The Audio Long Read Special Edition: Behind the scenes at the Long Read
Nov 11, 2025
Charlotte Higgins, Chief culture writer at The Guardian, discusses her deep dive into the British Museum, exploring its complex role in cultural restitution. Hettie O'Brien, an assistant opinion editor and investigative writer, shares her thrilling journey from a brief news item to a detailed examination of a solicitor's fraud case. They both highlight the unique insight long-form journalism offers—something AI can't replicate. Their collaborative approach and focus on narrative structure bring stories to life, touching on the lasting impact of their work.
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Two Unique Strengths Of Long-Form
- David Wolf contrasts two strengths of long-form: reporting that uncovers unknown facts and a distinctive sensibility shaped by experience.
- He says Hetty's piece exemplifies reporting, while Charlotte's shows authorial sensibility and presence.
From A Brief News Item To Deep Reporting
- Hettie O'Brien discovered the dodgy lawyer from a short Times story and a curious detail about his waistcoat and glasses.
- She tracked corporate records, sent 30–40 letters and gradually built access to key witnesses over a year.
Paperwork And A Golfer Unlock The Story
- Hettie used Companies House and mailed many people, then met Ewan McKay who supplied documents and vivid testimony.
- Those physical documents validated long-ago memories and unlocked dramatic scenes for the piece.