden, Alan discusses his role in publishing the Snowden documents, and how he believes the BBC was too timid to cover the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Q&A session, Alan and Lionel are asked whether there's still a market for the London Standard and what they would do if its owner Evgeny Lebedev came asking for advice.They also discuss undercover reporting: after interviewing Harry Shukman who spent a year infiltrating far right groups in the UK, the editors discuss how to prepare a reporter for covert investigations.Plus, as press freedom hits an all-time low, how can we make the world safer for journalists?To submit your questions to Alan and Lionel, email mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Media Confidential, journalist Harry Shukman joins Alan and Lionel to discuss his year spent infiltrating the far right.Harry's new book Year of the Rat explores this journey. He shares why he went undercover to report on the story, why he thinks the threat from the British far right has been underestimated, and moments when he risked discovery.Plus, the editors mull over Jon Voight's plan to “make Hollywood great again”, and discuss the BBC choosing to shelve a new film about the destruction of Gaza's health service.Harry's book ‘Year of the Rat: Undercover in the British Far Right' is out today (May 8th) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Q&A, Alan and Lionel are presented with a thought experiment: if they had to join forces, how would they run a brand new media venture?What's it all about? Where is the money coming from? And, contentiously…who would be the editor?With half a million households cancelling their licence fee in 2023 alone, the hosts are also asked about alternatives to a TV license fee, as the BBC struggles to connect with younger audiences.They also speculate on who might step into the shoes of Alex Mahon, Channel 4's outgoing CEO, who joined Media Confidential to talk about gen Z's media habits back in March.Keep your questions coming via mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan and Lionel are joined by Lea Korsgaard, co-founder and editor-in-chief at Zetland, the Danish media organisation revolutionising the way people engage with the news.She discusses what makes the media platform, which Alan describes as “a beacon of optimism”, so unique—and shares the secret to its success.Plus, Alan and Lionel cast their editorial eyes over the first edition of the Observer, now under new ownership, and give their professional opinions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the death of Pope Francis last week, Alan and Lionel answer how a reporter should prepare for the expected—and the unexpected.They discuss the perks of having a network of correspondents and give their opinions on freelance journalists: is it better to be a lone operator or under the wing of a big publication?To ask Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber your questions, email mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is allowed to be a joking matter? And where does one draw the line?This week, Alan and Lionel discuss the pitfalls of being a satirist in 2025. They talk to political cartoonist Steve Bell, who worked for the Guardian for over 40 years before being unceremoniously dismissed after an image of Benjamin Netanyahu drew ire.They're also joined by former Spectator editor Fraser Nelson, who leapt to Steve's defence, despite being on opposite ends of the political aisle. Fraser also shares how he put his job on the line whilst at the helm of the magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan and Lionel are asked about Tortoise's imminent takeover of the Observer. The hosts discuss a surprisingly timely encounter, and share some breaking news about Prospect.They also discuss blasting off into space and whether they'd rather put their lives in the hands of Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk. Plus, has the press regulator IPSO lost its teeth? Has it ever had any? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does it matter who funds and owns the media?This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by Rodney Benson, professor and author of How Media Ownership Matters, who compares the ways in which newspapers are funded around the world—and how this fundamentally shapes democracy.Plus, Alan shares stories from his recent trip to Perugia, which holds the annual International Journalism festival. He discusses his mood after the festival, and what columnists are debating (is Donald Trump bonkers? We'll never know!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Q&A, Alan and Lionel are asked what makes a good story—and which big ones they've missed.They reminisce over the hedonistic days of Vanity Fair magazine, following the release of former editor Graydon Carter's swashbuckling new memoir. And they remember the legacies, lives and careers of two former colleagues: Gwen Robinson, former foreign correspondent for the Financial Times and Tim Radford, the Guardian science editor known for penning the 25 commandments for journalists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Media Confidential this week, Alan and Lionel discuss the world being turned upside down by Donald Trump's tariffs.As former editor of the Financial Times, Lionel weighs in on how the press are handling the situation: what are they getting right…and what are they missing? Have financial journalists failed to spot the biggest story yet?And amid a slew of suspensions and politically-motivated arrests at Columbia University, the hosts also talk to Anya Schiffrin, director of the university's Technology, Media and Communications programme. As the university yields to the Trump administration's demands, they discuss the