The Media Show US raid on Venezuela & what it says about military-media relations, Actors & AI, Influencers at Westminster & the lobby system
Jan 7, 2026
Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, discusses the ethical challenges faced by US newspapers in covering the Venezuela raid, balancing national security with public interest. Paul Fleming, General Secretary of Equity, highlights actors' concerns over digital scanning and AI use without consent, advocating for better protections. Meanwhile, Steve Richards and Lizzy Buchan talk about changes to lobby briefings in the UK, urging caution against reduced access and political control as influencers are included in press events.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
When To Withhold Imminent National Security Scoop
- US outlets delayed publishing imminent US raid on Venezuela after White House warned it could endanger troops.
- Max Tani and others note this is a case-by-case ethical decision balancing scoop value and potential harm.
UK’s Voluntary Defence-Media Advisory System
- The UK D-Notice system is a voluntary, independent media–government committee advising against inadvertent publication that could harm national security.
- Brigadier Geoffrey Dodds stresses interpretation of five standing notices rather than government compulsion.
Reporter Withheld UK Operation Details
- Larisa Brown recounts being told about a British operation hours before action and choosing not to publish to avoid endangering lives.
- She says longstanding trust with Geoffrey Dodds and the committee influences editorial decisions.
