Media Confidential

Prospect Magazine

Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber—two of the world’s greatest editors—dive into the hugely important world of media. What—and who—drives it? What do they get right... And what do they get wrong?

Lionel, former editor of the Financial Times, and Alan, editor of Prospect and former editor of the Guardian, will bring you revealing, high profile interviews and in-depth discussion.

Media Confidential is produced by Prospect Magazine.

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21 episodes
Updated Today

Episodes21

Newest first

Today · 44 min
Mehdi Hasan: Why US media shies away from talking about genocide
In this week's Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Mehdi Hasan, founder and CEO of Zeteo. The three discuss Mehdi’s trajectory from political editor in the UK to hosting a show across the pond—to launching his own independent media organisation in Zeteo. Mehdi opens up about why his MSNBC show was cancelled and how he felt compelled to leave the news channel. They also discuss the rise of Zeteo and its recent UK launch. With many frustrated with mainstream political and cultural coverage, what is missing from the British media landscape? Plus, Mehdi argues that, when faced with accusations of biased coverage, the BBC tends to overcorrect. If he were the corporation's director-general, what would he do differently? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thursday · 25 min
So you didn’t get a Burnham interview? Break out the tiny violins
In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk about media publisher Reach’s change in direction. After years of striving for…well…reach, the publisher now says they’ll focus on long form reported stories. After a federal judge savaged the US Department of Justice for issuing subpoenas against New York Times journalists, Alan and Lionel also discuss what they call a “fantastically stupid move by Trump”. They’ll also talk about the president’s swipes at the media at during White House Correspondent’s dinner. Does the iconic event have a future? As Andy Burnham and John Healey were asked in a TikTok video: crisps, pork scratchings or scampi fries? The hosts discuss whether the government’s shrewd new media strategy is working. Plus, they ask why Whitehall correspondents are complaining they haven’t had the chance to interview the new prime minister—is it clever strategy from Burnham, or a deliberate cutting off of press access? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 27 · 38 min
Corruption, convictions and vengeance: Maggie Haberman on the inside story of the second Trump presidency
Alan and Lionel are joined by journalist Maggie Haberman to discuss her and Jonathan Swan’s explosive new book covering the first year of Trump’s second presidency. Having conducted hundreds of interviews, Maggie shares the astonishing amount of access that the two journalists had in the inner circles of the Trump administration. The three unpick Trump’s close relationships with Rupert Murdoch and Fox News, and how the White House press pool has been reshaped. They also discuss the intimidation tactics creating a chilling effect on journalists and subpoenas against New York Times staff reporting on the president. Plus, Maggie shares observations from her strange Oval Office meeting with Trump and discusses the president’s unpleasant nickname for her. Will they burn any bridges by publishing the book? ‘Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump’ is published by Simon & Schuster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 23 · 22 min
Burnham’s new cabinet: What did the media miss?
As Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber discuss the new cabinet on Media Confidential. When it comes to new appointments, how did the media get it so wrong? As Lisa Nandy keeps her role as culture secretary, the pair discuss the BBC charter renewal and the broadcaster’s advert during the football World Cup which asked “what has the BBC ever done for me?” They also reflect on the death of BBC stalwart Edward Stourton and consider the Telegraph as it takes small steps towards change under new ownership. Plus, they discuss the influence of former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre and his proteges, after a longform Guardian article explored his influence on Britain’s rightwing press and the advent of culture war journalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 20 · 40 min
Political censorship: How governments are using national security laws to silence journalists
In this episode of Media Confidential, Clothilde Redfern and Martin Bright join Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber to discuss how national security laws are increasingly being used to restrict journalism around the world. Clothilde is the director of the UK branch of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Martin Bright is a journalist and contributing editor of a new report by the charity which shows a growing pattern of governments expanding the meaning of “national security” to justify secrecy, surveillance, and sustained pressure on reporters. The four discuss cases like that of Julian Assange and how legal action can have worrying impacts on journalists. They also talk about the line between legitimate security concerns and unnecessary suppression of reporting. To read the RSF report ‘National security as a weapon against journalism’, click here: https://rsf.org/en/new-rsf-report-national-security-weapon-against-journalism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 16 · 31 min
Ann Widdecombe’s murder: Have the police said too much?