pressures colleges are facing, the role of the media, and the importance of resistance to authoritarianism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you do if you realised your work was putting you in danger?This week, Alan and Lionel are asked if they've ever been unsafe because of their journalism.They talk about Tom McTague moving jobs across the political spectrum, from UnHerd's political editor, to editor at the New Statesman.And as Jim Mullen announces his departure from the media company Reach, the hosts discuss his tenure.If you have a question for Alan and Lionel, send them to mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alan and Lionel discuss alarming threats to global press freedom with guests Jodie Ginsberg and former war correspondent Peter Greste.As an award-winning journalist with Al Jazeera, Peter was reporting on the Arab Spring when he was arrested under charges of terrorism. He shares his story of being wrongfully imprisoned in Egypt for 400 days (later dramatised in the film The Correspondent).Jodie, director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, an American nonprofit organisation, also highlights the increasing dangers facing journalists in the US, including attacks on public broadcasting and legal threats.In the face of mounting pressures, how can young reporters find hope? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you do if you got added to a messaging group that was discussing top-level classified information? This week, Alan and Lionel are asked about the Atlantic's stunning report that some of the highest level figures in American defence discussed war plans in a Signal group containing its editor, Jeff Goldberg. How have new communication technologies changed journalism—and the search for a scoop?Alan and Lionel answer more listeners' questions on the smash Netflix series Adolescence, social media and how Michael Gove's tenure as Spectator editor is progressing.If you have a question for Alan and Lionel send them to mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Alan and Lionel talk to journalist and author Michael Wolff, who has chronicled the rise and fall and rise again of Donald Trump across his “Fire and Fury” book series. The latest instalment, “All or Nothing” was published just after Trump re-entered the White House in January.The trio discuss the future of media under Donald Trump, how he has taken control of news cycles and what happens when corporate interests infringe on the business of journalism. Wolff suggests that the media caved in to government pressure about his book. “A lot of television was set up, as happens in the pre-publication of a book, [and] as soon as the White House started to attack me all of my appearances were canceled”. “The executives who we confronted on this were pretty straightforward, they said, ‘look we are in a new climate' and then they would blame the higher ups, the corporate overlords and super structure who has weighed in on this.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will artificial intelligence change how people consume media? Alan and Lionel discuss more listeners' questions on this week's Q&A.The editors also chew over how best to tackle conspiracy theories, and how media outlets can avoid being part of the problem.If you have a question for Alan and Lionel send them to mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers to discuss the new world order...or should that be disorder?They share their views on the threat posed by the second Trump presidency and whether the world has reverted to “might is right”. John raises concerns over the future of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance—which consists of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US. Could this mean the end of intelligence sharing with America?Plus, Alan and Lionel discuss the unexpected outcome of Ofcom's cases against GB News. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan and Lionel respond to more listeners' questions on this week's Q&A.In this episode they are asked if the amount of low quality journalism available has an impact on public trust in journalism and they discuss the concept of 'flooding the zone' and what can be done by newsrooms to reclaim the narrative.Plus whether or not journalists play a role in promoting and investigating fraudulent influencers.If you have a question for Alan and Lionel send them to mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and political commentator Ash Sarkar joins Alan and Lionel to talk about her debut book Minority rule, adventures in the culture war, which tackles free speech and how so-called culture wars have been manufactured to stoke division and influence politics. How have cultural battles eclipsed economic struggle in public debate? Ash examines the media's role in fuelling the culture wars, the impact of social media algorithms on political discourse, and how class interests shape coverage of figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage. She also reflects on the future of Novara Media, whether the UK is following a global shift toward right-wing politics, and the challenges of building sustainable left-wing media. Can there ever be a left-wing Joe Rogan? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan and Lionel respond to more listeners' questions on this week's Q&A.In a world where the news never sleeps, the editors are asked whether news coverage is proactive or reactive.They also discuss the importance of fact-checking, and whether or not young people are equipped with the tools to pick up on political bias across news platforms.Plus, Alan explains what a “dead cat” is journalistic jargon for, and how listeners can identify one.If you have a question for Alan and Lionel send them to mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gen Z aren't switching on the TV for the 10 o'clock news. They aren't picking up newspapers, and they're less likely to trust the big media names in the same way their parents did. But they are consuming vast amounts of news...Alex Mahon is the CEO of Channel 4. She joins Alan and Lionel at Prospect HQ to talk about how journalists can capture the attention and, more importantly, the trust of a generation.The editors also respond to the BBC pulling a documentary on young people in Gaza, and the White House meeting that everybody is talking about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second special episode, Alan and Lionel are joined by aspiring journalists from Oxford Brookes University to tackle their tough questions about the industry's future.Alan and Lionel discuss optimism: when journalism is suffering a crisis of trust, what can we do to be hopeful?Plus, the editors are asked what sources they trust when it comes to keeping informed.Send us your questions via email at mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.ukHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the world's biggest media dynasties is in crisis. Last December, in a Nevada court, the Murdoch family battled to decide who would take control of its media empire. Alan and Lionel are joined by Jim Rutenberg, writer-at-large for the New York Times, who was one of two journalists who obtained copies of sealed court documents and published details of the case.He shares the story of reporting on Murdoch's secret trial—and uncovers the Succession-style drama behind it all.Jim, Alan and Lionel also discuss the effects of the Trump administration cherry-picking its press pool. To listen to more on the Murdoch trial from Media Confidential, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a rapidly changing world, can journalists still cut through the noise? In this special episode, Alan and Lionel are joined by aspiring journalists from Oxford Brookes University to tackle their tough questions about the industry's future.They explore why gen Z seems increasingly sceptical of democratic processes, whether Prince Harry's recent trial signals the need for another Leveson Inquiry, and what it truly means to ‘know your patch' as a young journalist.Plus, in the midst of another chaotic Trump presidency, with endless sources of information at our fingertips, how should journalists pursue the truth? Send us your questions via email at mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If someone wanted to take over British institutions like Trump's government has done in the USA, what would their first steps be—and how could we guard against them?Joining Alan and Lionel in the Prospect studios is a panel of expert guests: Jean Seaton is Professor of Media History and the Official Historian of the BBC, Peter York and Patrick Barwise are co-authors of the book The War against the BBC: How an Unprecedented Combination of Hostile Forces Is Destroying Britain's Greatest Cultural Institution... And Why You Should Care.Alan and Lionel discuss Boris Johnson's latest column and how the New York Times got hold of thousands of pages of court documents relating to the Murdoch dynasty's bitter court fight over custody of the media empire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which actor would you want to be played by? Though that question isn't hypothetical for Alan (shoutout Toby Jones), Lionel shares his own thoughts in this week's Media Confidential Q&A.And with the recent arrival of digital newspaper The Londoner, what impact has it had on the capital's local media landscape? The editors give their verdict on Joshi Hermann's latest endeavour.Alan and Lionel are asked what measures they have put in place to protect journalists in dangerous situations, including war zones. Plus, in an age of digital surveillance, how can reporters keep themselves safe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by Prospect columnist Sam Freedman, a senior fellow at the Institute for Government. Sam reveals the inner workings of the Westminster press lobby—commonly known as “the lobby”. That's the group of political journalists, usually representing major newspapers and broadcasters, with privileged access to official briefings and the Prime Minister's spokesperson. In this month's issue of Prospect, Sam argued that the pressures of 24-hour news cycles and reduced resources have led lobby journalists to prioritise sensationalism over true policy analysis. He thinks this lack of specialist expertise means the lobby prefers to nose around and cause trouble and, at worst, even “hallucinates” stories. But what impact is this having on the media? And how does it end up shaping government policy itself? To read Sam's piece, head to https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/issues/march-2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we get up close and personal with Alan and Lionel as they discuss dream guests, hobbies and personal media habits. How does a high-flying editor and news junkie switch off, even for a short time? From piano to cold water swimming, Alan and Lionel share some of their favourite ways to unwind. With media outlets under attack in the US, what will viewers be left with once the axes have stopped falling? And who should the power to determine how media impartiality is defined? Finally, how should one prepare for meeting and interviewing a head of state? What may appear daunting can be bolstered by the application of one basic skill—listen to this episode to discover what the secret is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan and Lionel are joined by American editor and media executive Norman Pearlstine. They reflect on Trump's second