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Commodore buys Amiga Jack Tramiel declares war on competition Nintendo announces US NES launch plans These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM! This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in August 1984. As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events. Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost. Check out his podcast here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/ and order his book here: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book Get us on your mobile device: Android: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz iOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon! https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM Send comments on Mastodon @videogamenewsroomtimemachine@oldbytes.space Or twitter @videogamenewsr2 Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm Or videogamenewsroomtimemachine@gmail.com Links: If you don't see all the links, find them here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/121143199 7 Minutes in Heaven: Sabrewulf Video Version: https://www.patreon.com/posts/121098237 https://www.mobygames.com/game/14732/sabre-wulf/ Corrections: July 1984 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/july-1994-116535754 Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Pong https://gamehistory.org/atari-2600-tarzan/ https://www.giantbomb.com/photon-the-ultimate-game-on-planet-earth/3030-39589/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn_Electron https://archive.org/details/book_video_games/page/n77/mode/2up 1974: Atari sells Japanese manufacturing to Namco https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-08-24.pdf pg. 49 Basketball a hit Cashbox august 3 1974 https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-08-04.pdf pg. 43 Clean Sweep 1 player https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-08-10.pdf pg. 50 Track 10 adds oil slick https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-08-17.pdf pg. 46 https://flyers.arcade-museum.com/videogames/show/2351 Gene Lipken joins Atari https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-08-24.pdf pg. 49 Medal Games are spreading Game Machine August 10, 1974 pg. 7 Cali SC rules in favor of pinball Cashbox Aug 10 1974 https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-08-10.pdf pg. 48 Coinop on the Price is Right Cashbox august 3 1974 https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/70s/1974/CB-1974-08-04.pdf pg. 43 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Price_Is_Right 13 year olds simulate life on computer Two Youths Turn Computers on to 'Life', Hardford Courant, 11 Aug 1974, Page 3 http://www.rearden.com/people.php 1984: Silicon Valley proves resilient Gloom in the Valley . . . But a Silver Lining, Too, U.S. News & World Report, August 20, 1984, Section: Pg. 38, Byline: By JOANNE DAVIDSON Warner second quarter losses are massive Warner Communications reports huge loss, United Press International, August 2, 1984, Thursday, BC cycle Jack slashes prices Atari's Tramiel Gets Tough With Price Cuts, ADWEEK, August 13, 1984, Eastern Edition,Byline: By Gail Belsky Computer Entertainer Vol. 3 Number 5 pg. 1 https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-5/page/n13/mode/2up?view=theater Commodore to buy Amiga Commodore Deal With Amiga Set,The New York Times, August 17, 1984, Friday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 3, Column 6; Financial Desk Atari sues Amiga ATARI HEAD SUES ALLY THAT DEFECTED TO RIVAL, The New York Times, August 21, 1984, Tuesday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 1, Column 1; Financial Desk, Byline: By DAVID E. SANGER https://www.tech-insider.org/personal-computers/research/1984/0822.html Atari to introduce 16 and 32 bit systems Atari To Sell More-Powerful Computers, The Associated Press, August 27, 1984, Monday, AM cycle, Section: Business News, Byline: By STEVE WILSTEIN, Jack declares war on competition Computer Entertainer Vol. 3 Number 5 pg. 1 https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-5/page/n13/mode/2up?view=theater Jack can't collect Tramiel Reported Seeking $50 Million in Lieu of Atari Debts, The Associated Press, August 31, 1984, Friday, PM cycle, Section: Business News Imagine Megagames up for auction https://archive.org/details/Computer_Video_Games_Issue_034_1984-08_EMAP_Publishing_GB/page/n23/mode/2up Coleco unveils new marketing ploy Coleco will offer scholarships to some computer purchasers, United Press International, August 22, 1984, Wednesday, BC cycle, Section: Financial Advertising;At Coleco, The Adam Is Reborn, The New York Times, August 13, 1984, Monday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 8, Column 3; Financial Desk, Byline: By Pamela G. Hollie https://youtu.be/tklBAzg_cgw?si=rDW-RNgtAqd_7QHl VCRs and Action Figures muscle video games out of retail The Video Revolution, Newsweek, August 6, 1984 UNITED STATES EDITION, Section: BUSINESS; Pg. 50 Media Room, The Associated Press, August 12, 1984, Sunday, BC cycle Video killed the Video Game Star FROM PAC-MAN TO GI JOE, Forbes, August 13, 1984, Section: MONEY AND INVESTMENTS; The Columnists; Psychology & Investing; Pg. 138, Byline: By Srully Blotnick; Toys sales boom, United Press International, August 21, 1984, Tuesday, BC cycle, Section: Financial Playthings, August 1984. Video