

The News Meeting
The Observer
Every Monday and Friday three journalists battle it out to try and convince the editor that their pitch should lead the news. Discover what goes on behind the scenes in a newsroom. Why do some stories dominate, while others fail to make the cut?Tell us if you agree with the final running order - email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com Book your place at a news meeting live in our newsroom - https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events Executive Producer: Rebecca MooreProducer: Casey MagloireSubscribe to The Observer today and get access to:Our podcasts before anyone elseA daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a weekPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordRecipes for every occasionFree tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineClick here to subscribe today for just £1 for your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2024 • 7min
Sensemaker: How did Syrian rebels overthrow Bashar al-Assad?
For more than half a century, the Assad family ruled Syria with brutality and repression. It took less than two weeks for rebels to bring that rule to an end. What does this mean for Syria and the region?Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodHost: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Jon JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 9, 2024 • 30min
The News Meeting: The end of the house of Assad
Giles Whittell is joined by three guests pitching an angle on the toppling of the Syrian regime - the only story leading the news. Guests:Charlene White, Loose Women panellistChloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseEmail: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comProducer: Eleanor Biggs Executive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 9, 2024 • 7min
Sensemaker: The assisted dying bill has passed its first House of Commons hurdle, what happens next?
MPs voted in favour of proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill has many more stages to pass before it becomes law. So what happens next? Writer: Phoebe DavisProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 30min
The News Meeting: France’s political turmoil and will Musk fund Farage
In this episode, Patricia Clarke, a technology reporter, Cat Neilan, a political editor, and Chloe Hadjimatheou, a narrative editor, dive into pressing issues. They explore the political turmoil in France following a no-confidence vote against Macron and its EU implications. The discussion shifts to the controversial possibility of Elon Musk funding Nigel Farage's party and the lax rules governing political donations. They also address the skepticism surrounding innovative technologies claiming to reduce energy storage needs. A mix of humor and serious analysis makes for a captivating conversation!

Dec 6, 2024 • 7min
Sensemaker: Are targets for the rollout of electric vehicles too high?
The carmaker behind Fiat, Jeep, and Citroën says the closure of its Vauxhall factory in Luton is due to new zero-emission policies. But is that the full story?Writers: Barney MacintyreProducer: Matt RussellHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 30min
Trendy: The big trends that shaped 2024
Dive into the transformative trends shaping our world, from the significant societal shifts post-Industrial Revolution to the growing role of AI in economies. Explore how generational divides are impacting politics, and reflect on how public expectations for state involvement are evolving. The talk also highlights progress in healthcare and women's opportunities, while recognizing the challenges that persist. Finally, get insights into the trends of 2024 and their implications across various sectors.

Dec 5, 2024 • 8min
Sensemaker: Syrian rebels take back Aleppo
In a stunning turn of events, rebel forces swiftly reclaimed Aleppo from President Assad's troops, leaving many wondering about the regime's next move. The podcast delves into the impact of chemical warfare in urban combat, the emotional family reunions amidst chaos, and the rising influence of rebel groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. It also explores the complex dynamics that have shaped the Syrian civil war, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and the significant challenges Assad now faces in re-establishing control.

Dec 4, 2024 • 7min
Sensemaker: Banana Art
A banana taped to the wall with duct tape sold at a Christie’s auction for $6.2 million to a cryptobillionaire. At the same auction, a Henri Matisse remained unsold. What does this sale tell us about the state of the art market? Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 3, 2024 • 6min
Sensemaker: Russia’s new experimental ballistic missile
Vladimir Putin has threatened to deploy more Oreshnik missiles against Ukraine. He boasted that they’re equipped with multiple warheads and have destructive power comparable to a nuclear strike.Writer: Nina KuryataProducer: Eleanor BiggsHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 2, 2024 • 29min
News Meeting: Rebels advance in Syria and Joe Biden pardons his son
Giles Whittell is joined by three journalists, each competing for the top spot in today's news bulletin. They discuss Joe Biden issuing a ‘full and unconditional pardon’ of Hunter Biden, President Bashar al-Assad losing control of Aleppo and Ireland's general election.Guests:Jess Winch, Tortoise’s News EditorKatie Riley, Tortoise’s Data EditorYasmeen Serhan, London-based correspondent for TIME MagazineHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about Tortoise:- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


