The News Meeting

Poppy Bullard, audio producer and reporter at The Observer, flags Trump’s Board of Peace and Gaza implications. Serena Cesareo, researcher and reporter, pitches coverage of the Minneapolis/ICE killing and video verification. Stephen Armstrong, political reporter, explains the Andy Burnham/Labour NEC ban and wider party fallout. They debate media responses, grassroots organising, and whether international plans or local scandals should lead the news.

Join Deputy Sports Editor Andrew Butler, who dives into the dynamics of celebrity culture through Brooklyn Beckham's media interactions. He critiques the commodification of celebrity childhoods and family brands. Alongside him, Jon Ungoed-Thomas, a seasoned reporter, discusses China's ambitious space race, linking geopolitical implications with humanity's quest for exploration. Together, they weave an intriguing narrative about media influences, celebrity life, and the future of interstellar ambition.

In this insightful discussion, Erica Wagner, Deputy Comment Editor at The Observer, highlights the human cost of Trump's USAID cuts, warning they could jeopardize millions of lives. Katie Riley, Head of Data and Graphics, connects these cuts to a decline in US soft power and the erosion of scientific credibility. Chris Sabatini, a Senior Research Fellow, outlines Trump's Monroe doctrine and its impact on regional geopolitics, emphasizing grassroots activism as a key counter to Trump's policies. The conversation explores the implications of these changes on both domestic and global scales.

Joining the discussion are Alex O'Connell, Head of News at The Observer, Bex Sander, a data and graphics reporter, and Evan Moffitt, the France editor. They delve into the methods ICE employs to track individuals using AI and data profiling tools like WebLock and Tangles. The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding data surveillance and potential constitutional issues. Additionally, they explore how cultural artifacts like the Bayeux Tapestry can serve as diplomatic tools in international relations.

How can we tell what’s really happening on the ground in Iran? Why are murder rates falling in London? And are ICE agents immune from legal accountability?Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer reporters Hannah Schuller, Stephen Armstrong and Serena Cesareo to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 29th of January: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-7 **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Jasper CorbettProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive Producer: Katie GunningTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa Thorpe, Arts and Media Editor at The Observer, reflects on the US's upcoming 250th anniversary and its implications for UK-US relations. James Tapper, a geopolitical analyst, discusses the dramatic US seizure of a Russian oil tanker and the shadow fleet's role in circumventing sanctions. Jacob Silverman, journalist and host, dives into Trump's controversial ties with crypto, suggesting that potential corruption could be more significant than Watergate. The trio debates which story deserves the top headline, merging politics, strategy, and ethics.

Join Hugh Tomlinson, US correspondent for The Observer, Phoebe Davis, an on-the-ground reporter, and Robert McWhirter, a seasoned lawyer on Venezuelan issues, as they delve into the implications of Maduro's capture. They discuss the legality of the US raid, the complexities of a potential trial, and the chaotic nature of American foreign policy. Phoebe highlights domestic reactions in Venezuela, while the group explores the risks of US involvement and its effects on international order. This insightful conversation unpacks a pivotal moment for Venezuela.

In this engaging discussion, Cat Neilan, Whitehall editor and political oracle, predicts a Labour leadership challenge while humorously suggesting Jeremy Corbyn might defect to the Greens. Erica Wagner, Deputy Opinion Editor, foresees trials of age-based social media bans and warns of a major backlash against low-quality AI content. Meanwhile, sports expert Andrew Butler optimistically bets on England clinching the World Cup and laments the fading relevance of the Commonwealth Games. The trio crafts a thought-provoking outlook on the pivotal stories shaping 2026.

It has been a busy year! The Epstein files were released, Prince Andrew is no longer a prince, The Lionesses won the Euros and Ozempic has taken hold of Hollywood. And they are just a few non-Donald Trump related headlines.Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Jeevan Vasagar, Poppy Bullard and Jessy Parker Humphreys, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the year. **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles Whittell  Producer: Casey Magloire & Amalie SortlandExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will European countries decide to give billions of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine? What did we learn about Trump’s White House from Vanity Fair’s 11 months of reporting? How should the government respond to the Palestine Action hunger strikers?Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Senior Producer Katie Gunning, Data and Graphics Editor Katie Riley, and Data Reporter Hannah Schuller as they battle it out for the top story of the day. Find the team’s must reads:All Cock, No Wok**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk Follow us on Social Media: @ObserverUK on X @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky Host: Giles WhittellProducer: Poppy BullardExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.