Game tie-ins come of age Allan Carr keeps bubbling to the top in a heady world, The San Diego Union-Tribune,August 12, 1984 Sunday, Section: ENTERTAINMENT; Pg. E-2, Byline: David Elliott, Movie Critic https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloak_%26_Dagger_%28video_game%29 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087065/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088395/?ref_=nm_flmg_knf_t_4 ACTIVISION; To develop and market software based on Ghostbusters motion picture, Business Wire, August 28, 1984, Tuesday Gregory Fischbach Part 1 - Activision - Acclaim - https://www.patreon.com/posts/46578120 https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-09/mode/1up?view=theater https://www.mobygames.com/company/6665/dktronics/ https://archive.org/details/OnlineTodayV03N08/page/n9/mode/2up https://www.mobygames.com/game/40828/paul-mccartneys-give-my-regards-to-broad-street/ Jay Balakrishnan - HESWare, Radical, Dynamics, Solid State Software - https://www.patreon.com/posts/jay-balakrishnan-103071267 Nintendo sees coinop sales plummet Nintendo anticipates greater sales, profit, The Japan Economic Journal, August 28, 1984, Section: SECURITIES; Pg. 16 Atari sells distributorship Replay, August 1984, pg. 3 Coin-op computers a bust Campus coin-op computers crash; Good product ahead of its time, United Press International, August 29, 1984, Wednesday, BC cycle, Section: Financial, Byline: By J.B. BLOSSER 3rd parties scrap releases Computer Entertainer Vol. 3 Number 5 pg. 11 IBM tries to save the PCJr I.B.M. RAISES DIVIDEND, OFFERS A FREE KEYBOARD, The New York Times, August 1, 1984, Wednesday, Late City , Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 1, Column 1; Financial Desk, Byline: By STUART DIAMOND https://www.ebay.com/itm/335702730148 https://archive.org/details/pcjr-magazine-1984-volume-1/PCjr%20Magazine%20-%20198410%20-%20Volume%201%20Number%209/page/58/mode/2up?view=theater&q=512 https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-5/page/n14/mode/1up?view=theater https://www.atarimagazines.com/compute/issue59/review_lotus_123.php MICROPRO; Greets enhanced PCjr with WordStar, Business Wire, August 13, 1984, Monday IBM announces AT I.B.M.'S. NEW POWERHOUSE A T ;TWICE AS FAST AS OLD PC'S, The New York Times, August 15, 1984, Wednesday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 1, Column 3; Financial Desk, Byline: By DAVID E. SANGER https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1984-08/page/n9/mode/2up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivetti_M24 SHORTAGE OF SEMICONDUCTORS EASES, The New York Times, August 27, 1984, Monday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 1, Column 3; Financial Desk, Byline: By DAVID E. SANGER https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1984-08/page/n11/mode/2up IBM and EC reach agreement WEEK IN BUSINESS;BEST WEEK EVER ON WALL STREET, The New York Times, August 5, 1984, Sunday, Late City , Final Edition, Section: Section 3; Page 14, Column 3; Financial Desk, Byline: By Nathaniel C. Nash IBM announces new business strategy for Europe I.B.M.'S NEW ROLE IN EUROPE, The New York Times, August 13, 1984, Monday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section D; Page 1, Column 4; Financial Desk, Byline: By DAVID E. SANGER MSX to miss XMAS https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-02/mode/1up?view=theater https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-02/page/n2/mode/1up?view=theater https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-09/page/n3/mode/1up?view=theater Amstrad pricing very competitive https://archive.org/details/cvg-magazine-034/page/n125/mode/1up?view=theater https://archive.org/details/cvg-magazine-034/page/n119/mode/1up?view=theater Sinclair launches Speccy bundle https://archive.org/details/home-computer-weekly-magazine-new/HomeComputerWeekly-074/ https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-02/mode/1up?view=theater https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/entry/20540/ZX-Spectrum/Spectrum_Six_Pack_ZX-Spectrum_48K_version Sinclair plans stock flotation https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-09/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater Sinclair wants to get into chip manufacturing https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-16/page/n3/mode/2up https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-23/page/n2/mode/1up?view=theater Sinclair earnings miss expectations https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-23/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater Dragon goes to Espana! Spanish take over failed Dragon computer maker, Financial Times (London,England), August 15, 1984, Wednesday, Section: SECTION I; Pg. 12, Byline: BY CHARLES BATCHELOR IN LONDON https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_32/64#Product_history https://www.amazon.es/Cinco-Duros-HISTORIA-VIDEOJUEGO-ESPA%C3%91A/dp/8410031469 https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2017/02/17/515850029/episode-755-the-phone-at-the-end-of-the-world Macintosh software still scarce https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1984-08/page/n243/mode/2up Michael Dornbrook Part 1 - Infocom - https://www.patreon.com/posts/44335732 MIDI comes to micros https://archive.org/details/cvg-magazine-034/page/n125/mode/1up?view=theater