Alan and Lionel discuss the suspected murder of MP Ann Widdecombe. They discuss contempt of court laws and how they differ from those in the United States, as well as the impact of public scrutiny on police communication. Is it wise to have a running commentary on all investigations? They also unpick the Trump administration’s latest attack on the journalism, as the Department of Justice serves subpoenas to New York Times journalists in order to find out who in the administration leaked a story about Donald Trump’s acceptance of a Qatari plane. In other news, the editors also talk about devastating cuts at GB News and what they mean for the broadcaster. And they examine the big bucks in the world of broadcasting, as the BBC reveals its highest earners. Plus, they analyse former Today programme presenter John Humphrys’s critical comments about his successors in the role. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 13 · 36 min
Iain Dale: I'm a Conservative but I don't do propaganda (unlike GB News)
In this week’s episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by presenter and commentator Iain Dale. As he releases a new memoir, the three discuss his life in broadcasting and a brief stint of political ambition, as well as his ideological leanings. Iain discusses how he tries to keep his LBC show unbiased and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating lively debate with a broad spectrum of views. He also reflects on Brexit, GB News and the BBC and his thoughts on the future of political broadcasting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 9 · 31 min
It’s the media’s fault! Nigel Farage plays the victim card
In today’s Media Confidential, Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber discuss Nigel Farage’s resignation in Clacton, triggering a by-election in which he will stand. They discuss Farage’s attacks on the press, including on a Sky News reporter. Did reporting around undeclared donations really cross the line? They also analyse the judgment in Prince Harry’s case against the Daily Mail, which alleged unlawful information gathering by Associated Newspapers. As the Mail wins a massive legal victory, they discuss the role of editors in these kinds of court cases and disagree over the role of tabloid newspapers. Alan and Lionel also talk about Comcast and Sky’s $1.6bn takeover of ITV: what does the merger mean for staff, and for the network’s stories? Will it be a good thing for public broadcasting—or not? And they answer a listener’s question on climate coverage, in the midst of another heatwave. To read more on the Prince Harry case, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/74059/daily-mail-victory-prince-harry-hacked-off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 6 · 30 min
Lachlan Cartwright: ‘American media became a propaganda arm to get Trump elected’
In today’s episode Lachlan Cartwright, the founder of Breaker Media, joins Alan and Lionel to discuss why he went solo and launched the outlet after two decades in journalism. They ask how he treads the line between privacy and public interest when searching for scoops. The Breaker founder also discusses his tumultuous time at the National Enquirer, the US tabloid’s backing of Trump, and his role as a whistleblower in the "catch and kill” scandal which made the front page of the New York Times. He shares that good lawyers and keeping just on the right side of the law are key when you’re in the business of muckraking. Plus, he discusses his experience with legal letters, non-disclosure agreements and how to avoid bowing to pressure from powerful figures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 2 · 20 min
Will the BBC cave in to Trump?
In today’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss Donald Trump’s court case against the BBC. As the broadcaster requests the president’s phone records from January 6th, some commentators think it should settle with the president. Do our hosts agree? The Telegraph’s takeover by major media company Axel Springer is finally complete, and the paper’s new owner Matthias Döpfner has appointed a German CEO and CFO. Alan and Lionel discuss whether Döpfner’s strong views will make it into print—and ask if he, as a keen musician, might join Alan on the piano. Plus, the Guardian announces new jobs on the horizon and Lionel shows off a recently acquired medal... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 29 · 35 min
Vicious media: How the Murdoch press attacks its targets
The authors of an explosive new book reveal all
June 25 · 28 min
Starmer’s downfall: Is the media to blame?
In this week’s episode, Alan and Lionel chew over Keir Starmer's resignation. How does a modern politician feed the media—and avoid being eaten? If Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, will he be better at communicating with the media? They also discuss the government’s green paper on public service media and the role of BBC, ITV, YouTube, and Facebook. As presenters Jon Snow and Jeremy Clarkson reveal serious medical diagnoses and raise awareness for their causes, the hosts talk about illness in the public eye. And as Lionel receives an award in Luxembourg this week, they ask if fame and honours will change him... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 22 · 35 min
Beeban Kidron: What the Online Safety Act gets right (and wrong)
This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel speak to crossbench peer and activist Beeban Kidron about the Online Safety Act. Beeban has spent years advocating for children's rights in the digital world and has played a role in establishing standards for online safety and privacy across the world. She debunks the misconceptions around the issue—and explains why a social media ban won’t work on its own. She weighs in on the BBC’s role, as well as the controversial policy-shaping contributions of thinktanks such as the Tony Blair institute and the chilling impact of tech billionaires. If she were prime minister for a day, how would she deal with Elon Musk? Plus, what is digital sovereignty? And, as a filmmaker, how does she think AI will affect the film industry? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 18 · 28 min
