June 18, 2026

The Media Show: Citizen journalists at protests - reporting or activism?

22 minutes

Following the sentencing of 13 people for violent disorder during protests in Southampton, attention has turned to the role of content creators who film demonstrations and public disorder. The judge cited the usefulness of footage filmed by so-called “citizen journalists”. Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and content creator Wesley Winter give their perspective on the issue.

The BBC has begun setting out changes as part of plans to deliver significant savings across the organisation. The measures include the closure of several programmes across radio and current affairs output, alongside wider reductions in staffing. Jonathan Munro, Global Director of BBC News, outlines the changes.

Norma Percy has spent years getting to the heart of some of the biggest moments in recent history. Her documentaries have been celebrated for talking directly to the people who made the decisions. As the BBC airs her latest film - about Brexit - she reflects on her storied career and the future of documentary making.

Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins

Producers: Lisa Jenkinson and Lucy Wai

Researcher: Ruth Waites

Technical Coordinator: Jack Sharp

Sound: Rebecca Millar

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