Media Confidential

Should a politician be allowed to present the BBC’s Today Programme? Former Ofcom chair Michael Grade thinks so.

This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel pick apart Grade’s recent interview, where he claimed that mainstream broadcasters are afraid of GB News.

They discuss the logic behind the rules of impartiality—and what Grade’s opinions reveal about Ofcom’s controversial decisions under his tenure. Plus, they invite him to respond on Media Confidential.

Alan and Lionel disagree on coverage around the killing of Henry Novak, the young stab victim who was handcuffed by police in Southampton.

Plus, after a veteran 60 Minutes presenter was fired in a spectacular fashion, the hosts discuss the explosive situation at CBS and its relationship with the BBC. And one listener asks: why do all media organisations seem to have the same stories?

Get in touch with your questions at [email protected]
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Who do media organisations go to when they get sued?

In today’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk to Gavin Millar KC, an expert in media law.

The three talk about SLAPPs, strategic lawsuits increasingly used by the powerful to silence journalists and stop crucial reporting.

They discuss why the fight against SLAPPs is vital for democracy: after suggestions that a Labour government would reform the law, why has progress been so slow?

They also compare existing UK libel laws with those in the US and Canada and reflect on a few of the most high-profile cases of their careers.

Plus, Gavin weighs in on the case between Donald Trump and the BBC.
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On this week’s Media Confidential Alan and Lionel talk to Peter Geoghegan, journalist, broadcaster and founder of Democracy for Sale.

The three discuss the problem of SLAPPs, lawsuits used by the wealthy to silence and intimidate critics. They talk about the chilling effect these lawsuits can have have on democracy, and how they discourage journalists from pursuing stories in the public interest. Why has the government made such slow progress in tackling them?

They’ll discuss what it is like as a small media outlet or single journalist to receive the financial and emotional weight of a SLAPP and the lobbying actions of media lawyers.

The three will also discuss Democracy for Sale’s investigation into Labour Together and ask about the thinktank's impact on UK politics. Read the investigation here.
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In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss the changing winds at Ofcom, after its prospective new chair was scrutinised by a select committee. How much was Ian Cheshire briefed beforehand? And will he do anything to tackle GB News?

The pair also talk about Trump's latest attack on the BBC—as well as Fran Unsworth’s departure from the broadcaster, after the former news boss claimed that she was driven out by trans activism in an interview with the Telegraph.

They answer a listener’s ethical question, as the Economist draws controversy for its hiring practices. And they discuss a Panorama investigation into disturbing allegations around Channel 4’s reality TV show Married At First Sight.
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In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk to Gabriel Pogrund, newly appointed editor of Insight, the Sunday Times investigative team. After Gabriel exposed £730,000 in undeclared donations to Labour Together, he and other journalists became victims of a smear campaign. He discusses why the thinktank commissioned an investigation into him—and how he was falsely accused of having Russian ties.

As the co-author of Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer, Gabriel also discusses the prime minister’s leadership.

Plus, in an age of weaponised libel laws and abusive SLAPP lawsuits, the trio discuss the challenges facing investigative journalists.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.