Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast 154: The Definitive Guide To Private Eye
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Aug 28, 2025 Dive into the intriguing world of Private Eye, as the hosts reveal its rich history and the whimsical significance of its famous 'Page 94.' Discover the unique culture shaped by fortnightly journalist lunches, blending humor with candid critique. Enjoy hilarious anecdotes about quiz mishaps that celebrate our shared follies. The discussion uncovers pressing issues like dangerous concrete scandals, showcasing the power of investigative journalism. Plus, hear about their favorite episodes that shine a light on systemic challenges and lessons for the future.
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Origins Shaped By Practicality
- Private Eye started in 1961 as a fortnightly because founders expected it couldn't pay salaries weekly.
- The magazine's name and early format grew from practical constraints and a playful editorial culture.
Lunches As Sourcing Ritual
- Adam recounts how the magazine started fortnightly lunches to meet and coax stories from insiders.
- He says the lunches' purpose was essentially to get guests drunk so they'd divulge useful gossip for stories.
Notorious Lunchroom Scandal
- Adam and Maisie describe the careful guest-mix needed for lunches to avoid disasters and create gossip.
- He shares a legendary story of two guests discovered having sex in a toilet, which Ian called the best lunch ever.
