Media Confidential
Prospect Magazine
Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber—two of the world’s greatest editors—dive into the hugely important world of media. What—and who—drives it? What do they get right... And what do they get wrong?Lionel, former editor of the Financial Times, and Alan, editor of Prospect and former editor of the Guardian, will bring you revealing, high profile interviews and in-depth discussion.Media Confidential is produced by Prospect Magazine.Subscribe to Prospect and enjoy our rigorously fact-checked, truly independent analysis and perspectives. Get one free issue of Prospect when you sign up today: https://subscription.prospectmagazine.co.uk/OCT1MFBG/prospect-magazine/OCT1MFG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 22, 2025 • 47min
Cory Doctorow: How the internet went to sh*t
Cory Doctorow, a journalist and tech activist known for his focus on digital rights, dives into the concept of 'enshittification'—how digital platforms decay into exploitative services. He discusses the shift from the open internet to profit-driven, user-hostile platforms, and how AI contributes to this decay. Cory emphasizes the importance of interoperability and individual actions to combat these issues. He also highlights recent political shifts that could inspire hope for reform in the tech landscape.
Dec 18, 2025 • 30min
Only in Denmark? The ‘existential editor’ covering life, death, love and everything in between
Lina Vauben, the existential editor at the Danish newspaper Politiken, dives into the intricate stories of life, love, and death. She discusses her impactful reporting in a palliative care ward, where she gained trust from families during difficult moments. Lina emphasizes the importance of reflecting complexity in journalism, especially around sensitive topics like assisted dying. Her insights showcase how existential stories resonate deeply, outperforming typical metrics while advocating for human-interest narratives in an increasingly AI-driven media landscape.
Dec 15, 2025 • 48min
Zanny Minton Beddoes on Steve Bannon: ‘Comparing Trump to Moses was quite something’
In this insightful discussion, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-chief of The Economist, dives into the complexities of modern journalism. She tackles the controversial issue of interviewing figures like Steve Bannon, emphasizing the importance of engagement over de-platforming. Zanny reflects on the challenges facing US media, the alarming rise of polarization, and how the Trump administration has impacted independent journalism. Plus, she unveils The Economist's innovative approach to AI and video content as they adapt to evolving reader habits.
Dec 11, 2025 • 24min
What’s next for Alan Rusbridger?
Alan Rusbridger bids farewell to his editorial role, sharing insights from his time at Prospect and the Guardian. The conversation dives into Netflix’s acquisition strategies and the search for Channel 4’s new CEO amid shifting media landscapes. They explore content moderation challenges globally, contrasting US and European approaches. The duo also debates the implications of streaming on the film industry’s creativity. Lastly, Alan reveals his future plans, transitioning back to reporting after his editorial journey.
Dec 8, 2025 • 40min
The investigative journalists resisting legal threats
Franz Wild, Editor-in-chief and CEO of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, dives into the crucial role of accountability journalism. He highlights how investigative stories can take years to develop and why they attract dedicated individuals. Franz reveals the challenges of funding and the daunting legal threats faced by journalists, sharing a gripping tale of receiving 13 legal threats from different lawyers. His passion for editorial independence shines as he discusses the significance of collaborative efforts in uncovering the truth and the ongoing battle against intimidation.
Dec 4, 2025 • 26min
‘I’m with you on the free press, it’s the newspapers I can’t stand’: What Tom Stoppard got right about journalism
Alan and Lionel dive into the complexities of the BBC's leadership, debating whether the director general role is too demanding for one person. They reflect on the late Tom Stoppard's love for journalism and share personal anecdotes about his mentorship. Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Independent, they discuss its founding and the impact of Andreas Whittam Smith. The hosts also analyze current budget coverage, praising notable journalists while critiquing media bias in reporting.
Dec 1, 2025 • 33min
Ben Zand: How to make money in journalism (without selling your soul)
Ben Zand, a documentary maker and founder of Zandland, shares his insights on creating authentic journalism for younger audiences. He discusses his journey from the BBC to independence, emphasizing the importance of resilience in dealing with rejection. Zand delves into the challenges and opportunities of building a media company that prioritizes journalistic values. He also critiques the BBC's need to adapt and explores the potential of podcasts and affordable documentaries to foster community engagement.
Nov 27, 2025 • 27min
The OBR springs a leak! Reporting on a budget shambles story
This discussion delves into a significant select committee hearing where BBC board members faced hard questions. The hosts also confront claims about censorship in Rutger Bregman's Reith Lecture. With Lionel back from his travels, they tackle media closure concerns following Lord Rothermere's takeover of the Telegraph. They explore the OBR's budget leak, revealing how to responsibly report such incidents, and examine the implications of declining press plurality. The conversation highlights the critical issues of media integrity and governance.
Nov 24, 2025 • 33min
The BBC crisis: The next test
The podcast dives into the BBC's governance challenges as leaders prepare for tough questions from MPs over bias accusations. It discusses Robbie Gibb's influence and the idea of adding board members to balance perspectives. Tension escalates with recent board resignations, calling into question the BBC's stability. On a different note, the potential sale of the Telegraph to the Mail stirs concerns about media ownership's impact on editorial independence and diversity. Lastly, they explore how social media, particularly X, fuels division and misinformation in UK political discourse.
Nov 20, 2025 • 27min
‘The New York Times won’t settle’: Why reporters will not be intimidated by Donald Trump
David McCraw, the lead newsroom lawyer for The New York Times and author of 'Truth in Our Times', dives into the challenges of protecting journalistic freedom against powerful figures like Donald Trump. He discusses the strategic use of high-value lawsuits to intimidate media and explains pivotal cases like New York Times v. Sullivan. McCraw contrasts U.S. and U.K. defamation laws and highlights the importance of litigation in preserving press freedom. Plus, he offers strategic advice to the BBC on navigating legal pitfalls in reporting.