Murdoch’s biggest deal yet
This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss the Murdoch family’s biggest ever deal, as Lachlan Murdoch’s Fox TV buys streaming service Roku. What does it suggest about the company’s direction under its new CEO? And why isn’t Alan a fan of Roku? They discuss an AI-generated video of Nigel Farage fist-fighting Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey in a Question Time Studio—and how the deepfake video has some people fooled. After GB News’s Bev Turner denied that widespread racist violence in Belfast was a riot, the editors also analyse a clash between Turner and political commentator Matthew Stadlen, while Alan shares the tweet that made him “shudder”. It’s not all bad news, though, as Mehdi Hasan launches Zeteo UK, the British equivalent of his popular independent media platform—and Dan Neidle wins a resounding victory in libel courts over an obvious SLAPP. Could it set a hopeful precedent? Plus, Alan and Lionel respond to an email from the editor of the Manchester Evening News and issue an invitation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 15 · 31 min
The 60 Minutes meltdown: inside the power struggles reshaping America’s iconic news show
In this Monday’s episode of Media Confidential Alan and Lionel are talking to NPR’s media correspondent David Folkenflik about what is actually happening at American broadcaster CBS. They discuss the popularity of CBS’s flagship show 60 Minutes and how a new leadership is trying to make changes at the programme. They’ll talk about how Bari Weiss, editor-in-chief of CBS News, is getting along in her new role—and how staff are reacting to her new pick of Nick Bilton as 60 Minutes executive producer. The three discuss the influence of David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, which owns the channel. Plus, Alan asks if the apparent internal ructions are down to ineptitude or trying to keep Donald Trump sweet... They also ask if David will be attending the re-run of the White House Correspondents dinner, which was cancelled (and Donald Trump evacuated) after a shooting... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 11 · 35 min
Henry Nowak and how the media fuels racism
In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan questions the quality of reporting around the Henry Nowak case, and questions why so many in the media are focusing on the cost of DEI training in the police and neglecting to mention the recent Louise Casey report into racism in the police force. They also discuss how the media is amplifying the messages of politicians such as Nigel Farage when Nowak’s family has called for calm. Our hosts talk about the joint investigation into the conduct of former newspaper owner David Sullivan by BBC Panorama and the Times, and they raise questions of why he was banned from owning a local newspaper in the 1980s and how the investigation is the product of years of work for the two outlets. They also discuss new director general Matt Brittin’s interview with the Financial Times and what it reveals about his views on the BBC’s future, including its digital offering. Plus: rumours are swirling about who will take on the vacant Head of News position. They also respond to a listener question about how to implement AI in a newsroom to get the best features without impacting quality journalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 8 · 37 min
Joshi Herrmann ‘If we're going to devolve more power to places like Greater Manchester we’re going to need to bulk up the quality of the local media.’
In this week’s Media Confidential Alan and Lionel are joined by Joshi Hermann, founder of The Mill. The three discuss how The Mill has expanded out from Manchester to seven cities in just three years and it’s plans to revitalise and redefine local reporting. They also discuss The Mill’s funding model and why Joshi believes the method is sustainable, and how he is ensuring that essential public interest journalism is still freely available to read. They’ll discuss the Mill’s investigative work, how they fund and fight their legal battles and what the business is doing to utilise AI without being overwhelmed by it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 4 · 36 min
Ofcom’s Michael Grade doesn't understand impartiality
Should a politician be allowed to present the BBC’s Today Programme? Former Ofcom chair Michael Grade thinks so. This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel pick apart Grade’s recent interview, where he claimed that mainstream broadcasters are afraid of GB News. They discuss the logic behind the rules of impartiality—and what Grade’s opinions reveal about Ofcom’s controversial decisions under his tenure. Plus, they invite him to respond on Media Confidential. Alan and Lionel disagree on coverage around the killing of Henry Novak, the young stab victim who was handcuffed by police in Southampton. Plus, after a veteran 60 Minutes presenter was fired in a spectacular fashion, the hosts discuss the explosive situation at CBS and its relationship with the BBC. And one listener asks: why do all media organisations seem to have the same stories? Get in touch with your questions at mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 1 · 44 min
Why are Britain’s politicians so weak on freedom of speech?
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28 · 40 min
Peter Geoghegan on getting SLAPP’d: ‘It had a huge chilling effect’
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.