Media Confidential

Alan and Lionel discuss the suspected murder of MP Ann Widdecombe. They discuss contempt of court laws and how they differ from those in the United States, as well as the impact of public scrutiny on police communication. Is it wise to have a running commentary on all investigations?

They also unpick the Trump administration’s latest attack on the journalism, as the Department of Justice serves subpoenas to New York Times journalists in order to find out who in the administration leaked a story about Donald Trump’s acceptance of a Qatari plane.

In other news, the editors also talk about devastating cuts at GB News and what they mean for the broadcaster. And they examine the big bucks in the world of broadcasting, as the BBC reveals its highest earners.

Plus, they analyse former Today programme presenter John Humphrys’s critical comments about his successors in the role.
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In this week’s episode of Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by presenter and commentator Iain Dale.

As he releases a new memoir, the three discuss his life in broadcasting and a brief stint of political ambition, as well as his ideological leanings.

Iain discusses how he tries to keep his LBC show unbiased and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating lively debate with a broad spectrum of views.

He also reflects on Brexit, GB News and the BBC and his thoughts on the future of political broadcasting.
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In today’s Media Confidential, Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber discuss Nigel Farage’s resignation in Clacton, triggering a by-election in which he will stand. They discuss Farage’s attacks on the press, including on a Sky News reporter. Did reporting around undeclared donations really cross the line?

They also analyse the judgment in Prince Harry’s case against the Daily Mail, which alleged unlawful information gathering by Associated Newspapers. As the Mail wins a massive legal victory, they discuss the role of editors in these kinds of court cases and disagree over the role of tabloid newspapers.

Alan and Lionel also talk about Comcast and Sky’s $1.6bn takeover of ITV: what does the merger mean for staff, and for the network’s stories? Will it be a good thing for public broadcasting—or not?

And they answer a listener’s question on climate coverage, in the midst of another heatwave.

To read more on the Prince Harry case, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/media/74059/daily-mail-victory-prince-harry-hacked-off
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In today’s episode Lachlan Cartwright, the founder of Breaker Media, joins Alan and Lionel to discuss why he went solo and launched the outlet after two decades in journalism.

They ask how he treads the line between privacy and public interest when searching for scoops. The Breaker founder also discusses his tumultuous time at the National Enquirer, the US tabloid’s backing of Trump, and his role as a whistleblower in the "catch and kill” scandal which made the front page of the New York Times.

He shares that good lawyers and keeping just on the right side of the law are key when you’re in the business of muckraking. Plus, he discusses his experience with legal letters, non-disclosure agreements and how to avoid bowing to pressure from powerful figures.

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In today’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss Donald Trump’s court case against the BBC. As the broadcaster requests the president’s phone records from January 6th, some commentators think it should settle with the president. Do our hosts agree?

The Telegraph’s takeover by major media company Axel Springer is finally complete, and the paper’s new owner Matthias Döpfner has appointed a German CEO and CFO. Alan and Lionel discuss whether Döpfner’s strong views will make it into print—and ask if he, as a keen musician, might join Alan on the piano.

Plus, the Guardian announces new jobs on the horizon and Lionel shows off a recently acquired medal...
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