https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-16/mode/2up Pioneer launchees interactive laser disc https://archive.org/details/computer-entertainer-3-5/page/n13/mode/2up?view=theater https://archive.org/details/Creative_Computing_1984-08/page/n11/mode/2up Byte profiles 6502 successor https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1984-08/page/n129/mode/2up Great space race budget breaks records https://archive.org/details/home-computer-weekly-magazine-new/HomeComputerWeekly-077/ https://www.mobygames.com/game/190868/the-great-space-race/ Lord British given credit for Questron https://archive.org/details/Computer_Gaming_World_Issue_4.4/page/n30/mode/1up?view=theater Joel Billings - SSI - https://www.patreon.com/posts/36827469 US games flood UK https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-23/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Gold Virgin goes for quality https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-30/mode/1up?view=theater Domark launches with big contest https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-30/page/n4/mode/1up?view=theater https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-30/page/n26/mode/1up?view=theater Sexy Games get activists in a tissy https://archive.org/details/home-computer-weekly-magazine-new/HomeComputerWeekly-076/mode/2up Computer adoption in schools still slow Stumbling into the computer age, Forbes, August 13, 1984, Section: INDUSTRIES; Pg. 35, Byline: By Kathleen R. Wiegner Computers find their purpose Road Warrior' rides again, Computerworld, August 13, 1984, Section: EDITORIAL; LECHT ON SCIENCE; Pg. 47, Byline: By Charles P. Lecht NABU gets software subsidiary "Sets Up Software Subsidiary; WHEELER SAYS HE MISSES 'BULLY PULPIT' BUT ENJOYS PRIVATE INDUSTRY, Communications Daily, August 20, 1984, Monday, Section: Vol. 4, No. 162; Pg. 5" Tech support goes online Telephone hot lines for software problems, Financial Times (London,England), August 29, 1984, Wednesday, Section: SECTION I; Technology; Professional Personal Computing; Pg. 5, Byline: PHILIP MANCHESTER WH Smith profits surge on computer sales RESULTS DUE NEXT WEEK, Financial Times (London,England), August 18, 1984, Saturday, Section: SECTION I; UK Companies; Pg. 17 Radio Shack loses ground TANDY'S SHIFTING SALES STRATEGY, The New York Times, August 19, 1984, Sunday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section 3; Page 1, Column 3; Financial Desk, Length: 2350 words, Byline: By PETER W. BARNES Drug Store Chain sues Mattel Drug Chain Sues Mattel For Alleged Discrimination Against Retailer, The Associated Press, August 3, 1984, Friday, BC cycle, No Headline In Original, United Press International, August 3, 1984, Friday, BC cycle, Section: Financial, Length: 188 words, Dateline: SYRACUSE, N.Y. Data Age sues Mr. T HE PITIES THE FOOL, United Press International, August 20, 1984, Monday, BC cycle, Section: Domestic News, Byline: By FRANK SANELLO, United Press International Pirates go pro https://archive.org/details/popular-computing-weekly-1984-08-30/mode/1up?view=theater https://www.olx.pt/d/anuncio/jogos-spectrum-verso-portuguesa-de-coleccionador-da-microbaite-etc-IDICESX.html TVs adapt to the new media landscape HOME VIDEO; TV SETS: NEW FUNCTIONS, NEW FORMS, The New York Times, August 12, 1984, Sunday, Late City Final Edition, Section: Section 2; Page 24, Column 1; Arts and Leisure Desk, Byline: By HANS FANTEL Executives get high-tech The all-electronic Executive, Financial Times (London,England), August 4, 1984, Saturday, Section: SECTION I; The Information Revolution; Pg. 12, Byline: By Alan Cane Touch screen system used for tourists Touch computer for tourists boon to advertisers, promoters, United Press International, August 19, 1984, Sunday, BC cycle, Section: Financial, Byline: By JOHN J. SANKO Army introduces joystick controlled rocket Technology Today: Fiber-optic guided missiles -- ultimate video game, United Press International, August 20, 1984, Monday, BC cycle, Section: Domestic News, Byline: By WILLIAM HARWOOD, Gaming Jesus shall bare the mark No Headline In Original, United Press International, August 9, 1984, Thursday, AM cycle, Section: Domestic News Compu-Cruise to set sail https://archive.org/details/HomeComputerMagazine_Vol4_03_1984_Aug/page/n25/mode/2up Recommended Links: The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/ Gaming Alexandria: https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/ They Create Worlds: https://tcwpodcast.podbean.com/ Digital Antiquarian: https://www.filfre.net/ The Arcade Blogger: https://arcadeblogger.com/ Retro Asylum: http://retroasylum.com/category/all-posts/ Retro Game Squad: http://retrogamesquad.libsyn.com/ Playthrough Podcast: https://playthroughpod.com/ Retromags.com: https://www.retromags.com/ Games That Weren't - https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/ Sound Effects by Ethan Johnson of History of How We Play. Copyright Karl Kuras
We dug into our takes and yours – on the state of Michigan State's football team and program, on fans sitting through frigid conditions to watch bad teams, moronic columnist takes, on MSU basketball, Xavier Booker and the win over North Carolina, and on fears the Lions won't get the No. 1 seed and more.
We dug into our takes and yours – on the state of Michigan State's football team and program, on fans sitting through frigid conditions to watch bad teams, moronic columnist takes, on MSU basketball, Xavier Booker and the win over North Carolina, and on fears the Lions won't get the No. 1 seed and more.
0:00 - Vic is shocked that so many people don't know the difference between a columnist and a beat writer. That's what's getting lost in the whole Sean Keeler vs Deion Sanders beef.16:47 - Vic officially sets the record straight on whether or not he's been "too critical" of Deion Sanders in the past.35:01 - Don't be "grown adult who brings his glove to the ballpark," okay? Don't be that guy.
Catherine Rampell, economic reporter for the Washington Post, doesn't hold back on CNN in lambasting the Kamala Harris economic plan including price controls on groceries and housing. Dan and special guest co-host Heidi Ganahl discuss what an abject disaster and failure such socialistic policies will prove to be, if implemented.
The starting gun has been fired and Conservative MPs have begun entering the race to become next leader of the party. Who will make it to the finish line? Matt speaks to supporters of some of the candidates, and hears advice from two Olympians-turned-politicians on how to go the distance. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell ask how the Tories can win over the under-30s, whether the end of cash is a good thing, and why organised crime gangs are getting into sheep rustling.Columnists (02:00)The Tory Olympics (25:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After Keir Starmer told us his children are campaigning to get a German Shepherd, we find out whether there's room for one in the flat above Downing Street. Matt is joined by 'The Dogfather' Graeme Hall, and he speaks to the new Lib Dem MP Steve Darling about his guide dog Jenny.And with big dog John Prescott retiring from the House of Lords, we look back at some of his best bits with columnists Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.Columnists (04:05)Political pets (23:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Keir Starmer is in America for his first Nato summit as prime minister, but what kind of leader will he be on the world stage? Matt is joined by correspondents around the world to analyse the foreign policy challenges the Labour government will face in the coming years.Plus: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss whether a younger parliament is good news for Gen Z, why we shouldn't be surprised the French election was crazy, and whether MPs should be forced to wear ties in Parliament. Columnists (03:45)Starmer Goes Global (26:23) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Now, as a record number of new faces arrive in Westminster, Matt pulls together a helpful guide on how to survive life as an MP - from asking for directions to taking control of your own diary and staying off social media after a drink.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Patrick Maguire on Rachel Reeves' first speech as Chancellor, why the Tory leadership candidates are shy about announcing they're running, and the role Reform UK and the Greens will play in the next parliament.Columnists (03:08)The Exit Interviews (25:07) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matter of Opinion is off this week, but the news hasn't stopped. So this week we're bringing you something from columnists across New York Times Opinion. With President Biden's candidacy in question, we asked them: Who would you like to see as the Democratic nominee? These are their answers.Lydia Polgreen on the case for Vice President Kamala HarrisNicholas Kristof on the case for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of MichiganRoss Douthat on the case for Senator Joe ManchinPamela Paul on the case for Gov. Wes Moore of MarylandDavid French on the case for Gov. Josh Shapiro of PennsylvaniaCharles Blow on the case for President Biden(A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.)If your opinion has changed on President Biden since the debate, we want to hear from you, too. What do you hope to see happen before the Democratic convention? Leave us a voice mail at 212-556-7440 or email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.comThis audio essay was originally made for the NYT Audio App, free for Times subscribers in the Apple App Store.
Former and Current Political Editors Fred Emery, Roland Watson and Steven Swinford tell Matt about reporting on half a century of elections for The Times. They discuss how election coverage has changed and how the 2024 campaign compares to previous years.Plus: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss whether Boris Johnson's appearance on the campaign trail could lead to a late turnaround for the Conservatives, why the next Labour cabinet should avoid engaging in "class warfare" and the children who've lived above Number 10.Columnists (03:37)The Political Editors (24:18) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The party leaders have been on the campaign trail day in, day out - but what seats have they been visiting, and what does it tell us about the kind of campaign they're fighting? Matt looks at whether an appearance by Rishi Sunak or Keir Starmer can help swing a seat, and speaks to former Number 10 adviser Cleo Watson about the dos and don'ts of planning political events. Plus: Columnists Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss the ethics of political betting, and why Rishi Sunak should reform the rules for electing his successor. The Columnists: (04:00)The Big Thing: (25:15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt sits down with the MPs leaving Parliament to find out their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Tory MP Craig Mackinlay lost his hands and feet after suffering a life-threatening episode of sepsis, and Rishi Sunak's snap election came too soon for him to run for his seat again. He talks to Matt about how he kept working from his hospital bed, dreaming about his colleagues while he was in a coma, and adjusting to life with prosthetic limbs.