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?

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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...

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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?

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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 [email protected]

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Who do media organisations go to when they get sued? 

In today’s Media Confidential, Alan and Lionel talk to Gavin Millar KC, an expert in media law. 

The three talk about SLAPPs, strategic lawsuits increasingly used by the powerful to silence journalists and stop crucial reporting. 

They discuss why the fight against SLAPPs is vital for democracy: after suggestions that a Labour government would reform the law, why has progress been so slow? 

They also compare existing UK libel laws with those in the US and Canada and reflect on a few of the most high-profile cases of their careers.

Plus, Gavin weighs in on the case between Donald Trump and the BBC.

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On this week’s Media Confidential Alan and Lionel talk to Peter Geoghegan, journalist, broadcaster and founder of Democracy for Sale.

The three discuss the problem of SLAPPs, lawsuits used by the wealthy to silence and intimidate critics. They talk about the chilling effect these lawsuits can have have on democracy, and how they discourage journalists from pursuing stories in the public interest. Why has the government made such slow progress in tackling them?

They’ll discuss what it is like as a small media outlet or single journalist to receive the financial and emotional weight of a SLAPP and the lobbying actions of media lawyers.

The three will also discuss Democracy for Sale’s investigation into Labour Together and ask about the thinktank's impact on UK politics. Read the investigation here.

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