

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

Dec 25, 2024 • 10min
Sensemaker: Chappell Roan and the price of fame
In 2024, Chappell Roan went from relative obscurity to playing to some of the biggest crowds in festival history. What toll did this meteoric rise take on her?Writer: Katie RileyProducer: Katie GunningPhotography: Lola WilliamsHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 24, 2024 • 6min
Sensemaker: The woman behind ITV’s Mr Bates vs. The Post Office
Explore the shocking reality behind one of the UK's largest miscarriages of justice tied to the Post Office scandal. Delve into how the failures of the Horizon computer system wrongfully accused many of financial crimes. Discover the powerful role that storytelling, exemplified by an ITV drama, played in raising awareness and prompting political change. Unpack the emotional toll and ongoing struggles faced by former sub-postmasters seeking justice and accountability.

Dec 23, 2024 • 7min
Sensemaker: 2024: The year of the sequel
The podcast dives into the unprecedented trend of sequels dominating the box office in 2024, questioning if Hollywood is out of fresh ideas. It reflects on notable upcoming releases like 'Inside Out 2' and 'Despicable Me.' The discussion expands to the struggles mid-budget and independent films face under the weight of blockbuster expectations. Moreover, it examines how sequels can allow for creative reinterpretation, rather than merely recycling old concepts, highlighting success stories and notable failures in this evolving landscape.

Dec 20, 2024 • 25min
The News Meeting: Justice for Gisele Pelicot and are Americans taking all the Guinness?
Giles Whittell and guests debate the top stories of the day. They discuss the conclusion of the mass rape trial that found 50 men guilty of raping Gisele Pelicot, the new new terrorism and federal charges brought against accused CEO murderer Luigi Mangione and if the Guinness shortage is real or just great marketing. Guests:Katie Riley, data editor at Tortoise Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise Jess Winch, news editor at TortoiseHost: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at TortoiseEmail: 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.

Dec 20, 2024 • 6min
Sensemaker: Luigi Mangione’s alleged 3D-printed gun
The man accused of killing the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, is alleged to have used an untraceable 3D-printed firearm. What is that and why is it so controversial?Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 19, 2024 • 10min
Sensemaker: Why does Lucy Letby’s new lawyer think she should be released?
This week, a new lawyer's push for Lucy Letby's release raises questions about justice and public perception. The podcast dives into the complexities of her notorious case, the challenges to expert witness credibility, and the implications of shifting opinions on infant deaths. Accusations against the key witness are addressed, emphasizing the integrity needed in high-profile trials. Legal maneuvers continue as investigations unfold, prompting calls for a re-evaluation of the initial verdict.

Dec 18, 2024 • 6min
Sensemaker: Why has Saudi Arabia been awarded the 2034 World Cup?
Saudi Arabia's selection as the host for the 2034 World Cup sparks intense debate. The conversation dives into human rights violations and environmental issues that raise eyebrows globally. Listeners explore the implications of sports washing in football's landscape. As nations vie for hosting rights, what does this mean for the sport's integrity? Tune in to understand the shifting dynamics and controversies surrounding global football.

Dec 17, 2024 • 9min
Sensemaker: The rise of memecoins
Dive into the wild world of memecoins, where a cryptocurrency linked to a murder suspect has skyrocketed to $76 million. Discover how internet culture fuels their rise and the bizarre societal implications behind them. There's a thrilling connection between sensationalism and crypto speculation, raising questions about value and belief. The discussion also highlights the regulatory hurdles surrounding these volatile financial schemes, as well as the risks of pump and dump tactics that can leave investors in the lurch.

Dec 16, 2024 • 30min
News Meeting: Rising water bills and the future of the Archbishop of York
Stephen Armstrong, a Tortoise reporter, dives into the Archbishop of York's controversial handling of a sexual abuse case. Pete Apps, an Orwell Prize-winning author, shares insights on the UK’s rising water bills, warning of a 21% increase due to infrastructure failures. Basia Cummings discusses the implications of these crises on governance and public trust. The conversation challenges the Church of England's relevance amid allegations and explores how financial burdens impact communities in modern British society.

Dec 16, 2024 • 10min
Sensemaker: Who is the lawyer suing Jay-Z?
Billionaire rapper Jay-Z finds himself in a tangled web of serious sexual assault allegations from the year 2000. A Texas lawyer is suing him alongside Sean Combs, raising questions about the future of such high-profile figures. The discussion delves into the legal complexities surrounding historic claims and their implications for celebrity culture. As Jay-Z's legal team counters these accusations, the pursuit of justice unfolds under intense public scrutiny. This revelation could reshape how we view accountability in the music industry.