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 MagloireTo 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 Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 6, 2025 • 8min
Sensemaker: Will 2025 be the breakthrough year for AI adoption?
The podcast dives into the mixed reality of AI in our lives, revealing the slow adoption despite Silicon Valley's hype. It explores groundbreaking developments like OpenAI's human-like voice technology while questioning why ChatGPT isn’t more widely used. The conversation draws parallels between past technology adoption, such as microwaves, and today's AI struggles. Additionally, it discusses Donald Trump's fluctuating stance on tech regulation, highlighting how different administrations shape the landscape of AI innovation.
8 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 24min
News Meeting 2025 predictions: Will Trump and Musk stay friends and could AI help us talk to animals?
In this lively discussion, Cat Neilan, the Political Editor at Tortoise, dives into predictions for 2025, highlighting potential shifts in UK politics and leadership challenges. The conversation explores the intriguing notion of AI helping us communicate with pets, blending humor with tech speculation. They also touch on the future of journalism, advocating for innovative approaches in news reporting. Syria's hopes for reconciliation and local council reforms round out their predictions for a changing world.
Jan 3, 2025 • 6min
Sensemaker: Denmark's gold rush town
Explore the rise of Novo Nordisk in Denmark and its transformative weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy. Delve into the impact of a single company's success on the local economy and potential pitfalls of corporate dominance. Discover the dual nature of growth in a flourishing town: job creation and economic upswing alongside troubling issues like childhood obesity and population decline. Witness the complex emotions of residents as they navigate this modern gold rush.
Jan 2, 2025 • 5min
Sensemaker: A hard year for King Charles
The King's first full year on the throne has been marked by his illness. Along with that of his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales. What does this year tell us about the state of the royal family?Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodPhotography: Lola WilliamsExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 1, 2025 • 5min
Sensemaker: Joe Root – the greatest gets better
How England cricket’s greatest batter got even better in 2024.Writer: Andrew ButlerProducer: Katie GunningPhotography: Lola WilliamsExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 31, 2024 • 8min
Sensemaker: Nara Smith and the tradwife renaissance
The tradwife movement, led by influencers like Nara Smith, sparked intense online debate throughout 2024, particularly following Donald Trump's presidential election victory. What does it tell us about the year?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Jess SwinburneHost: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 30, 2024 • 8min
Sensemaker: The rise and rise of Kneecap
The Belfast rap trio has taken the world by storm. But who are they and how have they managed to capture the zeitgeist?Writer: Elaine McCalligProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 27, 2024 • 33min
The News Meeting: 2024 Wrapped
Reflect on the year’s major stories, from North Korea's surprising involvement in Ukraine to the heartbreak of forced disappearances in Syria. Delve into the Grenfell Tower inquiry, revealing profound emotional and governmental failures. Celebrate SpaceX's engineering triumphs while critiquing the outdated perceptions about Africa in media. Also, witness how cultural shifts arise from a prominent presenter’s departure from Match of the Day, raising questions on public broadcasting's integrity.
Dec 27, 2024 • 8min
Sensemaker: How Baby Reindeer rocked British TV
Dive into the fallout from the controversial TV show that triggered a staggering lawsuit worth nearly two hundred million dollars. Explore ethical dilemmas in storytelling, particularly around character portrayals of real people. Delve into the backlash faced by 'Baby Reindeer' due to its depiction of sensitive issues, including stalking. Uncover how this controversy reflects on Netflix's responsibilities and the broader implications for the future of television entertainment.
Dec 26, 2024 • 8min
Sensemaker: Gaza’s Vlogger
A young vlogger from Gaza transforms her storytelling from showcasing beauty to highlighting the harsh realities of conflict. Her personal narratives gain massive traction, earning her an Emmy recognition. The podcast also delves into the complexities of public trust in local health during crises, while addressing the backlash from her controversial documentary on vaccines. Overall, it emphasizes her resilience and the vital role of journalism in shedding light on human suffering amid chaos.
