Strong Message Here
BBC Radio 4
Armando Iannucci hosts the programme that gives you a cast-iron guarantee to be laser-focused on decoding the baffling world of political language.Each week he'll be joined by a guest to crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to demystify the doublespeak. Why does everything now have to be 'turbo-charged'? What's the difference between a 'pledge' and a 'mission'? Why has my local MP been 'weaponised' and should I be worried?You'll be treated to a crash course in the dark arts of political language from people on the inside who are both baffled and beguiled by it. They'll walk you through the various verbal fiascos of the modern political lexicon so that by the end you'll be oven-ready for an appearance on Newsnight.Armando's erstwhile partner in de-baffling political lexicon, Helen Lewis, is away working in the United States in the autumn and so her seat will be kept warm by a rotating cast of co-hosts.Listen to Strong Message Here on Thursdays on Radio 4 at 9.45am, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds.Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 13, 2025 • 34min
The Buck Stops Here (with Ria Lina and Sophy Ridge)
Join comedian Ria Lina, known for her quick wit, and Sky News breakfast host Sophy Ridge as they dive into the intense world of journalism. They explore the pressures of live broadcasting and the art of editorial decision-making. Ria reveals how comedians can equip journalists to handle hecklers, while Sophy discusses the need for diverse voices in newsrooms. They also dissect the impact of falsehoods in media and how selective editing shapes narratives, all sprinkled with humor and insight.
11 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 30min
Be Vigilant (with Phil Wang)
Join Phil Wang, a comedian and Radio 4 host, as he delves into the fascinating world of political language. They dissect John Healy’s call to 'be vigilant' and its implications for public trust. The discussion takes a turn to the fixation on decline narratives in the media, from chocolate quality to politicians’ clever phrases aimed at the 'squeezed middle.' Phil also explores how social media alters public reactions to events, making genuine responses challenging. With humor and insight, Wang and his host navigate the weirdness of our current political discourse.
30 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 29min
Deep Disillusionment in This Country (with Stewart Lee)
Stewart Lee, a sharp-witted comedian and cultural commentator, joins the discussion on political language and societal disillusionment. They explore Wes Streeting's assertions about national despair and critique how politicians manipulate language. Stewart discusses the speculative tactics used in politics and invents the term 'fabulosepeculation' to describe this trend. They also address the erosion of trust in news, driven by monetized misinformation and how this impacts reliable reporting. The conversation reveals insights into the ongoing struggle for truth in a chaotic media landscape.
11 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 34min
In Hindsight (with Ria Lina and Tim Shipman)
Ria Lina is a sharp-witted comedian and commentator known for her humorous takes on politics, while Tim Shipman is a seasoned political editor and author who dives deep into British politics. Together, they explore the recent renouncement of Prince Andrew's titles, blending humor with a critique of his responses. They also dissect the COVID inquiry's focus on sensational WhatsApps rather than useful lessons. Tim reveals the confusion within government language regarding the China threat, and they share insights on how politicians evade accountability in inquiries.
19 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 29min
The End of the Age of Terror and Death (with Stewart Lee)
Stewart Lee, a renowned stand-up comedian and writer, joins to dissect the complexities of political language. He tackles the trend of hyperbolic speech and its performance effect on rhetoric. The conversation dives into the ethical quandaries of comedians in politically charged environments, while also questioning Trump’s bold peace claims amidst ongoing conflicts. Stewart warns about the manipulation of language, especially in AI, and discusses the challenge of nuanced dialogue amid the chaos of extreme rhetoric.
Oct 9, 2025 • 30min
Repetition, Repetition, Repetition (with Natalie Haynes)
Join Natalie Haynes, a witty classicist and comedian, as she dives into the art of repetition in rhetoric. From Keir Starmer's motto about his father's toolmaking to the infamous 'education, education, education' mantra by Tony Blair, they explore what makes repetition resonate or irk audiences. Engage with their sharp insights on political alliteration, branding blunders like the misspelled 'Britian' chocolate, and the manipulative use of phrases like 'Boris Wave.' Haynes critiques modern propaganda, highlighting the power of repeated narratives.
10 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 34min
The Battle for the Soul of the Country (with Adam Fleming)
Adam Fleming, journalist and host of BBC's Newscast, shares insights from the Labour Party conference. He discusses whether message discipline stifles debate and the importance of unplanned moments in speeches. Fleming reflects on the challenges of conference reporting and why negative stories dominate the news cycle. He highlights the nuances of political language and how leaders often speak in jargon that disconnects them from the public. Fleming also analyzes the impact of specific phrases in speeches and their hidden meanings.
Sep 25, 2025 • 29min
Hurty Words (with Stewart Lee)
Stewart Lee returns to the show, to join Armando in discussing 'hurty words'. With Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, and in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder, free speech is in the spotlight again. Those who railed against 'cancel culture' are now getting into 'consequence culture'. We also discuss how Marvel's superheroes might respond to the actions of their new owners, and whether you can pray in your own homes in this country anymore (spoiler alert, you can).Listen to Strong Message Here on Radio 4, Thursdays at 9:45, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds.Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
Sep 18, 2025 • 29min
Phase 2 (with Ria Lina)
In the first episode of the new series, Armando Iannucci and guest co-host, Ria Lina look at the use and abuse of political language. The political summer is often called 'silly season', but with global conflict and rising tensions at home, Armando and Ria look at the language that defined recent months including Keir Starmer's "Phase 2" and the word "plastic".Armando’s erstwhile partner in de-baffling political lexicon, Helen Lewis is away working in the United States in the Autumn and so her seat will be kept warm by a rotating cast of co-hosts.Got a question for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukListen to Strong Message Here on Radio 4 at 9:45, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds.Recorded at The Sound Company
Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow
Sound editing by Chris Maclean
Executive Producer: Richard MorrisProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies.
A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
Sep 11, 2025 • 7min
Strong Recommend: Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
Dive into the whimsical world of Terry Pratchett as two fans dissect 'Going Postal.' They explore how Pratchett's humor and satire breathe life into a failing postal service, boasting a cast of quirky characters. The conversation highlights the surreal absurdities of bureaucracy, all while reveling in the power of storytelling. Along the way, they discuss the broader significance of fantasy literature and how Pratchett's works resonate with readers through timeless themes and unforgettable narratives.
