Louisa Compton, head of news and current affairs at Channel 4, and Alistair Jackson, investigations editor of Dispatches, discuss the investigation into Russell Brand. They explore the role of journalists, the importance of victims speaking out, and the extensive four-year investigation. The chapter also touches on the internal investigation at Channel 4 and the importance of trust and speaking up in the workplace. The podcast also covers concerns within Downing Street, a possible royal intervention, and the UK government's handling of the pandemic.
The investigation into Russell Brand, conducted by Channel 4, Dispatches, and the Sunday Times, aimed to give voice to victims and gather evidence while maintaining journalistic integrity.
The significant viewership of the Dispatches episode on Russell Brand indicates the public interest in the allegations and highlights the impact and reach of the investigation.
Deep dives
Allegations against Russell Brand and police involvement
The Metropolitan Police confirms receiving an official allegation of sexual assault against Russell Brand in London in 2003. The investigation was sparked by a Dispatches episode that mentioned stories published in the Sunday Times and Channel 4. The police appeal for more potential victims to come forward, acknowledging Russell Brand's celebrity status and the possibility of multiple interactions. However, the extent of the investigation and the specifics of the allegations are still unknown.
Viewership of Dispatches and social media impact
Dispatches episode on Russell Brand reached a wide audience, with 1.8 million views on the program itself, 2.4 million views on catch-up services, and 10 million views on social media clips. The episode attracted younger viewers than usual, indicating the significant public interest in the allegations. This level of viewership demonstrates the impact and reach of the investigation conducted by Dispatches, Channel 4, and the BBC.
Investigative process and building trust with victims
The investigations into Russell Brand were conducted by Channel 4, Sunday Times, and The Times. The process involved building relationships with the women who came forward with their stories, listening to them, and allowing them to decide whether they wanted to speak to the police. The investigation took several years and required extensive resources and cooperation between media organizations. The aim was to gather evidence and give the victims a voice while ensuring the journalistic integrity of the report.
Public reactions, media conspiracy claims, and platform influence
Supporters of Russell Brand, including Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones, and Andrew Tate, claim that the allegations are part of an establishment conspiracy due to the involvement of multiple media organizations. However, the woman known as Alice, who shared her story, dismissed these claims, emphasizing that Russell Brand has a substantial platform himself and a following that may be skeptical of mainstream media. The discrepancy in viewership numbers between Russell Brand's channels and the Dispatches episode does not necessarily imply public support, as many viewers may have been following the news story or seeking information on the allegations.
How did Channel 4’s Dispatches & The Sunday Times put the Russell Brand investigation together?
Adam is joined by Louisa Compton, head of news and current affairs at Channel 4 and Alistair Jackson, investigations editor of Dispatches.
And Liz Truss is back on the political stage, urging the Prime Minister to cut taxes a year after her Downing Street exit. The BBC’s Chris Mason and Faisal Islam give us their take on her speech.
If you, or someone you know, need help after hearing about some of the issues raised in this podcast, organisations offering assistance can be found on the BBC Action Line website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode