
Media Confidential
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. No commitment—you can cancel at any time. Currently you can SAVE 10% on a subscription: https://subscription.prospectmagazine.co.uk/MAR25OFF/prospect-magazine/MAR25g Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Oct 19, 2023 • 44min
Disinformation on X, and the power of the Telegraph’s Barclay brothers
As the Israel-Gaza war boosts concerns about disinformation and misinformation on X, Alan and Lionel speak to Joanna Geary, who used to be Twitter’s Senior Director of Curation. What important checks and filters did Elon Musk strip away when he took over? Plus, author Jane Martinson discusses her new book about the Barclay brothers, two of the most significant UK media owners of recent decades, as the Barclay family seems keen to buy back the Telegraph Media Group. Today you can get an annual Prospect subscription for as little as £49, and *while stocks last* you’ll get a free signed copy of Breaking News, Alan's excellent book about the remaking of journalism and why it matters, which is worth £10.99. Sign up now at: https://subscribe.prospectmagazine.co.uk/mediaconfidential We'd love your feedback! Tell us more at: https://f9ce3vpjrw3.typeform.com/to/bxJBPxN2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 2023 • 46min
Israel, Hamas and media in a time of war
Alan and Lionel discuss how the awful violence in Israel and Gaza is being reported by media there (and elsewhere), and the extent to which local news organisations are able to give a balanced and nuanced account of what is happening. They are joined by Esther Solomon, editor-in-chief of Haaretz English and Sarah Helm, former diplomatic editor and Middle East correspondent of The Independent, who is currently writing a book about the Gaza Strip. Prospect brings rigorously fact-checked analysis, ideas and perspectives to the big topics the world is grappling with. Special offer: Buy a digital subscription – only £3 for three months' access (then £49 annually). Click HERE to subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 2023 • 48min
Legendary US editor Marty Baron on Donald Trump, Edward Snowden and Jeff Bezos
Alan and Lionel talk to Marty Baron, perhaps the most distinguished and garlanded editor in America since Watergate.Collision of Power is Baron’s book about his time at the Washington Post, which won 10 Pulitzer Prizes under his leadership. He discusses standing up to then-President Donald Trump and the transformative impact of the Post’s new owner Jeff Bezos, while Marty and Alan compare notes about publishing the Edward Snowden story under high pressure from governments and intelligence services.Media Confidential also considers the chaos at GB News, after Laurence Fox’s on-air comments about Ava Evans, and whether Ofcom can reel it in.Follow us on X (Twitter): @MediaConfPodProspect brings rigorously fact-checked analysis, ideas and perspectives to the big topics the world is grappling with. Special offer: Buy a digital subscription – only £3 for three months' access (then £49 annually). Click HERE to subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 28, 2023 • 59min
Rupert Murdoch steps back: politics and succession, with Malcolm Turnbull and Michael Wolff
Alan and Lionel discuss the Murdoch family ‘succession’, after Rupert Murdoch handed control of Fox and News Corp to his eldest son, Lachlan.They analyse the potential implications for media and politics, helped by Malcolm Turnbull, former prime minster of Australia, who tells them that Murdoch Sr has done “enormous damage" to democracy in the US, the UK and his own country.There’s insight too from American journalist Michael Wolff, whose new book is The Fall: The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty.Alan and Lionel also consider the media angles around the allegations facing Russell Brand.Follow us on X (Twitter!): @MediaConfPod.Media Confidential is a podcast from Prospect Magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 20, 2023 • 32min
Preview Episode
Welcome to Media Confidential.Who are Alan and Lionel, and what will they be discussing in this brand new show from Prospect Magazine?Our hosts give an overview of their new podcast, why it's important, and their thoughts on the media landscape as they see it today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.