Media Confidential

Épisodes

• 
  Hasta la vista, baby! 27.08.2026 35min

  In Prospect’s last episode of Media Confidential, Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber look back on three years of the podcast.They discuss revelations throughout the show about power, press freedom, and the changing media landscape: from powerful interviews on Trump’s attacks on press freedoms and the Murdoch empire, to the journalists killed in Gaza and future of the BBC.From veteran journalists to war photographers, they talk about some of their favourite—and most controversial—guests, including Michael Wolff, Kara Swisher, Patrick Radden Keefe, Mehdi Hasan and Don McCullin.Plus, Alan and Lionel answer your questions. And, in a restaurant in London, they finally settle a long-standing bet...Stay tuned for a special announcement from Media Confidential’s sister podcast, the Prospect Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Eternal youth and billionaire biohacking: The politics of longevity 24.08.2026 25min

  Billionaires, millionaires and biohackers are plying themselves with supplements and consulting AI to extend their lives indefinitely. But would you want to live forever? This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by journalist and author Katherine Stewart, who investigates the politics of the longevity movement.Katherine shares her experiences undercover at exclusive longevity conferences, trying supplements and testing her hormone levels. She discusses key figures like Bryan Johnson, the “most measured person in history”, famous for trying to inject himself with his young son’s blood, and Palantir’s Peter Thiel.She also explains the appeal of “transhumanism”, and argues that the original meaning of “self-care” has been usurped. As the movement marshals deep science and high anxiety, with potions and powders promising detoxes, how much can be trusted?To read Katherine’s piece ‘The time I tried to live forever’, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/policy/health/74081/the-time-i-tried-to-live-forever Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  The death of Jason Arday: A modern media morality play 20.08.2026 45min

  In today’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss the death of Professor Jason Arday, the Cambridge academic who took his own life last week after weeks of media scrutiny.The former editors analyse how a story about plagiarism turned into a Fleet Street crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion. They also discuss the ethics involved when a vulnerable person is at the centre of public scrutiny, where the commentary went wrong, and what it tells us about British and American journalism.Plus, how you decide what is a legitimate story? And how much should reporters consider the consequences of the story they’re pursuing?To read Alan’s column on Jason Arday, click here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Jonathan Shainin: Legacy media no longer explains the world 17.08.2026 39min

  In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Jonathan Shainin, founding editor of Equator, a new longform publication with ambitions to challenge inherited assumptions about journalism—and the world it describes.The three discuss Jonathan’s journey through more “mainstream” media and why, after years in the industry, he feels independent media is the future. They look at the very different traditions of American and British longform journalism, and what each might learn from the other.They talk about Equator’s unusual approach to how a publication can be organised, bringing together some of the most interesting writers and editors working today, from Pankaj Mishra to Mohsin Hamid and Nesrine Malik. Is this the beginning of a different kind of media institution?Plus, Jonathan explains where the name Equator came from, Alan and Lionel delve into some of the ideas behind the latest issue, and ask what it might mean to look at familiar stories from somewhere else entirely. In a publication so concerned with making sense of the world, is there still room for a little lightness? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  How long will the ‘Burnham bounce’ last? 13.08.2026 35min

  As Andy Burnham marks his first two weeks in Downing Street, the polls are registering a bump in support for Labour. This week, Ellen Halliday and Imaan Irfan are joined by Prospect’s contributing editor Tom Clark to assess the prime minister’s first steps in office.Tom discusses surprising policy pledges, “sugar-rush politics” and how Burnham’s thinking has changed, from devolution to drastic social care reforms. What challenges will he face in making his promises a reality?After the Ceuta border crossing, does political rhetoric around immigration signal change or continuity? Is Burnham willing to make enemies over the drilling of oil and gas in the North Sea? And what are the chances of an early election?Plus, Tom compares Burnham with Keir Starmer and reflects on whether his leadership signals a departure from factionalism. Has Burnham finally unified the Labour party—and, if so, can it last?To read more of Tom’s analysis, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/author/2823/tom-clark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Patrick Radden Keefe: ‘I’m not your therapist. I’m not your PR person. I’m a journalist’ 10.08.2026 33min

  This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by Patrick Radden Keefe, journalist and bestselling author.Patrick discusses the real-life story behind his book London Falling, which explored the mysterious death of a teenage boy in London. He explains the process behind investigative non-fiction, navigating ethical and legal obstacles, and how he gained the trust of his sources—including two grieving parents. Plus, is reporting in Britain is harder than in the United States? And how young journalists can take on tough stories without the backing of big institutions?To read a profile of Patrick Radden Keefe, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/views/people/73417/patrick-radden-keefe-interview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Rod Liddle: the provocateur who loved to scandalise. But what did he really believe? 06.08.2026 23min

  In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel discuss the contentious legacy of Rod Liddle, Spectator columnist and Times radio presenter, who died earlier this week. A divisive figure in British journalism, the hosts examine his style and career as a writer and provocateur.They also delve into reporting around climate change, as ideological fractures emerge in the Daily Telegraph. Should Tories see the preservation of the climate as a conservative responsibility? Or should we give up on climate action and embrace a Mediterranean summer?Plus, Alan and Lionel discuss about a big Ebay settlement with two citizen journalists, following a lawsuit around the 2019 corporate stalking scandal. And, in his own case against the BBC, has Donald Trump bitten off more than he can chew? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Mehdi Hasan: Why US media shies away from talking about genocide 03.08.2026 44min

  In this week's Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel are joined by Mehdi Hasan, founder and CEO of Zeteo.The three discuss Mehdi’s trajectory from political editor in the UK to hosting a show across the pond—to launching his own independent media organisation in Zeteo. Mehdi opens up about why his MSNBC show was cancelled and how he felt compelled to leave the news channel.They also discuss the rise of Zeteo and its recent UK launch. With many frustrated with mainstream political and cultural coverage, what is missing from the British media landscape?Plus, Mehdi argues that, when faced with accusations of biased coverage, the BBC tends to overcorrect.  If he were the corporation's director-general, what would he do differently? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  So you didn’t get a Burnham interview? Break out the tiny violins 30.07.2026 25min

  In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk about media publisher Reach’s change in direction. After years of striving for…well…reach, the publisher now says they’ll focus on long form reported stories.After a federal judge savaged the US Department of Justice for issuing subpoenas against New York Times journalists, Alan and Lionel also discuss what they call a “fantastically stupid move by Trump”. They’ll also talk about the president’s swipes at the media at during White House Correspondent’s dinner. Does the iconic event have a future?As Andy Burnham and John Healey were asked in a TikTok video: crisps, pork scratchings or scampi fries? The hosts discuss whether the government’s shrewd new media strategy is working.Plus, they ask why Whitehall correspondents are complaining they haven’t had the chance to interview the new prime minister—is it clever strategy from Burnham, or a deliberate cutting off of press access? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Corruption, convictions and vengeance: Maggie Haberman on the inside story of the second Trump presidency 27.07.2026 38min

  Alan and Lionel are joined by journalist Maggie Haberman to discuss her and Jonathan Swan’s explosive new book covering the first year of Trump’s second presidency.Having conducted hundreds of interviews, Maggie shares the astonishing amount of access that the two journalists had in the inner circles of the Trump administration.The three unpick Trump’s close relationships with Rupert Murdoch and Fox News, and how the White House press pool has been reshaped. They also discuss the intimidation tactics creating a chilling effect on journalists and subpoenas against New York Times staff reporting on the president.Plus, Maggie shares observations from her strange Oval Office meeting with Trump and discusses the president’s unpleasant nickname for her. Will they burn any bridges by publishing the book?‘Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump’ is published by Simon & Schuster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Burnham’s new cabinet: What did the media miss? 23.07.2026 22min

  As Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber discuss the new cabinet on Media Confidential. When it comes to new appointments, how did the media get it so wrong?As Lisa Nandy keeps her role as culture secretary, the pair discuss the BBC charter renewal and the broadcaster’s advert during the football World Cup which asked “what has the BBC ever done for me?”They also reflect on the death of BBC stalwart Edward Stourton and consider the Telegraph as it takes small steps towards change under new ownership.Plus, they discuss the influence of former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre and his proteges, after a longform Guardian article explored his influence on Britain’s rightwing press and the advent of culture war journalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Political censorship: How governments are using national security laws to silence journalists 20.07.2026 40min

  In this episode of Media Confidential, Clothilde Redfern and Martin Bright join Alan Rusbridger and Lionel Barber to discuss how national security laws are increasingly being used to restrict journalism around the world.Clothilde is the director of the UK branch of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Martin Bright is a journalist and contributing editor of a new report by the charity which shows a growing pattern of governments expanding the meaning of “national security” to justify secrecy, surveillance, and sustained pressure on reporters. The four discuss cases like that of Julian Assange and how legal action can have worrying impacts on journalists. They also talk about the line between legitimate security concerns and unnecessary suppression of reporting.To read the RSF report ‘National security as a weapon against journalism’, click here: https://rsf.org/en/new-rsf-report-national-security-weapon-against-journalism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Ann Widdecombe’s murder: Have the police said too much? 16.07.2026 31min

  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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Iain Dale: I'm a Conservative but I don't do propaganda (unlike GB News) 13.07.2026 36min

  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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  It’s the media’s fault! Nigel Farage plays the victim card 09.07.2026 31min

  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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Lachlan Cartwright: ‘American media became a propaganda arm to get Trump elected’ 06.07.2026 30min

  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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Will the BBC cave in to Trump? 02.07.2026 20min

  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... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Vicious media: How the Murdoch press attacks its targets 29.06.2026 35min

  In this week’s Media Confidential, Alan Rusbridger talks to Andrew Dodd and Matthew Ricketson, authors of Getting Murdoched: How Murdoch’s Media Wields Power and Punishment.The three discuss the structure of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, as well as infamous cases of “Murdoching”—described by the authors as “using media power to bully, manipulate and spread false narratives”.They also talk about the use of the free speech defence to justify harmful practices, the prioritising of entertainment and impact over truth, and the need for press regulation.Plus, Andrew and Matthew discuss Rupert Murdoch’s life, the impact of his father and the passing of the mantle to his son Lachlan. What does it mean for the company? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Starmer’s downfall: Is the media to blame? 25.06.2026 28min

  In this week’s episode, Alan and Lionel chew over Keir Starmer's resignation. How does a modern politician feed the media—and avoid being eaten? If Andy Burnham becomes prime minister, will he be better at communicating with the media?They also discuss the government’s green paper on public service media and the role of BBC, ITV, YouTube, and Facebook.As presenters Jon Snow and Jeremy Clarkson reveal serious medical diagnoses and raise awareness for their causes, the hosts talk about illness in the public eye.And as Lionel receives an award in Luxembourg this week, they ask if fame and honours will change him... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Beeban Kidron: What the Online Safety Act gets right (and wrong) 22.06.2026 35min

  This week on Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel speak to crossbench peer and activist Beeban Kidron about the Online Safety Act.Beeban has spent years advocating for children's rights in the digital world and has played a role in establishing standards for online safety and privacy across the world. She debunks the misconceptions around the issue—and explains why a social media ban won’t work on its own.She weighs in on the BBC’s role, as well as the controversial policy-shaping contributions of thinktanks such as the Tony Blair institute and the chilling impact of tech billionaires. If she were prime minister for a day, how would she deal with Elon Musk?Plus, what is digital sovereignty? And, as a filmmaker, how does she think AI will affect the film industry? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.