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 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.
10 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 31min
What’s next for the BBC? A new director-general
Alan and Janine dive into the intense competition for the BBC's Director-General position, evaluating a diverse lineup of candidates. They explore whether a non-journalist can effectively lead the organization and discuss the implications of appointing a female leader amidst the current crisis. The duo even reaches out to Lionel Barber for his views on the role. Additionally, they tackle the legal ramifications surrounding controversial editorial decisions, prompting a debate over accountability and transparency in media practices.
10 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 48min
‘Trump is a grifter. The BBC must not pay him a dime’
In this discussion, Pat Younge, former chief creative officer of BBC Television and chair of the British Broadcasting Challenge, delves into the recent turmoil at the BBC. He shares his bewilderment over the controversial resignations of key executives and critiques the governance failures that led to such chaos. The conversation highlights the legal threats from Donald Trump regarding an edited Panorama episode, with Pat advocating for a strong defense of public interest journalism. He also offers insights on potential reforms and the future leadership of the BBC.
27 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 46min
The Nerve: ‘We want to shine a light on culture… with a bit of “F— you” energy on the side’
Sarah Donaldson and Carole Cadwalladr, experienced journalists and co-founders of The Nerve, discuss their bold new media platform focused on culture, politics, and tech. They highlight the urgency behind their launch, explaining how conflicts at the Observer inspired them to seek editorial independence. The duo shares their innovative newsletter-first model to build direct reader relationships and the importance of collaboration with other independent outlets. With them, we explore the challenges and excitement of navigating legal risks while striving for transparency and trust in journalism.
11 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 31min
The BBC is in a mess—but it’s not what you think
Janine Gibson, Editor of the FT Weekend, joins Alan for a deep dive into media coverage and BBC controversies. They discuss the Telegraph's attacks on the BBC, questioning the integrity of editorial standards committee members. Janine evaluates the editing of Trump's speech in a Panorama documentary, raising concerns about misleading narratives. They also tackle biases in BBC Arabic and its implications. Lastly, they explore the cultural unifying power of shows like The Celebrity Traitors and share TV recommendations.
Nov 3, 2025 • 31min
Goalhanger co-founder: ‘I’ve stepped in to stop Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart arguing’
Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger and former TV exec, shares insights on the robust growth of podcasts during the pandemic. He reveals how chemistry testing among hosts makes shows like *The Rest Is Politics* successful. Tony discusses how niche subjects keep audiences engaged and the myth of young listeners preferring short content. He also emphasizes the importance of membership revenue, which elevates quality, and recounts intervening in heated debates between Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell, showcasing the art of managing host dynamics.
