James Harding

James Harding, founder of Tortoise Media and former BBC director, dives into the surprising bid for The Observer, reflecting on the evolving media landscape. He shares insights on the motivations behind the bid and its implications for the historic newspaper's future. Award-winning journalist Carole Cadwalladr raises concerns about potential strike actions and the reaction within the newsroom. Together, they discuss the essential balance of journalistic integrity, funding challenges, and the broader implications for UK journalism.

The media fills our minds with vivid images of rare events from plane crashes to terrorist attacks. In his guide to thinking better, Professor Steven Pinker explores how we can stop the news from distorting our understanding of the world. He’s joined by: James Harding a former editor of The Times and director of BBC News, and now the co-founder of Tortoise Media.Anna Rosling Rutland, co-founder and vice president of the Gap Minder Foundation and co-author with Hans and Ola Rosling of “Factfulness; Ten Reasons Why We're Wrong About the World and Why Things Are Better Than You Think”Producers: Imogen Walford and Joe Kent Editor: Emma RipponThink with Pinker is produced in partnership with The open University

James Harding, founder and editor-in-chief of Tortoise and former Director of BBC News, dives into the murky waters of today's news landscape. He discusses the challenges of discerning truth amid misinformation, particularly in the social media era where wealth creates information inequality. Harding emphasizes the need for transparency and innovation in journalism, advocating for platforms that prioritize depth over clicks. He argues for balancing optimism with honesty, highlighting the necessity of tension in reporting to cultivate richer discourse in a polarized world.

James Harding, Editor and Founder of Tortoise Media, discusses plans to acquire The Observer amid a turbulent media landscape. Max Tani, Media Editor at Semafor, dives into the complexities of U.S. election coverage, particularly post-Trump's victory. Alistair Jackson, Channel 4's Investigations Editor, sheds light on a joint investigation into the royal family's finances. The conversation explores the evolving dynamics of media influence, the impact of celebrity voices on politics, and the ethical dilemmas facing royal correspondents.

James Harding, a renowned journalist and founder of the Tortoise news platform, shares deep insights on journalism and food. He fondly recalls his favorite journalism films and discusses the essence of slow news in today's fast-paced world. Their conversation takes a nostalgic turn as they explore how culinary traditions shape family dynamics and cultural connections. Harding also shares captivating anecdotes from his travels in Japan and China, illustrating the profound link between food, culture, and personal experiences.