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and James Marriott discuss whether Nigel Farage's call for peace talks with Putin could halt Reform UK's surge in the polls, whether political interviewers should treat politicians with more respect and what Barcelona's ban on AirBnB means for tourism.Columnists (03:20)The Exit Interviews (24:34) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's the Times Radio Focus Group, where Matt steps outside the Westminster bubble to hear the opinions of ordinary voters.This week it's a group who plan to vote for the Conservatives on July the 4th. Matt is joined by James Johnson from JL Partners to find out why.PLUS: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss whether building houses is a credible plan for economic growth and whether Matt should follow sports stars in drinking pickle juice for his health.Columnists (04:20)Focus Group (33:18) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a special election edition of Disunited Kingdom where Matt hears from journalists from the four corners of the UK, we look at which seats to keep an eye ahead of polling day.Plus: Columnists Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss whether good economic news comes too late for the Conservatives, and whether constituency names are getting too long.The Columnists: (03:20)The Big Thing: (22:45) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt sits down with the MPs leaving Parliament to find out their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Serving Conservative minister and former leadership contender Dame Andrea Leadsom reflects on her time in Westminster, her difficult relationship with former Commons Speaker John Bercow, and explains why she would work for a potential Labour government.Plus: Columnists Sir Trevor Phillips and Rachel Sylvester discuss cross-party working, populist politicians, and whether Boris Johnson might make a comeback.Columnists (01:31)The Exit Interviews (24:35) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Public trust and confidence in government and the people who govern us is at a record low. Polling expert Sir John Curtice tells Matt what's behind the worrying decline, and a raft of big thinkers explain what can be done to fix it.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Rishi Sunak growing up without Sky TV, a young, inexperienced parliament, and whether climbing walls should be in the office.The Columnists (02:55)Why Politics Is Broken (22:59) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's the Times Radio Focus Group, where Matt steps outside the Westminster bubble to hear the opinions of ordinary voters.This month it's a group who all voted for the Conservatives in 2019 but are now thinking of backing Reform UK. They tell Matt and James Johnson of J.L. Partners that Nigel Farage is the "Donald Trump of the UK" and their advice to Rishi Sunak is to "pack your suitcase". Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Tom McTague discuss whether lying is new in politics.Columnists (02.43)Focus Group (21:22) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt is joined by Tim Shipman to unpack the action from Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer's first head-to-head debate of the campaign. Starmer talks up his father's toolmaking career while Sunak accuses Labour of planning a £2,000 tax on working households.Plus: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether there's more to the Lib Dems than meets the eye, misogyny in Young Farmers groups and whether Robert can make it as a London tour guide.Columnists (03:28)The Debate Unpacked (23:41) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the election campaign kicks off in earnest, comedians Lewis Macleod, Nerine Skinner and Rory Bremner join Matt for their best political impressions, and listeners send in their own.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss Jeremy Corbyn running as an independent, Rishi Sunak's shelved smoking bill, and politicians using football to appear more relatable.The Columnists: (03:00)The Big Thing: (23:10) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Conservative Sir Bob Neil reflects on the challenges of the job by saying he wouldn't recommend it to his younger self, why he feels it was good Liz Truss' time in office was so short, and his hopes for the future of the Tory party.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Iain Martin discuss whether the neverending group of public inquiries are proving value-for-money, whether our politicians are taking defence spending seriously enough and whether Jeremy Corbyn will run against Labour in the next election.Columnists (04:02)The Exit Interviews (26:36) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do you maintain discipline in a government that's on the ropes after a long period in office, with a prime minister behind in the polls and beset by defections?Former Tory MP and whip Gyles Brandreth charted the downfall of the Major government in his indiscreet diaries, and joins Matt to discuss the striking similarities between then and now.