In this episode of Stop The Press!, hosts Rob Chadwick, Nick Copson, and Bill Martin sit down with special guest Mike Baker to tackle a question weighing on the minds of aspiring reporters: Is there still a career in journalism?

With the industry facing challenges like dwindling print circulation, AI-generated content, and the rise of social media as a news source, is there still a viable path for those who dream of breaking stories and holding power to account? Mike Baker, a seasoned journalist with years of experience in the field, shares his insights on how the industry is evolving, what skills are in demand, and where the opportunities still lie.

Expect candid discussion, sharp analysis, and a few war stories from the newsroom as the panel debates whether journalism is a career worth pursuing in today’s media landscape.

🎧 Tune in now for a thought-provoking conversation on the past, present, and future of journalism!

In this episode of Stop The Press!, hosts Rob, Nick, and Bill dive into the world of sports journalism, sharing their all-time favourite pieces, writers, and moments that shaped the industry. From legendary columnists to groundbreaking investigative reports, they explore what makes great sports journalism stand out. Whether it's the poetic storytelling of classic game recaps, hard-hitting exposés on corruption in sports, or the rise of digital media changing the landscape, this episode celebrates the best of the best.

Tune in as the trio debates which stories left a lasting impact, reflect on the evolution of sports reporting, and discuss the future of the craft. If you love the intersection of sports and media, this episode is a must-listen!

In the wake of the sacking of Labour MPs Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan, who were dismissed from their positions and suspended from the Labour Party over offensive WhatsApp messages. These messages, leaked from a group chat named "Trigger Me Timbers," contained racist, sexist, and antisemitic remarks, including Gwynne expressing hope for a constituent's death and making derogatory comments about fellow MPs. 

Rob, Nick, and Bill explore the content of these messages, the context in which they were shared, and the implications of private communications becoming public.  Additionally, we examine the broader impact of such incidents on political discourse and the importance of maintaining professionalism in both public and private communications. 

The news and media landscape is evolving faster than ever. From the rise of AI-generated content to the shifting tides of social media platforms, what trends will shape how we consume information in the coming year? In this episode, we break down our media predictions — from the impact of deepfake technology to the future of independent journalism and the ongoing battle against misinformation. Join us as we explore what’s next for news, who’s leading the charge, and how these changes will affect the way we stay informed.

In this episode, we dive into the intriguing topic of how the BBC covers its own news, from internal controversies to its role as a global broadcaster. With a reputation for impartiality and credibility, the BBC often finds itself under scrutiny, especially when it is the subject of the story.

We’ll explore key questions:

• How transparent is the BBC when reporting on its own decisions, scandals, or criticisms?
• Does it apply the same editorial rigor to self-reporting as it does to external stories?
• Are there instances where bias—whether conscious or unconscious—has shaped the narrative?

Social Media and News have shared the same bed for 20 years, but how much is this space now affecting democracy, freedom of speech, and is it creating more and more division in society?

We're no AI experts, we're all still learning (everyone is), but we've learnt enough to form opinions, so listen to Bill, Nick, and Rob debate how AI is currently infiltrating our newsrooms and news consumption habits, and where it all could eventually lead. 

Our first ever episode! It's a little rough around the edges but we'll get better and more polished. It's the topics that are most important, right?  
On this episode, Bill, Nick, and Rob, discuss the current state of local newspapers (and media in general) and ask the big question, does anyone still care about them, and can they survive?