term so far, and how news outlets have reported on some of his astonishing executive orders. Norm argues that while billionaire media moguls were once lauded as saviours, they have proved to be “poor stewards”, more concerned about their own interests rather than the freedom of the press. Will this Trump era will be “normalised” by a press fearful of being hit with lawsuits or punished by the president? How should journalists deal with a leader who calls the media an “enemy of the people” while avidly consuming their coverage? To watch this discussion on how to report the truth in tumultuous times, head to our YouTube channel, where Media Confidential is published every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan and Lionel return to answer listeners' questions on today's hot topics. With Lionel currently in New York, attention turns to American news coverage. Has US media gone far enough in its coverage of Trump's first week back in power? Should journalists in the US be afraid of his second presidency? Alan and Lionel also discuss how teenagers relying on TikTok might be introduced to longer form analysis, and debate whether newspapers are too expensive. And with the news that Jake Wallis Simons is finally resigning as editor of the Jewish Chronicle, questions are raised over who really owns the paper and who is doing the hiring and firing… To read Alan's column “Who really funds the Jewish Chronicle?”, head to https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/65839/who-really-funds-the-jewish-chronicle-why-its-troubling-that-we-dont-know Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 18th June 1994, Catholic pubgoers in Loughinisland, County Down, were watching a World Cup match when a loyalist paramilitary group burst in and murdered six civilians, wounding five others. To this day, no-one has been charged for the crime. Produced by journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey, No Stone Unturned (2017) told the story of the massacre, revealing how the police had colluded in protecting the gunmen. When the film disclosed anonymous documents identifying the murder suspects, the Northern Irish police service (PSNI) arrested Trevor and Barry—and both of their homes were raided by armed police—to discover the source of the leak. Last December, a tribunal found that the PSNI and Met police also unlawfully spied on both journalists, long before the film was even produced. They join Alan and Lionel to tell their extraordinary story, and ask: could other journalists in the UK be under surveillance by the authorities?To read more about Northern Ireland's police spying scandal, head to www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/law/crime-and-justice/68906/northern-irelands-police-spying-scandal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan and Lionel are joined by Saad Mohseni, the tycoon who reshaped Afghanistan's media landscape.In 2001, Saad was forging a career in international banking. But after the invasion of Afghanistan, and the subsequent fall of the Taliban government, he decided to move to Kabul. There, he co-founded the Moby Group, the country's largest media company, where he is chairman and executive officer. He also started a radio station, soon spawning a TV station which broadcast the now-banned hit talent show, Afghan Star. Saad discusses his book Radio Free Afghanistan and what it is like to operate a media empire after the Taliban's return. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers (NGN) has finally admitted that unlawful behaviour was carried out by private investigators working for the Sun and the News Of The World.They've offered "a full and unequivocal apology" to Prince Harry for illegally obtaining private information about him—and have agreed to a staggering eight-figure settlement. So, is that the end of the matter, or is there still more to come? Has Murdoch's company got off lightly? Alan and Lionel chew over the case. Meanwhile the fate of the Daily Telegraph is still in limbo, as the paper awaits a buyer.Former editor of the Telegraph and Thatcher biographer Charles Moore joins Alan and Lionel to discuss who the next owner could be.To read "The Spy Papers", our exclusive investigation into the phone hacking scandal, go to https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/phone-hacking/65918/the-murdoch-spy-papers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The BBC, a broken tape recorder and a fake Meryl Streep. That's right, it can only mean a new edition of Media Confidential's Q&A show.Alan is joined by Janine Gibson, in Lionel's absence, to tackle questions about their first days as editors, their favourite headlines and the future of the BBC.One listener asks: do the editors remember a time when they badly messed things up?From an interview with a massive guest going awry, to retribution in the form of one well-known actress, Alan and Janine share some of the finest stories they've gathered in their time as journalists and editors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you solve a problem like Elon? The billionaire owner of X controls one of the world's biggest social media channels, treating the platform as his own propaganda machine.Armando Iannucci—the satirist, writer and producer behind Alan Partridge, The Thick of It and Veep—has, until recently, been using his own Twitter account to fact-check Musk's posts.He joins Alan Rusbridger and guest host, Janine Gibson, editor of the Weekend FT, to discuss how what happens if we don't take Musk seriously.Like Donald Trump, Musk has a strong dislike for the mainstream media and has used X to vocalise support for fringe figures like Tommy Robinson. But what might have once been dismissed as baseless rants are now driving the news agenda—and even political manoeuvres—in many parts of the USA and Europe.How will Musk's megalomania end? And how dangerous to global democracy is he, really? Armando, Alan and Janine discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan and Lionel kick off the 2025 with a brand-new Q&A episode.While primetime CNN attracts a mere 400,000 listeners, the Joe Rogan Experience reaches over 17 million subscribers on YouTube. What explains the exponential rise of Joe Rogan's podcast?In a world dominated by social media platforms, where fact and fiction are blurred, the editors make the case for traditional, fact-based journalism.Plus, Alan and Lionel have brushed shoulders with many household names, but who has made them starstruck? The editors share their stories: what question did Alan ask the queen? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan and Lionel are joined by Janine Gibson, editor of the Weekend FT, to look ahead to what promises to be a “yuge” year for journalists.As Trump enters his second term in the White House, should we expect authoritarian clamp-downs on the press? And as Meta's Mark Zuckerberg promises free-speech and the end of fact-checking at Facebook, will opinion trump truth?The editors also discuss new media stars, from Joe Rogan to gamer “ConnorEatsPants”, who has interviewed everyone from Joe Exotic to Sesame Street's Elmo…and even the mysterious Adrian Dittmann, rumoured to be Elon Musk's alter-ego.Plus, will Prince Harry have his day in court to take on Murdoch over phone-hacking? One of our editors receives some tantalising hints that he may not go through with it after all… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would legalising assisted dying end unnecessary suffering? Or would it instead enable the abuse of some of society's most vulnerable people?Kim Leadbeater's assisted dying bill has passed its second reading. Back in September, Prospect invited two of our most profound thinkers—Rowan Williams and Brenda Hale—to debate the issue. As archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams led a Church that publicly opposes any form of assisted dying, while, as a Supreme Court judge, Brenda Hale was involved in life-or-death judgements.In a moving exchange, Hale discusses her own Christian faith, while Williams shares his pastoral experience in the company of the dying. They joined Prospect's editor Alan Rusbridger and commissioning editor Emily Lawford for a thoughtful and vitally important conversation.This episode was first published on Media Confidential's sister podcast, the Prospect podcast. To read this conversation from the magazine, visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our final episode of 2024, Alan and Lionel look back at their Media Confidential year. They've tackled a huge range of stories: from phone-hacking and the rise of AI, to Ofcom's battles with GB News. They've analysed elections on both sides of the Atlantic, were joined by Toby Jones on the Post Office scandal, and heard from courageous reporters working inside Gaza.There's been an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and a crisis at the Washington Post… but which episodes do they find the most memorable?Michael Lewis came to Prospect Towers in September to promote his new book about Sam Bankman-Fried, Going Infinite. But when Alan started reading out criticism of the book, the temperature dropped several degrees. The heated resulting exchange is hard to forget.Ahead of the US election, Rebecca Solnit joined Alan and Lionel to discuss her concerns about the American media “sanewashing” Donald Trump.Finally, James Harding and Carole Cadwalladr recently appeared on the show to tell-all about Tortoise's controversial decision to buy the Observer. James received a grilling from our hosts. Now, with Observer journalists striking, who's to say who was right?2025 promises to be a heck of a ride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could machine-generated articles replace those created by human beings?After their series on AI in the media, Alan and Lionel now turn to listeners' questions.There's no question that AI could help to make journalists lives easier, but what sort of practical uses will there be on a day-to-day basis? Is there a risk that AI will take over the creative roles of writers and reporters? And what are the main threats to media employees?Alan and Lionel remain cautiously optimistic about the future of the tools that will become more and more available.They're convinced that the subtlety, wit and nuance of real-life journalists will win out and cannot be replaced by machines. At least not yet…Follow us on BlueSky @prospectmagazine.bsky.social and stay up to date with all our latest stories by signing up to our new daily newsletter Lightbulb—simply click on the newsletter tab on our website and enter your email address to register. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can traditional journalism survive when ChatGPT is able to produce copy in a matter of seconds?In Media Confidential's third episode in a series exploring the world of artificial intelligence, Alan and Lionel are joined by Felix Simon, an AI expert and research fellow at the Reuters Institute of Journalism.He shares how the technology could transform the way newsrooms operate, and why this might actually be a good thing.Meanwhile, despite ongoing deals between AI companies, publishers and news organisations, data scraping and the future of copyright ownership remains a grey area. Why does it matter?To watch this video, head to our YouTube channel, where Media Confidential is published every Thursday.Not sure what to gift this Christmas? Why not make use of Prospect's discounted subscription offer here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.