The Media Show

Episoder

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  Andrew Neil, the PM and the press, AI actor Tilly Norwood 22.07.2026 42min

  Social media has been an important way for the new Prime Minister to get his message across, but where does that leave the traditional media? Katie and Ros discuss with Lizzy Buchan, Political Editor of the Daily Mirror and Chair of the Lobby; Jennifer Gerber, Burnham’s former special advisor; and the creator and founder of Slow News Day, Tom Nicholas. Also on the programme, broadcaster Andrew Neil shares why he’s moving to Youtube for his new weekly podcast series The Andrew Neil Report. Plus, the filmmaker Eline Van der Velden explains why she’s created the controversial AI actor Tilly Norwood, with Deadline’s Jake Kanter analysing the response from Hollywood.
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  Iain Dale, on a life in the media and politics, TV production rights, Trump subpoenas NYT journalists, BBC Annual Report 15.07.2026 42min

  Katie Razzall presents The Media Show.Broadcaster and author Iain Dale, whose new memoir Have I Said Too Much? is out now, reflects on a career spanning politics, publishing and radio, and considers how public debate and the media have changed.We analyse the BBC's annual report with Rhodri Talfan Davies, Deputy Director-General of the BBC, discussing the corporation's performance, funding pressures and future direction.The programme also looks at proposed changes to the television industry's terms of trade. Joining the discussion are Tim Hincks, Co-CEO of Expectation, and Kate Beal, Founder and CEO of Woodcut Media and a Pact Council member to debate what the reforms could mean for producers, broadcasters and programme rights.Finally, Claire Atkinson, founder of The Media Mix newsletter and contributing editor at The Ankler, joins us from the US to discuss the Trump administration's subpoenas issued to New York Times journalists and the wider implications for press freedom and national security reporting.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
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  Nigel Farage and the media, Prince Harry legal case, doorstepping 08.07.2026 42min

  In a packed week for media news, Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins talk to Sunday Times investigative journalist Gabriel Pogrund about their article into Nigel Farage's finances which triggered a strong reaction, culminating yesterday in Mr Farage's resignation as an MP and his decision to run again in a by-election. Journalists Michael Crick and Brendan O'Neill discuss Nigel Farage's relationship with the media, his claims about press treatment over two decades, and the wider debate over how public figures are scrutinised. Media lawyer Susan Aslan is on hand to explain the reasons why Prince Harry lost his legal case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. And Michael Crick and the BBC's Sue Mitchell discuss the art and ethics of 'doorstepping'. Producer: Tim Bano
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  Jamie Murray, Sky ITV deal, Building a media business 01.07.2026 42min

  Katie and Ros are joined by seven-time Grand Slam tennis champion Jamie Murray as he launches The Set, a Youtube channel, with his brother Andy. The co-host of The Tennis Podcast, Catherine Whitaker, reflects on the changing tennis media landscape. Also on the programme, Deadline's Max Goldbart dissects Sky’s plans to take over part of ITV. Lachlan Cartwright, founder of the media news site Breaker Media, reveals the challenges and opportunities of building an independent business after decades in legacy media. Plus, we discuss the controversy around the Russian cartoon series Masha & The Bear. Since the programme was recorded, a spokesperson for the producers of Masha & the Bear, has been quoted in news coverage as saying “my client categorically rejects the false and defamatory suggestion that Masha and the Bear is associated with propaganda”.
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  Andy Burnham's media strategy, smart glasses and filming in public places, BBC Long Wave closes 24.06.2026 41min

  Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins look at Andy Burnham's media strategy with Jennifer Williams, North of England Correspondent for the Financial Times, and Joshi Herrmann, founder and editor of The Mill. The shop workers Union says the filming of its member is becoming widespread, with Jayne Allport, National Officer at USDAW, on the impact. Carlos Barragan, New York Times reporter and author of The Yahoo Boys: Real Life with the Love Scammers of Lagos, on going under cover with romance fraud networks. And as BBC long wave closes Jeffrey Borinsky explains its place in broadcasting history.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
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  BBC cuts, Ritula Shah, Norma Percy, Filming protests 17.06.2026 42min

  As the BBC announces new cuts, Jonathan Munro, Interim CEO of BBC News & Current Affairs, joins Katie and Ros to discuss the decision. Ritula Shah, former presenter of the World Tonight on Radio 4, reacts to the news that the programme is being axed.The acclaimed documentary maker Norma Percy reflects on making Brexit: A Very British Civil War and her wider career. Also on the programme, Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan from the ISD analyses the trend of ‘auditors’ and ‘citizen journalists’ filming at the recent Southampton protests. Plus, the Youtuber Wesley Winter explains why he filmed there.
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  Alex Kay-Jelski, World Cup coverage, Belfast reporting, Influencers in Russia 10.06.2026 42min

  As the World Cup kicks off, Ros and Katie speak to Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s Director of Sport about his ambitions for the tournament and vision for BBC Sport. We also hear from two football journalists covering the World Cup: Craig Hope from the Daily Mail is reporting on the England team from Orlando, while Daniel Storey from The i is embarking on a solo road trip across the US. Also on the programme, the BBC’s Dan Johnson reflects on his experience covering the disorder in Belfast following Monday night’s knife attack. Plus, Samantha Berkhead from The Moscow Times and Evie Aspinall from the British Foreign Policy Group discuss how states use influencers to wield soft power around the world.
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  Laura Kuenssberg, SNP embezzlement story, Rafa documentary, 60 Minutes 03.06.2026 42min

  The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg joins Ros and Katie to discuss her exclusive interview with Nicola Sturgeon, the first since her estranged husband pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,000 from the SNP. John Ferguson, Political Editor at the Sunday Mail in Scotland, also shares his experience of reporting on the story from the very beginning. Also on the programme, director Zach Heinzerling discusses how he secured unprecedented access to tennis player Rafael Nadal for his Netflix documentary Rafa. Minal Modha from Ampere Analysis assesses whether we are in the middle of a sports documentary boom. Plus, analysis of the ruptures in CBS’ 60 Minutes newsroom by Michael Grynbaum from The New York Times.
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  Lord Grade, Media access to local councils, Vincent Bolloré profile, Reporting on the heatwave 27.05.2026 42min

  TV grandee and former Chairman of Ofcom, Michael Grade, joins Katie Razzall to discuss his outlook on the broadcasting sector. The Society of Editors is warning that local journalists are struggling to get access to elected councillors. Its CEO Dawn Alford shares her concerns, and we get the views of Oliver Rouane-Williams, founder and editor of Ipswich.co.uk, and Michael Hadwen, Reform leader of Suffolk County Council. Over 600 figures in French cinema have signed an open letter voicing concerns about the influence of French billionaire Vincent Bolloré. The BBC’s James Waterhouse introduces us to the media tycoon often dubbed the ‘French Rupert Murdoch’. Plus, what are the editorial challenges of reporting on the heatwave? Laura Tobin, ITV’s weather presenter, joins us to discuss.
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  The new BBC Director General Matt Brittin, MAFS under investigation & Richard Madeley goes inside El Salvadore's CECOT mega jail 20.05.2026 42min

  The BBC’s new Director General Matt Brittin joins Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins live on his third day in the job. We examine serious allegations revealed by BBC Panorama that have led to Married At First Sight being pulled with BBC Culture Correspondent Noor Nanji. Richard Madeley on his new documentary inside El Salvador’s mega jail CECOT and there'll be analysis from the Sunday Times Media Editor Rosamund Urwin throughout.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wei.
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  Munya Chawawa; journalists and access to prisoners in jail; Family influencers and the boundaries of parenting online. 13.05.2026 42min

  Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins are joined by comedian and filmmaker Munya Chawawa to discuss satire and his new documentary Wrestling with Trump. They examine the limits on journalists’ access to prisoners with Emily Bolton from Objection and Guardian writer Simon Hattenstone. What are the boundaries for parents in the booming world of family influencers with author Fortesa Latifi and Jasmine McInnes aka @winging_mamahood. And Spectator political correspondent Noa Hoffman on whether the media is driving political chaos at Westminster or simply reporting on the unfolding events.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
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  AI judging journalists, the BBC’s “Wrong Guy”, Saudi Arabia's media strategy, covering climate change 06.05.2026 42min

  This is a programme about the revolution in media.
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  King Charles's US visit, attacks on journalists, I'm a Celeb editing row 29.04.2026 42min

  Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall on some of the week’s biggest media stories:As King Charles III visits the United States, we ask how the media is covering the event on both sides of the Atlantic. We also examine attacks on journalists around the world following the killing of a Lebanese reporter in an Israeli air strike. A row over I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! raises questions about how reality television is edited. Plus, as a new series of Virgin Island begins on Channel 4, we speak to one of the people behind the format.Guests: Sean Coughlan, Royal Correspondent, BBC News; Jack Blanchard, managing editor, POLITICO; Christina Lamb, chief foreign correspondent, The Sunday Times; Lauren Morris, Culture News Editor, The Independent; Donald Clarke, edit producer in reality television; Rob Davis, executive producer and co-owner of Double Act.Producer: Dan Hardoon
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  The future of teleshopping, Hungary's media post Orban defeat, Danny Robins from Uncanny, Mandelson vetting row scoop 22.04.2026 41min

  Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall on some of the week's biggest media stories: QVC is restructuring its business in the US while remaining popular in the UK, with analysis from Katie Linsell, UK retail reporter at Bloomberg News, alongside Rob Locke, presenter for ITV’s ShopOnTV, and consumer expert Kate Hardcastle, author of The Science of Shopping. We also examine the Guardian investigation into the vetting of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK Ambassador to Washington, with Paul Lewis, Head of Investigations at the Guardian, discussing national security, leaks and public trust. AsHungary elects a new prime minister after sixteen years of Viktor Orbán, we ask what the change could mean for press freedom, with Professor Amrit Singh of NYU School of Law and Hungarian political journalist Iván Nagy. Plus, Danny Robins, creator of Uncanny, joins us live to talk about turning a Radio 4 podcast into a television series, live stage show and fan phenomenon.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
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  BBC job cuts, Journalist detained in Kuwait, HBO Max enters UK streamer market, Reporting the Artemis II launch 15.04.2026 42min

  The BBC’s interim Director General Rhodri Talfan Davies talks to Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins following the announcement of major job cuts across the corporation. Jodie Ginsberg from the Committee to Protect Journalists on the detention of Ahmed Shihab Eldin in Kuwait. BBC Science Editor Rebecca Morelle reflects on covering the Artemis II launch, after her emotional reaction went viral And as HBO Max launches in the UK with record sign‑ups, we assess its strategy and what the arrival of another major streamer means for British audiences.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
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  Ronan Farrow on investigating OpenAI and Sam Altman, Misha Glenny, Bel Trew & Madhumita Murgia 08.04.2026 42min

  This week on "The Media Show" with Katie Razzall we hear from Ronan Farrow about his major New Yorker investigation into OpenAI and its chief executive Sam Altman.Madhumita Murgia, the Financial Times’ Artificial Intelligence Editor, examines how the media should scrutinise AI leaders and whether tech journalism risks oversimplifying personalities at the centre of vast systems.Misha Glenny reflects on historic parallels in the concentration of technological power, drawing on his new series "Race to Control the World" his role as the new presenter of "In Our Time".And Bel Trew, The Independent’s Chief International Correspondent, reports on the realities of covering the war with Iran from access and safety, to misinformation and the growing role of AI in shaping narratives.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
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  Scott Mills' exit & Tim Davie's final week at the BBC, AI-assisted journalism, new UK research project on teens & social media 01.04.2026 42min

  Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins discuss some of the week's biggest media stories:Jane Martinson of the Guardian and Max Goldbart of Deadline on Scott Mills' departure from the BBC and Tim Davie's legacy as Director General of the corporation.As newsrooms around the world continue to debate the use of artificial intelligence in reporting, we hear from Fortune Business Editor Nick Lichtenberg who outlines his method for producing AI-assisted articles.After two recent United States rulings which found Meta and YouTube liable for developing addictive platform features, we talk to the BBC North America Technology Correspondent Lily Jamali about the legal arguments and potential consequences for design and regulation. Interface designer Aza Raskin from the Centre for Humane Technology explains the tools used by platforms to keep people scrolling, and we hear about a major new UK scientific trial to assess the impact of reduced social media use among teenagers from Professor Amy Orben of the University of Cambridge.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
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  Matt Brittin profile, How to cold call a president, The Policing and Media Charter, Jamie Bartlett 25.03.2026 42min

  As Matt Brittin is confirmed as the BBC’s new Director-General, we discuss his in-tray with Alex Farber from The Times. We look at the relationship between the press and police with Alan Woods from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Rebecca Camber from the Daily Mail, who were involved in putting together the new Policing and Media Charter. Natalie Fahy from The Nottingham Post also joins us to discuss her experience of reporting the Nottingham attacks as the public inquiry continues. Plus, how to cold-call President Trump. Edward Luce from the Financial Times and Max Tani from Semafor give their top tips. And the journalist and writer Jamie Bartlett takes us behind the scenes of his new BBC Radio 4 series Everything is Fake (And Nobody Cares).
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  Bonus interview Lisa Nandy MP Culture Secretary 19.03.2026 33min

  Ros Atkins talks to Lisa Nandy MP Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport
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  Lisa Nandy on saving local news and the future of the BBC, reporting from inside Iran & behind the scenes at the Oscars 18.03.2026 42min

  Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall with some of the week’s biggest media stories:Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy talks about her plans to support local news, the £12 million funding package she’s announced, and what she thinks the future holds for the BBC.CNN Senior International Correspondent Frederik Pleitgen explains how he gained access to Iran to report from the ground during the war and how he navigated restrictions, safety, and criticism of his coverage.And behind the scenes at the Oscars with the BBC’s Tom Brook and The Ankler's Katey Rich. From falling TV ratings to rising production costs, the move to streaming, and what this year’s ceremony reveals about the state of the film industry.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Laura Cain