Piers Morgan and the Press 'Protection Racket'

The phone hacking scandal was part of the origin story of Byline Times, prompting founding editor Peter Jukes to switch careers from playwriting to journalism.

In the latest episode of the Byline Times podcast he joins Adrian Goldberg and Byline Times Chief Reporter Josiah Mortimer to reflect on Prince Harry's recent court victory against Mirror Group Newspapers.

In his verdict, the judge Mr Justice Fancourt, described phone hacking across the Mirror group as "widespread and habitual". This was during a period when Piers Morgan - who has always denied phone hacking - was a senior figure in the organisation.

Peter Jukes suggests that rather than holding the powerful to account, parts of the British press have run a 'protection racket', using their power to threaten politicians who don't bend to their will.

Produced in Birmingham by Adrian Goldberg and Harvey White.

Funded by subscriptions to the Byline Times.

Made by We Bring Audio for Byline Times.

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