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Mariott discuss whether the nation is ready for what is shaping up to be a long election campaign, if tech bros make bad philosophers, and if TV shows work on stage.Columnists (03:04)Gyles Brandreth (24:50) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Never mind prisons running out of space or rainbow lanyards - PMQs gets derailed by Nicholas Lyndhurst. Matt is joined by Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit to unpack all the action from the Commons.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss what Rishi Sunak should do about Nigel Farage, living next door to celebrities, and whether linen clothes, the Northern Lights, and strawberry jam are overrated.The Columnists: (02:32)PMQs: (24:22) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's been 30 years since the sudden death of Labour leader John Smith, a man many expected would go on to be prime minister. Matt hears from some of the people who knew him best, including the recollections of Tony Blair, Margaret Beckett and Neil Kinnock.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss Dominic Cumming's idea for a new political party, James' trip to a pro-Palestinian protest, and the ethics behind the hit show Baby Reindeer.Columnists (02:48)The Prime Minister That Never Was (23:19) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's the Times Radio Focus Group, where Matt steps outside the Westminster bubble to hear the opinions of ordinary voters. This month it's a group who all voted for the Conservatives in 2019 but now want to vote for Labour or haven't made their mind up. They tell Matt and James Johnson of J.L. Partners that Rishi Sunak's trainers look "stupid" and Keir Starmer makes their "skin crawl". PLUS: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss whether Keir Starmer made a mistake when he welcomed the defecting MP Natalie Elphicke, and whether Matthew's manifesto for the next government will work.Columnists (03:33)Focus Group (22:29) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire pause and unpack the action from the Commons chamber, as Tory MP for Dover Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour moments before PMQs.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss never-ending Tory plots, whether the police do enough to tackle stalking, and whether cycling can be cool.Columnists: (01:24) PMQs Unpacked: (23:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Description: Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics. Conservative MP Craig Whittaker tells Matt about being deputy chief whip in Liz Truss's government, what it's been like having stalkers, and the ‘rot' inside the Tory party.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the return of the 'coalition of chaos' and whether student protests are effective.The Columnists: (01:50)The Big Thing: (20:22) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In half a century just three opposition leaders have become prime minister. 45 years after Margaret Thatcher arrived in Downing Street, Matt hears from the people who knew her best - including Conservative colleagues Ken Clarke, Jonathan Aitken, and David Howell, aide turned author Michael Dobbs, her biographer Charles Moore, and her daughter Carol Thatcher.Plus: Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss the SNP's leadership struggles, is noise in the Commons a good thing, and whether you should trust attractive politicians. The Columnists: (01:00)The Big Thing: (22:27) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tim Shipman and Kait Borsay join Matt Chorley to pause and unpack the action from the Commons chamber as Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak clash over pensions and how to fund them, and one Tory gets a ticking-off from the Speaker.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the violence on American University campuses, whether sports stars make good politicians and the policing of domestic violence. Columnists (02:30)PMQs Unpacked (23:05) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The impressionists are back - Jon Culshaw, Rory Bremner and Nerine Skinner join Matt to talk about their favourite political impressions, before engaging in a 'three-way Trump-off'.Plus: Andrew Neil gives his take on the future of Humza Yousaf and the SNP, and Gyles Brandreth discusses Keir Starmer opening up about his childhood.Andrew Neil (03:15)The Columnists (12:00)The Impressionists (30:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Exclusive polling for the podcast shows two in 10 voters - including one in 10 of those who voted Tory in 2019 - would like the Conservative party to disappear completely, in favour of another right-wing party.How bad do things look for the Tories, and could they be facing a Canada-style electoral wipeout? Plus: Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell discuss political nicknames, whether politicians should answer more questions with "I don't know", and why Mr Bates vs The Post Office didn't make any money.The Columnists (01:57)The Big Thing (22:10) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from their time at Westminster.Conservative MP and minister Mike Freer talks about how threats and violence led to his decision to stand down, gossiping with the late Queen Elizabeth, and helping Boris Johnson get dressed.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves react to Rishi Sunak insisting that flights to Rwanda will take off in the summer, and the row over the policing of pro-Palestinian marches in London. Columnists (03:50)The Exit Interviews: Mike Freer (18:31) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When it comes to chocolate, why are Tories pro-dark and Labour supporters pro-milk? Matt looks at exclusive YouGov polling and dives into the politics of chocolate at a time when cocoa prices are soaring.Plus: James Marriott and Miranda Green discuss Rishi Sunak's "moral mission" to reform welfare, why young adults are being infantilised, and why Liz Truss broke with Royal protocol.Columnists: (02:45)The Big Thing: (25:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the first time in a month, Tim Shipman joins Matt Chorley to pause and unpack the action from the Commons chamber as Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak attack each other's predecessors and tax plans.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether Rishi Sunak's good week could create some momentum for the Conservatives, meeting unfriendly politicians and whether musicians should blame the audience for a bad show.Columnists (02:47)PMQs Unpacked (25:26) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How much do parties spend on "big data", and how much do they still rely on old-fashioned leaflets through the door?Matt finds out how they're planning to spend record amounts this election year, and why some past campaign expenses included 'pest control' and 'emergency chair removal'.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss Reform UK's woes, teenagers using social media, and supermarket orchids.What We Learned This Week (00:58) Columnists (03:15)How Parties Spend (21:26) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Politicians always tell us the future looks bright, but a new YouGov survey shows that most people are wistful for the good old days. Exactly when you think that was depends on your age. Matt speaks to guests including Historian Dan Snow, who feels nostalgic for the 1990s.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matt Charlton discuss Rishi Sunak's five pledges, whether artists should be asked to help promote social initiatives, and whether it's ethical for journalists to wait outside politicians' homes. Columnists (02:05)When Were The Good Old Days? (21:56) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt Chorley, Patrick Maguire and Andrew Gimson give the "Unpacked" treatment to a classic PMQs, with Tony Blair and David Cameron going head-to-head in December 2005 for Cameron's debut as Conservative leader. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether children are being failed by gender care in the UK, if athletes should be awarded prize money at the Olympics, and pothole fishing.Columnists: (04:24)Classic PMQs Unpacked: (23:23) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Conservative MP and former minister Paul Scully explains why he's sick of the Westminster 'psychodrama', his proudest moment working for victims of the Post Office scandal, and discusses the impact that politics can have on family life.Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss the persistent questions over Angela Rayner's tax affairs, the Westminster 'honey trap' sexting scandal, and why Keir Starmer could end up with the same share of the vote as Jeremy Corbyn.The Columnists (03:50)The Exit Interviews (26:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Patrick Maguire is joined by John Elledge to discuss the borders that explain world politics - from London's Ulez to the edge of space. PLUS: Columnists India Knight and James Heale discuss whether the public will appreciate the latest National Insurance cut, what happened when James went to Nigel Farage's 60th, and whether the Liz Truss story will get its own Netflix series.Columnists (00:41)The Borders That Explain World Politics (20:53) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If polls are to be believed, the UK could be governed by a new political party before the end of the year - one that hasn't been in power for 14 years. What lessons can we learn from the last changing of the guard, when David Cameron's coalition entered Downing Street?Patrick speaks to Conservative and Liberal Democrat advisers who were there in 2010, and historian Phil Tinline looks at the potential lessons for Labour.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matt Frei discuss the shifting diplomatic sands over Israeli military action in Gaza, and whether Nato is still fit for purpose as it marks its 75th anniversary.Columnists (00:38)The Handover of Power (19:22) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On April 2, Jackson County residents will decide whether to approve a 3/8-cent sales tax that would fund a new stadium for the Royals and provide upgrades at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs. The tax expected to generate about $2 billion over 40 years. A “Yes,” vote means the Royals will move out of Kauffman Stadium and build a new stadium in the Crossroads District. The Chiefs will stay put and improve the fan experience at Arrowhead. A “No,” vote means... No one is certain, but columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian join host Blair Kerkhoff on SportsBeat KC, The Star's sports podcast, to break down this generational decision. We discuss what the vote means for Kansas City and offer predictions on the outcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire give the "Unpacked" treatment to a classic PMQs, with John Major and Tony Blair going head-to-head in January 1997, challenging each other over the leadership of their respective parties.Plus: Columnists Robert Crompton and Jane Merrick discuss a potential Labour government's nightmare in-tray, whether school bullies prosper, and why Alan Titchmarsh had his trousers censored in North Korea.(Columnists 03:55)Classic PMQs (26:50) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our new exclusive polling shows that both Labour and the Tories have some well-known frontbench spokespeople; the bad news is that some of them don't exist. Matt explores why fake politicians can poll better than real ones.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether anyone cares if politicians have done drugs, why it's good to rub people the wrong way, and what makes political theatre worth watching.Columnists: (02:50)The Big Thing: (23:23) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt sits down with US political scientist Lynn Vavreck, author of 'The Message Matters', to find out whether the Clinton-era cliche - 'It's the economy, stupid' - really holds true.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss the Tory mood after a poll for The Times had the party at its lowest level of support since Liz Truss' mini-budget, banging tables at the 1922 committee, and whether shampoo is a scam.Columnists (03:01)It's Not Just The Economy, Stupid (21:31) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's the last PMQs before MPs head off for an Easter break, and comedian Geoff Norcott joins Matt Chorley, Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the action from the Commons chamber. Rishi Sunak hails the latest inflation figures, while Keir Starmer describes the prime minister's Rwanda plan as a "gimmick".Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss why Labour keeps talking about Margaret Thatcher, whether Gen Z peers are a welcome addition to the House of Lords, and whether the right to roam is as straightforward as it sounds.Columnists (06:20)PMQs Unpacked (25:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.This week, Conservative MP William Wragg tells Matt what it's like being a serial backbench troublemaker, how government whips behave like the mafia, and why he compares Boris Johnson to Faust.Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss whether Penny Mordaunt could lead the Conservative Party and whether the SNP should campaign for a 'Tory-free Scotland'.Columnists (04:49)The Exit Interviews (26:42) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What makes the nation feel good about itself - is it the weather, sporting success or a royal wedding? And what difference does it make to how the nation votes? Matt takes a look back through history and the polls with Elinor Goodman, Steve Richards and pollster Kelly Beaver.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and Miranda Green discuss Rishi Sunak ruling out a May election, whether heft and height matter in politics, and the value of cheap flights.The Columnists: (03:00)The Big Thing: (22:15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rishi Sunak struggles to deflect questions about a Tory donor's racist comments, and accuses of Keir Starmer of double standards. But have government communications descended into the kind of 'inept catastrophe' we saw during the Boris Johnson years?Matt Chorley is joined by Tim Shipman, Hugo Rifkind and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges from the Commons chamber.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the NHS puberty blocker ban, state school pupils making it in the arts, and whether Keir Starmer was right to open up about his family.Columnists (03:30)PMQs Unpacked (24:35) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Conservative MP Stephen Hammond explains why he wouldn't recommend the job to a friend, why he was kicked out of the party over Brexit, and why he had to help Boris Johnson give him the sack.Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss whether the government will get any credit for cutting taxes in this week's budget, the problem of self-diagnosing neurodivergence, and what to expect from George Galloway as he returns to the Commons once again. Columnists (04:26)The Exit Interviews (24:45) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What really goes on behind the famous black door after an election, as one government makes way for another? Matt hears about recently-released documents lifting the lid on the transfer of power in 1997, and speaks to some of the people who were there.Plus: Columnists India Knight, James Marriott and Patrick Maguire discuss the return of George Galloway to public life, influencers releasing books, and whether we should introduce a value-for-money star rating for theatres.Columnists (02:48)Inside The Downing St Handover (22:41) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.