Media Masters

Ian Dunt, Editor of Politics.co.uk, and Jo Twist, CEO of UKIE, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media stories. Jon Snow has been criticised for recording a candid and emotive piece to camera about the Gaza conflict - do TV reporters have a duty to appear impartial at all times? Sky has increased its investment in Jaunt, a start-up that lets broadcasters film in 360 degrees and play it back through 3D goggles - in ten years, will we all be watching TV through headsets? Associated Press has announced some of its simple finance stories will now be written entirely by computer programs - in the future, will all our news be written by 'robots', and what are the implications?

Ben joins Paul Blanchard for an extended one-to-one interview in this episode of Media Masters. Named one of the 100 most influential people in the public sector, Ben leads market research company Ipsos MORI and has conducted polling for large corporate clients as well as Presidents and Prime Ministers from around the world. In this episode, Ben explains how and why he started his career in polling; predicts who might win the 2015 General Election; and gives us his tips for success.

Bob joins Paul Blanchard for an extended one-to-one interview in this episode of Media Masters. Named 'the father of public relations', Bob launched offices for PR company Burson-Marsteller in Russia, Australia and the Middle East, helping it become the largest public relations agency in the world. Bob tells us what he learnt expanding the business; explains how the trade has changed over the last 30 years; and lets us in on some of his top PR tips.

Exclusive book offer: Listeners of Media Focus can buy a signed copy of Bob's latest book, The Art of Perception, for only £10 (usually £25) plus P&P by contacting [email protected].

The Independent's Social Media editor, Felicity Morse, and Head of Digital Communications for the Liberal Democrats, Bess Mayhew, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media stories.

A new ruling lets people remove their personal information from Google results. Do people have a "right to be forgotten" - and what does it mean for reporting?

ITV's Director of Television has said that "TV has conquered" the Internet - but will it ever be replaced by YouTube and free user-generated content?

And Loaded and Stuff have both dropped cover models saying they were "lowering the tone" of their magazines...is this the beginning of the end for lads' mags?

Digital media strategist Jon Bernstein and Professor Suzanne Franks join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media stories. As Jeremy Paxman exits Newsnight, what's the show's future? With 'data journalism' on the rise - is it time for trainee journalists to stop learning shorthand and open their database textbooks? And as Eric Pickles slams "town hall Pravdas," are these local council freesheets killing the local press?

The BBC's Raymond Snoddy and journalist/live-Tweeter Peter Jukes join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media stories. The next Chair of the BBC Trust - is Lord Coe the right fit - and if not, who is? Crowdfunding the news - is it really a viable option for journalists? And the UK press don't print a pic of Kate Middleton’s bottom... but in an online age, do reporting restrictions still make sense?

Presenting Media Focus: Media Masters - extended interviews with those at the very top of the media game.

In the first edition, Paul Blanchard talks to Camilla Wright, co-founder of legendary gossip website/newsletter Popbitch.

Simon Bucks from Sky News and Jonathan Roberts from the UK Chamber Of Shipping join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest issues in the world of media – the news behind the news. Richard Desmond's sale of Channel 5 - what's next for the channel? As the editor of Metro moves into PR - is this an inevitable career move for journalists? And cameras in the courtroom - is it time to let TV in on the action?

The FT's Media Correspondent Henry Mance and Baroness Jenny Jones AM join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.

Buzzfeed's Patrick Smith and former BBC Chief Spokesman Donald Steel join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.