Intelligence Squared

Prince Andrew's Newsnight Interview: Behind The Scenes, with Sam McAlister

Oct 10, 2022

Sam McAlister, a BAFTA-nominated producer known for securing the infamous Prince Andrew interview for BBC Newsnight, shares exclusive insights with broadcast journalist Petrie Hosken. They delve into the unexpected email that kicked off the interview, revealing the striking power dynamics at play. McAlister recounts the emotional complexities of the conversation, where viewers expected remorse but were met with surprising candor. The discussion also highlights the challenges of high-stakes media negotiations and the long-term ramifications of the royal interview.

01:02:03

Episode guests

Sam McAlister

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

3min

Behind the Royal Interview: Prince Andrew's Newsnight Saga

11min

Mastering Negotiation: The Art of Genuine Connections

22min

Unexpected Dynamics During a High-Stakes Meeting

2min

The Unforeseen Interview with Prince Andrew

16min

Behind the Scenes: Media Recognition and Royal Dynamics

2min

Reflections on a Cataclysmic Interview and Future Endeavors

3min

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In November 2019 Prince Andrew sat down with Newsnight, the BBC's flagship current affairs programme, to speak about Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged relationship with Virginia Giuffre. Just months after the explosive interview in January 2020, Prince Andrew was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages with the approval of his mother, Queen Elizabeth.

Described as a PR disaster and a 'car crash', many have wondered how this interview came to be. In this episode, former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister talks to broadcast journalist Petrie Hosken about what went on behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace and how the news is made. Sam McAlister's new book Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews is available now.

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