
The Media Show
Social media, anti-social media, breaking news, faking news: this is the programme about a revolution in media.
Latest episodes

Jan 29, 2025 • 57min
China's AI win, transparency in family courts, refugee life close up
Ciaran Martin, a cybersecurity expert and professor at Oxford, shares insights on global cybersecurity threats and the complexities of China's tech rivalries. Kathrin Hille, the Financial Times' Greater China correspondent, discusses TikTok's influence on Taiwan's youth and the political landscape. Hannah Summers, a family courts journalist, advocates for newfound transparency in family courts, shedding light on how these changes can lead to better accountability. Lastly, Emma Young reflects on the challenges of depicting immigration realities in media.

Jan 22, 2025 • 56min
Prince Harry settles, Gaza ceasefire coverage, Children’s TV
The long-running legal battle between Prince Harry and the British tabloids has come to a dramatic end. As the owner of the Sun newspaper offers him a full apology and substantial damages, we unpick the significance of the settlement. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have also made headlines as subjects of a new cover story in Vanity Fair - we speak to its author. Also on the programme, we look at how news outlets have reported the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Plus the BBC’s Director of Children & Education joins us to discuss the crisis facing children’s TV.Presenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy WaiGuests: Jake Kanter, International Investigations Editor, Deadline; Joshua Rozenberg, legal commentator; Chris Huhne, former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change; Anna Peele, Contributing Editor, Vanity Fair; Noga Tarnopolsky, freelance journalist; Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children & Education, BBC; David Kleeman, Senior Vice President of Global Trends, Dubit.

Jan 15, 2025 • 57min
Reporting the LA Fires, AI Michael Parkinson, US TikTok ban approaches
In this engaging discussion, Caroline Frost, a Radio Times columnist, analyzes Christmas viewing trends, while Fox News correspondent Jonathan Hunt and BBC's Emma Vardy share the harrowing realities of covering the LA fires. They expose how climate change intertwines with media narratives during disasters. Meanwhile, Tom Mills, Chair of the Media Reform Coalition, delves into potential reforms for the BBC. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in interviews, featuring the intriguing 'Virtually Parkinson' series, set to reshape podcasting.

Jan 8, 2025 • 57min
Uncovering the grooming gangs, Meta ditches fact checkers, Grand Theft Auto 6
We talk to Andrew Norfolk, one of the first journalists to report on the grooming gangs story, an issue now in headlines around the world because of the interventions of Elon Musk. Nazir Afzal, former prosecutor explains how journalists helped advise the Crown Prosecution Service about the case. Meta’s decision to scrap US fact-checkers in favor of user-led "community notes," has proved controversial. We find out why. We ask what journalists in the so-called legacy media can learn from news influencers on TikTok. Plus get the latest on one of the most hyped releases of the year (if it happens) Grand Theft Auto 6.Guests: Andrew Norfolk, Former Chief Investigative Reporter, The Times; Nazir Afzal, former chief prosecutor for the North West England region; Julia Angwin, journalist and fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School; Angie Drobnic Holan, Director, PolitiFact; Joey Contino, TikTok news influencer; Alessandra Galloni, Thompson Reuters editor-in-chief; Vic Hood, games critic
Producer: Simon Richardson
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Jan 1, 2025 • 57min
PR v journalism, Post Office drama one year on, predictions for 2025
A New Years Day programme where we look forward and back. The Media Show teams up with Radio 4's crisis communications podcast, When it Hits the Fan, to discuss what the big stories of the year tell us about how journalists and PR professionals interact. It’s a year since the hugely influential ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office brought the plight of hundreds of sub-postmasters and mistresses wrongly accused of fraud into our living rooms. We hear how those affected have approached their relationship with the media since then. Plus we assemble a panel of media experts to get their predictions of major trends we'll see in 2025.Guests: David Yelland and Simon Lewis, presenters, When it Hits the Fan; Rebekah Foot, Chair, Lost Chances; Madhumita Murgia, AI Editor, FT; Charlotte Tobitt, UK Editor, Press Gazette; Rebecca Jennings, Senior correspondent, Vox Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Simon Richardson

9 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 57min
CNN Syria Report, Health Misinformation, Time Person of the Year
David Folkenflik, NPR's media correspondent, dives into crucial topics like the controversial CNN report on a Syrian prisoner's release, raising questions about media accountability. He discusses ABC News' $15 million settlement with Trump, highlighting its implications for journalism. The conversation also tackles the BBC's findings on health misinformation in podcasts, revealing the dangers of unregulated wellness content. Plus, discover how YouTube comedians use humor in mapping and the cultural impact of Time Magazine’s Person of the Year choice.

Dec 11, 2024 • 57min
Media in the new Syria, how to be an online investigator, can you copyright a vibe?
Kholoud Helmi, co-founder of Enab Baladi, and Edmund Bower discuss the media's role in uncovering truth amid Syria's changing regime. Benjamin Strick shares tools for open-source investigations, highlighting the importance of verification in journalism. Mia Sato and influencer Michael McWhorter explore societal responses to violence on social media. Additionally, Josh Parry reveals concerns about accountability in LGBT media, while a legal battle over social media aesthetics raises questions about originality in the digital age.

Dec 4, 2024 • 57min
How to interview Anna Wintour, welfare on TV sets, where to start with Reddit
Jo Hemmings, a Duty of Care Psychologist with vast experience in reality TV, discusses on-set welfare challenges and the urgent need for better support systems. James Ball, Political Editor at The New European, shares insights on navigating social media, particularly Reddit's unique community dynamics amidst growing popularity. Additionally, Anna Wintour touches on her career and the latest trends in fashion journalism, emphasizing the importance of representation and adaptation in the industry.

4 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 57min
The end-of-life influencer, Christmas adverts, Mishal Husain leaves the BBC
In this discussion, Paul Webster, outgoing Editor of The Observer, shares his concerns about the proposed sale of the newspaper and the staff's strike actions. Mark Savage, BBC Music Correspondent, delves into the legal battle involving Drake and Universal Music, reflecting on ethical promotion in the industry. The conversation also touches on the emotional storytelling behind iconic Christmas adverts and questions their relevance in today's media landscape, highlighting the changing dynamics of advertising and audience engagement.

5 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 58min
Investigating abuse in the Church of England, Tyson vs Paul, NYT Games, Leaving X for Bluesky
Cathy Newman, Channel 4 News' Investigations Editor, leads a gripping discussion on her revelations of abuse within the Church of England, sparked by the Archbishop's resignation. Mark Stibbe, a courageous survivor, sheds light on the emotional turmoil of sharing his story. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the media spectacle of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match and its implications for traditional sports. Insights on the explosion of games like Wordle in media strategies are also explored, alongside notable commentary on transitioning social media platforms.
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