Novara Media

Can the BBC be trusted to fight for its own survival? Television has become ground zero in the reactionary backlash against liberal norms and, for some reason, current affairs comedy has found itself in the crosshairs. This week on Downstream, Ash Sarkar meets Nish Kumar – comedian and host of The Mash Report – to […]

The UK has met its target to give 15 million first-dose vaccines to those vulnerable to Covid-19. Does this mean we can start loosening the lockdown? We ask Professor Susan Michie of Independent Sage. With Michael Walker and Ash Sarkar.

Nadia Idle, Keir Milburn and Jeremy Gilbert explore the political power of desire from the storming of the Capitol to the millenarian strands of Corbynism, with music from Portishead and the Au Pairs. Music: Portishead – Glory Box / Tricky – Makes Me Wanna Die / Alton McClain & Destiny – Crazy Love / Alternative […]

The Guardian is supposed to be Britain’s leading liberal newspaper. However, its US arm this week fired a columnist for tweeting a joke about Israel. We speak to the journalist in question, Nathan J Robinson With Michael Walker and Dalia Gebrial. Fired From the Guardian

What can the Apollo missions teach us about dealing with the major crises of the 21st century? And why are politicians so eager to dwell on caricatures of the public rather than engage in problem-solving – from climate change to housing and education? Aaron Bastani speaks to author and academic Mariana Mazzucato to find out.

The health secretary has announced that arrivals from ‘red zone’ countries will need to quarantine in hotels for ten days at a cost of £1,750. Labour are demanding a more comprehensive blanket policy approach. In a bid to look tough, Matt Hancock has threatened 10 years in jail for anyone who lies on a passenger […]

Nadia Idle speaks to psychosexual therapist and writer Tabitha Bast about dating and desire. They discuss the changing dynamics of dating, how to build romantic resilience, the politics of swiping right and more. Tabitha is a qualified psychosexual therapist who works privately and through a charity, currently conducting her sessions online. She was also involved […]

The Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine is already being rolled out in the UK, and is the most ordered jab in the developing world. However, this weekend results from trials suggest the vaccine is ineffective against the South African strain of the virus. How big a blow is this news to the global fight against coronavirus? We […]

This week a leaked presentation sparked ridicule for Labour, just as Starmer was caught lying in parliament. As commentators question if he’s up for the job, we discuss Keir Starmer’s worst week as Labour leader. With Michael Walker and Dalia Gebrial. Starmer’s Worst Week

Once, it was enough just to work. Now everyone – from self-help gurus to employment counsellors, from superstar artists to glassy-eyed Silicon Valley CEOs – tells us we have to love it as well. Why? When did this change happen? And what should we love, if not work? Sarah Jaffe has reported for years on […]