Media Confidential

This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss the Murdoch family’s biggest ever deal, as Lachlan Murdoch’s Fox TV buys streaming service Roku. What does it suggest about the company’s direction under its new CEO? And why isn’t Alan a fan of Roku?

They discuss an AI-generated video of Nigel Farage fist-fighting Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey in a Question Time Studio—and how the deepfake video has some people fooled.
After GB News’s Bev Turner denied that widespread racist violence in Belfast was a riot, the editors also analyse a clash between Turner and political commentator Matthew Stadlen, while Alan shares the tweet that made him “shudder”.

It’s not all bad news, though, as Mehdi Hasan launches Zeteo UK, the British equivalent of his popular independent media platform—and Dan Neidle wins a resounding victory in libel courts over an obvious SLAPP. Could it set a hopeful precedent?

Plus, Alan and Lionel respond to an email from the editor of the Manchester Evening News and issue an invitation.
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In this Monday’s episode of Media Confidential Alan and Lionel are talking to NPR’s media correspondent David Folkenflik about what is actually happening at American broadcaster CBS.

They discuss the popularity of CBS’s flagship show 60 Minutes and how a new leadership is trying to make changes at the programme.

They’ll talk about how Bari Weiss, editor-in-chief of CBS News, is getting along in her new role—and how staff are reacting to her new pick of Nick Bilton as 60 Minutes executive producer.

The three discuss the influence of David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, which owns the channel. Plus, Alan asks if the apparent internal ructions are down to ineptitude or trying to keep Donald Trump sweet...

They also ask if David will be attending the re-run of the White House Correspondents dinner, which was cancelled (and Donald Trump evacuated) after a shooting...
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In this episode of Media Confidential, Alan questions the quality of reporting around the Henry Nowak case, and questions why so many in the media are focusing on the cost of DEI training in the police and neglecting to mention the recent Louise Casey report into racism in the police force.

They also discuss how the media is amplifying the messages of politicians such as Nigel Farage when Nowak’s family has called for calm.

Our hosts talk about the joint investigation into the conduct of former newspaper owner David Sullivan by BBC Panorama and the Times, and they raise questions of why he was banned from owning a local newspaper in the 1980s and how the investigation is the product of years of work for the two outlets.

They also discuss new director general Matt Brittin’s interview with the Financial Times and what it reveals about his views on the BBC’s future, including its digital offering. Plus: rumours are swirling about who will take on the vacant Head of News position.

They also respond to a listener question about how to implement AI in a newsroom to get the best features without impacting quality journalism.
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In this week’s Media Confidential Alan and Lionel are joined by Joshi Hermann, founder of The Mill.

The three discuss how The Mill has expanded out from Manchester to seven cities in just three years and it’s plans to revitalise and redefine local reporting.

They also discuss The Mill’s funding model and why Joshi believes the method is sustainable, and how he is ensuring that essential public interest journalism is still freely available to read.

They’ll discuss the Mill’s investigative work, how they fund and fight their legal battles and what the business is doing to utilise AI without being overwhelmed by it.
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Should a politician be allowed to present the BBC’s Today Programme? Former Ofcom chair Michael Grade thinks so.

This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel pick apart Grade’s recent interview, where he claimed that mainstream broadcasters are afraid of GB News.

They discuss the logic behind the rules of impartiality—and what Grade’s opinions reveal about Ofcom’s controversial decisions under his tenure. Plus, they invite him to respond on Media Confidential.

Alan and Lionel disagree on coverage around the killing of Henry Novak, the young stab victim who was handcuffed by police in Southampton.

Plus, after a veteran 60 Minutes presenter was fired in a spectacular fashion, the hosts discuss the explosive situation at CBS and its relationship with the BBC. And one listener asks: why do all media organisations seem to have the same stories?

Get in touch with your questions at mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk
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