Media Confidential Liz Truss and the rise of YouTube politics
Jan 15, 2026
Tune in for a wild discussion featuring Lionel's adventures with baboons in South Africa and Alan's critique of Liz Truss's conspiracy-laden YouTube channel. The hosts dive into the implications of social media on politics, debating whether Keir Starmer should confront Elon Musk about online safety. They also express concerns over the potential merger between the Telegraph and Daily Mail, questioning the future of journalistic integrity. Plus, discussions on ITV's sale and BBC funding models add to the intrigue!
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Baboons On The Clarence Road
- Lionel Barber describes cycling near Cape Town and encountering baboons on the road.
- He jokes that waving calms them and compares baboons to easier journalism 'baboons'.
Regulators Should Push Back On Tech Titans
- The UK should push back against platform owners who mistake harm prevention for censorship.
- Alan Rusbridger warns that Musk's shrug on content harms reveals hypocrisy about 'free speech' claims.
Prepare Strong Cases Before Acting
- Build a careful legal case before challenging platforms like X.
- Lionel Barber advises Ofcom should prepare thoroughly and coordinate with other countries before acting.