Media Confidential

What would you do if you got added to a messaging group that was discussing top-level classified information?

This week, Alan and Lionel are asked about the Atlantic’s stunning report that some of the highest level figures in American defence discussed war plans in a Signal group containing its editor, Jeff Goldberg.

How have new communication technologies changed journalism—and the search for a scoop?

Alan and Lionel answer more listeners' questions on the smash Netflix series Adolescence, social media and how Michael Gove’s tenure as Spectator editor is progressing.

If you have a question for Alan and Lionel send them to [email protected]

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In this episode Alan and Lionel talk to journalist and author Michael Wolff, who has chronicled the rise and fall and rise again of Donald Trump across his “Fire and Fury” book series.

The latest instalment, “All or Nothing” was published just after Trump re-entered the White House in January.The trio discuss the future of media under Donald Trump, how he has taken control of news cycles and what happens when corporate interests infringe on the business of journalism.

Wolff suggests that the media caved in to government pressure about his book. “A lot of television was set up, as happens in the pre-publication of a book, [and] as soon as the White House started to attack me all of my appearances were canceled”.

“The executives who we confronted on this were pretty straightforward, they said, ‘look we are in a new climate’ and then they would blame the higher ups, the corporate overlords and super structure who has weighed in on this.”

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How will artificial intelligence change how people consume media?

Alan and Lionel discuss more listeners' questions on this week's Q&A.The editors also chew over how best to tackle conspiracy theories, and how media outlets can avoid being part of the problem.

If you have a question for Alan and Lionel send them to [email protected]

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This week, Alan and Lionel are joined by former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers to discuss the new world order...or should that be disorder?

They share their views on the threat posed by the second Trump presidency and whether the world has reverted to “might is right”. John raises concerns over the future of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance—which consists of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US. Could this mean the end of intelligence sharing with America?

Plus, Alan and Lionel discuss the unexpected outcome of Ofcom’s cases against GB News.

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Alan and Lionel respond to more listeners’ questions on this week’s Q&A.

In this episode they are asked if the amount of low quality journalism available has an impact on public trust in journalism and they discuss the concept of 'flooding the zone' and what can be done by newsrooms to reclaim the narrative.

Plus whether or not journalists play a role in promoting and investigating fraudulent influencers.

If you have a question for Alan and Lionel send them to [email protected]

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Journalist and political commentator Ash Sarkar joins Alan and Lionel to talk about her debut book Minority rule, adventures in the culture war, which tackles free speech and how so-called culture wars have been manufactured to stoke division and influence politics. How have cultural battles eclipsed economic struggle in public debate?

Ash examines the media’s role in fuelling the culture wars, the impact of social media algorithms on political discourse, and how class interests shape coverage of figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage. She also reflects on the future of Novara Media, whether the UK is following a global shift toward right-wing politics, and the challenges of building sustainable left-wing media. Can there ever be a left-wing Joe Rogan?

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Alan and Lionel respond to more listeners’ questions on this week’s Q&A.

In a world where the news never sleeps, the editors are asked whether news coverage is proactive or reactive.

They also discuss the importance of fact-checking, and whether or not young people are equipped with the tools to pick up on political bias across news platforms.

Plus, Alan explains what a “dead cat” is journalistic jargon for, and how listeners can identify one.

If you have a question for Alan and Lionel send them to [email protected]

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Gen Z aren't switching on the TV for the 10 o’clock news. They aren't picking up newspapers, and they're less likely to trust the big media names in the same way their parents did.

But they are consuming vast amounts of news...Alex Mahon is the CEO of Channel 4.

She joins Alan and Lionel at Prospect HQ to talk about how journalists can capture the attention and, more importantly, the trust of a generation.

The editors also respond to the BBC pulling a documentary on young people in Gaza, and the White House meeting that everybody is talking about.

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In this second special episode, Alan and Lionel are joined by aspiring journalists from Oxford Brookes University to tackle their tough questions about the industry’s future.

Alan and Lionel discuss optimism: when journalism is suffering a crisis of trust, what can we do to be hopeful?

Plus, the editors are asked what sources they trust when it comes to keeping informed.

Send us your questions via email at [email protected]

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the world's biggest media dynasties is in crisis. Last December, in a Nevada court, the Murdoch family battled to decide who would take control of its media empire. 

Alan and Lionel are joined by Jim Rutenberg, writer-at-large for the New York Times, who was one of two journalists who obtained copies of sealed court documents and published details of the case.

He shares the story of reporting on Murdoch’s secret trial—and uncovers the Succession-style drama behind it all.

Jim, Alan and Lionel also discuss the effects of the Trump administration cherry-picking its press pool.

To listen to more on the Murdoch trial from Media Confidential, click here.

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