The Media Show

Behind the Information Iron Curtain

May 1, 2024

Exploring the impact of censorship and technological controls in Russia, Iran, and China; how citizens access uncensored information; the strategic competition in global politics; navigating media restrictions with VPNs; challenges faced by international broadcasters like BBC World Service in funding; countering disinformation and soft power challenges; implications of a splinternet; evolving views on internet regulation.

57:41

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Quick takeaways

State-imposed red lines in Iran limit media critique, impacting freedom of speech.

China's strict internet regulations hinder access to independent media, leading to self-censorship.

Discussion on funding BBC directly from government budgets to address modernization needs and promote democracy worldwide.

Deep dives

BBC World Service's Impact on Global Democracy

The Reuters Institute highlights democratic backsliding globally, with over 39% living under authoritarian rule. States are now key sources of disinformation, impacting freedom of speech. Major media orgs like BBC play roles in countering disinformation.

Introduction

2min

Media Restrictions in Iran, China, and Russia

11min

The Impact of Press Control on Global Politics

6min

Navigating Media Restrictions and Circumvention Strategies

10min

Analysis of Message Delivery and Response Rates

2min

The Funding Challenges of International Broadcasters

7min

BBC World Service: Countering Disinformation and Soft Power Challenges

11min

Navigating the Splinternet: Control, Disinformation, and Global Consequences

7min

Exploring the Evolving Views on Internet Regulation and Control

3min

An information iron curtain has fallen across large parts of the globe, where access to impartial news reporting and information has never been more difficult. With the help of BBC specialists, Ros and Katie consider the impact of censorship and technological controls on Russia, Iran and China; how ingrained state disinformation has become and how it has distorted their citizens’ perception of the world. Our panel also look at attempts to circumvent internet blocking and state restrictions on free media, from the use of VPNs by those on the inside, to the innovative tactics adopted by outsiders who are trying to deliver truthful news to an often indoctrinated audience. Guests: Kerry Allen, China media analyst, BBC; Francis Scarr, journalist, BBC Monitoring; Kia Atri, journalist, BBC Middle East; Suzanne Raine, Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge; Joe Tidy, cyber correspondent, BBC News; Fabian Falch, tech entrepreneur; Evie Aspinall, Director, British Foreign Policy Group, Jonathan Munro Deputy CEO & Director of Journalism, BBC News; Famil Ismailov, News Editor, BBC Russian Service.

Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson

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The Media Show

Behind the Information Iron Curtain

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

BBC World Service's Impact on Global Democracy

Media Restrictions in Russia, China, and Iran

Challenges in Accessing Independent Media in China

The BBC World Service Funding Debate

Risks of a Splintered Internet

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts