

Profile
BBC Radio 4
An insight into the character of an influential figure making news headlines
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 20, 2018 • 14min
Jon Lansman
Earlier this week Jon Lansman, founder and leader of left-wing political group Momentum, was elected to the Labour Party's National Executive Committee.A 60-year-old veteran of the hard left, Lansman has been credited with helping get Jeremy Corbyn elected as Labour leader and to successfully rallying thousands of activists behind the Momentum movement. But his critics say he can be a dogmatic, even bullying, leader, quick to crush dissent.On this week's 'Profile', Mark Coles speaks to relatives, friends, colleagues and analysts about Lansman's triumphs and tragedies.Producer: Ben Carter
Editor: Emma Rippon.

Jan 13, 2018 • 14min
Oprah Winfrey
Following her barn-storming speech about sexual harassment at the Golden Globe awards, Mark Coles charts the rise of talk show host, philanthropist, media proprietor and actress Oprah Winfrey.With calls urging Winfrey to run for President, close friends and former colleagues recount their favourite moments with her on-set and at home. We learn about the woman behind the screen and her remarkable tale of rags to riches, from clothes made out of potato sacks to one of the richest black women in the world. Producer: Ben Carter
Editor: Emma Rippon.

Jan 6, 2018 • 14min
President Hassan Rouhani
It's been a tumultuous week in Iran.Thousands of protestors in more than twenty towns and cities taking to the streets to demand economic and political change. On the programme this week, we update a profile we did of Hassan Rouhani when he first became President of Iran back in 2013. Regarded as more liberal than some of his predecessors - and now in his second term as President - he faces the unenviable task of trying to balance the demands of the Iranian people who want better living conditions with the religious establishment which still wields ultimate power. Meanwhile, lurking in the wings, is US President Donald Trump - threatening to tear up a 2015 deal that waived sanctions in return for Iran reigning in its nuclear programme. Mark Coles hears from Iranian journalists, political analysts and some of the President's former colleagues as we get to grips with where he's come from and what his future may be. Producer Smita Patel
Editor Emma Rippon.

Dec 30, 2017 • 14min
Denise Coates
A hunch about Online gambling has made Denise Coates from Bet365 Britain's best paid boss. Chris Bowlby discovers how this elusive figure from Stoke masterminded a global betting revolution. We follow her career from the tough world of 1990s betting shops to today's lucrative round the clock business. But why has hardly anyone - even in her home town - ever heard of her?Producer: Smita Patel
Editor: Emma Rippon.

Dec 23, 2017 • 14min
Sarah Mullally
Sarah Mullally, appointed this week as the first woman Bishop of London, the third most senior position in the Anglican Church.
A former nurse and senior civil servant, she was ordained in 2001. Her surprise appointment followed a brief spell as Bishop of Devon in Crediton.
She's expected to attract criticism from more conservative elements of the Anglo-Catholic and Evangelical elements of the church.
Mark Coles profiles the most senior woman in the Anglican Church.Produced by Helen Grady and Siobhan O'Connell.

Dec 9, 2017 • 14min
The Winklevoss Brothers
The Winklevoss twins - Cameron and Tyler - became famous for suing Mark Zuckerberg, claiming he stole their idea for Facebook.
This week it was announced they'd made a fortune from Bitcoin.
They're former Olympic rowers, and also rowed for Oxford in the 2010 Boat Race.
Becky Milligan explores their early life, including talking to their Dad, to discover what drives their ambition.Producers: Smita Patel and Beth Sagar-Fenton.

Dec 2, 2017 • 14min
Sue Gray
First Secretary of State, Damian Green, is under mounting pressure this week due to allegations of improper behaviour, and claims that pornography was found on a computer in his office back in 2008 - allegations he staunchly denies. Sue Gray, Head of Propriety and Ethics at the Cabinet Office, is leading the inquiry into whether he broke any rules. Gray has been described as "the most powerful person you've never heard of". Mark Coles finds out more about the woman who joined the civil service straight from school, and has risen to occupy a pivotal position right at the heart of government. Presenter: Mark Coles
Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton.

Nov 25, 2017 • 14min
Yevgeny Prigozhin
At the Lord Mayors banquet a couple of weeks ago the Prime Minister Theresa May didn't mince her words when she waded into the alleged Russian interference in western countries accusing them of sowing disinformation she declared "We know what you are doing and you will not succeed." This week on Profile we look at the man accused of funding the St Petersburg troll factory which has produced so much pro-Russian material online. Yevgeny Prigozhin has moved from jail to restaurateur and close friend of President Putin, but precious little is known about his personal life.

Nov 18, 2017 • 14min
Emmerson Mnangagwa
After the Zimbabwean army moved against Robert Mugabe this week, one man has been hotly tipped to succeed him. The former Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, portrays himself to the west as a free-market enthusiast who could change the fortunes of Zimbabwe. But 'The Crocodile', as Mnangagwa is nicknamed, has been at Mugabe's side since the independence struggle, and is associated with some of the regime's most notorious actions. Presenter: Edward Stourton
Producers: Kate Lamble and Beth Sagar-Fenton.

Nov 11, 2017 • 14min
Priti Patel
Priti Patel was forced to resign as International Development Secretary this week after holding extra curricular holiday meetings in Israel. Luke Jones profiles this passionate Leave campaigner, the ambitious daughter of Indian newsagents, who wants to follow in the footsteps of Margaret Thatcher. Presenter: Luke Jones
Producer: Beth Sagar-Fenton
Producer: Siobhan O'Connell.