The Media Show Grok AI, Media coverage of the Iran protests, Hamnet film producer Liza Marshall and inside prison radio
10 snips
Jan 14, 2026 The podcast dives into the media’s handling of the Iran protests, featuring insights from BBC Persian’s Behrang Tajdin and MP Tom Tugendhat. It also tackles the Grok AI controversy, sparking discussions on tech regulation and the implications of generative AI. Additionally, Phil Maguire shares the transformative impact of National Prison Radio on rehabilitation, while Liza Marshall reveals her journey in acquiring the rights for the film Hamnet before it became a sensation. A rich blend of journalism, technology, and storytelling unfolds.
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Personal Toll On BBC Persian Journalists
- Behrang Tajdin described personal costs BBC Persian journalists pay, including family members being interrogated when they travel to Iran.
- He said colleagues' relatives are stopped, summoned and threatened simply for their relation to BBC Persian staff.
Verifying UGC Is Central To Iran Coverage
- BBC Persian relies heavily on verified user-generated content to report events inside Iran despite being banned there.
- Forensics teams check landmarks, dates and other details to authenticate videos and build a reliable picture.
News Prioritisation Shapes TV Coverage
- Lise Doucet emphasised editorial trade-offs: many major global stories compete for limited TV bulletin space.
- She argued BBC had broad coverage across platforms and that editors must prioritise the news of the day.
