The Media Show

BBC's Director of News, James Harding, discusses the importance of public service journalism in the internet age. The increasing tabloidisation of journalism on the web is explored. The controversy surrounding The Sun's page three and its PR strategy is analyzed. The challenges of finding durable entertainment formats like Strictly and X Factor are discussed by industry experts.

Josie Cunningham and her agent discuss navigating media controversy, selling tickets for a live birth event, and managing scandal to stay relevant. The podcast also explores the end of Page 3 in The Sun and Sir Alan Moses' views on press regulation.

Whether to publish pictures of Charlie Hebdo's latest cover has raised questions for broadcasters and newspaper titles. This week's edition of the French satirical magazine shows a cartoon depicting the Prophet Mohammed holding a "Je suis Charlie" sign. Decision makers have had to make a call about whether the image warrants publication because of its news value, or decide not to publish because of the offence it may cause. Steve Hewlett talks to Emma Tucker, deputy editor of The Times, which published a series of Charlie Hebdo images on the day following the attack last week, and Kevin Maguire, Associate Editor of the Mirror, which hasn't printed the cover, about the dilemmas editors face.As Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra's news service, Newsbeat is specifically targeted at younger audiences. However, like much of radio, it's facing a decline in listening hours, and with the rising success of the likes of Vice and Buzzfeed attracting the youth market, the competition is getting fiercer. Steve Hewlett talks to Editor Louisa Compton about the digital methods she's implementing to get young people engaged with news coverage, and whether the BBC, constrained by defined editorial guidelines, can offer the content young people are now wanting.Channel 4 has just published its plan for boosting diversity. 20 per cent of all its staff will be black, Asian or minority ethnic by 2020, up from 15 percent currently. In addition, 6 percent of the workforce will be disabled and 6 percent lesbian, gay bisexual or transgender. And there are new commissioning guidelines for programme makers. Steve hears from Ralph Lee Deputy Chief Creative Officer at Channel 4 about the impact their charter will actually have on and off screen.Producer: Katy Takatsuki.

BBC's Royal Correspondent Peter Hunt discusses Prince Andrew coverage and the postponing of a royal doc. Al-Jazeera journalists facing retrial in Egypt are explored. The impact of the Freedom of Information Act over the past decade is examined, highlighting its influence on transparency and accountability.

Graham Norton and industry experts explore the evolution of chat shows, discussing celebrity demands, the art of interviewing, and the changing nature of talk show styles. They delve into the challenges of hosting, the importance of curiosity, and the future of the genre.

US entertainment group ABC has brought such classics as Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy to TV. As president since 2010, Paul Lee is responsible for all development, programming and scheduling. He joins Steve to discuss the enduring popularity of Modern Family, the importance of diversity in the commissioning process, and how research into the Great Depression, of all things, has influenced recent dramas on ABC.BBC2's natural history offering this Christmas, The Snow Wolf Family and Me, is promising an intimate portrait of Arctic wolves. The presenter wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan explains how with a small crew he got up close and personal with a pack of wild wolves in the Arctic. With them, Caroline Hawkins, filmmaker and creative director at Oxford Scientific Films. They discuss whether Gordon's back to basics, hands-on approach is a turning point in a genre that has become increasingly reliant on high-tech gadgetry.John Lewis' Monty the Penguin Christmas advert has made the humble penguin the surprise media sensation of the year. The two-minute tale of a boy and his imaginary feathered friend has driven up sales of penguin toys and all-important John Lewis brand awareness. Ewen Brown, the producer of Monty the Penguin explains what is involved in making an ad with viral potential and why the penguin stole the public's hearts.The journalist, diplomat and Labour MP John Freeman has died at the age of 99. He was perhaps best known for his interviews with public figures like Martin Luther King and Tony Hancock for BBC television series Face to Face. He was renowned for his persistence and direct approach as an interviewer. Former political editor and correspondent John Sergeant talks about his style and legacy.Producer: Katy Takatsuki. Editor: Karen Dalziel.

Analyst Claire Enders discusses BT's bid for EE and its impact on consumer choice and Premier League rights. OFCOM's concerns about Channel 4's audience decline are explored. The launch of 4 new London papers by Sir Ray Tindle is examined. The changing relationship between PR and journalism is debated, highlighting the power dynamics in the digital age.

BBC plans to transition BBC Three into an online service to save money and focus on long-form content. Press Recognition Panel assesses press regulation while IPSO opts out. Alan Rusbridger steps down as editor-in-chief of The Guardian, sparking discussions on editorial transitions in journalism.

Retired teacher Christopher Jefferies shares his experience of wrongful accusation and media defamation. The Times and Sunday Times return to profit thanks to a subscription model. The debate on toning down tabloid front page content to protect children is discussed.

Editor of The Sun and trainee discuss controversial stories, including one about a snob remark. New Scottish newspaper's success and challenges of local TV in Birmingham. Kenyan journalist's impactful work on child soldiers and challenges faced in reporting sensitive topics in Kenya.