The Media Show

David Folkenflik, NPR's media correspondent, discusses the media's pivotal role in shaping U.S. elections. Marietje Schaake and Jennifer Huddleston debate big tech's overwhelming influence and the challenges of misinformation. David A. Kaplan offers reflections on the 2000 election's media landscape, highlighting how much has changed. They unpack the Washington Post’s controversial non-endorsement and the significant subscriber fallout, showcasing the tug-of-war between journalistic integrity and public expectations.

George Osborne, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, discusses the impact of media on his first Labour budget coverage. Nick Lowles, CEO of Hope Not Hate, dives into the challenges of reporting on far-right activism in the UK, highlighting the struggle against censorship in documentary filmmaking. The conversation also touches on Andy Cohen’s insights into the Real Housewives franchise, exploring the dynamics of reality TV, authenticity, and the role of editing techniques. Together, they illuminate the fascinating intersection of politics, media, and popular culture.

Stephen Sackur, the renowned presenter of HARDtalk, shares insights on the BBC's recent cuts, emphasizing the potential loss of independent journalism. He discusses the closure of HARDtalk and its implications for the organization. David Abraham, CEO of Wonderhood Studios, sheds light on the striking initiative of the ISIS Prisons Museum, showcasing the importance of documenting atrocities. They also tackle the challenges and awkward moments faced in press junkets, reflecting on the evolving relationship between journalists and publicists in the entertainment industry.

This discussion features Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist; Rushdi Abualouf, the BBC's Gaza correspondent; and Noga Tanapolsky, freelance journalist. They dive deep into the challenges of reporting from conflict zones, highlighting emotional nuances and personal experiences in Gaza. The importance of increasing female representation in media is emphasized, along with collaborative initiatives addressing gender disparity. They also unpack the significance of 'Super Thursday' in the publishing world, exploring trends and the impact of social media on book sales.

Jordan Schwarzenberger, co-founder of Arcade Media and manager of the Sidemen, shares insights on the ongoing Middle East crisis, highlighting the challenges journalists face in covering fast-moving conflicts. He discusses the importance of accurate media narratives and verification in turbulent times. The conversation also delves into Sony's recent video game failure, Concord, examining its implications for the industry. Finally, Jordan reveals how the Sidemen evolved from a gaming group to a major brand, showcasing their creative strategies and impact on modern media.

Katie and Ros meet Erica Gornal, director of the BBC’s new investigation into serious sexual abuse allegations by Mohamed al Fayed. Jimmy Mulville, the exec behind the new US version of Have I Got News for You tell us about what makes Americans laugh and we learn what it takes to run Afghanistan’s biggest television channel, still operating under Taliban rule.Guests: Erica Gornall, Director, Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods; Henry Porter, former UK Editor, Vanity Fair; Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director, Hat Trick Productions; Nayeema Raza, Co-host, Semafor's Mixed Signals podcast; Saad Mohseni, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Moby Group; Chris Blackhurst, Communications Advisor and former Editor of The IndependentPresenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Flora McWilliam

Lara O'Reilly, Senior Correspondent at Business Insider, dives into the TikTok ban appeal and the Observer sale's implications for media ownership. David Rennie, Geopolitics Editor at The Economist, shares gripping insights from his time as a foreign correspondent in China, detailing the challenges of increasing media restrictions. Parmy Olson, Tech columnist for Bloomberg and AI expert, discusses the intense arms race in artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on industries. Together, they tackle misinformation’s political power and the future of journalism.

The US Department of Justice says it has uncovered a Russian-influence operation recruiting prominent US right-wing influencers to convey its messages. We find out more. In the wake of the Southport stabbings, could more information from police have filled the information vacuum some believe led to the riots? The government’s Independent Reviewer of State Threat Legislation thinks so. He tells us why. As the public inquiry into what happened at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies begins, we ask what impact conspiracy theories are having on the ongoing reporting of the story. Plus Jake Kanter from Deadline updates us on the other media stories making the news.Guests: Jake Kanter, Investigations Editor, Deadline; Maggie Miller, Cybersecurity Reporter, Politico; Catherine Belton, International Investigative Reporter, The Washington Post; Jonathan Hall KC, UK Government Independent Reviewer of State Threat Legislation; Judith Moritz, BBC North of England Correspondent; James Coney, News projects editor, Sunday Times Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

As the final report of the six-year Grenfell inquiry is published, we explore the way the story has been covered by journalists. We hear about a boom in exports of Korean TV formats and talk to the British journalist who visited the Ukraine-occupied Russian region of Kursk. Guests: Ed Daffarn, blogger, Grenfell Action Group; Kate Lamble, Presenter, Grenfell: Building a Disaster; Gary Younge, Presenter, Over The Top Under The Radar podcast; Sophie Barnes, former Deputy News Editor, Inside Housing; Catherine Philp, World Affairs Editor, The Times; Franics Scarr, Russian specialist, BBC Monitoring; Lucas Shaw, Head of Entertainment Coverage, Bloomberg; InSoon Kim, Head of Content, Something Special; Regina Kim, entertainment contributor, Forbes Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Asst Producer: Lucy Wai

After the detention in France of Pavel Durov, owner of the controversial Telegram app, we explore what the first arrest of a social media boss means for content regulation and freedom of speech. As a new parliamentary term begins, we find out how the new Labour government is managing the media. Also in the programme, there’s a new Chinese computer game which is breaking records – and revealing details of how the gaming industry is evolving. Plus, satirical outlet The Onion is returning to print. We find out why.Guests: Mike Isaac, Tech Correspondent, The New York Times; Steve Rosenberg, Russia Editor, BBC News; Matt Chorley, Presenter, BBC Radio 5 Live; Eleanor Langford, Political Reporter, The i; Keza MacDonald, Games Editor, The Guardian; Frankie Ward, eSports broadcaster; Chad Nackers, Editor, The Onion Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai