Media Masters
New Thinking
Extended one-to-one interviews with the key people in the industry. Find out their tips for career success, and peek behind-the-scenes at their workplace. Candid, thoughtful and reflective - a chance to share the insight of those at the very top of their game. Presented by Paul Blanchard.
Jen Berry - CEO, Digitas UK
Born in Australia, Jen traveled to New York City to work at Razorfish, becoming VP of Client Engagement, Managing Partner and then Executive Vice President and North East Region Lead. She moved to fellow Publicis Groupe agency Digitas UK at the start of 2023. She has worked with some of the biggest brands including Unilever, Citi, United Nations and Marriott, specializing in the latest from TikTok, to MadTech, AI, gaming, and social commerce.Jen talks about her personal journey in leadership – l
Charlie Beckett - Journalism Professor, London School of Economics
Working as a programme editor at both the BBC and Channel 4 News specialising in politics and international affairs, Charlie covered major stories such as the terrorist attacks on New York and London, and is an award-winning filmmaker. In 2006, Charlie joined the London School of Economics and Political Science, and became founding director of Polis, the university’s’ international journalism institute.Charlie discusses his current role, leading JournalismAI and the issues that generative AI sti
Steve Youngwood - Chief Executive Officer, Sesame Workshop
Steve has been involved for almost 30 years with TV, book, and video game growth, working with big names such as Viacom, Disney, and GSV Ventures—a venture capitalist firm that invests in EdTech. Now, as the CEO of Sesame Workshop, he’s leading the world-famous nonprofit educational organisation to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, aiming to provide impactful early learning.Steve shares what he’s learned from Big Bird, and how the quintessentially American show ‘Sesame Str
Katie Forde - Senior Vice President Brand & Digital, Guinness World Records
For nearly 18 years, Katie has guided Guinness World Records through innovative initiatives that maintain its relevance and international esteem. She started as a software engineer and led teams in IT, marketing, to becoming SVP of Content and Product in 2018. In her most recent appointment in 2022, she has led the company’s expansion into digital content services that enable the iconic book of world records to reach new audiences and remain ‘fresh’.Katie talks about how the origin of Guinness
Marc Malkin - Senior Culture & Events Editor, Variety
With over twenty years working across print, digital and broadcast media, Marc is one of the most prominent entertainment journalists in the industry. He’s served as a writer and editor for leading publications, including the New York Daily News, Us Weekly, and New York magazine, and was an on-air correspondent at E! News. In 2018, he became senior culture & events editor at Variety and hosts the ‘Just for Variety’ podcast, featuring conversations with the biggest names in Hollywood.From his
Sara Goudarzi – Editor, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Sara is a leading writer and editor with expertise in science and disruptive technologies; her work appears in publications such as Scientific American, The New York Times, and National Geographic News. Sara is the author of the novel The Almond in the Apricot and children’s book, Leila’s Day at the Pool. Sara details the threat that chatbots pose to journalism and the media, through scraping information from other sources without distinguishing between credible and uncredible sources, possibly
Sophie Holland - Casting Director
Sophie started off as an actor, and founded her own casting agency in 2015, working predominantly with high-end TV, film and theatre productions. She has collaborated to source talent for The Witcher and Wednesday among others, and advocates for casting more diverse talent into leading acting roles to encourage broader representation in Hollywood.Sophie reflects on the impact of social media on acting, both the way it has transformed the industry since the #MeToo movement, making it a safer and
Lawrence Krauss - Theoretical physicist and cosmologist
Lawrence is a sought after public speaker, university lecturer, and bestselling author of several books, including "The Physics of Star Trek," and "A Universe from Nothing", which explain complex scientific ideas clearly to the general public. He’s also the host of “The Origins” podcast, which explores human experiences through science and culture.Lawrence posits that our fear of A.I actually stems from a larger fear—the fear of the unknown. He argues that science is actually
Emily Reuben - CEO and Co-founder, Duchenne UK
In 2012 inspired by her son’s diagnosis, Emily founded Duchenne UK, a charity dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Coming from a background in TV news, Emily shares how their successes in raising millions of pounds to support research were in part due to her understanding of the media from within and having connections to high-profile journalists. She discusses some of the progress, such as groundbreaking drug treatments and the development of exoskeletal suits to assist
Martin Kaelble - Co-founder, Informed
Martin spent over a decade working for some of the biggest names in German media, including the Financial Times, Gruner + Jahr, and Capital Magazin. In 2021, frustrated with “wasting time sifting through the overwhelming ‘wild west’ news feed” and the escalating problem of misinformation – he founded the app Informed.Starting as a newsletter, he saw the potential to move beyond the convenient curation of news for the reader and realized that important journalism was being lost, and the opportuni
Inzamam Rashid - North of England Correspondent, Sky News
Inzamam kicked off his career on regional BBC radio in 2016 before making his way into TV, covering breaking news, politics, and human interest stories. He has reported on major events such as the Manchester Arena bombing and the Grenfell Tower fire and won two awards for his pandemic coverage.Inzamam shares his experience transitioning from radio to TV in the dynamic world of journalism, shedding light on the challenges he faced due to racism – and how this is improving – and providing valuable
Sir Robin Millar - Chairman, Chrysalis Records & Chairman, Scope
Known for being one of the most influential people in the music industry with the “best ears”, Robin has been awarded 150 gold and platinum discs and has produced 44 number one hits alongside prominent musicians including Elton John, Sting, Sade, Everything but the Girl, and Boy George. Blind since the age of 16, he’s been an outspoken advocate for facilitating the inclusion of disabled people in all aspects of society and life.Robin shares his experiences and insights on working in the music in
Peter Tatchell - Human rights campaigner
From campaigning for Aboriginal rights in Australia in the 1960s to attempting to arrest Robert Mugabe in 2001, Peter made a name for himself over a six-decade-long career as an international human rights and social justice activist, challenging preconceptions around transphobia, homophobia, and xenophobia around the world.Peter reflects on how activism has changed from his early efforts in the 60s to now, harnessing social media as a tool for mobilizing a wider – previously unreachable – audien
Julian Treasure - TED speaker & soundscaping expert
As one of the foremost experts on the science of sound, Julian’s five TED talks have been viewed over 150 million times, with “How to Speak so That People Want to Listen” ranking in the top ten all-time most popular. He founded The Sound Agency in 2003, focusing on helping brands through ‘soundscaping’, which “uses sound to connect with customers on a deeper emotional level”.Julian discusses the growing evidence of how sound affects people psychologically, emphasising the benefits of schools tea
John Thornhill - Innovation Editor, Financial Times & Founder, Sifted
Describing himself as an “accidental journalist”, John joined the FT in 1989. In the three decades since, he was Moscow correspondent in 1994 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and led six editorial teams around the world – including Asia and Europe. As Innovation Editor since 2016, he widened the publication's technology coverage, even creating an innovation of his own: Sifted, which reports on the vibrant European tech startup scene as an antidote to Silicon Valley culture.Sifted
David Ewalt - Editor-in-Chief, Gizmodo
Gizmodo was the first independent tech blog, which launched in 2002, reporting on technology, science and internet culture. With over 40 million actively engaged monthly readers the site is growing, with a new section focusing on the technology and business of spaceflight and exploration.David shares how his career began working at his university’s newspaper to becoming editor at The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, before joining Gizmodo as editor-in-chief in 2021. He offers insights into the a
Philip O'Ferrall - CEO, Outernet Global
Outernet is an all-inclusive entertainment district in London, reimagining the musically iconic Denmark Street – where acts such as David Bowie and the Sex Pistols kicked off their careers – bringing together music, art, film, gaming and retail. Using advanced screen technology, Outernet offers a new way for creatives and leading brands to produce and experience content, partnering with the likes of Ridley Scott and the Royal College of Art.Philip began his career learning the technical aspects
Bob Sorokanich - Editor-in-Chief, Jalopnik
With more than 10 million monthly readers, Jalopnik is the automotive industry’s most influential publication – with news and analysis not only covering cars, but also planes, boats, trains and even spaceships.A lifelong car enthusiast, Bob has dedicated his journalism career to his love of automobiles. Starting out as a reporter at Gizmodo, he then spent 7 years at Road & Track magazine, ultimately being promoted to Deputy Editor, before leaving to take over the helm of Jalopnik in 2022. He
Hugo Greenhalgh - Editor, ‘Openly’ Thomson Reuters Foundation’s LGBTQ initiative
Since taking over as editor in 2018, Hugo has driven Openly’s mission to become the world’s most trusted destination for impartial LGBT+ news. Reaching Reuters’ one billion clients daily, the platform aims to uncover breaking stories and investigates the queer narratives inside major global events, typically untold by mainstream media, made possible through shifting from spot news to social media reporting.Hugo is also the author of ‘The Diaries of Mr Lucas’, and explores how he uncovered this f
David Loyn - Veteran foreign correspondent
After three decades with the BBC reporting from South Asia and Afghanistan, David's expertise was called upon by the former Afghan President as an advisor; he now consults for the Foreign Office and trains mid-career diplomats. Amongst many other accolades, his 1998 reporting from behind the lines of the Kosovo Liberation Army earned him ‘Journalist of the Year’ from the Royal Television Society.David reveals one of the least reported consequences of 9/11 — the surge in PTSD amongst journal
Jenna Goudreau - Vice President & Managing Editor, CNBC Digital
Jenna Goudreau is the vice president and managing editor at CNBC Digital.Since joining the broadcaster in 2016, Jenna relaunched their personal finance site ‘Grow’, reaching 6.5 million people in 5 years, and is the founding editor of the award-winning money news website ‘Make It’, which tackles financial illiteracy and helps people navigate their big financial firsts: from landing a dream job to starting a business.Jenna shares the risks caused by the lack of financial education – schools prior
Jon Wardle - Director, National Film and Television School
Jon Wardle is the director of the National Film and Television School.Founded in 1971, the Buckinghamshire-based institution teaches over 750 students and has recently opened new campuses in Glasgow, Leeds, and Cardiff.The exponential growth of streaming services has hugely increased the demand for UK creative talent. To meet this, the school offers nearly 40 specialist courses – including traditional subjects such as cinematography and screenwriting, as well as “less glamorous” yet highly impac
Meredith Artley - Former Editor-in-Chief and SVP, CNN Digital
Meredith Artley is the former Editor-in-Chief and Senior Vice President of CNN Digital.During her tenure at CNN, Meredith oversaw content creation, programming, and publishing across their digital properties, leading a global team of over 350 reporters, producers, and editors—and left after 12 years with CNN enjoying the world’s largest digital audience, reaching over 160 million.Meredith reflects on her career journey—from digitising The New York Times in the ‘90s, significantly growing the onl
Amanda Groom - Founder & CEO, The Bridge
Amanda Groom is founder and CEO of ‘The Bridge’. The TV, film and animation company aims to “bridge” the gap between East and West, enabling mutually beneficial co-productions across multiple genres, collaborating with major broadcasters such as Sky and Channel 4.When ‘Parasite’ won the Oscar for best picture in 2020, it opened the West’s eyes to the wealth of creative opportunities in the East. Amanda takes us behind the scenes of her recent success, ‘Ms Ma, Nemesis,’ an asian take on Agatha Ch
Athena Brensberger - Astronomer and science presenter
Athena Brensberger is an astronomer and science communicator.Presenter of ‘Suppressed Science’ on Curiosity Stream, she founded the educational platform ‘Astroathens’ in 2016, with a mission to showcase her passion for science and astronomy to the general public. She’s already partnered with NASA, The Science Channel and Spaceport America among others.In a wide-ranging discussion, she shares the challenge of unlocking complex scientific ideas for diverse audiences—where life on Earth really bega
Robin Ritch - President and Publisher of Deseret News
Robin Ritch is President and Publisher of Deseret News.From advising startups to transforming the longest-running news organization in the American West, Robin has grown Deseret News, founded in 1850 by the Mormon Church, from a local paper into a national media powerhouse, with over 10 million readers across their platforms. As Utah’s oldest continuously operating business, their name derives from the geographic area of Deseret, and just like the settlers that named the area, it is a pioneer in
Sophy Roberts - Special Correspondent for Condé Nast Traveler
Sophy Roberts is an award-winning author and travel writer.After an unusual start writing about different sides of the pornography industry, she cut her teeth as editor-at-large on the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller, before joining the magazine’s American team as a special correspondent.Sophy shares why the best source for stories is through chance meetings with strangers, albeit on a train or in a Mongolian tent, which formed the backdrop of her Sunday Times Book of the Year (2020), ‘The Lo
Edward Felsenthal - Editor-in-Chief & CEO of Time
Edward Felsenthal is the editor-in-chief and CEO of Time magazine.Under his leadership, the iconic American publication has enjoyed its greatest revenue and audience growth ever – now reaching 100 million readers globally – and its successful expansion into TV, video and film production.Including leading the health team at The Wall Street Journal, which won two Pulitzer prizes, Edward shares their plans to celebrate Time’s forthcoming centenary. He takes us behind the scenes of the editorial and
Jon Mew - CEO of the Internet Advertising Bureau UK
Jon Mew is CEO of the Internet Advertising Bureau UK.The organisation represents and regulates the £23bn digital advertising industry, counting Google, Meta and Twitter among its members, with a mission to “promote transparency and build a sustainable future for online marketing.”Jon shares how the industry is toughening its response to fraudsters – standing up for greater consumer protection, but arguing they could do more with the government’s help. He also shares how they are tackling online
Jim Edwards - Former Editor-in-Chief for News at Insider
Jim Edwards is former editor-in-chief for news at Insider, and author of ‘Say Thank You for Everything’ – the best-selling guide which aims to revolutionise newsroom management.Jim started Business Insider UK in 2014 with just one laptop in an empty office. He helped grow the readership from zero to 250 million readers, placing it amongst the most successful news websites in the world. His “bullshit-free guide” provides management advice based on the 19-point email he sent to a colleague, summar
Steve Wilson-Beales - Head of SEO & Editorial Product at Global
Steve Wilson-Beales is Head of SEO & Editorial Product at Global.One of the world’s leading media & entertainment groups, Global reaches over 50m consumers each week across media and outdoor advertising. Steve drives search strategy for its most high-ranking brands – Classic FM, Capital, PopBuzz and LBC – and is at the heart of the radio industry’s pivot to digital. He is the brain behind driving awareness to the Global brands via what has become an increasingly crowded search landscape.
Bel Trew - International Correspondent at The Independent
Bel Trew is International Correspondent at The Independent.Based in Beirut, Bel has been covering conflicts across the Middle East for a decade and has recently returned from an extended secondment in Ukraine. A series of her reportage ‘On The Ground’ uncovers the horrors that Russia has inflicted on Ukrainians – including clear evidence of torture and enforced disappearance. Bel relates the stark reality of war reporting, sharing harrowing details of what she saw shooting them and how she made
Kiran Nazish - Founding Director of The Coalition For Women In Journalism
Kiran Nazish is founding director of The Coalition For Women In Journalism.Launched in 2017, it is the first worldwide support network for female journalists ‘at high risk of violence and harassment,’ with targeted support for those reporting from the frontline. Kiran started her journalism career in her native Pakistan and was inspired to set up the New York-based organisation because of the danger she had faced as a female reporter based in war-torn Middle East. The Coalition offers comprehens
Angelos Frangopoulos - CEO of GB News
Angelos Frangopoulos is CEO of GB News.The channel marked one of the most controversial media launches in recent memory when last year it became Britain’s first new rolling TV news broadcaster in over three decades. Angelos reflects on the “teaching moments” from those rocky first few months, and how he wants to build on the new-found stability to grow the channel’s audience. He faces down those who sought to ‘cancel’ the channel before it was even launched by organising an advertising boycott,
John Whittingdale OBE MP - former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
John Whittingdale OBE MP is former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. A Member of Parliament for over 30 years, he also previously chaired the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee during its most famous moment – when a pie was tossed in the face of media mogul Rupert Murdoch at the end of a session. The Sun dubbed John ‘Maggie’s Toy Boy’ when in 1988, aged just 28, he became then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s political secretary. In this in-depth interview, John discusses
Hillary Frey - Editor-in-Chief at Slate
Hillary Frey is editor-in-chief at Slate. Founded in 1996 by software giant Microsoft, the online magazine brings thoughtful, long-form journalism on culture, politics and current affairs to a global audience. Previously, Hillary worked for the likes of NBC News, Politico and HuffPost, and was editor-in-chief at Yahoo! News. In this in-depth interview, she reflects on how her very first regular writing gig in the late 1990s was for Slate – and how returning nearly three decades later in the edit
Carl Zimmer - New York Times science columnist
Carl Zimmer is an award-winning science writer and New York Times columnist. A three-time winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s journalism award, in 2021 Carl was a member of the team at The New York Times which won The Pulitzer Prize in Public Service for their coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic. In this in-depth interview, Carl discusses the topic of his latest book – ‘Life’s Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be Alive’ – shedding light on why it is “very diffic
Scott Armstrong - Former Editor-in-Chief of Arabian Business
Scott Armstrong is the former editor-in-chief of Arabian Business magazine, and founder of ‘mentl’ – a platform which provides a holistic approach to mental health issues in the workplace. With more than 30 years of experience as a journalist, editor and strategic communications consultant, his storied career has taken him from the UK to the Bahamas, through Oman to the United Arab Emirates. In this in-depth interview, Scott reflects on his years as an editor and how “instinct, leadership and ma
Sophie Ferron - CEO of Media Ranch
Sophie Ferron is CEO of Media Ranch, an award-winning, Canadian production and distribution company, specialising in unscripted TV formats – including factual, reality/docu-reality and lifestyle. After two decades of working across production, broadcasting, distribution and business development, she launched her own venture in 2008. In this in-depth interview, Sophie recalls how working with media giant Endemol, the company behind ‘Big Brother’ and ‘The Real World’, inspired her to focus on unsc
Gavin Allen - Executive Editor-in-Chief of Huawei
Gavin Allen is executive editor-in-chief of Huawei. He joined in 2021, after nearly two decades at the BBC, taking in senior editorial roles at BBC News, including flagship programmes like ‘Question Time’. In this in-depth interview, Gavin tackles the groundless conspiracy theories levelled at the company, the real-world consequences, and the strategy for handling an unjustified reputational attack; shares lessons learnt from launching ‘Transform’ - Huawei’s thought leadership magazine covering
Andy Varley - Founder & CEO of Insanity Group
Andy Varley is founder and CEO of Insanity Group. The international talent management firm employs more than 80 people across offices in London and LA - representing the likes of artistes Tom Grennan, Joy Crookes, and presenters including Jordan North. In this in-depth interview, he recalls how winning Young Entrepreneur of the Year aged 17 gave him the confidence to grow and expand the company to represent broadcasters and content creators as well as DJs; shares how the pandemic prompted a pivo
Harry Mount - Editor of The Oldie
Harry Mount is an author, journalist, and editor of The Oldie magazine. The monthly British title describes itself as a “light-hearted alternative to a press obsessed with youth and celebrity.” A former New York correspondent for The Daily Telegraph who remains a regular contributor to The Spectator, Daily Mail, and Evening Standard, he became editor of The Oldie in 2014, following the untimely death of his predecessor Alexander Chancellor. In this in-depth interview, Harry reflects on the magaz
Isaac Saul - Founder & Editor-in-Chief at Tangle News
Isaac Saul is founder and editor-in-chief at Tangle News. Starting last year on Substack, the popular newsletter “brings all views of the news under one roof” and has already drawn in 40,000 daily readers and 6,000 paying subscribers. A former political reporter hailing from Pennsylvania, Isaac was named by Yahoo News as “one of the 16 people who shaped the 2016 election,” and in 2020 Forbes called him “one of the next 1,000 upstart entrepreneurs redefining the American dream.” In this in-depth
Toby Harnden - Author & Journalist
Toby Harnden is an award-winning author and veteran foreign correspondent. In 2012 he won the Orwell Prize for his book ‘Dead Men Risen’ - an account of beleaguered British soldiers fighting desperately to prevent the Taliban from seizing Afghanistan’s Helmand province. As foreign correspondent, he reported from 33 countries for The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and The Sunday Times, including postings in Belfast, Baghdad and Washington DC. In this in-depth interview, Toby shares the inspiration a
Gideon Lichfield - Global Editorial Director at WIRED
Gideon Lichfield is global editorial director at WIRED. First published in 1993, with an initial focus solely on consumer tech, it has evolved over three decades to become a respected global media brand; reporting on - and influencing - global thought on “how emerging technology impacts culture, the economy, and our society.” With 52 million readers across print and online, and a further 30 million followers on social media, they have recently celebrated a 20% increase in paid subscribers. In th
Media Masters - Rebecca Whittington
Rebecca Whittington is the online safety editor for Reach plc, publisher of over 130 national and regional titles in the UK; including the Daily Mirror, the Daily Express and the Manchester Evening News. She joined Reach in 2021, in a newly-created role - the first of its kind - to tackle the growing problem of journalists coming under attack online. In this in-depth interview, Rebecca outlines the sheer scale of abuse which their journalists face, and the debilitating toll on their mental healt
Tim Kring - Screenwriter & Producer
Tim Kring is a television writer and producer. He created the hit sci-fi drama ‘Heroes’, which became a global sensation - running for four seasons and winning him both a BAFTA and an Emmy nomination. Tim got his big break on ‘Knight Rider’ in 1985, and since then he’s worked on some of TV’s biggest shows like ‘Chicago Hope’ and the Jason Bourne spin-off show ‘Treadstone’, going on to become series creator for many flagship programmes, such as ‘Crossing Jordan’ and ‘Touch’. In this in-depth inte
Chris Kay - Chief Executive of Saatchi & Saatchi
Chris Kay is chief executive of Saatchi & Saatchi. Founded in 1970, the iconic advertising agency employs over 6,500 people and has offices in 76 countries. An advertising industry veteran, prior to joining Saatchi he had senior roles at Manchester City Football Club, LA agency 72andSunny, and also worked for Fallon at the time when they were producing some of their most memorable work - including the ‘balls’ campaign for Sony, and the Cadbury’s Dairy Milk advert featuring the gorilla’s famo
Zillah Byng-Thorne - CEO of Future plc
Zillah Byng-Thorne is chief executive of Future plc. Founded in 1985, the leading publisher produces some of the UK’s most popular magazines, including Country Life, FourFourTwo, Marie Claire and The Week. Joining Future in 2014, Zillah has presided over a spectacular turnaround in the company’s fortunes - publishing 160 titles, and expanding the brand’s portfolio to include video games and digital magazines; and in 2020, they ventured into e-commerce, purchasing insurance company GoCompare.com
Erin McCarthy - VP & Editor-in-Chief of Mental Floss
Erin McCarthy is editor-in-chief of Mental Floss. Founded in a university dorm room in 2001, the intellectual trivia brand for “curious people” blurs the lines between entertainment and education, and its “smart, quirky content” has reached over 1 billion people across multiple platforms including print, online, YouTube and podcasting. Joining in 2012, Erin hosts many of their most popular YouTube shows, and edited their book ‘The Curious Reader;’ as well as creating, producing, and hosting the
James Bloodworth - Journalist & Author
James Bloodworth is an author and political journalist. A former editor of the blog Left Foot Forward, James’ work has appeared in The Guardian, The Spectator, the New Statesman and The Wall Street Journal. Author of ‘The Myth of Meritocracy’ and ‘Hired: Six Months Undercover in Low Wage Britain', his work was long-listed for the 2019 Orwell Prize. In this in-depth interview, James discusses his experience going undercover in the low wage economy for his book ‘Hired’ - and why a number of h
Ricky Sutton - Founder & CEO of Oovvuu
Ricky Sutton is the founder of Oovvuu, the world’s leading AI video-matching engine. Launched in Australia in 2014, Oovvuu uses AI to match ad-funded videos with relevant news articles anywhere in the world instantly. The business has 600 participating broadcasters and its content is seen by millions of people daily. In this in-depth interview, Ricky reflects on starting out in his career and why he decided at the age of 12 he wanted to be a war correspondent; delves into how Oovvuu helps welcom
Jason Cowley - Editor-in-Chief of the New Statesman
Jason Cowley is an author, writer and editor-in-chief of the New Statesman. Since taking the reins in 2008, Jason has pushed the political and cultural magazine’s print circulation to a 40-year high. The publication’s longest-serving editor since the 1960s, he previously held staff roles for both The Times and The Observer. In this in-depth interview, Jason details how he used the time during lockdown to redesign the magazine’s branding - and launched a new “elegantly designed” website; shares h
Galen Gordon - Senior VP of Talent Strategy & Development at ABC News
Galen Gordon is senior vice president of talent strategy and development at ABC News. An award-winning journalist with more than 25 years experience in both network TV news and sports, he was previously a producer for the likes of NBC, CNN and ESPN. In his current role, based in New York, Galen ensures that ABC News reflects the society it serves - both on-air and behind the camera. In this in-depth interview, Galen argues that - as well as being the right thing to do - promoting diversity gives
Darren Scott - Editor of SFX
Darren Scott is editor of SFX, the world’s most successful sci-fi, fantasy and horror magazine. Approaching three decades of success, it is the market leader - and takes in films and comics, as well as games. Darren previously wrote for The Guardian and The Independent; and spent 10 years as editor of Gay Times, the largest, longest-running and most-recognised LGBTQ+ media brand. In this in-depth interview, Darren explains how there was no such thing as a typical week for him before the pandemic
London Breed - Mayor of San Francisco
London N. Breed is the Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco. The untimely death of her predecessor Ed Lee in December 2017 saw Breed appointed acting mayor, and the following year she won a special election and gained a mandate in her own right - becoming the first-ever Black woman elected to the role. Since taking the reins of the city, Mayor Breed has spearheaded its Covid recovery programme, making public safety and affordable housing her priorities in office. San Francisco has a pro
Nathalie Cox - Co-Founder & Creative Director of CountryLine TV & Radio
Nathalie Cox is an actor, model and co-founder of CountryLine, a global media brand and community uniting country music fans around the world. Launching five years ago, Natalie’s role as creative director involves capitalising on a surge of interest in country music worldwide. The subscription service offers fans access to backstage interviews, exclusive sessions, gig guides and tickets. In this in-depth interview, Nathalie delves into turning her passion for country music into a business and ma
Richard Bernabe - Wildlife & Travel Photographer
Richard Bernabe is an internationally acclaimed wildlife and travel photographer. Throughout his career, he has travelled to over 60 countries to capture incredible shots of the natural world on behalf of National Geographic, CNN, the New York Times, and the BBC. He has also built a significant following online, amassing a reach of over one million followers on both Instagram and Twitter, and has been named by Huffington Post as one of the most influential photographers on the web. In this in-de
Media Masters - Michael Ornstein
Michael Ornstein is an actor, writer and visual artist. He began his creative career as an actor in New York, taking in 25 years on and off Broadway, before moving into film and television - where he is perhaps best-known for playing Chucky in the TV shows ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and ‘Mayans M.C.’ In recent years, he has shifted his primary focus to another of his great passions - painting. In this in-depth interview, Michael talks us through his varied and accomplished career, and how choosing to pur
Media Masters - Darren Marble and Todd Goldberg
Darren Marble and Todd Goldberg are co-founders of the TV show ‘Going Public.’ The series streams on the ‘Entrepreneur’ platform and charts the rise of founders on their capital-raising journeys - uniquely allowing viewers to ‘click-to-invest’ in the featured companies in real-time, live, while they watch the show. They’re currently halfway through season one and have already bagged 10 million views, 25 million ad impressions and 200k website visits - as well as raising over $10 million so far f
Media Masters - Sarabeth Berman
Sarabeth Berman is chief executive of the American Journalism Project, a philanthropic organisation which supports local non-profit newsrooms. The project’s mission is to accelerate the sustainable growth of regional news for the long term. In this in-depth interview, Sarabeth discusses the “real harm” to communities that the decline of local news has caused - and the “lack of transparency and accountability local governments enjoy as a result;” outlines their approach - partnering with communit
Media Masters - Simon Leslie
Simon Leslie is the founder and joint chief executive of Ink. Founded in 1994, they are the world’s leading travel media company, producing 33 in-flight magazines for 24 airlines worldwide, including many of the largest carriers in the world, such as Easyjet and Virgin Atlantic. In this in-depth interview, Simon talks through the “incredible challenge” the pandemic caused the air travel industry, tackling the terrible devastation that the global depression bought on both aerospace and adjacent i
Media Masters - Christopher Snowdon
Christopher Snowdon is a libertarian writer, commentator and self-styled “scourge of the nanny statists.” He joined the Institute of Economic Affairs in 2012 as their head of lifestyle economics, where his work focuses on social freedoms and what he sees as “the dangers of prohibition.” He often appears on TV and radio programmes offering a contrarian view on political topics and lifestyle choices, and writes regularly for a number of titles, including Spiked, The Critic and The Daily Telegraph.
Media Masters - Harry Jarman
Harry Jarman is founder and editor-in-chief of Gentleman’s Journal, the men’s luxury lifestyle magazine. Launched in 2011, the print edition regularly sells 35,000 copies, and overall monthly reach online regularly exceeds one million. It has expanded to include both its own e-commerce website, and a creative agency which builds campaigns for fashion clients. In this in-depth interview, Harry reflects on how the journey began, spotting a gap in the market when he was unable to promote his swimwe
Media Masters - Christopher Lamb
Christopher Lamb is the Vatican correspondent for The Tablet. Founded in 1840, the weekly journal is a hugely influential voice amongst the 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. Joining in 2009 from the Daily Telegraph, he also appears regularly on TV news around the world. In this in-depth interview, Christopher reflects on the depth of his access to the Vatican, and his ringside seat witnessing Pope Francis’ battle to modernise the church - suggesting “the forces seeking to block a Pope’s agenda” h
Media Masters - Batya Ungar-Sargon
Batya Ungar-Sargon is deputy opinion editor of Newsweek, and author of ‘Bad News: How Woke Media is Undermining Democracy.’ Before Newsweek, Batya was opinion editor of The Forward, the largest Jewish media outlet in America, and has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New York Review of Books, and appears regularly on MSNBC and CNN. In this in-depth interview, Batya argues that mainstream news is “no longer just liberal,” but by being “woke” is “abandoning the working
Media Masters - Jolyon Connell
Jolyon ‘Jon’ Connell is a journalist-turned-entrepreneur who founded the hugely successful global magazine The Week. His new venture ‘The Knowledge’ monitors hundreds of news media and compiles the very best stories into one weekly, easy-to-digest newsletter. Jon started his career at The Sunday Times, later becoming deputy editor of The Sunday Telegraph, leaving in 1994 to launch The Week - which now has editions in the UK, US and Australia, and was sold to Dennis Publishing in 2018. In this in
Media Masters - Simon Walker
Simon Walker is a media entrepreneur, and founder of Marquee TV, a streaming platform which brings live performances to a global audience and was recently described by The Financial Times as ‘Netflix for the arts’. In a career spanning senior management roles at the BBC, EMAP and EMI Music, Simon has been at the heart of the entertainment industry’s transformation to digital for nearly three decades. In this in-depth interview, Simon shares how Marquee TV “provided a lifeline” to arts organisati
Media Masters - Amanda Knox
Amanda Knox is an author, activist and journalist, best known for fighting to regain the narrative of her own life after being wrongfully convicted of murder. The global media seized on her case, after her 2007 arrest in Perugia and subsequent conviction for the murder of her friend Meredith Kercher. After four years in prison, she was exonerated by Italy’s highest court - but continues to be treated as a source of profit by the media and attacked online. In this in-depth interview, Amanda refle
Media Masters - Michael Cockerell
Michael Cockerell has been described as “the Prime Minister of the political documentary.” His Emmy award-winning films have featured intimate conversations with the past 12 prime ministers, winning near-universal recognition for being the definitive account of their time in No 10. He has also produced captivating programmes taking viewers inside the Home Office, Foreign Office, HM Treasury and the House of Commons. In this in-depth interview, Michael reflects on his ring-side seat at the major
Media Masters - Gordon Crovitz and Steven Brill
Gordon Crovitz and Steven Brill are co-CEOs of NewsGuard. Founded in 2018, their mission is to rate the trustworthiness of more than 7,000 news and information websites, and give every site its own “nutrition label” based on transparency and integrity. Prior to leading NewsGuard, Steven founded The American Lawyer, Court TV, and the Yale Journalism Initiative; while Gordon was executive VP for Dow Jones and a columnist for The Wall Street Journal. In this in-depth interview, they share how witne
Media Masters - Annette King
Annette King is CEO of Publicis Groupe UK. Founded in 1926, Publicis Groupe employs 80,000 people in 100 countries, and boasts an annual revenue of nearly €10bn. Annette previously spent 17 years at Ogilvy, latterly as CEO of its 10 UK operating companies. In this in-depth interview, Annette reflects on how digital has “revolutionised the advertising industry” with the insight that data brings; and proudly shares Publicis Groupe UK’s commitment to promoting the positive mental health of their st
Media Masters - Craig Engler
Craig Engler is general manager of Shudder, a premium streaming service focusing on horror, suspense and thriller content. A subsidiary of AMC Networks, they have over 1 million subscribers across North America and Europe, and have recently expanded to Australia and New Zealand. Joining in 2018, Craig previously enjoyed a long-standing career as a writer and TV network executive, spending a successful 15 years at Syfy. In this in-depth interview, Craig talks through the journey of their successf
Media Masters - Harleen Kaur
Harleen Kaur is co-founder and chief executive of Ground News. Created last year, the app was formed to handle the growing problem of misinformation and curates stories from a variety of media sources across the political spectrum, which are independently reviewed for bias and reliability, allowing users to see how the same stories are covered differently. In this in-depth interview, Harleen discusses how she abandoned her engineering career at NASA, and was inspired to tackle “information overl
Media Masters - Anna Palmer
Anna Palmer is the founder and chief executive of Punchbowl News. Nearly a year old, the daily email newsletter focuses on the “power, people and politics” in Washington DC. For almost two decades Anna has covered congressional leadership, campaigning, lobbying, the politics of government and the presidency - and in her prior role as Washington correspondent for Politico, co-created their successful ‘Playbook’ newsletter franchise. In this in-depth interview, Anna reflects on launching their new
Media Masters - Zach Seward
Zach Seward is co-founder and chief executive of Quartz. Founded in 2012, and now boasting a readership of over 10 million, its mission is to “make business better” and “solve real problems without creating new ones.” Previously at The Wall Street Journal, he reported on education and health and was the paper’s first-ever social media editor. In this in-depth interview, Zach reflects on the “emotional rollercoaster” of the pandemic - with the pain of restructuring and layoffs now eased with a re
Media Masters - Will Welch and Adam Baidawi
In a special edition, we’re joined by the new editorial leaders of GQ. Established in 1957, the iconic men’s fashion and style title has a global reach of 10m in print, and over 50m online. Joining from New York is global editorial director Will Welch; and from London, deputy global editorial director Adam Baidawi. Will was previously the editor of GQ America; and Adam was previously editor of GQ Middle East, moving from Dubai to London to take the role. Both newly-promoted to deliver publisher
Media Masters - John Micklethwait
John Micklethwait is editor-in-chief of Bloomberg. Responsible for its editorial content across all global platforms, he leads its news, television and research services - with 2,700 staff in 120 countries. Beginning his career as a banker at Chase Manhattan in London, he switched to journalism in 1987, joining The Economist as financial correspondent, ultimately becoming editor-in-chief in 2006, and joined Bloomberg nine years later. In this in-depth interview, John shares why he sees audio con
Media Masters - Noah Shachtman
Noah Shachtman is editor-in-chief of Rolling Stone. Previously executive editor at The Daily Beast, and before that a national security reporter based in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait, he also worked on Bill Clinton’s 1992 election campaign. In this in-depth interview, Noah talks about taking the reins of the iconic publication - and how the music, politics and culture title will become “faster, louder, harder” as he seeks to grow its impact; shares how he turned The Daily Beast into a “scoop fac
Business Leaders - Jeff Joseph
Jeff Joseph is editorial director and publisher of Luckbox magazine, a media platform brought to you by the tastytrade financial network. Founded in 2018 and with headquarters in Chicago, the monthly publication prides itself on being “the control freak’s essential guide to life, money & probability.” As well as being printed in magazine form, the outlet can also be found online, and seeks to help its readers maximise their benefit from investments and financial choices. Jeff was previously
Media Masters - Richard Gibbs
Richard Gibbs is a leading Hollywood movie composer, and music producer. Starting his career as a session musician, he was playing keyboards in the band Oingo Boingo when in 1988 an unexpected opportunity to score a film led to a long career as a film composer. He has worked on some of the very biggest movies and TV shows including Say Anything, Dr Dolittle, The Simpsons and Queen of the Damned. His studio in Malibu ‘Woodshed Recording’ is the musical home of U2, Chance the Rapper, Coldplay and
Media Masters - Max Siegelbaum
Max Siegelbaum is co-executive director of Documented, an innovative non-profit news site solely dedicated to covering the plight of New York’s immigrant community, and the policies which affect them. Last year, they won an Online Journalism Award and LION Award for their use of WhatsApp as a news distribution platform to their most vulnerable readers, and also for their coverage of how the Coronavirus pandemic made life unthinkably harder for those seeking a new life in the Empire State. In thi
Media Masters - Sandro Monetti
Sandro Monetti is an entertainment journalist and Hollywood media pundit. A Brit who moved to Los Angeles two decades ago, he has interviewed the world’s biggest stars, including George Clooney, Will Smith, Madonna and Paul McCartney; and in 2020 released his memoir ‘Confessions of a Hollywood Insider.’ In this in-depth interview, Sandro discusses “what kind of Hollywood will emerge from the pandemic” as it comes to terms with the devastation Covid has caused; a noted expert on the history of Ho
Media Masters - Clint Stinchcomb
Clint Stinchcomb is president and chief executive of Curiosity Stream. Founded in 2015, with 20 million subscribers in 176 countries, it was the first streaming service to focus on non-fiction content; encompassing genres such as nature, history, science and travel. A TV industry veteran, he previously developed and ran channels for the Discovery Network; and co-founded PokerCentral, the world’s first 24/7 global online poker game. In this in-depth interview, Clint shares his “pure factual enter
Media Masters - Paul McNamee
Paul McNamee is editor of The Big Issue. For over three decades, the magazine has provided dignity and income for homeless people - by “working, not begging.” Paul has built a career championing voices that are seldom heard by the mainstream media, and has been awarded magazine editor of the year three times. In this in-depth interview, Paul discusses the “utter devastation” that Covid has bought - with 18 months of deserted streets decimating their sellers’ income - and forcing the publication
Media Masters - Anand Menon
Professor Anand Menon is a leading political scientist and director of UK in a Changing Europe. The think tank was formed in 2015, amidst the polarised atmosphere of the Brexit referendum, and sets out to provide “high-quality and impartial research based on facts rather than opinions.” In this in-depth interview, Anand discusses his efforts to embrace new platforms like TikTok to connect with younger and seldom heard audiences; argues that Covid has reinforced support for Brexit through the suc
Media Masters - Georgie Holt
Georgie Holt is managing director for the UK, Ireland and ROW regions for Acast, one of the largest podcast companies in the world, with over 300 million listeners each month. She joined after two decades working in senior roles at some of the world’s biggest news and magazine brands - including the Evening Standard, Mail on Sunday, Cosmopolitan, and Stylist. In this in-depth interview, Georgie sheds light on how the podcast industry has weathered the pandemic - with the “opportunity to connect
Media Masters - Anthony Matchett
Anthony Matchett is chief executive of Napster Group. He acquired the platform - renowned for illegally sharing music in the 1990s - for £50m last year; and then merged it with MelodyVR, his virtual reality music company. In this in-depth interview, Anthony lays bare the depth of the devastation the pandemic has bought to live music, and his passionate belief that virtual reality will play a key part in its recovery; highlights the plight of how musicians are struggling financially, noting the i
Media Masters - Suzi Watford
Suzi Watford is EVP Consumer, Dow Jones; and Chief Marketing & Membership Officer for The Wall Street Journal. In a career spanning two decades, she started out in her native UK overseeing sales at The Times and The Sunday Times, and in 2014 moved to New York to drive new revenue at Dow Jones - and has doubled their paying subscribers to over four million. In this in-depth interview, Suzi discusses their major new campaign ‘Trust Your Decisions’ which encourages people to take control of the
Media Masters - Gillian Tett
Gillian Tett is an award-winning journalist, and chair of the Financial Times’ US editorial board. As editor-at-large, she writes weekly columns covering a range of economic issues, and in 2019 co-founded ‘FT Moral Money,’ a twice-weekly newsletter which has since become one of their most widely-read and impactful initiatives. In 2019, she won ‘Journalist of the Year’ at the British Press Awards for her prison interview with fraudster Bernie Madoff. An acclaimed author, she covered the global cr
Media Masters - Jim VandeHei
Jim VandeHei is a media entrepreneur and founder/CEO of Axios. With a career spent at The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, he co-founded Politico in 2006, and left a decade later due to issues with the co-founder. Jim began Axios in 2016, which came to public prominence after Jonathan Swan’s iconic interview with President Trump, and now boasts over 4 million monthly visitors, 2 million newsletter subscriptions. In this in-depth interview, Jim discusses Axios’ unique proposition as “
Media Masters - Christine Hayes
Christine Hayes is group editor-in-chief of BBC Good Food and olive magazine. The “cook’s choice” for over three decades, they recently won ‘Media Brand of the Year’ at the PPA awards, praised by the judges for their “promotion of diversity and building their subscription business during lockdown” with nearly 9 million daily page views. In this in-depth interview, Christine discusses the opportunities and issues presented by the pandemic, with interest in home cooking growing exponentially, and
Media Masters - Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a historian and expert on authoritarianism, propaganda, abuse of power and threats to democracy. A prolific media commentator, Ruth brings a historical perspective to current events across major media outlets on TV, print and online. A regular CNN contributor, and one of the few academics to accurately predict the insurrection of January 6th 2021, she joined New York University in 2000, and her work is supported by Fulbright, Guggenheim and other fellowships. In this
Media Masters - Miles Copeland
Miles Copeland is an icon in the music business, known primarily for managing The Police, Sting, Jools Holland and The Bangles, and as founder of I.R.S records, launching the careers of The Go-Go’s, R.E.M., Fine Young Cannibals and The Alarm. In this in-depth interview, Miles reveals how the music industry really works behind-the-scenes, detailing some of the extraordinary things the job of a music manager involves; with a childhood spent in Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria, he reflects on his deep aff
Media Masters - Professor Jay Rosen
Professor Jay Rosen has taught journalism at New York University since 1986. Widely regarded as a global authority on the relationship between media and politics, in 2003 he started PressThink, an influential thought-leadership platform which addresses the big-picture challenges faced by the media. In this in-depth interview, Jay argues the Trump administration still “casts a shadow” over US politics - stating “we live in a two-party system… one of the two is anti-democratic, and the other is no
Media Masters - Joshua Foer
Joshua Foer is co-founder of Atlas Obscura. Founded in 2009, the online guide to the world’s “wonders and curiosities” has a reach of 6m monthly visitors, is one of the most popular travel websites in the world and boasts a submission-based catalogue of more than 22,000 places, 11,000 stories told and over 1,000 global experiences. In this in-depth interview, Joshua discusses how Atlas Obscura began, its growth into an online phenomenon, the upcoming launch of their app, and how they have tackle
Media Masters - Warren Webster
Warren Webster is chief executive of Atlas Obscura. Founded in 2009, the online guide to the world’s “wonders and curiosities” has a reach of 6m monthly visitors, is one of the most popular travel websites in the world and boasts a submission-based catalogue of more than 22,000 places, 11,000 stories told and over 1,000 global experiences. Joining in 2020, he previously held senior leadership roles at Coveteur, goop and Patch - and in 2010 was named one of the ‘Most Powerful People in Media’ by
Media Masters - Lorna Willis
Lorna Willis is chief executive of Archant. Founded in 1845, they are publisher of 140 local, regional and national media brands; with a monthly reach of 5 million in print, and 9m online with 37m unique page views. She joined a decade ago as digital sales director after a career spent at the Financial Times and The Guardian, and became chief executive in 2021. In this in-depth interview, Lorna reflects on a decade of “disruptive methodology,” modernising the company and tackling its old-fashio
Media Masters - Douglas Murray
Douglas Murray is a provocateur, prolific debater, best-selling author, political commentator, and associate editor of The Spectator. In this in-depth interview, Douglas decries the “asymmetry of wokeness” - a shift from “reportable, objective truth” to so-called “personal truth” - meaning “feelings trump facts” and a growing propensity to shun voices of disagreement; argues we are witnessing a “great mass derangement” in society - a weaponised “rise of victimhood” and decline of the “British a
Media Masters - Yaakov Katz
Yaakov Katz is editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post. Founded in 1932, with a reach of over 12 million, it is regarded as one of the world’s leading Israeli-English voices. Appointed in 2016, and previously the paper’s reporter and defence analyst, he is also a prolific author - his latest book is titled ‘Shadow Strike: Inside Israel’s Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power.’ In this in-depth interview, Yaakov discusses the “vital role” of the Post for readers both in Israel & aro
Media Masters - William Cash
William Cash is an award-winning publisher, journalist and author, and is currently editor-in-chief of both the Catholic Herald and Mace magazine. Twice winner of ‘Editor of the Year,’ he spent ten years in Los Angeles as a correspondent for The Daily Telegraph and then The Times, and upon returning to the UK founded a number of publications - including the ‘Westminster Index’ and ‘Spear’s’ - a business and culture magazine aimed at high-net-worth individuals. In this in-depth interview, William
Media Masters - Ashkan Karbasfrooshan
Ashkan Karbasfrooshan is founder and CEO of WatchMojo. One of the most popular brands on YouTube with 40 million subscribers, their 25,000 videos have been viewed 17 billion times, and last year surpassed 100 billion minutes of watch time. Founded in 2006, the company has 50 full-time employees with offices in Montreal, New York City, Los Angeles and London. In this in-depth interview, Ashkan shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey - from starting the company at 27, facing finan
Media Masters - José Díaz-Balart
José Díaz-Balart is anchor of Noticias Telemundo and NBC’s Nightly News Saturday. The only TV journalist to broadcast regularly in two languages, he has interviewed every US president since Ronald Reagan, and is an Emmy, Peabody and Alfred duPont award winner. In this in-depth interview, José welcomes the growing number of Latino voices on-air and celebrates networks’ growing commitment to diversity and representation on-screen; discusses a journalism career spanning four decades, and his inspir
Media Masters - Juliet Kinsman
Juliet Kinsman is sustainability editor at Condé Nast Traveller. Founded in 1997, the luxury magazine has headquarters in New York and a monthly readership of over 5 million. Joining the UK team last year with this first-time title, Juliet has been a leading voice for the travel media for more than two decades as a successful author, writing columns for The Telegraph and as resident expert on BBC Radio London. As founding editor of Mr & Mrs Smith she was instrumental in creating a disruptive
Media Masters - Joy Macknight
Joy Macknight is editor of The Banker. Founded in 1926, published by the Financial Times, the monthly magazine is the go-to industry source. After a long career in financial journalism, she joined in 2015 and was promoted to editor five years later - the first woman to hold the job in 95 years. In this in-depth interview, Joy discusses the significant economic challenge the pandemic has brought - and just how difficult the next few years could be; shares how the industry is dealing with a genera
Media Masters - Andrew Wallenstein
Andrew Wallenstein is president and chief media analyst of the Variety Intelligence Platform. Founded last year, the product provides insight and data to Hollywood executives, helping guide their decision-making and strategy. Andrew previously spent nine years as Variety’s co-editor-in-chief, and prior to this held senior positions at Ad Age and the Hollywood Reporter, and contributed on-air at NPR and PBS. In this in-depth interview, Andrew shares the outcome of their plan to pivot and repositi
Media Masters - Josh Ellis
Josh Ellis is editor-in-chief of SUCCESS magazine. Founded in 1897, the title inspires its readers with ideas, strategies and profiles of successful people. Joining the team in 2012 after a long career in sports journalism, including writing for the Dallas Cowboys, he runs the magazine from their Texas HQ, which boasts a total reach of 8 million readers. In this in-depth interview, Josh discusses the evolution of the very meaning of ‘success’ across three centuries of publishing; argues the pand
Media Masters - Angela Henshall
Angela Henshall is senior producer of 50:50 The Equality Project. Founded in 2017, the scheme is the BBC’s most significant initiative to date to increase women’s voices in the media. With 70 organisations also signed up worldwide, they have already doubled female representation on-air in just three years. She is also deputy editor of BBC.com, and before this held senior positions at the Wall Street Journal, AFP and Dow Jones. In this in-depth interview, Angela shares with pride the project’s su
Media Masters - Clifton Leaf
Clifton Leaf is editor-in-chief of FORTUNE. Founded in 1929 with headquarters in New York, the iconic business publication has a total worldwide reach of 20 million. Appointed in 2017, after a career spent at Time Inc, Dow Jones, and several other magazine companies, in 2005 he received the Gerald Loeb Award for distinguished business journalism. His critically-acclaimed book ‘Why We’re Losing the War on Cancer - And How To Win It’ is a searing indictment of the limited progress made in fighting
Media Masters - Judd Legum
Judd Legum is founder and editor-in-chief of Popular Information. Launched in 2018, the hugely influential newsletter covers democracy, politics and power “for people who give a damn.” Beginning his career as a lawyer, he moved into journalism in 2005 and founded the news website ThinkProgress, becoming research director for Hillary Clinton two years later. In this in-depth interview, Judd discusses his decision to remove their paywall during the pandemic to widen access and increase their impac
Media Masters - Brandon Borrman
Brandon Borrman is vice president of global communications at Twitter. One of the most powerful PR professionals worldwide, Brandon joined Twitter in 2018, and leads a team of 60 people - helping shape the platform’s evolution, and leading their media relations strategy. In this in-depth interview, Brandon takes us behind the scenes on the decision to suspend President Trump’s account; describes the challenge of tackling the toxicity and bullying on the platform, balanced with continuing to allo
Media Masters - John Paton
John Paton is chairman of the Independent and Evening Standard, and a non-executive director at the Home Office. With a long career as an executive and investor, he has led media companies across the US, Canada and Europe, overseen $7bn in financial transactions, and has previously served on the board of prominent organisations such as the Guardian Media Group. In this in-depth interview, John outlines their ambitious plans for global growth - having abandoned the Independent’s paper edition, th
Media Masters - Paul Tweed
Paul Tweed is an international media lawyer. One of the world’s foremost reputation managers, he has never lost a libel case, and has an impressive roster of clients including Liam Neeson, The Duchess of York, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp. In this in-depth interview, Paul takes us behind-the-scenes of some of his most high-profile cases, including an early win for Britney Spears, for whom he was the first in the business to obtain a media apology; argues that
Media Masters - Tom Rogers
Tom Rogers is a media and technology industry leader who has revolutionised TV business news and TV itself. Best known for his time as the first-ever president of NBC Cable, he created CNBC and MSNBC and then spent eleven years as President of TiVo - transforming TV consumption globally and bringing Amazon & Netflix to our screens. In 2006, he received an Emmy for outstanding contribution to the development of television, and was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. In this in-depth
Media Masters - Andy Coulson
Andy Coulson is a strategic media advisor to CEOs and global leaders. In a meteoric career which included editing the News of the World and serving as Prime Minister David Cameron’s director of communications, it all came crashing down in 2014 when he was convicted of conspiring to intercept communications and sent to prison. Andy apologised for making significant mistakes as editor but denied - and still denies - breaking the law. In this in-depth interview, Andy reflects on the lessons learned
Media Masters - Tim Harford
Tim Harford OBE is an economist, writer and broadcaster. A Financial Times senior columnist, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s ‘More or Less,’ TedX speaker and honorary fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, he was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to improving economic understanding. His best-selling book ‘The Undercover Economist’ enlightened millions of readers about the economic principles powering everyday life. In this in-depth interview, Tim discusses his mission to encourage people to have
Media Masters - Julia Angwin
Julia Angwin is co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Markup. Founded in 2019, the nonprofit newsroom has pioneered open-source data journalism to hold Big Tech to account and assess its impact on society. A winner (and two-time finalist) of the Pulitzer Prize, Julia previously held senior positions at ProPublica and The Wall Street Journal, and is author of the best-selling book ‘Dragnet Nation,’ a searing exposé of America’s “surveillance economy.” In this in-depth interview, Julia shares the
Media Masters - Errin Haines
Errin Haines is founder and editor-at-large of The 19th*. Founded a year ago and based in Austin, Texas, the nonprofit, non-partisan newsroom covers the intersection of women, politics and policy. Named after the US Constitution’s 19th Amendment, their mission is to encourage the participation and representation of marginalised people in democracy. Her career has taken in senior positions at the Associated Press, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and she is also a regular on-air contrib
Media Masters - Jamie East
Jamie East is a broadcaster, journalist and podcaster. Known for his witty commentary on showbiz and entertainment, he started ‘Holy Moly’ in 2002, which went on to become one of Britain’s largest and most influential gossip sites. He has presented Channel 5’s ‘Big Brother’s Bit On The Side’ and ‘Thronecast’ for Sky Atlantic - and has recently launched his new daily podcast ‘The Smart 7’ which summaries the news in seven minutes. In this in-depth interview, Jamie argues that traditional celebrit
Media Masters - Melanie Leach
Melanie Leach is CEO of South Shore Productions, and has spent decades creating iconic programmes for the BBC, ITV, Netflix, and beyond. Her production credits include the Emmy award-winning ‘Educating’ series for Channel 4, ‘The Real Marigold Hotel’ for the BBC - and ‘Hotel Inspector,’ now Channel 5’s longest-running show. Launched in 2019, and backed financially by ITV Studios, South Shore creates documentary, popular factual and entertainment programmes for stations and streaming platforms gl
Media Masters - Stephen Sackur
Stephen Sackur is the presenter of BBC HARDTalk - the most popular news interview programme in the world, with 70 million viewers. Before this, he was an award-winning BBC foreign correspondent covering landmark global events such as 9/11, the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the civil war in Sri Lanka. In this in-depth interview, he takes us behind the scenes on the “crackling tension” in the HARDTalk studio; reflects on some of his career highlights, from the first ever on-screen interview w
Media Masters - Rick Wilson
Rick Wilson is a political strategist, media consultant, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of The Lincoln Project. Described as “one of the best political analysts of our times” and “the father of the attack ad,” he has an award-winning column in The Daily Beast, and also writes for The Washington Post and The Spectator. In this in-depth interview, Rick shares how The Lincoln Project was born and takes us behind the scenes of some of their most provocative and attention-grabbing c
Media Masters - Alvin Hall
Alvin Hall is a broadcaster, author and financial educator. Beginning his career on Wall Street, a chance encounter with a BBC producer led to an unexpected career detour - becoming one of the UK’s most prominent business TV presenters, hosting BBC flagship programmes and landing the beeb’s first-ever interview with Jay-Z. A successful author, his best-seller ‘You and Your Money: It’s More than Just the Numbers’ has helped millions take control of their finances. In this in-depth interview, Alvi
Media Masters - Alessandra Galloni
Alessandra Galloni is global managing editor at Reuters. Established in 1851, the organisation comprises 2,500 journalists, working in 16 languages across 200 locations in over 100 countries. Her bestselling 2013 book, “From the End of the Earth to Rome,” profiles Pope Francis and his unexpected election as pontiff. Beginning her career at The Wall Street Journal, she spent over a decade as correspondent, economics writer and editor in multiple locations including New York, London, Paris and Rom
Media Masters - Kyle Pope
Kyle Pope is editor and publisher of the Columbia Journalism Review - an essential publication for journalists, and respected watchdog of the press. Starting out as an editor at The Wall Street Journal, Kyle then moved to The New York Observer as editor-in-chief, joining CJR in 2016. In this in-depth interview, he recalls his testimony to the House Judiciary Committee, where he argued that Congress had “failed to stand up for press freedom” whilst “under attack” from President Trump; shares his
Media Masters - Laura Wilshaw
Laura Wilshaw is editor of ITV News at Ten. She previously held senior positions at Euronews, 5 News, NBC and Sky News, and her team was recently shortlisted for a BAFTA. In this in-depth interview, she reflects on this year’s “incredible news cycle” and the multifaceted editorial & logistical challenges brought on by the pandemic; ponders on the ethics of balancing human empathy with the responsibility to report fairly when covering sensitive (yet divisive) issues such as the UK’s migrant c
Media Masters - Jonathan Munro
Jonathan Munro is the BBC’s Head of Newsgathering, leading the day-to-day activity and deployments of all journalists working across the network’s 60 international bureaux. Prior to this he spent 26 years at ITN joining as an editorial trainee, and ultimately becoming their Correspondent reporting on stories in the US, Russia and Africa. In this in-depth interview, Jonathan describes the challenges of covering a year of “a lot of shade and not much light” - including Covid-19, Brexit and the Pre
Media Masters - Professor Sir David Omand
Professor Sir David Omand was the first UK Security and Intelligence Coordinator, and formerly director of GCHQ. Spending much of his career leading the UK’s national counter-terrorism strategy, he was directly responsible to the prime minister for homeland security. His book ‘How Spies Think: 10 Lessons in Intelligence’ is described as a “call to arms for more rational decision-making” and shares the spooks’ problem-solving skills. In this in-depth interview, Sir David argues the government has
Media Masters - Nicholas Coleridge
Nicholas Coleridge is chairman of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Beginning his career as a journalist at Tatler, he moved to the Evening Standard as a columnist, and was appointed editor of Harpers & Queen (now Harper’s Bazaar) at age 29. Joining Conde Nast in 1989 he spent 26 years at the top, overseeing some of the world’s leading brands such as GQ and Vogue, operating in 32 markets and reaching over 400 million. An author of fourteen books, his renowned memoir ‘The Glossy Years’ recounts
Media Masters - John Battelle
John Battelle is co-founder and CEO of Recount Media. Founded in 2018, they have developed “a new approach to politics” that “won’t waste your time,” by collating current affairs content to create videos that reflect the modern consumers’ shorter attention span. His eclectic career has encompassed two professorships and co-founding Wired magazine. He also wrote the best-selling book, ‘The Search: How Google and Its Rivals Rewrote the Rules of Business and Transformed Our Culture,’ regarded as th
Media Masters - Scott Omelianuk
Scott Omelianuk is the newly appointed editor-in-chief of ‘Inc.’ Founded in 1979, the award-winning magazine focuses on inspiring entrepreneurs and has a monthly reach of 25m. In an eclectic journalism career, taking in positions at both GQ and Esquire, Scott has also been a film producer, and presented several TV shows across fashion and design. In this in-depth interview, the self-described “under-achieving entrepreneur” explains how a series of failed ventures has given him an admiration for
Media Masters - Eric Schurenberg
Eric Schurenberg is CEO of Mansueto Ventures, publishers of iconic business magazines ‘Inc.’ and ‘Fast Company.’ Founded in 2005, and with a team of over one hundred, their mission is to inspire and inform the business leaders of the future. Over two decades, Eric’s career has spanned both business and finance, beginning on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs, before moving into journalism with stints at BNET and CBS MoneyWatch. In this in-depth interview, Eric argues there is still “real magic” and po
Media Masters - Robert Wolf
Robert Wolf is an entrepreneur, investor and board member of the Obama Foundation. Known to many as ‘the Dem on Fox,’ he is a regular contributor on Fox News and Fox Business, challenging Republicans and arguing the Democrats’ position. Starting out as a “brash punky-type kid,” in a meteoric career on Wall Street he spent a decade at Salomon Brothers, before 18 years at UBS saw him rise through the ranks, ending up as Chairman and CEO of UBS Americas. In 2009, President Obama appointed him as ec
Media Masters - Craig Newmark
Craig Newmark is the founder of Craigslist. Established in 1995, it’s one of the world’s most popular websites, active in 700 cities across 70 countries. Stepping away from day-to-day management of the site in 2000 to become a full-time philanthropist, Craig is a passionate campaigner for a free and fair press - supporting journalism, and combatting disinformation. In this in-depth interview, he recalls the journey of Craigslist from an obscure email distribution platform built in his bedroom in
Media Masters - Toby Young
Toby Young is a writer, social commentator - and one of the most provocative voices in Britain. In his thirty years in journalism, he founded The Modern Review with Julie Burchill in 1991, has spent over two decades at The Spectator, and is associate editor at Quillette magazine. His memoir of time spent at Vanity Fair in New York, ‘How To Lose Friends and Alienate People’ was turned into a Hollywood film. In this in-depth interview, Toby argues that the government-enforced lockdown has failed t
Media Masters - Naomi Kerbel
Naomi Kerbel is head of television, radio scheduling and special projects at Bloomberg, and creator of the acclaimed podcast ‘Show Me The Way.’ Beginning her career as an actress, she then moved into business as an associate at Goldman Sachs, when a chance encounter with Jeremy Vine put her on the path to journalism. Soon after, she rose through the ranks at CNBC before moving to Sky News as business editor. Her passion for diversity and inclusion inspired her podcast, which provides a platform
Media Masters - Eliot Higgins
Eliot Higgins is the founder and chief executive of Bellingcat, the investigative journalism ‘collective’ responsible for “uncovering wrongdoing all around the world”. Founded in 2014 with HQ in the Netherlands, they have 18 employees and more than 30 contributors around the world. Pioneers of open-source journalism, their forensic research of publicly available data and ‘citizen-journalist analysis’ uses techniques such as ‘geo-location’ to pinpoint exact locations through satellite imagery to
Media Masters - Christophe Deloire
Christophe Deloire is Secretary-General of Reporters Sans Frontières, known internationally as Reporters Without Borders. Founded in Paris in 1985, it’s the world’s biggest NGO “specialising in the defence of media freedom” and has over 150 correspondents covering ten international bureaux, and a €6m budget. Since 2002 their annual ‘World Press Freedom Index’ has measured the level of media freedom in 180 countries. Before taking the reins in 2016, Christophe ran the Journalists’ Training Centr
Media Masters - Peter Wanless
Peter Wanless is chief executive of the NSPCC, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Before taking the reins in 2013 he was CEO of the Big Lottery Fund, and prior to that held a number of senior civil service jobs across Whitehall, working directly with senior ministers including Michael Portillo, David Blunkett and John Major. In this in-depth interview, he argues children are the “hidden victims” of the pandemic, noting a 37% rise in calls to Childline from children u
Media Masters - Mark Austin
One of the best-known TV journalists in the UK, Mark Austin presents ‘The News Hour’ on Sky News. Beginning his career at the Bournemouth Daily Echo in 1976, he joined ITN in 1986 and presented ITV News at 10 for well over a decade, which was twice awarded the Royal Television Society ‘Programme of the Year’. He left ITV News in 2017 after just shy of three decades, and joined Sky News, initially reporting from the U.S. before returning to the studio. In this in-depth interview, Mark recounts hi
Media Masters - Neil Brown
Neil Brown is president of The Poynter Institute for Media Studies. Founded in 1975, based in Florida and with a team of over 50 people, the Institute aims to “improve journalism and strengthen democracy around the world”. Joining as president in 2017 after 24 years at the Tampa Bay Times (seven of which as editor) while under his leadership the title won dozens of awards, including six Pulitzers. In this in-depth interview, Neil argues that media organisations shedding journalists is placing j
Media Masters - Decca Aitkenhead
Decca Aitkenhead is chief interviewer at the Sunday Times. Beginning her career at The Independent in 1995, she then spent 21 years at The Guardian, winning ‘Interviewer of the Year’ at the British Press Awards in 2009. In 2018 she joined the Sunday Times where she has profiled the very biggest names including Hillary Clinton, JK Rowling, Oprah Winfrey and most recently made headlines talking to Tony Blair. She has also written her memoir ‘All At Sea’ which reflects on the tragic death of her hu
Media Masters - Hadas Gold
Hadas Gold is CNN’s media, tech and politics correspondent based in London. Beginning her career as a web producer at Politico in 2012, then media reporter, she joined CNN in 2017, moving to the UK the following year. Since then she reported extensively on Brexit and now coronavirus. In this in-depth interview, Hadas discusses the current east/west tensions in tech and its impact on the future of the internet, shares her concern for reporters accused of fake news in countries without the 'p
Media Masters - Alex Bilmes
Alex Bilmes is editor-in-chief of Esquire UK. Beginning his career in 1994 as a reporter for the Richmond and Twickenham Times (under chairman David Dimbleby), he joined Esquire as editor in 2011, via senior positions at British GQ and Vogue. In this in-depth interview, Alex reveals his repositioning strategy – increasing the cover price, publishing bi-monthly and preferring ‘everyday heroes’ above celebrities on the cover, discusses his love of print journalism and figuring out how it can adapt
Media Masters - Jon Sopel
Jon Sopel is the BBC’s North America editor. Joining the Beeb in 1983, he rose through the ranks to become one of the best-known faces across their flagship programmes. Appointed to his current role in 2015, he is familiar to many for standing outside the White House reporting on the ups and downs of the Trump presidency. In this in-depth interview, Jon argues that the BBC’s “fair and balanced” coverage is more important than ever amidst growing claims of ‘fake news’, discusses Trump’s ability t
Media Masters - Lorraine Heggessey
Lorraine Heggessey has had some of the biggest jobs in broadcasting - head of Children’s BBC, controller of BBC1 (the first woman to do so) and chief executive of Talkback Thames. Now a media consultant, public speaker and advisor to Channel 4, she left the media world in 2017; and spent two years working for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, as chief executive of The Royal Foundation. In this in-depth interview, Lorraine recalls the time she memorably fired Blue Peter presente
Media Masters - Angelo Carusone
Angelo Carusone is president and CEO of Media Matters for America, a campaigning non-profit described by Bill O’Reilly as “the most dangerous organisation in America.” Founded in 2004 and based in Washington DC, it challenges right-wing bias and monitors social media across the US to correct conservative misinformation. In this in-depth interview, Angelo argues that Donald Trump takes advantage of the “right-wing echo chamber created by Fox News”, challenges critics accusing them of “liberal fas
Media Masters - Nazir Afzal
Nazir Afzal is a writer, legal reform campaigner and former chief crown prosecutor. He spent 25 years at the CPS and is best known for prosecuting landmark cases including the Rochdale grooming gang, Stuart Hall and the death of ‘Baby P’, which he recalls in his recently published memoir ‘The Prosecutor‘. A lay member of the ipso's complaints committee, he also advises governments on preventing violence against vulnerable women, especially those from a BAME background. In this in-depth inte
Media Masters - Martin Frizell
Martin Frizell is editor of ITV’s This Morning. Beginning his career at Radio Clyde, he worked as a correspondent for Thomson Reuters and GMTV before his ten years in the editors chair famously came to an abrupt end. He then briefly entered the world of PR as an executive director at GolinHarris, before returning to television in 2014 as editor of Loose Women. After a year he took the helm at This Morning, one of the most prestigious editorships in UK television. In this in-depth interview, he s
Media Masters - Hugo Rifkind
Hugo Rifkind is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster. Joining The Times in 2005 he has been a diarist, features writer and TV critic and now writes many of their leaders as well as ‘My Week’ – the very popular diary parody. He is also a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz. In this in-depth interview, Hugo shares the difficulty of “being funny in a very un-funny political climate”, discusses the peculiar experience of taking part in The News Quiz without a studio audience, and
Media Masters - Jamie Angus
Jamie Angus is director of the BBC World Service Group. Appointed in 2018, he oversees the World Service, BBC World News and BBC.com, as well as BBC Monitoring. He joined the Beeb in 1999 and has edited Newsnight, The World at One and The World This Weekend, and as editor of Radio 4’s Today programme, he took the show to a peak audience of more than seven million listeners. In this in-depth interview, he recalls taking over Newsnight in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal when the programme’s f
Media Masters - Dr Fiona Godlee
Dr Fiona Godlee is editor of The BMJ (formerly the British Medical Journal), one of the world’s most respected news outlets for clinicians, with a monthly print circulation of almost 125,000 and an online reach of nearly three million. Graduating in medicine from Cambridge and initially training as a general physician, she then moved into research. She is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. Fiona started writing for the BMJ in 1990 on a range of topics including public health, and
Media Masters - Alessandra Stanley
Alessandra Stanley is editor of Air Mail. Born in Boston and educated at Harvard, she began her journalistic career at Time magazine, and in 1994 she joined the New York Times, initially as a foreign correspondent, serving as bureau chief in Moscow and Rome. She became the paper’s chief television critic in 2003, and produced influential analysis of events from the finale of ‘The Sopranos’ to Russian TV coverage of Vladimir Putin’s re-election in 2012. Most recently, she joined Graydon Carter to
Media Masters - Graydon Carter
Graydon Carter is co-founder of Air Mail. After starting an award-winning magazine in his native Canada, he moved to the US to write for for Time, then Life. In 1986, he launched the satirical monthly Spy, which specialised in irreverent takes on the media, entertainment and high society, then in 1992 he succeeded Tina Brown as the editor of Vanity Fair. During his 25 years as editor, the magazine won dozens of national and international awards, and Graydon himself was nominated to the Magazine
Media Masters - Amelia Gentleman
Amelia Gentleman is a multi-award winning Guardian journalist, and famously uncovered the scandal of West Indian immigrants and their families being threatened with deportation, subsequently writing ‘The Windrush Betrayal: Exposing the Hostile Environment’. A graduate of Wadham College, Oxford, she reported from New Delhi for the International Herald Tribune before moving to the Guardian, as correspondent in Paris then Moscow. She then became a feature writer for the paper, and in late 2017 rece
Media Masters - Philip Bernie
Philip Bernie is head of television at BBC Sport. Joining the Beeb straight from university, he worked his way up in TV and radio, ultimately taking the editor’s chair at ‘Grandstand’ and ‘Match of the Day’. His career has seen him lead the team behind many of the biggest events in sport, the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games and two World Cups, and win a Royal Television Society award for editing ‘BBC Sports Personality of the Year’. In this in-depth interview, he talks about the challenge
Media Masters - Nima Elbagir
Nima Elbagir is a senior international correspondent for CNN. Born in Sudan, she moved to the UK with her family as a child and began her journalism career with Reuters, and soon moved into broadcast journalism with Channel 4. In 2011 she joined CNN, with a focus on the world’s most dangerous regions; highlighting the plight of the most vulnerable, often at great personal risk. She has won clutch of prestigious global awards for her journalism, including 2020 RTS 'Television Journalist of
Media Masters - Richard Frediani
Richard Frediani is editor of BBC Breakfast. Known throughout the industry as ‘Fredi’, he studied journalism at the University of Central Lancashire before joining the county’s Red Rose Radio as a reporter. Moving to London, he climbed the current affairs ladder and switched to television, first at ITN then as head of news for ITV, before he returned to ITN and edited their early evening 6.30 pm bulletin. Fredi took the helm of BBC Breakfast last autumn, with the programme facing the aftermath o
Media Masters - Mark Landler
Mark Landler is London bureau chief of the New York Times. Educated at Georgetown University, he joined the Times as a ‘copy boy’ in 1987 before moving to Business Week. He returned in 1995 covering the finance beat, then headed the bureaux in Hong Kong, Frankfurt and Washington DC. In 2011, he became White House correspondent, covering the Obama and Trump administrations, before moving to London as bureau chief in 2019. A regular panellist on ‘Washington Week’ and ‘Face the Nation’, his 2016 bo
Media Masters - Peter Spiegel
Peter Spiegel is US managing editor of the Financial Times. After studying at UPenn and the LSE, he spent five years as a staff writer for Forbes before moving into the defence and security brief for the FT, the Los Angeles Times and the Wall Street Journal. In 2010, he went back to the FT as bureau chief in Brussels, reporting on the Eurozone crisis and the origins of Brexit. In 2016, he was promoted to news editor. Last year Peter was promoted to US managing editor and moved to New York, where
Media Masters - Daniel Pearl
Daniel Pearl is commissioning editor at Channel 5. He spent ten years at BBC News, where he edited the 2010 prime ministerial election debate, and was deputy editor on Panorama, Newsnight, and the Six & Ten O’Clock News. In 2012 he joined Channel 4 as editor of Dispatches, winning a clutch of awards including two BAFTAs. Daniel also served as the network’s deputy head of news and current affairs, commissioning the Emmy-winning ‘Leaving Neverland’ revealing renewed allegations of child abuse
Media Masters - Paul Croughton
Paul Croughton is editor-in-chief of Robb Report. Founded in 1976, the luxury lifestyle brand has 18 international editions dedicated to cars, boats, planes and bikes – plus travel, watches, art & design, and food. Paul has spent the majority of his 20-year career on consumer titles, during which time he held a number of senior editorial roles at Arena and the Sunday Times. He launched the UK edition of Robb Report in 2016, and moved to New York to promote the brand globally as editor of the
Media Masters - Barbara Taylor Bradford
Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE is an international best-selling novelist and journalist. Starting as a typist at the Yorkshire Evening Post, she became a reporter at 16 and was the paper’s first woman’s page editor at 18. By 20, she was a fashion editor and columnist on Fleet Street. Her 1979 debut novel, ‘A Woman of Substance', has sold 32 million copies worldwide. Since then, she has had 38 books published in over 90 countries and 40 languages. In this in-depth interview, Barbara looks back
Media Masters - Chris Mason
Chris Mason is a BBC journalist and presenter. Over the last 15 years, he has developed an increasing profile as an expert on all matters Westminster. He also hosts the Radio 4 show ‘Any Questions?’ and co-presents Newscast, the televised podcast which started life in 2017 as Brexitcast. In this in-depth interview, Chris recalls the ‘imposter syndrome’ he experienced during his first presenting role on BBC Breakfast, describes the experience of going viral after admitting on air that he didn’t h
Media Masters - Felicity Capon
Felicity Capon is editor of The Week Junior. Aimed at eight to 14-year-olds, since its launch in 2015 it has become the UK’s fastest growing magazine with a circulation of over 70,000. Felicity is also a travel writer for the adult edition, and appears regularly on its weekly ‘Unwrapped’ podcast, which unearths underreported stories. In this in-depth interview, she explains how sticking to the facts allows them to tackle difficult subjects without dumbing down, recalls the “baptism of fire” in h
Media Masters - Jay Rayner
Jay Rayner is an award-winning writer, journalist and broadcaster. Best known as restaurant critic for the Observer, during his 30-year career he has covered topics from crime and politics to cinema, theatre and the visual arts. His broadcast credits include the BBC’s ‘MasterChef’ and ‘The One Show’ and Radio 4’s ‘The Kitchen Cabinet’. He also presents his own podcast, ‘Out to Lunch’, in which he interviews stars in a restaurant of his choosing. As a performer, he can be seen on solo book tours
Media Masters - Jacqui Gifford
Jacqui Gifford is editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure. Known for its stunning photography of far-flung destinations, the world's most influential travel brand has five global issues with a combined circulation of almost two million and an online readership of nine million. A specialist in travel and lifestyle content for almost two decades, Jacqui has written and edited for publications including Vanity Fair, OK!, and Brides magazine. In this in-depth interview, she examines changing consum
Media Masters - Philip Thomas
Philip Thomas is chairman of Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, which celebrates the achievements of the creative communications industry. Its prestigious awards attract 30,000 entries from over 100 countries. Previously, Philip enjoyed a successful journalism and publishing career, and was editor of Empire and managing director of FHM Worldwide. In this in-depth interview, he explains why businesses that invest in creativity are more successful, discusses plans to create a movem
Media Masters - Phil Riley
Phil Riley is a radio and podcast entrepreneur. Starting as a trainee at Birmingham-based BRMB in the 90s, he ultimately became programme controller. He launched the first ever Magic station, and led the transformation of Heart FM into one of the UK’s key industry players. Now a senior independent advisor, he has been called one of the most influential people in commercial radio. In this in-depth interview, Phil describes his journey from “doing grunt work” at BRMB to selling it as part of a rep
Media Masters - Mike Gunton
Mike Gunton is creative director of BBC Studios' Natural History Unit, and has been in charge of its programming for over a decade. Responsible for bringing new and pioneering stories about the natural world to global audiences, he has worked on more than 300 documentaries during his 35-year filmmaking career. In this in-depth interview, Mike explains how an “idiot” weaver bird inspired him to make documentaries entertaining and relatable, discusses the groundbreaking new technologies devel
Media Masters - Ross King
Ross King is an award-winning entertainment journalist and presenter. Starting in hospital radio as a teenager, he went on to work as a DJ, presenter and actor in the UK before leaving for Los Angeles in 2000. As entertainment correspondent for ITV, he is known for his red carpet interviews with Hollywood’s biggest stars on shows such as Good Morning Britain and Lorraine. In this in-depth interview, Ross describes the “light and shade” of covering celebrity gossip alongside hard-hitting news sto
Media Masters - Trevor Beattie
Trevor Beattie is one of the most accomplished and respected faces in the British advertising industry, and founder of ad agency BMB. Responsible for creating iconic campaigns including ‘Hello Boys’ for Wonderbra and FCUK for French Connection, he is also a movie producer whose films include the BAFTA-winning sci-fi movie ‘Moon’, and documentaries on subjects such as the thalidomide scandal. His poster featuring William Hague’s face superimposed onto an image of Margaret Thatcher played a key pa
Media Masters - John Bird
John Bird is founder and editor-in-chief of the Big Issue. Launched in 1991, the independent magazine is sold by homeless people to help them out of poverty. Their charitable foundation, launched in 1995, helps people in 74 countries by providing support and advice. He also started the International Network of Street Papers, which supports 100 publications with a combined readership of more than 100 million. In this in-depth interview, John reveals the costly mistakes which almost caused the mag
Media Masters - Michael Grade
Lord Michael Grade is one of the most recognised names in television. With a background in light entertainment, he started his broadcasting career at LWT in 1973. Dominating the British entertainment industry for five decades, he has held the hat-trick of top television jobs – chief executive of Channel 4, chairman of the BBC, and executive chairman of ITV – as well as a chairman at Pinewood Studios. He was awarded a CBE for services to broadcasting in 1998 and was made a life peer in 2011. In t
Media Masters - Alex Hill
Alex Hill is the CEO of AEG, the global sports and live entertainment company. They own, manage or consult with more than 120 arenas, stadiums, theatres, clubs and convention centres around the world, entertaining more than 100 million people annually. Starting out at KPMG, Alex was appointed CFO at Freemantle Media before being headhunted by AEG in 2007. In this in-depth interview, he takes us through the operation to reinvent the O2 from an idle “white elephant” that was the Millennium Dome in
Media Masters - David Starkey
Dr David Starkey is a historian and broadcaster. Developing an interest in the past through grammar school and a scholarship to Cambridge and a lecturer in Tudor history at LSE for nearly 30 years, his trenchant opinions and unforgiving style quickly caught the eye of broadcasters and journalists. His popular television documentaries include ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’ and ‘Monarchy’, and his appearances on Radio 4's ‘The Moral Maze’ earned him the reputation as “the rudest man in Britain
Media Masters - John Ryley
John Ryley is head of Sky News. Abandoning his original plans to become a barrister 35 years ago, his career in journalism started in local radio before joining the BBC’s trainee scheme. Working on programmes such as The World at One and the Nine O’Clock News, he left for ITN in 1990, where he later became editor of News at Ten. Joining Sky News in 1995, he took the helm 11 years later. In this in-depth interview, John reflects on key moments of his career including the successful campaign for t
Media Masters - Melissa Fleming
Melissa Fleming is Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications at the United Nations. Leading a team of 700 people in 59 countries, she is responsible for galvanising global support to tackle issues around climate change, war and sustainable development goals – as well as drawing attention to the plight of the world’s 70 million refugees. Her TED talk describing one young woman’s harrowing escape from war-torn Syria has been viewed by millions, inspired her best-selling book and will soon
Media Masters - David Aaronovitch
David Aaronovitch is a columnist and presenter. Starting his career in the 1980s as a researcher, he moved from television to print journalism in 1995 as chief leader writer for the Independent. He has written for many newspapers in the UK and has won numerous accolades, including the Orwell Prize for Political Journalism, and his television work includes the BBC1 documentary series ‘The Blair Years’. He has also written three books, including ‘Voodoo Histories’, which debunks modern-day conspir
Media Masters - Camilla Tominey
Camilla Tominey is associate editor of the Daily Telegraph. Reporting on a variety of royal and political stories over the last 15 years, she has covered major events from royal weddings to lavish foreign trips, and has witnessed the “brutal” inner workings of Westminster. In this in-depth interview, she explains the rivalries within the Royal household and how each “doubles down” separately in times of crisis, argues that privileged politicians have to take a “long, hard look at themselves” – a
Media Masters - Daniel Roth
Daniel Roth is editor-in-chief of LinkedIn. Described by Business Insider as ‘the most powerful business journalist on the internet’, he oversees their Daily Rundown of news and insights, which is viewed by more than 40 million members a day. With users spanning 56 countries and nine languages, the site could be considered the world’s largest business publication. In this in-depth interview, Daniel outlines how the “three C’s” – 'creating, curating and cultivating' content – help to “p
Media Masters - James Harding
James Harding is co-founder and editor of Tortoise Media. Starting at the Financial Times on the European desk, he later opened their bureau in Shanghai before covering the media beat. In 2007, he moved on to the Times where, at 38, he became its youngest ever editor. He was ousted by owner Rupert Murdoch five years later, and moved on to the BBC as director of news and current affairs. In this in-depth interview, James argues that the demand for breaking news has led to "headline addiction
Media Masters - Julia Hartley-Brewer
Julia Hartley-Brewer is a journalist and talk radio presenter. A vocal and high-profile Brexiteer, her appearances on shows such as Question Time often divide opinion and provoke fierce debate on social media. In this in-depth interview, Julia argues that her talkRADIO show speaks to an audience that is “sneered at” by a “largely liberal media elite”, discusses the “terrifying phenomenon” of ‘no platforming’ and its effect on democracy, and defends the charge that opinionated, ‘non-neutral’ radi
Media Masters - Justine Picardie
Justine Picardie is the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar UK. During her long career she has been features director of Vogue, editor of the Observer magazine and a columnist for the Telegraph, and has written five books. In this in-depth interview, Justine reflects on her career as she departs the magazine and describes how she rediscovered “a sense of sisterhood” in the editor’s chair in memory of her late sister; discusses her role as launch editor of Town & Country, and how the “dream of
Media Masters - Martin Bright
Martin Bright is an investigative journalist and social entrepreneur. During his 20-year career he’s covered politics, religion and culture for a range of newspapers, magazines and television channels, and was the first non-Jewish political editor of the Jewish Chronicle. While at the Observer in 2003, he exposed the dirty tricks behind the Iraq War after receiving a leaked memo from GCHQ whistleblower Katherine Gun – a story dramatised in the new film ‘Official Secrets’. In this in-depth inter
Media Masters - Jeremy Bowen
Jeremy Bowen is the BBC’s Middle East editor. One of Britain’s best-known war correspondents, over the last 35 years he has brought the region’s most important stories to our screens – despite being shot, robbed at gunpoint, threatened, arrested and even thrown in jail. In this in-depth interview, Jeremy relives some of his most pivotal moments, from his first foreign assignment covering the invasion of Kuwait in 1990 to his recent battle with cancer; discusses the practical challenges of report
Media Masters - Roula Khalaf
Roula Khalaf is deputy editor of the Financial Times. Described in 1991 as an “insolent reporter from Forbes magazine” by the ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Jordan Belfort, she was subsequently fictionalised in the Oscar-winning film. Starting as their North Africa correspondent in 1995, her rise though the FT ranks has been consistent – as Middle East editor she launched their regional edition, and led their coverage of the Arab Spring. In this in-depth interview, she celebrates the “rebirth of fact che
Media Masters - Chris Burns
Chris Burns is head of audio and digital for BBC England, and is responsible for the majority of their local radio stations across the country. Starting as a late-night phone-in presenter for Radio Trent, her career has included stints editing shows on Radio 4 such as Woman’s Hour, Any Questions and Start the Week, and she is now tasked with reinventing the medium for the next generation. In this in-depth interview, Chris walks through a career dedicated to radio, having developed a love for it
Media Masters - Melanie Blake
Melanie Blake is a celebrity agent and author. Starting her career at ‘Top of the Pops’ in the 90s, in her four years on the show she increasingly advised stars on a myriad of professional opportunities, which led to her launching her own agency. In this in-depth interview, she takes us behind the scenes of the multi-million pound deals brokered for client magazine spreads, books, tours and television shows; reveals her strategy for the cut-throat negotiations around structured reality shows su
Media Masters - Fraser Nelson
Fraser Nelson is editor of The Spectator, the world’s oldest weekly magazine. Celebrating a decade in the editor’s chair, on his watch circulation is now at its highest ever – nearing 80,000 print, 2.5m online and 1.4m podcast listeners. In this in-depth interview, Fraser describes how he spent his early years as editor trying to recreate “the Boris peak” and contrasts it with now covering his predecessor as Prime Minister; welcomes the greater numbers of people willing to pay for quality journa
Media Masters - Adrian Lovett
Adrian Lovett is CEO of the World Wide Web Foundation. Founded in 2009 by the inventor of the web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, it tackles the “digital divide” – fighting for more than half the world’s population who still can’t get online, and for the other ‘connected’ half too, for whom the web’s benefits come with risks: to privacy, democracy, and freedom itself. In this in-depth interview, he argues that internet access is a “basic human right” akin to clean water and education, reflects on the web’
Media Masters - Christopher Hope
Christopher Hope is chief political correspondent and assistant editor at the Telegraph. He is chairman of the Parliamentary Lobby, and presenter of the ‘Chopper’s Brexit Podcast’ which features interviews with senior politicians and analysis from the Telegraph’s Westminster team. In this in-depth interview, he discusses the somewhat unusual situation of having his former colleague Boris Johnson become prime minister, and his appeal as the “Heineken” politician; tackles critics of the ‘Lobby’ an
Media Masters - Dave Lee
Dave Lee is Silicon Valley reporter for the BBC. Based in San Francisco, he has covered technology stories across the US since 2015. In this in-depth interview, he details how companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon and Tesla have an increasing impact on our lives, and the deep implications for society; argues that a growing ‘tech cynicism’ is now stifling innovation, and discusses the challenge of maintaining a working relationship with tech giants - whilst also holding them to account.
Media Masters - Kate Ward
Kate Ward is international president of Refinery29, a media and entertainment company for women. She launched their London office in 2015 and now oversees their international operations. In this in-depth interview, Kate outlines how reach, revenue and relevance are key to the brand’s longevity at a time when other media businesses are closing, reveals how their expansion into video, filmmaking and live events helps to keep readers engaged, and discusses how building powerful relationships with w
Media Masters - Alan Hunter
Alan Hunter is head of digital at the Times and Sunday Times. Joining in 2001, he was appointed editor of News Review in 2010 and led their coverage of the London Olympics and the killing of Osama bin Laden. He became their ‘digital guru’ in 2013, and they were the first newspaper to announce that digital subscriptions had overtaken print. In this in-depth interview, Alan reveals how increased engagement from journalists deepens their relationship with readers, explains why taking the emphasis a
Media Masters - Terri White
Terri White is editor-in-chief of Empire. An award-winning editor with 19 years’ experience on both sides of the Atlantic, she joined in 2015 from Time Out and led a radical reimagining of the magazine prior to its recent 30th birthday. In this in-depth interview, Terri describes how its “weirdly disparate” team of movie geeks translate their passion for film into every page, speaks out against unpaid internships and the lack of opportunities for budding journalists from disadvantaged background
Media Masters - Dave Berry
Dave Berry is a presenter on Absolute Radio. After just a year on air, it is the number one commercial breakfast programme in the country, with over two million listeners. Starting his career in television with stints presenting on Nickelodeon and MTV, he switched to radio in 2007 and has fronted shows on Capital and XFM. In this in-depth interview, he reveals the technology behind the tricky balancing act which allows listeners to tune into alternative versions of the show on different stations
Media Masters - Bill Abbott
Bill Abbott is president and chief executive of Crown Media Family Networks – one of the most successful entertainment companies in the US and the team behind the Hallmark Channels. In his two decades with the business, it has expanded exponentially and now includes three top-rated channels, e-book publishing, a podcast and a streaming service with over 600,000 subscribers. In this in-depth interview, Bill tackles critics who call their content “saccharine”, and examines how their commitment to
Media Masters - Heather Dietrick
Heather Dietrick is chief executive of The Daily Beast. Previously president of Gawker Media, she was a key part of the legal team trying to save the company when they were sued by Hulk Hogan. In post at the ‘Beast’ since 2017, she is responsible for growing their reach, which already stands at 20 million. In this in-depth interview, she recalls how a billionaire with a grudge plotted the “litigation assault” on Gawker; discusses the focus on finding new revenue streams, and the first year of th
Media Masters - Ken Bruce
Ken Bruce is a veteran radio presenter who has fronted the BBC Radio 2 morning show for over three decades. With nine million listeners, he is one of the most recognisable voices in broadcasting. In this in-depth interview, he takes us behind the scenes of his long-running show, sharing anecdotes about the genesis of PopMaster and plans to take the popular quiz on the road; explains why “feel and judgement” is more important to him than audience metrics; and admits that after hundreds of celebri
Media Masters - Dominic Smales
Dominic Smales is CEO of Gleam Futures, one of the biggest “digital-first" talent management firms in the world. They represent the brightest stars of social media including Tanya Burr, Zoe Sugg (aka Zoella), Pixiwoo, Grace Fit and Jack Maynard. In this in-depth interview, Dominic reveals how their talent is expanding into new areas like publishing and product creation, explains how to cut through the noise and stand out from the 25 million social media creators – and discusses how portrayi
Media Masters - Katy Searle
Katy Searle is editor at BBC Westminster. With over three decades at the corporation, she has built up a wide range of experience on a variety of radio and television programmes. She has overall responsibility for political news and leads a 90-strong team, anchored in Westminster, who report from around the UK. In this in-depth interview, Katy describes the daily challenge of creating engaging political coverage to fight against ‘Brexit fatigue’, gives her take on the Tory leadership battle, and
Media Masters - Alok Jha
Alok Jha is science correspondent at The Economist. After studying physics and science communication at university, he spent 11 years at the Guardian where he launched their award-winning Science Weekly podcast. He presented over 300 episodes before leaving for ITV News, where he led their science and environment coverage. He is also an honorary lecturer at UCL, and best-selling author. In this in-depth interview, Alok describes the challenges of communicating complex scientific ideas to a mains
Media Masters - Debbie Ramsay
Debbie Ramsay is editor of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra Newsbeat. The flagship news programme has been on the air for 45 years and has a weekly audience of eight million 16 to 24-year-olds, with 14 million more online through articles, videos and social media. Since joining the BBC in 2006 she has done “every job in Newsbeat”. In this in-depth interview, Debbie speaks out against critics who claim news must ‘dumb down’ to attract young audiences, describes how the “immediacy” of broadcast lured her awa
Media Masters - Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson is US business editor of the Financial Times. In his 21 years with the FT on both sides of the Atlantic, he has covered a range of editorial and reporting roles, including eight years as their global media editor. With an international network of journalists covering every time zone, it has a paid readership of over 1m with almost 80% online. In this in-depth interview, Andrew describes how he handles the “five speeds” of news from breaking stories to long reads, reveal
Media Masters - Jeremy Darroch
Jeremy Darroch is group chief executive of Sky. He joined as chief financial officer in 2004 and took on his current role in 2007. Sky delivers television, broadband, mobile and pay-TV. With 23 million customers, it is Europe’s biggest entertainment business. In this in-depth interview, Jeremy discusses their plans for the future under new owners Comcast, talks about the responsibility of big business to act responsibly by “showing up” and paying their taxes – and recalls how the launch of the c
Media Masters - Mark Borkowski
Mark Borkowski is an acclaimed PR specialist, writer and industry commentator. Famed for his grand publicity stunts, he has been successfully advising celebrities and brands for four decades. Since first catching the publicity bug in 1979, his headline-grabbing stunts have included filling Selfridges with hundreds of naked people and gift-wrapping a helicopter for Harrods. In this in-depth interview, he argues that despite the proliferation of fake news, social media has made it easier to protec
Media Masters - Tyler Brûlé
Tyler Brûlé is chairman and editor-in-chief of Monocle. Noted for the jet-set lifestyle journaled in his “Fast Lane” FT column, he launched the magazine in 2007, which has since evolved into a global brand with its own cafes, retail stores and a 24-hour radio station. He is the youngest ever recipient of the British Society of Magazine Editors' Lifetime Achievement Award. In this in-depth interview, Tyler explains how the 2008 recession changed the face of the magazine through an editorial
Media Masters - Greg Williams
Greg Williams is editor of Wired UK. Starting as deputy editor after its relaunch in 2009, he took the top job in 2017. With a UK audience of 1.5m and 4m across the globe, it has grown into a multiplatform business with an award-winning podcast, consultancy and a successful programme of live events. In this in-depth interview, Greg argues the case for investing in longform journalism to tackle the growing anti-science movement, describes how Brussels is leading the fight against the ‘big five’ t
Media Masters - Raju Narisetti
Raju Narisetti is professor at Columbia Journalism School, where he is director of the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship, a prestigious one-year economics and business programme for working journalists. After moving from his native India to the US in 1990 to study journalism, he spent two decades working for the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and News Corp as a reporter, and later led their transformation into digital-first operations. In 2006, he was founding editor of Mint, India’s second bi
Media Masters - Jeremy Hillman
Jeremy Hillman is communications director at The World Bank. Formerly a journalist with the BBC, he spent a decade with the corporation; first as economics reporter, then New York bureau chief, and finally economics and business editor. He left in 2011 to become director of external communications at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, before taking on his current role in 2014. In this in-depth interview, Jeremy discusses the “white saviour” stereotype and the “incredible optimism” of devel
Media Masters - Will Young
Will Young is a singer-songwriter and actor. Since winning the first series of ITV talent show Pop Idol in 2002, he has released six chart-topping albums and four number one singles. He is now co-host of the popular ‘Homo Sapiens’ podcast, a “queer Woman’s Hour” which has featured interviews with a string of well-known guests including Alan Cumming, Julian Clary, Margaret Cho, Clare Balding and Sam Smith alongside poignant stories from everyday heroes. In this in-depth interview, he explains why
Media Masters - Lydia Polgreen
Lydia Polgreen is editor-in-chief of Huffington Post. Appointed in 2016, she oversees content and direction for the site, which has 170 million readers worldwide. Prior to her current role, she spent 15 years at the New York Times, where she covered conflict, democracy building and development in West Africa. In this in-depth interview, Lydia describes the “enormous responsibility” of upholding the legacy of the iconic brand, recalls how living through a coup in Kenya as a child inspired her to
Media Masters - Richard Sambrook
Professor Richard Sambrook is director of the Centre for Journalism at Cardiff University. His first job at the BBC was in local radio. He then moved over to TV news as a producer and quickly rose through the ranks, securing a variety of roles including news editor, head of BBC Sport, director of news and finally head of the World Service. He also played a key role in the roll-out of 24-hour news, and the launch of Radio 5 Live. In this in-depth interview, Richard shares how he led the BBC’s res
Media Masters - Tina Brown
Tina Brown is an award-winning journalist, podcaster and author. Previously editor of both Vanity Fair and the New Yorker, she founded The Daily Beast and has written two best-selling books. She also created Women in the World, the annual “live journalism” summit attended by global thought leaders such as Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton and Melinda Gates. In this in-depth interview, she talks us through her legendary editorships, argues how podcasting fills the gap in the market for intelligent i
Media Masters - Ken Hertz
Ken Hertz is an entertainment lawyer and prominent Hollywood dealmaker. A senior partner in Hertz, Lichtenstein and Young, he counts Will Smith, will.i.am, Gwen Stefani and Celine Dion among his clients. He also founded brand agency MemBrain, which advises the world’s most recognised brands, including McDonald’s, Hasbro and Intel. In this in-depth interview, he describes the brutal truth of the “fame lottery”, reveals what it really takes to make it in Hollywood – and argues that now is the time
Media Masters - Martin Brunt
Martin Brunt is crime correspondent for Sky News. He has been with the channel since its launch in 1989, spending the first five years as a general reporter before moving to his now-familiar role covering stories from grisly murders to acts of heroism. In this in-depth interview, Martin discusses how the relationship between the press and the police has changed over the last 30 years, describes how he balances reporting under court restrictions with the demands of live TV – and shares his sadnes
Media Masters - James Wildman
James Wildman is CEO of Hearst UK. As the country’s largest premium magazine publisher, it has a circulation of 5.3 million and a digital footprint of over 20 million through magazines including Elle, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Cosmopolitan and Harper’s Bazaar. Appointed in 2017, James has harnessed their best-known brands to expand into new products and services such as content creation, events, hotels and homewares. In this in-depth interview, he talks us through his career including previous
Media Masters - Darren Childs
Darren Childs is chief executive of UKTV. Appointed in 2010, he previously held senior positions at BBC Worldwide, Sony Pictures and Star TV. Starting life in 1992 as a single channel, UKTV is now one of the UK’s largest television companies with more than 100 original shows in production and a 10% share of the commercial TV audience. In this in-depth interview, recorded days before his resignation, Darren discusses the “creative arms race” created by the rise in streaming services, outlines ho
Media Masters - Rachel Jupp
Rachel Jupp is editor of BBC Panorama. Appointed to the role in 2016, she was previously head of home news at Channel 4 News and deputy editor at Newsnight. First broadcast in 1953, Panorama is the world’s longest-running current affairs programme, turning the lens on criminals, corporations and governments to expose wrongdoing. In this in-depth interview, Rachel describes the significant responsibility of taking on challenging investigations, discusses the importance of impartiality in pursuing
Media Masters - Stephanie Mehta
Stephanie Mehta is editor-in-chief of Fast Company. Her career has so far taken her from the Wall Street Journal to Fortune, Bloomberg and Vanity Fair, where she was deputy editor. Now approaching her first anniversary in the editor’s chair, she oversees the magazine’s editorial and design vision with the aim of recognising “the human side” of business. Stephanie is also responsible for expanding the brand into new territory, including “live journalism” through its annual Innovation Festival. In
Media Masters - Matt Murray
Matt Murray is editor-in-chief of the Wall Street Journal. Attracted by the “compelling drama” of business journalism, he joined the paper as a reporter in 1994, rising through the ranks over 25 years and eventually securing the top job in 2018. Today, the paper is the biggest-selling broadsheet in the US, with a print circulation of 900,000 and two million digital subscribers – the most in its history. In this in-depth interview, Matt reflects on his long career, discusses the balancing act of
Media Masters - James Ball
James Ball is an award-winning journalist and author. After completing a Master’s degree in investigative journalism aged 21, he cut his teeth at The Grocer before progressing to the Times, the Telegraph, Dispatches and Panorama. In 2010, he joined the Bureau of Investigative Journalism to work on the Iraq war documents, and was poached by Julian Assange to join WikiLeaks. He became the Guardian’s data editor in 2013 and was a key member of the tight-knit team investigating the documents leaked
Media Masters - Elizabeth Day
Elizabeth Day is an award-winning author, journalist and podcaster. Landing her first column aged 12 in her local paper, she went on to become a journalist for the Observer before going freelance. She has written for a range of newspapers and magazines in the UK and the US including the Times, the Telegraph, Vogue and Elle. Now a columnist for the Mail on Sunday’s You magazine and contributing editor for Harper’s Bazaar, she has also written four novels. Lauded by critics for its painful honesty
Media Masters - Erwin James
Erwin James is editor-in-chief of Inside Time, the UK’s only newspaper for prisoners. Convicted in 1982 for two murders and sentenced to life, he went on the run to the French Foreign Legion for two years before handing himself in. In his two decades behind bars, he studied English and discovered a love of writing. This led to ‘A Life Inside’, the first ever national newspaper column written by a serving prisoner, which appeared in the Guardian until his release in 2004. A vocal campaigner for p
Media Masters - Ewan Vinnicombe
Ewan Vinnicombe is editor of Blue Peter. A lifelong fan of the show - and a proud recipient of one of its sought-after badges when he was just six years old - he started with the BBC aged 21 as a “tea boy for the Chuckle Brothers,” before moving on to entertainment development. He later became head of presentation, producing shows such as 'CBeebies Bedtime Stories' and the live links between programmes featuring children's favourite Hacker T Dog. In this in-depth interview, he tak
Media Masters - Martha Lane Fox
Martha Lane Fox is founder of Doteveryone and a member of the House of Lords. A successful entrepreneur, she co-founded Lastminute.com in 1998, which eventually sold for £577 million in 2005, the same year she launched karaoke chain Lucky Voice. She is chancellor of the Open University, patron of several charities and a board member at Twitter and Chanel. In this in-depth interview, she discusses how she uses her voice in the public and private sector to push for action on climate change, recall
Media Masters - Sir Harold Evans
Sir Harold Evans is former editor of the Sunday Times. Revered throughout Fleet Street, his name is synonymous with the golden age of investigative journalism; during his career he has risked prison, defied the courts, and put his newspaper’s very existence on the line in pursuit of the truth. In doing so, he has exposed government cover-ups; brought thalidomide to public attention, later winning compensation for victims; and campaigned for a national cervical screening programme which still sav
Media Masters - Miranda Sawyer
Miranda Sawyer is a journalist, broadcaster and best-selling author. Starting in the 80s at iconic magazine Smash Hits, she was synonymous with ‘Madchester’ and the rave scene in the 90s, and has since built a portfolio career covering print, radio, television and publishing. She has been the Observer’s audio critic for 13 years, and has interviewed artists from the Happy Mondays to Madonna. In this in-depth interview, she describes the joy of writing a well-crafted hatchet job, shares her defin
Media Masters - James Ledbetter
James Ledbetter is editor-in-chief of American business magazine Inc. Taking the reins in 2014, he oversees a global multimedia business covering print, digital, video, custom publishing and live events with a monthly online audience of 20 million and a print circulation of 700,000. Their ‘Inc 5000’ list is the definitive ranking of America’s fastest-growing, privately held companies. In this in-depth interview, he takes us through the magazine’s 40-year history from the three-piece suits of the
Media Masters - Matthew Belloni
Matthew Belloni is editorial director of the Hollywood Reporter. A former attorney, in 2008 he swapped the courtroom for the newsroom, two years after becoming their entertainment law editor. Now in charge of a global brand, he oversees 150 editorial staff who produce an array of multimedia content for an audience of over 35 million worldwide. In this in-depth interview, he reveals the unglamorous reality of red carpet reporting, describes the “colossal failure” of the Academy to make the Oscars
Media Masters - Julie Etchingham
Julie Etchingham presents ITV’s News at Ten, and fronts their major current affairs shows Tonight, Exposure and On Assignment. Starting her career as a BBC trainee in 1990, she has worked for Sky and ITV, reporting on global events such as Grenfell, the US and UK elections and terror attacks in Westminster, Paris and Brussels. She also led ITV’s coverage of the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and in 2015 was the first woman to moderate a general election leaders’ debate. A vocal campa
Media Masters - Adrian Monck
Adrian Monck is managing director of the World Economic Forum, best known for their flagship conference at Davos. The annual event brings together the world’s political leaders with entrepreneurs, economists and celebrities to discuss the most pressing issues facing humanity. In this in-depth interview, the former broadcast journalist and university professor talks behind the scenes at Davos, how social media is helping the Forum to reach new audiences worldwide – and reveals what it really take
Media Masters - Stephen Wright
Stephen Wright is associate news editor at the Daily Mail. His reporting of the Stephen Lawrence murder drove the paper’s campaign to bring his killers to justice. During his 30-year career he has written about the country’s most shocking murders, investigated criminal gangs, and exposed police corruption. In this in-depth interview, he discusses the difficulty of reporting distressing court details, how the press/police relationship suffered after Leveson – and recalls how he feared for his lif
Media Masters - Emma Banks
As co-head of Creative Arts Agency, music industry agent Emma Banks leads a £200m business with 2,000 employees. Her clients include some of the biggest names in music such as Florence + The Machine, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Muse. During her 25-year career, she has received a number of industry gongs – including the 2018 MITS award for her “significant contribution to the UK music industry”, having been hailed “a trailblazer for women”. In this in-depth interview,
Media Masters - Mark Williams-Thomas
Mark Williams-Thomas is a multi award-winning investigative reporter. After a 12-year career with Surrey Police, he became an advisor for television crime dramas, and got his first on-screen presenting job while organising a sting on a German paedophile in 2008 for ITV’s Tonight programme. He has since reported on a number of major investigations, including the murder of Tia Sharp and the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. In this in-depth interview, he discusses his involvement with the Savile
Media Masters - Julio Bruno
Julio Bruno is chief executive of Time Out Group. During his three years at the helm, he has overseen the brand’s transformation into a multi-platform media, entertainment, retail and e-commerce operation with a global audience of 217 million. He has also coordinated the expansion of the new Time Out Markets, which last year attracted 3.6 million visitors and is already helping to drive the company back to profitability with five more set to open over the next 12 months. In this in-depth intervi
Media Masters - Paul Royall
Paul Royall is editor of BBC News at Ten. After joining the BBC in 1997 as part of the original News 24 team, he worked on BBC Breakfast before becoming editor of the distinctly different Six and Ten in 2012. Since then, he has overseen reporting of two general elections, the Scottish referendum, Brexit and the presidency of Donald Trump, and has responsibility for deciding the running order of the two programmes. In this in-depth interview, he answers the question he’s most asked - about the ro
Media Masters - Rageh Omaar
Rageh Omaar is international affairs editor at ITV News. During his 25-year career, he has reported from some of the world’s most unpredictable conflicts and humanitarian disasters in Kabul, Baghdad and Gaza. His 2017 report on the impending famine in the Horn of Africa led to more than £50m of aid being raised, and cemented his reputation for hard-hitting coverage of humanitarian disasters. In this in-depth interview, he recalls some of the pivotal moments of his career, from interviewing Nelso
Media Masters - Alison Phillips
Alison Phillips is editor of the Daily Mirror. She has held a number of top jobs within Trinity Mirror (now ‘Reach’), including editing the Sunday Mirror, the Sunday People and the short-lived New Day. Since taking the reins at the UK’s longest-running red-top, she has vowed to continue the newspaper’s proud history of campaigns - over the last century, the paper has been instrumental in securing more lifeboats (after the Titanic sank without enough for steerage passengers), outlawed seal clubbi
Media Masters - Emily Wilson
Emily Wilson is editor of New Scientist. Following on from a successful career at the Guardian, including a stint editing its Australian edition, she is the first woman in charge of the magazine in its 62-year history. Tasked with bringing the magazine to a younger, more diverse audience, she discusses her plans to expand on its existing five million online readers. In this in-depth interview, she argues that science advocacy is “boring”, and describes how some of her favourite stories are the o
Media Masters - Alan Rusbridger
Alan Rusbridger is former editor-in-chief of the Guardian. During his two decades at the helm, he masterminded the newspaper’s transformation into a global digital brand with a reach of over 150 million, and played a central role in coverage of major events including the phone hacking scandal, Wikileaks, and the Pulitzer prize-winning revelations involving whistleblower Edward Snowden. In this in-depth interview, he argues why President Trump’s anti-media crusade has “done us all a favour”, and
Media Masters - Carl Swanson
Carl Swanson is editor-at-large of New York magazine, Vulture and The Cut. Carl was pivotal in the company’s expansion into digital, and its branded websites now attract around 50 million unique users per month. In this in-depth interview, he looks back on 14 years at one of New York’s most prestigious publications, and remembers the magazine’s relationship with the then ‘New York micro-celebrity’ and frequent cover star Donald Trump.
Media Masters - John Ridding
John Ridding is chief executive of the Financial Times. Since starting his career on the newspaper’s international desk, he has reported from South Korea, Indonesia and China. After he introduced a paywall in 2008, the FT is now celebrating the highest paid-for readership in its 130-year history. In this in-depth interview, he talks fondly about the ‘serendipity factor’ that print brings, and warns how the world risks missing the ‘tectonic shift’ happening in China while we’re distracted by Trum
Media Masters - Sarah Baxter
Sarah Baxter is deputy editor at the Sunday Times. After a successful career in publishing, Sarah started her journalism career at Time Out, before tackling roles at the New Statesman and the Observer, where she became senior associate editor. She has reported on the fall of the Berlin Wall, the rise of Hamas in Gaza and, while living in New York in 2001, the 9/11 terror attack on the Twin Towers. In this in-depth interview, she pays tribute to departed colleagues AA Gill and Marie Colvin, discu
Media Masters - Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith is head of music at BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music. A 25-year veteran of the industry, he has been head of music at Radio 1, director of music programming at Napster and controller of Capital Radio. He is responsible for what makes it onto the stations’ playlists, heard by more than 15 million listeners every day. In this in-depth interview, he looks back at the highlights of his career, explains why he thinks the BBC is uniquely placed to break new music, and reveals how he came up with the
Media Masters - Emma Tucker
Emma Tucker is deputy editor of the Times, the UK’s longest-running daily national newspaper. Previously a reporter for the FT and editor of FT Weekend, she joined the Times in 2007 as associate features editor and became editor of T2 within a year. After the controversial decision to introduce an “impermeable” paywall in 2010, she explains how they evolved the model to give non-subscribers partial access, which led to an increase in paid subscriptions. In this in-depth interview, Emma reveals w
Media Masters - Lisa Smosarski
Lisa Smosarski is Editor-in-Chief at Stylist, a free weekly women’s magazine distributed to commuters across seven major UK cities with a circulation of over 400,000. Launching the magazine from scratch in 2009, Lisa aimed to develop an intelligent magazine that represented different kinds of women through ethnic, body and age diversity. Stylist’s goal was to change the dynamic of magazines by providing a title which portrayed life through a feminist lens. In this in-depth interview Lisa talks a
Media Masters - Katherine Bell
Katherine Bell is Editor-in-Chief at Barron’s, a US newspaper founded in 1921, providing weekly analysis and market commentary. Starting her career in academic publishing - followed by an usual segue launching chef Delia Smith’s online business - Katherine spent ten years as the editor of Harvard Business Review’s digital site. Appointed Editor-in-Chief at Barron’s with a brief to lead their digital transformation, Katherine’s strategy has broadened its audience and extended its influence. In th
Media Masters - Sari Botton
Sari Botton is Essays Editor at Longreads. Founded in 2009, emerging from the success of a hashtag campaign on Twitter, the site popularised the concept of the ‘long read’, initially aggregating content from around the web. Since then the site has grown its scope to host original journalism, personal essays, local news and blog posts. A long-time advocate and participant of the slow news movement, Longreads supports longform journalism through investigative pieces, profiles, interviews and perso
Media Masters - Melissa Kirsch
Melissa Kirsch is Editor-in-Chief of Lifehacker. Established in 2005, with an initial focus on tech and productivity, the site has grown to a record readership of 7 million and has expanded its scope to food, health, parenting and personal finance. A published poet and author, Melissa released “The Girl’s Guide” in 2015, a book aimed at younger women detailing the benefits of a social media detox. She is also a co-host of ‘The Upgrade’, a weekly podcast where listeners are offered tips on health
Media Masters - Carla Buzasi
Carla Buzasi is Managing Director of WGSN, the trend forecasting company. With over 250 trend forecasters and data scientists, and 75,000 active users globally, they help 6,500 businesses in twenty different industries across 100 countries. Carla spent 15 years in journalism, and was founding Editor-in-Chief of The Huffington Post UK - taking it from a static mock-up up on her iPad to a major brand with 8m UK users, winning ‘Editor of the Year’ twice in a row along the way. In this in-depth inte
Media Masters - Simon Cole
Simon Cole is Co-Founder and CEO of 7digital Group PLC. The company powers a huge amount of streaming and radio brands behind the scenes, providing both content and technology, serving 85 countries from four global offices with 150 employees, and a catalogue of 60 million songs. A self-confessed “radio industry lifer” he started out as an ambitious teenager working at BBC Radio Blackburn, and in 1989 he started the Unique Broadcasting Company, which became the market leader in network commercia
Media Masters - Les Hinton
Les Hinton worked for Rupert Murdoch for over fifty years, starting out as a copy boy at the Adelaide News, ultimately spending decades as his most trusted lieutenant, running his global media empire. His memoir “The Bootle Boy: an untidy life in news” has recently been published to positive reviews. In this in-depth interview, he talks through the highs and lows of those five decades, taking in periods at the helm of Fox TV, News International, The Wall Street Journal; and discusses his resign
Media Masters - Tim Shipman
Tim Shipman is Political Editor of the Sunday Times. A national newspaper journalist for nearly twenty years, he was previously the Deputy Political Editor of the Daily Mail, and Washington Correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph. In this in-depth interview, he shares his front-row seat at the ongoing battle for Brexit and the recent bungled general election, with daily life dealing with all the major players - both on and off the record; observes that during the days of Blair and Brown people a
Media Masters - Henry Faure Walker
Henry Faure Walker is CEO of Newsquest, one of the largest publishers of regional news in the UK. It owns 165 newspapers and 40 magazines; with a combined reach of 6.5 million print readers and 30 million online; and employs 5,500 people across the country. In this in-depth interview, Henry discusses the challenge of making local news commercially sustainable, amidst a litany of challenges: the decline of classified advertising, reducing headcount, and the ‘frenemy’ relationship with the likes o
Media Masters - Emma Gormley
Emma Gormley is Managing Director of Daytime at ITV Studios. She is responsible for 6.5 hours of live TV every day, a team of over 400 people, and is Editor-in-Chief of ITV’s flagship brands Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women. In this in-depth interview, Emma takes us behind the scenes on all the shows, talks in detail about how they are put together, her work modernising the brands and their future direction, innovations such as ‘This Morning Live’ which attracted 30,
Media Masters - Matt Kelly
Matt Kelly is Chief Content Officer at Archant, and Editor of The New European - launched as a four edition ‘pop-up’ national “newspaper for the 48%” who voted to remain in the EU. Its first edition sold 40k copies, is now on a permanent footing with a weekly distribution of 75k, and earning the prestigious ‘Chairman’s Award’ at the National Press Awards along the way - with Matt himself winning ‘Pioneer of the Year’ by the Society of Editors. In this in-depth interview, Matt talks through the
Media Masters - Stephen Bayley
Stephen Bayley is a critic, columnist, and best-selling author - the original ‘design guru’ and the recipient of “Chevalier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” - France's top artistic honour. His work has transformed popular perceptions of design; he writes regularly for major publications including Vanity Fair, The Times and The Observer; is Contributing Editor of GQ, and has appeared on many TV shows such as ‘Have I Got News for You’ and ‘Grumpy Old Men’. In this in-depth interview
Media Masters - Sam Taylor
Sam Taylor is Executive Editor of the BBC News Channel and BBC News at One. Starting his career as a news trainee in 1997, Sam oversees the coverage of huge breaking stories to an audience of 8 million; and combines both editorial and managerial responsibility, while also leading the channel’s future direction. In this in-depth interview, Sam talks about tackling cries of ‘BBC bias’ from passionate voices on either side of issues like Brexit, Trump, and Scottish independence; the right tone and
Media Masters - Emma Gannon
Emma Gannon is an author, consultant, broadcaster and podcast presenter. Her first book ‘Ctrl, Alt, Delete: How I Grew Up Online’ came out in 2016, and the eponymous podcast has featured guests such as Lena Dunham, Gillian Anderson, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Zoella. Her imminent second book ‘The Multi-Hyphen Method: work less, create more, and design a career that works for you’ has led to her starring in a national advertising campaign for Microsoft which showcases her career, and the ‘Method’.
Media Masters - Anthony Scaramucci
Anthony Scaramucci is an entrepreneur, financier, and for a short time was President Donald Trump’s Communications Director. In this in-depth interview, ‘The Mooch’ talks in detail about that tumultuous period - how he became an “accidental entrant into the political system”, put his company up for sale to serve a President whose candidacy he had previously opposed, though ultimately becoming one of his most loyal and vocal supporters; talks about his relationship with Trump, calling him the “t
Media Masters - Jason Feifer
Jason Feifer is the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine, which has 3 million readers and an online reach of 14 million, and established over 40 years ago as the ‘go-to’ brand aimed at ambitious people looking for advice and inspiration to ‘start, run and grow’ their business. He also hosts two podcasts: ‘Problem Solvers’ - about solving unexpected problems in business, and ‘Pessimists Archive’ - a history of unfounded fears of innovation. In this in-depth interview, he details the evolvin
Media Masters - Rosie Nixon
Rosie Nixon has been at HELLO! magazine for over a decade, appointed joint Editor in 2008 and promoted to Editor-in-Chief in 2016. Under her leadership, the magazine has recorded the largest-ever increase in reach, with a weekly print readership of 900,000 and over 2 million online. In this in-depth interview, she reveals how the iconic magazine is put together, with its unique mix of celebrity, royalty, and red carpet paired with fashion, beauty and lifestyle - deliberately positive, warm and
Media Masters - Christian Broughton
Christian Broughton is Editor of The Independent. After spending much of his career at the ‘Indy’ and the i newspaper, he became Digital Editor in 2012, and launched the award-winning indy100 website. In 2016, when Evgeny Lebedev famously closed the print edition, he took over as Editor, taking their reach to a peak of 120 million, and 6 million daily readers. In this in-depth interview, he discusses his efforts to take full advantage of the opportunities digital presents, while maintaining thei
Media Masters - Audrey Cooper
Audrey Cooper is Editor-in-Chief of the San Francisco Chronicle. One of Cosmopolitan magazine’s ‘50 Fearless Women’ she joined as Assistant Metro Editor in 2006, and just nine years later became Editor-in-Chief - the first woman to hold the position in the publication’s 150 years, and the youngest-ever to fill the top post at a major US paper. In this in-depth interview, she shares the secrets of her amazing turnaround - from shedding staff and losing millions to a sustainable business with a r
Media Masters - Andrew Tuck
Andrew Tuck is Editor of Monocle, the international affairs and lifestyle media brand. After initially turning down founder Tyler Brûlé with his idea for a new kind of premium lifestyle magazine, he soon relented and they launched in 2006. In this in-depth interview, he explores their relationship, the journey so far, and how his own role has evolved; discusses their approach to international affairs, business, culture, design, and fashion; talks through their innovations such as the launch of r
Media Masters - Sarah Sands
Sarah Sands is Editor of Today, the BBC’s flagship news programme. In this in-depth interview, she shares how her appointment surprised many after a long career in print, the changes she has already made to the show and her plans for its future direction; reflects on life in the Editor’s chair at the London Evening Standard, where she stands by her former paper’s support for Zac Goldsmith - though conceding he “would've been terrible” as London’s Mayor; discusses the BBC gender pay gap prob
Media Masters - Neil Thompson
With 33 years in broadcast journalism under his belt, Neil Thompson began rising with the larks in 1993, as part of the GMTV launch team, and has been a stalwart of ITV early mornings ever since. In this in-depth interview, he discusses the multiple attempts to rescue the “disaster” that was Daybreak - lessons learned which resulted in the wholly rethought “live, inclusive, immersive” approach for Good Morning Britain; examines the successful pairing of “two alpha brains” Piers Morgan and Susann
Media Masters - Katya Adler
A 20-year BBC veteran and respected war correspondent, Katya Adler is still covering ferocious conflict - this time with Brexit. Appointed Europe Editor in 2015 - arriving in Brussels with reservations that her new beat would be dull and uneventful - she instead found herself reporting on Europe’s most turbulent time since the Second World War: the Greek economic collapse, the Migrant Crisis, and the rise of populism. In this in-depth interview, she laments an increasing propensity for European
Media Masters - Madhav Chinnappa
Madhav Chinnappa is the senior executive at Google responsible for their relationship with the news industry. After 9 years at the BBC leading their commercial team, he joined the ‘wonderfully crazy company’ and deliberately became ‘the most technically dumb guy at Google’ to boost their understanding of the media ecosystem beyond a tech-only approach. In this in-depth interview, he talks through their Digital News Initiative - offering expertise, and even cash investment through their Innovatio
Media Masters - David Yelland
David Yelland is the former Editor of The Sun, and is now a senior communications advisor to global CEOs. A journalist for 18 years, he started on a local weekly newspaper, eventually reaching Deputy Editor at the New York Post. He then took the reins for five successful years at Britain's biggest-selling daily newspaper before leaving to join the world of corporate comms. In this in-depth interview, David discusses the challenges he faced as Editor; talks candidly about his successes and
Media Masters - Jessica Coen
Jessica Coen is Editor-in-Chief of Mashable, the global media brand for all things tech, entertainment and culture, with 70 million monthly readers. In this illuminating interview, Jessica talks through her career journey - how her previous job as Editor of Gawker gave her a ‘tremendous launch pad’ and a strong digital insight, now helping her take Mashable’s audience to record highs; argues the so-called ‘Trump bump’ is over, and outlines what media companies need to do to stay relevant, susta
Media Masters - Lorraine Candy
Lorraine Candy is Luxury Content Director of The Sunday Times, and Editor-in-Chief of the paper’s Style magazine. A former Editor of Cosmopolitan and ELLE UK, she was twice-named Editor of the Year. In this in-depth interview, she describes her start in journalism as a teenager at the Cornish Times, and questions whether the same opportunities are available today; goes behind the scenes of her biggest news stories; details how her job has to combine traditional editorial with digital insight to
Media Masters - Adam Boulton
Adam Boulton is Editor-at-Large at Sky News. He was instrumental in establishing Sky’s politics team in 1989, and over the next three decades went on to cover seven general elections. In this in-depth interview, he describes the thrill of assembling a story live on air; explores the tension between politicians and journalists; and reminisces that, uniquely, he is the only journalist to have ever ‘doorstepped’ the Queen.
Media Masters - Tom Newton Dunn
Tom Newton Dunn is Political Editor at The Sun, the UK’s most read daily newspaper. Widely regarded as one of the best story-getters in the industry, Tom is an award-winning journalist and a regular TV commentator. In this in-depth interview, he fails to recall the last time there was a 'quiet week' in politics; contemplates the future of the centre-ground as voters crave radical change; explains why Corbyn needs to learn to love the word 'aspiration' if he wants to be PM; an
Media Masters - Ian King
Ian King is the presenter of Sky News’ leading business programme. The former City Editor at The Sun and Business and City Editor at The Times, Ian twice won Business Journalist of the Year before swapping the newsroom for the TV studio in 2014. In this in-depth interview, he describes how the shelf life of exclusive stories has been cut from weeks to hours; discusses how social media has changed the way CEOs respond to crises; and reveals what his day job has taught him about what it takes to b
Media Masters - Jane Francisco
Jane Francisco is the Editor-in-Chief of Good Housekeeping, one of the world’s leading women’s magazines. Founded in 1885, Good Housekeeping has counted Virginia Woolf and Evelyn Waugh among its former contributors, and is widely known and respected for its iconic Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. After her appointment in 2014, Jane grew the magazine’s reach to 60 million, and was recently named Editorial Director at Hearst Lifestyle Group. In this in-depth interview, she discusses the segment
Media Masters - Mike Williams
Mike Williams is the Editor-in-Chief of NME, the UK's most widely read music publication. Launched in 1952 as a newspaper, NME was the first British title to include a singles chart, and later championed emerging British groups such as The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Oasis. Mike led the successful relaunch of NME as a free magazine in 2015, and was named Editor of the Year in 2016, when the magazine recorded its highest ever circulation. In this in-depth interview, Mike takes us behind
Media Masters - Joanne Lipman
Joanne Lipman is Editor-in-Chief of USA Today, with a daily reach of 3.3 million in print across the US, and 102 million unique visitors online reading 1.2 billion articles; and Chief Content Officer of The USA Today Network, employing 3,000 journalists in 110 regional newspapers across America. In this in-depth interview, she talks about her ‘calling’ to journalism and how an internship at the Wall Street Journal led to over twenty years at the paper; her current role and the challenges of lead
Media Masters - Farrah Storr
Farrah Storr is Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan UK, Britain's most widely-read women's magazine, with an online reach of over ten million regular readers. Named on The Guardian’s 2017 list of Britain’s most powerful people, in this in-depth interview she describes how the iconic media brand is facing the digital challenge, who today's ‘Cosmo woman’ actually is, and why she had to reinvent the way they write about sex; discusses why she is passionate about improving diversity in th
Media Masters - David Pemsel
David Pemsel is CEO of The Guardian Media Group. In this in-depth interview, now over two years into the job, he discusses his plan to tackle mounting losses and return to profitability - shedding jobs, abandoning the Berliner presses and moving to tabloid; discusses the success of their initiative to encourage readers to become ‘supporters’, which now raises more revenue than print advertising and keeps the site paywall-free; outlines his plans to grow the Guardian’s global presence and build o
Media Masters - Carl Johnson
Carl Johnson is Founding Partner and global CEO of Anomaly, an award-winning advertising agency with over 600 staff, and offices in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Shanghai. Launched in 2004, their name is a direct response to the “broken” traditional agency model, and the “blurring of the borders” between previously separate disciplines such as advertising, branding, marketing, social media and PR. In this in-depth interview, he pulls back the curtain on some of t
Media Masters - Mark Frankel
Mark Frankel is Social Media Editor at BBC News. In this in-depth interview, he discusses how for millions of people the news is now increasingly broken (and made) on Twitter; the importance the BBC places on accuracy over speed, and the editorial challenges created by each of the various social platforms; how the breaking news alerts are managed technically; how their use of live streaming allows them to engage with audiences in new ways; dealing with trolls, abuse, and the politics of fake new
Media Masters - Alistair Smith
Alistair Smith is Editor of The Stage, trade newspaper for the performing arts. In this in-depth interview, he discusses the challenges of moving the world’s oldest theatre publication (founded in 1880) to digital, and embracing the commerical/editorial opportunity; offers an in-depth analysis of the global theatre trade, the ‘less glamorous’ side of show business, and the rapid rise in ticket prices; argues their world is controlled by closed networks and ‘who-you-know,’ how the Stage Debut Awa
Media Masters - Louisa Compton
Louisa Compton is Editor of ‘Victoria Derbyshire’ on BBC2. In this in-depth interview she discusses her long career in BBC Radio, her strong working relationship with Victoria, and their joint move from 5 Live into TV; takes us behind the scenes on the show, creating a unique mix of original stories, exclusive interviews, audience debates, and overlooked regional/world journalism; the emerging importance of social media as a platform in its own right, and how their success is measured on traditi
Media Masters - Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Krishnan Guru-Murthy is a Presenter on Channel 4 News. In this in-depth interview he argues that there has never been a better time to be a reporter, amidst the global uncertainty of Brexit, Trump and North Korea; expresses disappointment in politicians avoiding giving a straight answer, and the emerging trend to avoid the ‘tough interview’ altogether; speaks candidly about the pressures of war-zone reporting and his joy at fronting the ‘Unreported World’ programme; and in light of the Harvey We
Media Masters - Rob Stringer
Rob Stringer is CEO of Sony Music, one of the world's biggest record labels, with offices in 43 countries and $5bn revenue. In this in-depth interview, he reveals how a punk fan from Aylesbury made it to the very top of the global music industry; what it’s really like working with stars like Beyoncé, Adele, and Harry Styles, and how they deal with the darker side of fame; why no one really cares about the charts any more; and how in spite of streaming apps killing traditional record sales,
Media Masters - Lionel Barber
Lionel Barber is Editor of the Financial Times. In this in-depth interview, he discusses his long career, including covering the end of the Cold War, the first Gulf War and several US presidential campaigns; takes us behind the scenes of his interviews with some of the biggest global leaders, and reveals what Putin is really like in person; recalls his recent visit to the “chaotic” White House, meeting with a “self-conscious” President Trump; argues that Facebook and other “big platforms” have a
Media Masters - Darren Scott
Darren Scott is Editor of Gay Times, the largest, longest-running and most recognised gay magazine in the world. In this in-depth interview, he discusses how he grew the readership to nearly 3 million by making the content less news-driven, building a female audience, and a commercially-driven focus on creating content ‘that will sell’. He explains that while their coverage of ‘serious’ issues such as persecution of LGBT people in Russia is important, he isn’t driven by activism per se ‘because
Media Masters - Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown is a journalist, author and activist. In this in-depth interview, she asserts that being a proud “leftie-liberal, anti-racist and feminist” makes her more susceptible to online abuse; questions why a “feisty woman of colour” like herself wasn’t invited to comment on Brexit; and condemns the state of the media industry, arguing that newspapers have “dumbed down” and journalists would “rather write about Beyonce” than hold power to account.
Media Masters - Iain Martin
Iain Martin is a columnist for The Times, and Editor of Reaction, a website dedicated to political, economic and cultural analysis. In this in-depth interview, he discusses his journalism career including making Editor of The Scotsman aged thirty, then Editor of Scotland on Sunday, and Deputy Editor of The Sunday Telegraph. He talks through his portfolio career as columnist, blogger, and business owner; says no-one should get too ‘noble’ about journalism as it’s ‘politicians people remember’; ar
Media Masters - Richard Bradley
Richard Bradley is Editor-in-Chief of Worth, the lifestyle and wealth management magazine for ‘ultra-high-net-worth’ individuals. In this in-depth interview, he reveals what he’s learnt in a career profiling the super-wealthy; the growing culture of large-scale philanthropy in the light of the ‘Giving Pledge’ campaign; how President Trump has vastly fewer fans in the global elite than he claims; their efforts to utilise technology, data insight, and prestigious brand partnerships to retain the p
Media Masters - Gavin Hewitt
Gavin Hewitt is Chief Correspondent at BBC News. In this in-depth interview, he speaks candidly on Brexit and Trump, having observed both first hand as the BBC’s Europe Editor and then embedded in Trump’s campaign; enthuses about moving from reporting to commentating, welcoming a new-found ‘freedom’ to express his personal views; dealing with trolls while fulfilling his ‘obligation’ to engage in online debate; and argues we still haven’t realised the depth to which the technology-driven ‘Fourth
Media Masters - Justine Roberts
Justine Roberts is co-founder and CEO of Mumsnet. In this in-depth interview, she reveals how a disastrous family holiday led to her founding a platform which now has 10 million users and 120 million monthly visits; why a funding round scuppered by the dot-com crash gave them the chance to grow ‘something real’ - a genuine grassroots community, built from the ground up; reveals the shocking severity of troll attacks, including the sending of an armed SWAT team to her house; tackles critics claim
Media Masters - Anita Jacoby
Anita Jacoby is a veteran journalist, TV and film producer, former Managing Director of ITV Australia, and board member of the Australian Communications and Media Authority. During her 30 year career, Anita has produced some of the country’s most successful news programmes including 'Good Morning Australia' and '60 Minutes', and is the recipient of six awards from the Australian Film Institute. In this in-depth interview, she discusses the current media landscape ‘Down Under’
Media Masters - Maeve McClenaghan
Maeve McClenaghan is a reporter at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, a London-based, not-for-profit organisation that works to uncover stories in the public interest and hold power to account. In this candid interview, Maeve talks about the thrills and frustrations of working to expose injustice; how attitudes towards journalism differ in the U.S.; the emotional impact of probing wrongdoing; how more journalism can mean less objectivity; and why investigative journalism defies political bo
Media Masters - Jenny Afia
Jenny Afia is a senior media and privacy lawyer, and Partner at Schillings. In this in-depth interview, she discusses balancing an open society with the individual’s right to privacy; the legal mechanics of dealing with trolls and malicious online harassment; superinjunctions and the general direction of privacy law; explains the need for proactivity and compromise when managing the media; and argues against greater press regulation, despite her “contempt” for the paparazzi and the misery they c
Media Masters - Darcy Antonellis
Darcy Antonellis is a well-known Hollywood executive, and CEO of Vubiquity - a global technology company which brings movies and TV to viewers on any device. In this in-depth interview, she discusses the future of the entertainment business and why she thinks virtual reality will transform our lives; shares career lessons learned during senior leadership positions at CBS and Warner Brothers, including pioneering the world’s first anti-piracy solution; praises workplace diversity as ‘just good bu
Media Masters - Stephen Cole
Stephen Cole is an international broadcast journalist, and Chairman at the Institute of Diplomacy and Business. In this in-depth interview, he recounts his adventures on the launch presenting team of four global channels - Sky News, CNN International, BBC World and Al Jazeera English; reveals why modern TV news ‘bores’ him; claims the Middle East is the ‘only story’ we should be giving attention; argues the BBC should ‘give up pretending to be impartial’; and shares what he learned from four hou
Media Masters - Dolly Alderton
Dolly Alderton is a journalist, podcaster, director and former Story Producer for Made in Chelsea. In this in-depth interview, Dolly talks about her portfolio career, and freelancers’ need to have “13 good ideas before breakfast” to succeed; reveals behind the scenes of story producing a BAFTA-winning ‘reality’ series; her infamous dating column and the importance or striking a balance between oversharing online and keeping one’s personal life private; praises paywalls as a method of reducing tr
Media Masters - Ian Bremmer
Ian Bremmer is Editor-at-Large and global affairs columnist at TIME magazine, and the Founder and President of Eurasia Group, a leading political risk research/consulting firm, with offices in seven countries. In this in-depth interview he argues Trump, Brexit, refugee crises and Isis have resulted in the worst geopolitical environment since World War II; why experts need to take responsibility for failing to make the case during the Brexit and US election campaigns - including himself; and why
Media Masters - Anna Williams
Anna Williams is Head of News at BBC World News. In this in-depth interview, she reveals the challenges behind delivering news to a global audience of 100 million; broadcasting to strongly-censored countries such as North Korea; balancing fair coverage of the Thai monarchy without landing their in-country correspondents a life sentence; covering Brexit from a truly international (and decidedly non-UK only) perspective; combatting gender inequality at the BBC; how cold-calling CNN kickstarted her
Media Masters - Laura Desmond
Laura Desmond is a media entrepreneur, board member of Adobe Systems Inc. and former CEO of Starcom Mediavest, one of the largest media networks in the world. In 2008 she became their youngest CEO, billing $26 billion a year, and doubling the size of the business to 8,000 employees in 110 locations. In this in-depth interview, she shares lessons learnt from over 30 years at the top; including candid advice from Sheryl Sandberg, and why her early career in Latin America was instrumental to her la
Media Masters - Poorna Bell
Poorna Bell is UK Executive Editor and Head of Global Lifestyle at HuffPost. In this in-depth interview, she discusses her book ‘Chase the Rainbow’ about her husband’s tragic suicide, the paradox of modern masculinity, and HuffPost's campaigning commitment on mental health issues; shares the changes she made to grow the Lifestyle section into the site's second most popular channel; argues successful editors have to build on great journalism with an equal focus on commercial concerns; a
Media Masters - Maxine Mawhinney
Maxine Mawhinney is a veteran journalist and former BBC news anchor. In this in-depth interview, she talks through her career reporting around the world, starting in Northern Ireland during the Troubles; her experience as a correspondent in Tokyo and Berlin; her secondment to Washington covering the Clinton Presidency, the OJ Simpson trial and the Waco siege; breaking the news of Princess Diana’s fatal accident on air; and gives frank advice to the next generation of journalists who want to foll
Media Masters - Roger Mosey
Roger Mosey is Master of Selwyn College, Cambridge; and former BBC Editorial Director. Roger spent over 30 years at the beeb, and held some of its biggest jobs: Director of Sport, Controller of Radio 5 Live, Head of Television News, and leading the coverage of the 2012 Olympics. In this in-depth interview he reveals behind the scenes at the top of the world’s largest broadcaster, the maelstrom behind closed doors during the Savile crisis; why he never wanted to be Director General and the "
Media Masters - Nicky Cox
Nicky Cox MBE is the founder and Editor of the children's newspaper First News. Founded in 2006, with 2.3 million readers and half of the UK’s schools subscribing, it won Best National Weekly Newspaper of the Year in 2012. In this in-depth interview, Nicky explains how they cover war, terrorism, and disasters in an appropriate way; discusses the importance of tackling fake news due to its stronger impact on children; and lists the issues that young people care about the most - with Brexit s
Media Masters - Minna Salami
Minna Salami is a journalist, writer, and TED speaker. Based in the UK, with a childhood in Finland and her formative years in Nigeria, she uses her triple nationality to frame her writing; and has emerged as a feminist voice with an African-centered perspective, on her blog msafropolitan.com. ELLE Magazine named her one of ‘12 women changing the world’ with Michelle Obama and Angelina Jolie. In this in-depth interview, Minna argues bloggers have an important role driving global political change
Media Masters - Ian Burrell
Ian Burrell is former Media Editor of The Independent, and one of the UK’s foremost news industry commentators. In this in-depth interview he talks through his career, starting at the Birmingham Post & Mail, his work at the Sunday Times Insight team, and 20 years at The Independent; discusses journalism’s future, despite ‘heartless’ cuts to newsrooms; and strongly criticises Facebook for holding back ‘critical’ information from publishers, threatening the industry.
Media Masters - Jimmy Wales
Jimmy Wales is the founder of Wikipedia, the world’s largest encyclopedia. In this in-depth interview he talks through the whole journey from inception to today, now with 270 million daily views and 40 million articles in 293 languages. He speaks candidly on what’s still wrong with Wikipedia and what he’s doing to put it right, including addressing the deficit of female voices; shares his plans for WikiTribune, his new website to combat fake news; and discusses the Turkish government’s Wikipedia
Media Masters - Mary Hockaday
Mary Hockaday is Controller of the BBC World Service. In this in-depth interview, she talks through the challenges of running a truly global broadcaster and producing content that appeals to audiences across the world; reflects on reporting landmark events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nelson Mandela’s death, and 9/11; examines the sensitivities covering graphic and horrific stories; shares her optimism about journalism despite a ‘challenging and bumpy time’; and light-heartedly contrasts
Media Masters - Aidan White
Aidan White is Founder of the Ethical Journalism Network. Following his journalism career at the Financial Times and the Guardian, he became General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists, and Chair of the Appointments Panel at IMPRESS, the controversial press regulator now recognised by Royal Charter. In this in-depth interview, he challenges the conventional wisdom that the internet has had a positive impact on journalism, arguing it has encouraged a plethora of badly written
Media Masters - Matthew Gwyther
Matthew Gwyther is Editor of Management Today, the UK’s biggest-selling business magazine, launched in 1966 and regarded as one of the most authoritative in the world. In this in-depth interview, he takes us behind the scenes of the whole editorial operation; celebrates entrepreneurs and argues they are born, not made - but can often be terrible managers; shares their collective passion to advance the cause of women in business, and calls for more women in middle management; and contends strongl
Media Masters - Hannah Devlin
Hannah Devlin is the Guardian's Science Correspondent, and presenter of their science podcast. In this in-depth interview, she explains why she chose journalism over academic biomedicine; talks frankly about sexism in science; discusses her move from Science Editor at The Times, the differences of writing without a paywall, and her view that social media has fundamentally changed journalism; reveals the slate of groundbreaking research she's currently reporting on; and explains why - a
Media Masters - John Fallon
John Fallon is CEO of Pearson, the multinational publishing company and former owner of the Financial Times. In this in-depth interview, John discusses the disposal of the FT; outlines his plans for Pearson’s turnaround, despite facing their toughest years yet; talks candidly about his business successes and failures; takes us through his career, from humble beginnings as John Prescott’s researcher, to CEO of a global brand; reveals why he treasures the first edition of Dr Johnson’s Dictionary i
Media Masters - Janet Lee
Janet Lee is the BBC’s Executive Producer for Arts and Culture. In this in-depth interview, she discusses the challenges she faces growing the audience for arts programmes, and how she balances attracting new viewers and listeners while maintaining artistic integrity; robustly defends the BBC’s efforts on tackling diversity; and shares her adventures during a long career, including stints as Editor of The Culture Show, Producer of Desert Island Discs, Producer of Simon Schama's History of B
Media Masters - Heidi Dawson
Heidi Dawson is the Editor of BBC Radio 5 Live. In this in-depth interview, she champions their move to Salford’s MediaCityUK, welcoming a “less London-centric view”; advocates podcasting as the key to unlocking a younger audience; recounts how a work trip to Jerusalem profoundly changed her journalism; talks through her ambitious plans to grow the station, and hits back at critics who describe it as “bloke-ish”.
Media Masters - Randall Lane
Randall Lane is the Editor of Forbes, one of the world's most iconic and prestigious business publications. In this in-depth interview, he explains how covering a huge cocaine bust for his student newspaper made him want to be a journalist; reveals what he’s learnt from interviewing the world’s biggest billionaires (and the three things they all have in common); takes us behind the scenes of the groundbreaking '30 under 30', the feature which discovered the founders of Snapchat, I
Media Masters - Pam Wasserstein
Pam Wasserstein is CEO of New York Media, whose publications include New York magazine, Vulture, and thecut.com. In this episode, Pam discusses the practical implications of Trump’s ‘shocking’ position on the media, her transition from a career in corporate law to CEO of a global media brand via the Tribeca Film Festival, and the importance of valuing journalists now more than ever.
Media Masters - David Callaway
David Callaway is CEO of TheStreet, one of America’s leading providers of financial news, with 11 million monthly readers. He was previously Editor-in-Chief of USA Today, modernising and growing the iconic brand to the fifth-largest in the US. In this in-depth interview, he talks candidly on the challenges and opportunities faced in 30 years in journalism; reflects on the risks and opportunities for Wall St under Trump; and ponders on the dangers facing the free press, with an increasingly hosti
Media Masters - Caroline Norbury
Caroline Norbury MBE is founding CEO of Creative England, whose purpose is to 'accelerate talent and ideas’ across the media industry. Funded by both public and private investment, the not-for-profit company emerged in 2011 after the government closed the UK Film Council; and so far has invested £40m to secure over 1,000 jobs - largely outside of London - across gaming, film, digital, and production services. In this in-depth interview, Caroline contends that Britain’s creative sector is a
Media Masters - Kurt Barling
Kurt Barling is Professor of Journalism at Middlesex University. In this in-depth interview, he reveals how observing first-hand the brutal Broadwater Farm Riots inspired him to follow a career in journalism. As well as winning many major awards for his reporting, Kurt has written a number of books, including "The 'R' Word: Racism"; and in over 25 years as a leading BBC broadcaster, has made dozens of primetime documentaries, reported undercover from multiple war zones, and b
Media Masters - Professor William Watkin
William Watkin is Professor of Contemporary Philosophy and Literature at Brunel University. In this in-depth interview, he discusses the emergence of ‘fake news’ and so-called ‘factobesity’; argues press complicity led to Brexit and Trump; and dissects the mechanics - and consequences - of post-truth media.
Media Masters - Michael Wilson
Michael Wilson is a journalist, broadcaster, and British TV's longest-serving Business and Economics Editor. In this in depth interview, he reveals how 'a boy from Scarborough' went on to transform TV news; takes us through his 20 years at Sky and how he brought 1.5 million viewers to GMTV; gives the inside look on Fleet Street’s golden age; and defends business itself - as the 'driving force that keeps our country going'.
Media Masters - Eleanor Mills
Eleanor Mills is Editorial Director at The Sunday Times, and Chair of Women in Journalism. In this in-depth interview, she discusses her career-defining campaigns on FGM and ‘Generation Porn’; takes on the ‘stale pale male’ media, challenging both men and women to level the imbalance; and talks through her landmark ‘trousergate’ interview with PM Theresa May.
Media Masters - Michael Hodges
Michael Hodges is Editor-at-Large for the Radio Times; and former Executive Editor at Time Out, known for his ‘Slice of Life’ column - an irreverent take on day-to-day London life, often from (or nearby) a pub. In this in-depth interview, he shares his adventures as an iconic London columnist; divulges what he’s learned from interviewing the biggest names in entertainment; and conveys his experience of taking a ‘lads mag’ into a war zone.
Media Masters - Mark Gallagher
Mark Gallagher is one of the UK’s most well known and respected lobbyists, prominent Brexiteer, and former Director of Public Affairs at ITN. He founded Pagefield in 2010 as a result of ‘boredom’ and a love of what he calls 'running towards the gunfire’. As Senior Partner, he has built an award-winning agency, with clients including Camelot, 21st Century Fox and John Lewis. In this in-depth interview, he reveals why old media brands are ‘not to be underestimated’ despite the move to digital
Media Masters - Tess Alps
Tess Alps is Chair of ThinkBox, the marketing body for commercial TV in the UK. In this frank interview, the self-described ‘wise old bird’ discusses her zero-tolerance for critics who claim TV is dying; argues successful engagement with digital presents strong opportunities; advocates ‘likeability’ as the most effective measure of success instead of relying on so-called ‘objective’ metrics; and sympathises with those who fast forward through the ad breaks...because she does too.
Media Masters - Robert Safian
Robert Safian is the Editor of Fast Company. In this in-depth interview, he reveals the strong sense of purpose behind the business and how this infuses their reporting; discusses how to stay flexible in a fast changing environment; explains why metrics are sometimes overrated; debates the difficulties of monetising an audience, and the struggle to make money in media; and waxes lyrical on the importance of company culture.
Media Masters - Zillah Byng-Thorne
Zillah Byng-Thorne is the CEO of Future plc, publisher of many best-selling magazines and media brands. In this in-depth interview, she walks through her career from accountant to media CEO; explains how a relentless focus on profit put the company back in the black from a £35m loss, searching for new revenue streams and fighting back against adblockers; and shares her ideas to get more senior women in the media.
Media Masters - Perez Hilton
Perez Hilton is an American entertainer and popular blogger, founder of the eponymous celebrity gossip site. In this in-depth interview, he explains what has made "Hollywood’s Most Hated Website" a success, outlasting many others; divulges the frustrations of his job and the pressures and intrusion of social media; reveals a ‘ton of regrets’ over historic celebrity feuds; shares his thoughts on Castro’s death after his inaccurate announcement in 2007, and why he isn’t optimistic about
Media Masters - Steve Crabtree
Steve Crabtree is Editor of BBC Horizon, the world's longest-running science documentary. In this in-depth interview, he discusses his 'humble origins' as a self-described ‘local lad’ from Barrow-in-Furness. After dropping out of school with no qualifications, he worked at the shipyards painting nuclear submarines, reading comic books and playing in a local band - but determined to succeed in media, he took a creative arts degree and moved to London. Now Editor of the very program
Media Masters - Jim Impoco
Jim Impoco is the Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek. In this in-depth interview, he talks through the recent resurrection of the iconic brand, and the 'exciting opportunity' it presents to reinvigorate long-form journalism; argues for still further editorial risk-taking and innovation to tackle 'post-truth' social media; describes the current newsroom operation and the process of creating the ideal Newsweek cover story; and recalls the now-infamous 'Madam President' doubl
Media Masters - Alan Murray
Alan Murray is the Chief Content Officer at Time Inc, responsible for its journalism across the whole company - 7,200 employees, 150 million readers, and 100 global media brands including People, TIME, Sports Illustrated, and Entertainment Weekly. He is also Editor in Chief of Fortune. In this in-depth interview, he discusses his new role - the opportunities and challenges for legacy brands embracing digital; connecting with emerging talent and trends; interacting with 80,000 readers on his dail
Media Masters - Henry Blodget
Henry Blodget is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Business Insider. In this in-depth interview, he explains how he created one of the most successful business publications in the world, from the jaws of ‘humiliating’ defeat - taking the site to 100 million readers, 300 employees, and a $343m sale. The self-confessed ‘news addict' argues we're in the ‘golden age’ of journalism; welcomes Facebook as a generator of traffic and not as competitor; shares an innovative idea to fund struggl
Media Masters - Cristina Nicolotti Squires
Cristina Nicolotti Squires is Editor of Channel 5 News. In this in-depth interview, she makes the case that TV news is here to stay amidst social media and smartphones; talks industry sexism and lack of diversity and questions the strength of the glass ceiling; discusses the importance of humanising tragic news, including her reaction to breaking MP Jo Cox’s murder live on air; argues that journalism is now more dangerous than ever in the face of extremist groups; reflects on the best and worst
Media Masters - William Taylor
Bill Taylor is a business journalist, bestselling author, columnist, and media entrepreneur. In this in-depth interview, he shares his story of leaving his job as Editor of Harvard Business Review to co-found 'Fast Company' magazine; starting in borrowed office space, but soon gaining countless awards, a passionate global following - and sold just six years later for $340 million. An adjunct professor at Babson College, America's top-rated school for entrepreneurship, Bill writes
Media Masters - John Hardie
John Hardie is Chief Executive of ITN. In this in-depth interview, he talks through his career and how he ended up in television news, despite a 14-year ‘detour’ at Proctor and Gamble and Disney; reveals how he turned ITN around despite a challenging start with a 'black hole' in its pension fund; discusses the future of journalism and ITN's role in it; strongly supports News at Ten's revamped style, arguing its anchors are right to mix commentary with their reporting; and sha
Media Masters - Stig Abell
Stig Abell is Editor of the Times Literary Supplement, and former Managing Editor of The Sun. In this in-depth interview, he reveals behind the scenes at his LBC show; argues that low wages and internships are making journalism a ‘parasitic medium’; discusses his love/hate relationship with social media and death threats he’s received; recounts his time at The Sun, his fondness for its ‘mix of high and low culture’, and empathises with its Hillsborough critics; welcomes how new technology is cha
Media Masters - Rhod Sharp
Veteran BBC broadcaster Rhod Sharp hosts 5 Live’s ‘Up All Night’ - described by the Washington Post as ‘arguably the best night-time show in the world’. In this in-depth interview, he argues media 'balance' is letting Donald Trump off the hook; reveals the secrets of the show’s production, including broadcasting from his Massachusetts home and uniquely intimate relationship with 1m listeners; discusses his commitment to the US and recent American citizenship; shares his best and worst
Media Masters - Mark Thompson
As Director-General, Mark Thompson led the BBC for 8 years, and is now CEO of the New York Times. In this in-depth interview, he reflects in detail on his career, and the BBC's challenges both past and present; reveals the demands on a Brit leading an iconic American newspaper, while keeping it relevant and profitable in the digital age; and makes the case that the language of modern politics - dominated with 'truthiness', 'authenticism' and the derision of expertise - i
Media Masters - Daniel Finkelstein
Times columnist and Tory peer Daniel Finkelstein is one of the UK’s leading political commentators. In this in-depth interview, he voices growing concerns about the ‘threatening and dangerous development’ of anti-semitism in the Labour Party, and why Corbyn’s ‘pretty lame’ response makes things worse; argues the EU Referendum was both right and necessary, reveals his misgivings at the ‘rising rift’ between educated and uneducated; the looming struggle for Conservatives after Brexit, and why desp
Media Masters - Heidi Blake
Investigative journalist Heidi Blake has helped break some of the biggest scandals of recent history: 'Westminster for sale' lobbying, 'generals for hire' defence deals, bribery at FIFA, and worldwide corruption in tennis. In this in-depth interview she challenges cynics, arguing investigative journalism is in its ‘golden age’, reveals some of the methodologies used to expose the rich and the powerful, and their counter techniques to block investigation; discusses the variety
Media Masters - Jeffrey Archer
Jeffrey Archer is one of the world’s most successful authors. In this in-depth interview, he discusses his strict writing regimen; how his personal experiences drive his characters and plots; his future writing plans, and indifference to literary piracy. On politics, he argues Sadiq Khan will be the next Labour PM, reveals enduring regret at abandoning his own mayoral bid; takes responsibility for his perjury conviction and the ultimate end of his political career; and shares anecdotes of his ti
Media Masters - Amy Bernstein
Amy Bernstein is Editor of Harvard Business Review. In this in-depth interview, she discusses the huge influence of HBR and the responsibility which comes with it; reveals the companies she pays attention to, and her predictions for the Next Big Thing; argues Africa is more interesting than Apple, gives advice to aspiring journalists keen to follow in her footsteps, and defends the importance of embracing failure.
Media Masters - Matthew Stadlen
Master inquisitor Matthew Stadlen presented over 200 BBC News ‘Five minutes with…’ programmes, and led ‘The Interview’ series for the Daily Telegraph. In this in-depth discussion, he reveals the art of the celebrity interview, divulges lessons learned from conversations with the biggest names; discusses his battles with PRs and his refusal to intrude into stars’ private lives, and explains why Jeremy Paxman would be his dream interview.
Media Masters - Carla Sosenko
Carla Sosenko is the Editor of Time Out New York. In this in-depth interview, she talks about ‘the best job in the world’ - being top of every invite list, the process of putting each issue together; her passion for creative writing and joy at seeing her play ‘Headcase’ performed; her advice to aspiring journalists and the importance of having a mentor, and her recent stab at stand up comedy.
Media Masters - Chris Wright
Chris Wright founded Chrysalis records and launched the careers of dozens of iconic artistes such as Blondie, Spandau Ballet and Billy Idol. In this revealing interview, Chris talks through four decades of sex, drugs and rock n roll; disrupting the radio industry through founding Heart and buying LBC, and shares his regret at selling Chrysalis Television, responsible for seminal TV shows such as Midsomer Murders.
Media Masters - Peter Bowes
Working for the BBC as a Correspondent based in Los Angeles, Peter has interviewed almost everyone in Hollywood, and is now covering the 2016 US presidential election. Well known to listeners of Radios 1, 2 and 5 Live, he also writes and makes documentaries about diet, exercise, and the ageing process. In this in-depth interview, he describes what it was like to cover the shocking OJ Simpson trial; reveals how different BBC programmes compete with one another; and explains how the celebrity junk
Media Masters - Vivienne Parry
Science broadcaster Vivienne famously presented Tomorrow's World and Panorama. In her pursuit to explain science to the public, she also wrote columns for The Times, The Guardian, and The News of the World; and was resident agony aunt, Lydia Mogg, for Good Housekeeping. In this in-depth interview, she walks through her career; criticises the television media for ageism against women; defends science reporters without an academic background; argues there's too little space for quality s
Media Masters - Matt Tee
Matt Tee is the Chief Executive of IPSO, the UK’s largest press regulator, overseeing 2,500 publications. In this in-depth interview, he describes IPSO’s fiery birth after phone hacking, Leveson, and turmoil in both Parliament and industry. Previously a senior civil servant controlling government communications - and a stint running NHS Direct - Matt talks about the complex regulatory framework; a boycott from The Guardian et al, with no settlement in sight; an often tense relationship with edit
Media Masters - Christian May
Christian raised eyebrows when appointed Editor of City AM, joining the paper aged 28 with no prior senior editorial experience. In this in-depth interview, he reveals how he was unexpectedly offered the job over dinner with the founders; describes the transition from PR and public affairs to journalism; discusses the initial challenges he faced and his approach to editing; defends giving advertisers the ability to publish directly to their website, and speculates about building on the success o
Media Masters - Iain Dale
Iain Dale is a political commentator, writer and publisher; presenter of LBC's drivetime show, and MD of current affairs publisher Biteback. In this in-depth interview, he talks candidly about his career highs and lows; reveals he partly blames himself for David Davis losing the Conservative leadership election; explains how he prepares for his daily LBC show; reminisces about founding Total Politics magazine, and criticises Dods for "running it into the ground"; and discusses in
Media Masters - Gemma Morris
A Sky News stalwart, Gemma Morris presents and co-produces Swipe, their weekly technology show; previously anchoring news coverage for both Sky News and Channel 5. In this in-depth interview, she talks through her career; reveals her unique process for choosing gadgets to feature on the show; describes the working relationship between journalists and PRs, including what makes an effective PR pitch; talks about the high-octane pressure of covering live breaking news, and discusses her work produ
Media Masters - Nick Ross
Best known for presenting Crimewatch, Nick Ross's BBC career took in presenting all the major news programmes on Radio 4 and the launch of BBC Breakfast Time. Now a crime consultant and author, he created the term 'crime science' and founded the Jill Dando Institute at UCL. In this in-depth interview, he discusses his broadcasting career; reveals why the police were initially reluctant to support Crimewatch; argues that the BBC licence fee should be axed; talks in detail about the
Media Masters - Jacqui Smith
Jacqui Smith was the first woman to hold the office of Home Secretary. Now a lobbyist and NHS executive, while in government she was a peacemaker between Blair and Brown, worked in the departments of health and education, and also served as Chief Whip. In this in-depth interview, she talks through her career; reveals what it takes to maintain party discipline as Chief Whip; describes being at the center of the expenses scandal; criticises the media for targeting women politicians, and explains w
Media Masters - Sir Trevor McDonald
One of the best-known and most respected journalists in the UK, Sir Trevor has reported from the most dangerous places in the world and interviewed an incredible array of world figures. In this in-depth interview, he talks through his career, condemns the media for an undue over-focus on 'balance'; criticises positive discrimination to fix the media's lack of diversity; and reveals behind-the-scenes stories from his time on News at Ten, interviewing Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi
Media Masters - Katie Hopkins
A right-wing firebrand, Katie is a MailOnline Columnist and LBC Presenter, and has appeared on a number of ‘celebrity’ TV shows, including famously snubbing Lord Sugar in The Apprentice. In this in-depth interview, she is robustly challenged on her controversial views, asked just how calculated her use of provocative language is, and whether she exaggerates her opinion for media attention. After accusing the BBC of ‘discriminating against white people’, discussing her police interview for her c
Media Masters - Matt Brittin
Matt is among the most senior global leaders at Google; and as President EMEA, is responsible for all their operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In this in-depth interview, he defends the accusation that Google is killing newspapers; describes how the company is now working closely with news agencies; argues Google still hasn't become part of the 'establishment' - and discusses his memorable appearance before Parliament to defend the company's controversial tax
Roundtable: Gender equality in the media
Lindsay Nicholson, Editorial Director at Good Housekeeping; Kate Kinninmont, CEO of Women in Film and Television, and Christina Lamb, author and Foreign Affairs Correspondent at The Sunday Times, join Paul Blanchard for a roundtable discussion on gender equality in the media. Why do men continue to vastly outnumber women in senior positions across print, television, and film? Are female reporters taken less seriously by the industry and indeed society? And what solutions could solve the problem
Media Masters - Bruce Daisley
Bruce runs Twitter's business in Europe. In this exclusive, in-depth interview, he describes what they have done to overcome bullying and tackle trolls; pulls back the curtain on the verification process; reveals his favourite Twitter account and tips for an impactful presence; discusses the legal challenges of differing censorship rules in multiple jurisdictions; and describes his plans to grow the overall business using apps like Periscope to broaden their audience.
Media Masters - Andrew Pierce
Andrew has covered politics for The Times, The Telegraph, and the Daily Mail, where he is now Consultant Editor and a columnist. A regular on Sky News, he also hosts his own show on LBC. In the interview, he gives his insider's view on working with Paul Dacre and hearing him "roar", discusses the difficulties of criticising friends in his column, and explains his view that the UK party political system is at breaking point.
Media Masters - Lawrence Atkinson
Hollywood PR Lawrence Atkinson has been responsible for generating the buzz around many of the world's largest blockbusters. In this in-depth interview, he explains how to get ahead in the movie business; outlines the latest innovations in fighting piracy, argues how British film can beat Hollywood at its own game... and shares his favourite anecdotes from working with the likes of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Robert Redford.
Roundtable: The Panama Papers
Simon Cox, Investigations Reporter at the BBC; David Pegg, investigative reporter at The Guardian, and Hugo Greenhalgh, Wealth Correspondent at The FT, join Paul Blanchard to discuss their media coverage. This episode: where does the line lie between public and private life, and is it fair to report individuals' private tax affairs? How did the ICIJ choose their media partners, and is collaborative journalism the future? And if the public isn't surprised by these revelations, was the s
Media Masters - Paul Staines
Westminster's chief mischief-maker, Paul Staines founded and runs the political blog Guido Fawkes, whose exposés have led to multiple resignations. In this exclusive interview, Paul challenges the "cosy relationship" between politicians and lobby journalists; responds to criticism that his blog is now part of the establishment, and discusses potential launches in India and Australia.
Media Masters - Isabel Oakeshott
Now the Daily Mail's Political Editor-at-Large, Isabel left The Sunday Times to co-author, with Lord Ashcroft, the famously-unauthorised biography of David Cameron "Call Me Dave". In this exclusive interview, she gives her inside view on the Chris Huhne speeding points scandal, which led to his resignation and imprisonment; discusses life as a lobby journalist and political TV pundit, and explains how writing her recent book "Farmageddon" changed her views on the farming
Media Masters - Pete Clifton
Pete Clifton is Editor-in-Chief at Press Association, one of the world's oldest news agencies. In this exclusive interview, he explains how digital has radically and irreversibly changed the news business; reveals what the future holds for the Press Association as it seeks to become a wholly digital-first agency; and talks through his career, including launching BBC News Online, leading MSN, and running the much-loved Ceefax.
Roundtable: Reporting on war
Richard Watson, BBC Newsnight's specialist terrorism reporter, Vaughan Smith, co-founder of the Frontline Club, and war correspondent Michael Goldfarb join Paul Blanchard to discuss the media and war. This episode: with increasingly fewer war correspondents on the ground, do the public have enough information? Does the military exhibit too much control over journalists when 'embedded'? And with terror groups now having their own PR teams, how can the media resist spoon-fed spectac
Media Masters - Sir Martin Sorrell
Sir Martin is CEO of the largest marketing and public relations company in the world, and employs 190,000 people in 112 countries. In this exclusive interview, he describes how he grew WPP into world's biggest advertising business by risking his own money, explains why he's worth every penny of his £60m pay packet, and reveals his view that a President Donald Trump might not be the economic disaster some people are expecting.
Media Masters - Peter Dickson
One of the UK's most recognisable TV broadcasters, 'Voiceover Man' Peter Dickson has been the announcer behind Britain's Got Talent, The X Factor, Live at the Apollo, and countless other shows, radio programmes, and video games. In this interview, he reveals what it is like to work with Simon Cowell; explains the vigorous vocal exercises involved in creating his beloved booming voice, and discusses how the voiceover industry works.
Media Masters - Martin Fewell
Martin Fewell is Director of Media & Communications at the Metropolitan Police Service. In this extended interview, he talks about the critical role the media plays in solving crimes; and details the challenges of managing highly sensitive information - ensuring criminals are caught, but ultimately still get a fair trial. Martin explains the decisions involved with terrorism and disorder issues - balancing reassuring the public but raising awareness of any danger. Plus the challenges of rebu
Roundtable: The future of print
Will any print newspapers exist in 10 years? Christian Broughton, Editor of the Independent Digital; Malcolm Coles, Director of Digital Media at the Telegraph Media Group, and Nic Newman, Editor of the Reuters Institute Digital News Report, join Paul Blanchard for this roundtable episode of the show to discuss the Independent's historic decision to end its print edition, whether newspapers will ever be able to make money from digital, and whether the digital future is something the industry
Media Masters - David Sillito
David Sillito is Media and Arts Correspondent at BBC News. In this wide-ranging interview, he discusses how the move to digital has fundamentally changed journalism, details the challenges of the BBC reporting on itself, gives his personal view on Charter renewal, and reveals the amount of time he spends preparing obituaries... for people who are still alive.
Media Masters - David Sillito
David Sillito is Media and Arts Correspondent at BBC News. In this wide-ranging interview, he discusses how the move to digital has fundamentally changed journalism, details the challenges of the BBC reporting on itself, gives his personal view on Charter renewal, and reveals the amount of time he spends preparing obituaries... for people who are still alive.
Media Masters - Rob Burley
Rob Burley has held top jobs at many leading political TV shows, including The Sunday Edition, Newsnight, Newswatch and Question Time. Now Editor of the Andrew Marr Show, the UK's flagship political programme, he reveals the behind-the-scenes of putting together the show, what it's like to work with Dimbleby and Paxman; and explains why he isn't afraid of Robert Peston's new ITV show.
Media Masters - Sir Simon Jenkins
Journalist and author Sir Simon Jenkins has held many of media's top jobs - including Editor of the Evening Standard, Editor of The Times, and Political Editor of The Economist. Now a well-respected columnist at The Guardian, in this in-depth interview he reveals some of the trickier decisions he made in the Editor's chair, discusses his long tenure as Chair of The National Trust, and tells us some of his favourite stories from a long career at the top.
VR, tabloids for women, & online investigations
Sara Custer, Deputy Editor at The PIE News, and Simon Parkin, an author and contributor at The Guardian and The New Yorker, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: Is virtual reality the next frontier for journalism? Is it a smart idea for The Mirror to launch a new title targeted at women? And, is there still space for long-form journalism online?
Media Masters - Alan Edwards
A legend in the world of music PR, Alan has represented some of the world's biggest stars, including David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Amy Winehouse, and Michael Jackson. In this in depth interview, he challenges negative perceptions about the PR industry, describes the mechanics of an effective campaign, and lifts the lid on some of his most memorable moments - including why he was once pulled in to the Prime Minister's office with the singer Shakira.
Sensationalising academic research, Trump, & celeb guest editors
Lauren Fedor, Chief Reporter at City AM, and Stephen Khan, Editor of The Conversation UK, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: Are journalists guilty of sensationalising academic research? Has the media contributed to the rise of Donald Trump? And do celebrity guest editors undermine the credibility of media brands?
Media Masters - Damian McBride
Damian McBride was a key member of Gordon Brown's inner circle, and as his Special Adviser, oversaw his campaign to become Prime Minster in 2007. In this interview, Damian discusses the struggles between Tony and Gordon, why he thinks Labour lost in 2015, and gives Corbyn some candid advice on how to revive the Labour Party.
BBC Charter, EU Referendum, & predictions for 2016
Tim Willcox, BBC News Presenter, and Mihir Bose, columnist at the Evening Standard, join Paul Blanchard for a New Year special. This episode: how will BBC Charter renewal discussions pan out this year? What sides will the media take in the EU Referendum? And what will be the big media stories in 2016?
Media Masters - Andy Hamilton
Comedian and screenwriter Andy Hamilton has created and written some of TV and radio's most popular shows, including Outnumbered, Drop the Dead Donkey, and Old Harry's Game. A regular panellist on QI, Have I Got News For You and The News Quiz, in this in-depth interview, he discusses his approach to comedy, explains how he adapts his writing for TV and radio differently, and talks about crowdfunding his first novel, The Star Witness.
Media Masters - David Rose
Investigative journalist David Rose famously exposed the UK Government's role in the torture of terror suspects. Former Home Affairs Editor at The Observer and now Special Investigations Writer at The Mail on Sunday, he talks about his role in overturning the murder convictions of the Tottenham Three, explains how he secured the first interviews with prisoners released from Guantanamo, and reveals the backlash he has experienced on social media in response to some of his articles.
Media Masters - Bob Shennan
Bob leads many of the BBC's flagship radio stations, including Radio 2, 6 Music, and the Asian Network. In this extended interview, he outlines his plans as the first Director of BBC Music, discusses Charter renewal, reveals the issues leading to the closure of Channel 4 Radio, and tackles claims the Beeb is too populist.
0:55 - Day-to-day duties of a Radio Controller
8:00 - Will 6 Music survive?
17.20 - Career to date
24.40 - The internet's impact on radio and TV
33.30 - L
BBC3 switch off, The Sun's ISIS survey & newspapers under pressure online
Joseph Harker, Assistant Comment Editor at the Guardian, and Jack Riley, Commercial and Audience Development Director at the Huffington Post, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: Are the BBC are right to switch off BBC3? Should the Sun have published a survey claiming “one in five British Muslims has sympathy for ISIS”? And is it possible for traditional newspapers to compete online?
Media Masters - John Sweeney
Investigative journalist John Sweeney is known for what he calls his "explosive" documentaries at BBC Panorama. In this intimate interview, he says what it was like to be harassed by the Church of Scientology; explains how he challenged the evidence of Professor Roy Meadow to help free cot death mum Sally Clark and six others, and recounts the challenges of going undercover in war zones like Chechnya, Zimbabwe and North Korea.
0.55 - Covering the Paris attacks
10:55 - ISIS brainw
Sports news impartiality, streaming music profits, & next-gen journalists
James Porter, Head of UK Journalism Training at the BBC, and Rob Lewis, CEO of Electric Jukebox, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: can news media be impartial on sport scandals when they are financially involved with the top teams? Will the music industry ever turn a sustainable profit from streaming? And what skills will the next generation of reporters need to compete?
Media Masters - Richard Conway
Richard rose to prominence by shining a light on the secretive and sometimes shadowy world at the top of international sporting organisations. Now Sports News Correspondent at BBC Radio 5 Live, in this in-depth interview, he talks about applying the techniques of political reporting to sports; reveals how he secured an exclusive and rare interview with Sepp Blatter, President of FIFA, and says what he was really like, and predicts where some of the next shocking stories in the sports world will
The Sun's paywall RIP, FoI under threat, & Seumas Milne joins Team Corbyn
Paul Johnson, Deputy Editor at The Guardian, and Jason Collie, Assistant Online Editor at the London Evening Standard, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: why did The Sun scrap its paywall just two years after it was introduced? Is the Government about to weaken the Freedom of Information Act, and should reporters be concerned? Now Seumas Milne has joined Team Corbyn as communications director, what advice should he give his new boss?
Media Masters - Robert Phillips
Author of "Trust Me, PR is Dead", Robert Phillips famously quit as President and CEO of Edelman, the largest PR company in the world. In this in-depth, one-to-one interview, Robert reveals the thinking that went into the decision which shocked the PR industry; explains why he believes social media and "radical transparency" have killed off PR and spin for good; and describes why trust is now one of the rarest commodities for companies - and how they can effectively build it.
Freemium magazines, contributor networks, and adblockers
Ed Needham, Editor of Coach, and Sirena Bergman, Head of Content and Community at The News Hub, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: are so-called 'freemium' magazines the future? Do contributor networks, like The Huffington Post, pose a threat to traditional journalism? And will adblockers kill off banner advertising on the web - and could this seriously harm revenues?
Media Masters - Lynton Crosby
Political strategist Lynton Crosby is credited with winning the 2015 UK General Election for the Conservatives. He has built up an international reputation as an election winner, having helped Boris Johnson win the Mayoralty of London twice, and the Liberal Party of his native Australia win the national election four times. In this exclusive interview, Crosby reveals the goings-on behind the scenes during the recent election, explains why he feels Boris has the skills to lead, and gives a detail
PigGate, privatising Channel 4, & the end of online comments
Rachel Oldroyd, Managing Editor at The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and Aidan Radnedge, Chief Reporter at Metro, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This week: Should newspapers have reprinted the PigGate allegations when they were based on only one source? Would privatising Channel 4 jeopardise the quality of its output? And will more news websites turn off comments because they are expensive and difficult to moderate?
Media Masters - Simon McCoy
Simon McCoy has been a News Presenter at the BBC for more than 12 years. A rolling news veteran, he previously spent 16 years at Sky News - as Royal Correspondent, then presenter of Sunrise, and memorably co-anchoring its coverage of the Iraq conflict live from the war zone. Simon takes us behind the scenes on how a live TV news show gets to air, and discusses how the industry has changed.
Royal Family coverage, BBC World Service expansion, & Greenpeace's investigative journalism
Florentin Collomp, UK Correspondent at Le Figaro, and Jess Best, Deputy News Editor at MirrorOnline, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: Does the media spend a disproportionate amount of time reporting on the Royal Family? Would the launch of BBC TV and radio services in Russia and North Korea be a good use of public money? And will campaign groups like Greenpeace play a bigger role in funding investigative journalism in the future?
Media Masters - Susie Boniface aka 'Fleet Street Fox'
Susie Boniface's anonymous blog "Fleet Street Fox" caused a stir with its warts-and-all glimpse into the inner life of a tabloid journalist. A successful columnist at The Daily Mirror, she discusses why she created her alter ego, explains the decision to 'out' herself in her successful book, and reveals a few shocking tales from the newsroom.
SNP's BBC proposals, immigration scaremongering, & criticism of Corbyn
Paul Hamilos, World Features Editor at BuzzFeed, and David Singleton, Editor at Total Politics, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: Is the SNP trying to increase its influence over the BBC? Has reporting on immigration, and its use of words like "swarm" and "migrants", contributed to public acrimony against refugees? And have papers given too much space to criticism of Jeremy Corbyn - and has this actually grown his support?
Media Masters - Sir Peter Bazalgette
Once named "the most influential man in British television," Sir Peter Bazalgette has created some of TV's greatest global hits, including Ready Steady Cook, Changing Rooms, and Ground Force. As Chairman of Endemol UK, he brought us the iconic Big Brother, and persuaded Noel Edmonds to front their new show Deal or No Deal. In this in-depth interview, he gives an end-to-end insider's view of the TV production process, reveals the behind-the-scenes rules to creating globally su
Media Masters - Guy Parker
Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, Guy Parker is responsible for regulating advertising in the UK. In this in-depth one-to-one interview, he explains the challenges the ASA faces regulating the web and YouTube; describes the behind-the-scenes process that goes into deciding whether an advert is offensive or not; and explains the rationale of its more contentious rulings, including on the Atheist Bus Campaign and the 'Are You Beach Body Ready?' posters.
Media Masters - Peter Barron
Now Director of Communications at Google, Peter Barron was previously Editor of Newsnight, and Deputy Editor of Channel 4 News. Responsible for the search engine's communications in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, he explains why he left a top job in journalism to take a PR role, gives an insight into how Google will work with news companies in the future, and reveals the inside workings of the public policy function at one of the largest and most secretive technology firms in the world
Media Masters - Jeremy Vine
Jeremy Vine's lunchtime show on BBC Radio 2 is Europe's most-listened-to news radio programme. Known for presenting Newsnight and Panorama, he also presents Eggheads, Points of View, and is the keeper of the election night swingometer. In this intimate, extended interview, he explains how his daily radio show works behind the scenes, discusses the politics within (and of) the BBC, looks back on his career, and has candid advice for ambitious would-be presenters.
Selling the FT, social media’s 'proportion problem' & the BBC's new Political Editor
Caroline Crampton, Web Editor at the New Statesman, and Barney Guiton, News Editor at Newsweek Europe, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: does the sale of the FT puts its editorial independence in jeopardy? Is journalists' perception of public opinion disproportionately influenced by social media? And what should be at the top of Laura Kuenssberg’s to-do list as she becomes the Beeb’s new Political Editor?
Media Masters - Professor Brian Cathcart
A journalist, writer and respected academic, Brian is perhaps best known for co-founding the campaign group Hacked Off. He reveals the behind-closed-doors discussions that took place during The Leveson Inquiry, explains why he thinks the new independent press regulator Ipso is toothless and critically biased, and outlines his plans to ensure that Leveson's recommendations are enacted in full. He also talks through his long career as a journalist, including his time as Deputy Editor of The I
Media Masters - Mary Ann Sieghart
Former Assistant Editor of The Times, Mary Ann Sieghart has worked across TV, radio and print, writing on politics and societal issues for many of the major newspapers and presenting Newshour on BBC World Service. Now working freelance, Mary Ann describes how she got started in journalism at the age of just 16, tells us about the time she approached Rupert Murdoch to buy The Times, and reveals how she managed the challenging transition from staff columnist to freelance journalist.
Media Masters - Alastair Campbell
In this 62 minute interview you will hear Alastair Campbell describe what it takes to command a winning strategy, the highs and lows of his political career, and learn the inside story on being Blair's right hand man.
Key insights in this episode:
00.52 - Career beginnings
08.40 - Alastair’s first story and first headline in the Daily Mirror
14.05 - Winning political predictions: 6 rising stars from the ‘90s
15.49 - Moving over to politics full time and naming Tony Blair as the n
Press questioning vs. harassment, reporting on Tunisia, & news for younger people
Ian Brimacombe, Editor of BBC World Update, and journalist Kunal Dutta who writes for Channel 4 and The Independent joins Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: when does press questioning turn into harassment? How can journalists report on terrorist attacks without spreading propaganda? And does the traditional media no longer resonate with young people?
Media Masters - Chris Blackhurst
Former Editor of The Independent, and City Editor at the Evening Standard for nearly a decade, Chris Blackhurst was promoted to Group Content Editor of the Lebedev's media group. Now a columnist, TV presenter and writer, in this candid interview he gives us some revealing insights into the start of his career as well as the rapid growth of Evgeny Lebedev's group, including the ambitious and successful launch of the i newspaper and the challenging early days of London Live.
Kay Burley vs Alton Towers, journos handed page view targets, & problems at Twitter
Pete Picton, Editorial Director at Mirror Online, and Rebecca Clancy, Head of Business Breaking News at The Times, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: did Kay Burley push too hard in her interview with Alton Towers' CEO? Should journalists be held personally responsible for their story page views? And can Twitter move on from its current problems?
Media Masters - John Humphrys
John Humphrys has presented the Today programme on Radio 4 for more than twenty five years. Taking us through his career from leaving school at 15, joining a local paper as a cub reporter, and then his meteoric rise through the BBC - opening news bureaux in the USA and South Africa, anchoring the Nine O'Clock News, and now presenting Mastermind. John talks us through a typical day on Today, the logistics of breaking news on air, and gives advice to would-be interviewees on how to survive a
Backing the BBC, funding investigative journalism, & injunctions in parliament
Ed Butler, Senior Broadcast Journalist at the BBC World Service, and Jake Kanter, News Editor at Broadcast magazine, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: should the wider media now rally to the support of the Beeb? Is investigative journalism now financially unsustainable? And should journalists always be able to report a politician's comments – even if it's claimed they're false?
Media Masters - Luke Lewis, BuzzFeed UK
A journalist and media pioneer, Luke Lewis launched the UK edition of BuzzFeed and has grown the website to an astounding 18 million unique monthly readers. Luke reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets to launching a globally successful media brand, tells us how some newspapers now threaten to be put out of business by the web, and explains the winning formula to writing viral online content.
New Culture Secretary, the ‘black spider’ letters, & Facebook Instant Articles
Toby Castle, Deputy News Editor at BBC News, and Andrew Dickens, Senior Reporter at C21 Media, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: what does the appointment of John Whittingdale to Culture Secretary mean for the BBC? Was the publication of Prince Charles' 'black spider' memos an invasion of privacy? And is it a good idea for publishers to allow their articles to be run in full in Facebook’s news feed?
Media Masters - Pat Kane
A leading musician, writer and activist, Pat Kane is one half of Scottish pop duo Hue and Cry. He has also played a prominent role in the media, writing for NME, The Scotsman and The Guardian; presented a number of TV and radio shows, and helped found The Sunday Herald. Pat explains how he balances his music and consultancy work, outlines his role as Lead Curator of 'FutureFest' and discusses how the music industry is embracing new business models.
Smart watches, CNN's Nepal coverage, and Google's 'bribe'
Shona Ghosh, Senior Reporter at Marketing magazine, and Hana Stewart-Smith, Media and Tech Reporter at Alliance News, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: will we be reading the news on our watches in the future? Did CNN cross the line from covering the Nepal earthquake to doing its own PR? And is it time for newspapers to boycott Google?
Elveden reporters cleared, advertisers' editorial influence, & media election fever
Lara O'Reilly, Global Advertising Editor at Business Insider, and Adam Sherwin, Media Correspondent at The Independent, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: should the DPP resign over Operation Elveden? Do advertisers have an increasing influence over editorial decisions? And should we be worried about newspaper owners' political pressure over the UK election?
Paying public officials for stories, naming sex offence suspects, & The Sun’s political clout
Asa Bennett, Assistant Comment Editor at The Telegraph, and Kumutha Ramanathan, journalist and presenter at World Finance, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: should four Sun journalists cleared of charges related to paying a public official for stories have been taken to court in the first place? Should newspapers be banned from naming sexual offence suspect until they are charged? And, has The Sun lost its once much-lauded political clout?
Media Masters - John Myers
John Myers is one of the biggest figures in radio. Starting as a presenter, he explains how he moved from 'microphone to management' and launched or rebranded many of the UK's most innovative radio stations, including Smooth, Rock Radio, Real Radio and Century Radio. Author of the highly influential 'Myers Report' into UK commercial radio, he takes us behind-the-scenes of launching a radio station and gives us his view on the future of the industry.
Selling BBC Three, Jihadi John, & editorial standards at MailOnline
William Turvill, News Editor at the Press Gazette, and web psychologist Nathalie Nahai join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This edition: should the BBC consider selling BBC Three instead of moving it online? Have newspapers turned 'Jihadi John' into a celebrity? And should we be concerned about journalistic standards at MailOnline?
Media Masters - Tim Arthur
A Time Out veteran, Tim has written for and edited most sections, and was Editor of the UK magazine before becoming CEO of the worldwide group. He oversaw the revolutionary move to take the iconic listings magazine from London newsstands to freesheet, and launched 'Time Out Live,' the brand's award-winning UK events business. He takes us behind-the-scenes of Time Out and shares some of the lessons learned along the way.
BBC competition with local media, online advertising laws & reporting ISIS
Guy Parker, Chief Executive at the Advertising Standards Authority, and writer Neil Mullarkey, founding member of the Comedy Store Players, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This edition: will the BBC push local papers out of business as it expands regional coverage? Do advertising laws need to be updated for the digital age? And how much should news organisations show of graphic terrorism videos?
Media Masters - Andria Vidler
Andria Vidler has been at the helm of a number of iconic media companies, including Capital FM, Magic and EMI Music; and oversaw the launches of BBC 5 Live, BBC News Online and BBC Sport. Now CEO of Centaur Media, she reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges of launching and re-launching hallmark brands, and shares her tips for success.
New editor at The Economist, Netflix's expansion, & Page 3 shenanigans
Cristina Nicolotti Squires, Editor at Channel 5 News, and Robert Cookson, Digital Media Correspondent at the Financial Times, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: why did it take so long for The Economist to appoint its first female editor? Is Netflix too ambitious, and what will the wider impact be of their expansion plans? And why did The Sun appear to 'axe' Page 3, only for it to return two days later?
Media Masters - Raymond Snoddy
Long-time Media Correspondent at the FT, Raymond Snoddy has built up a reputation as one of the UK's most respected media reporters and commentators. Well-known as the launch presenter of BBC's NewsWatch, Ray reveals what it was like to work at the broadcaster in light of the Hutton Inquiry, explains how he got the scoop on many explosive stories, and tells us about the time he flew on Concorde to interview Rupert Murdoch.
Charlie Hebdo, the PR-journalism power balance, & General Election debates
Claire Fox, Director of the Institute of Ideas, and journalist Alex Matchett of Spear's Magazine join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: what long-term impact will the Charlie Hebdo attack have on the media? Should PRs and journalists work more openly together? And is David Cameron right to pull out of the General Election debates if the Green Party can't take part?
Media Masters - Jim Al-Khalili
An award-winning broadcaster, Professor Jim Al-Khalili has presented some of TV and radio's most successful documentaries, including 'The Life Scientific' and 'Atom'. A leading physicist, academic and author of a number of bestselling popular science books, Jim explains how he balances his academic and broadcasting work, reveals what goes into making a popular documentary, and risks some predictions about the future of science reporting in Britain.
Alan Rusbridger, Exaro investigations, & the media in 2014
Mark Watts, Editor-in-Chief at Exaro, and Alex Chandler, Editor of ITV News Election 2015, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This edition: what are we to make of Alan Rusbridger's tenure at The Guardian? Why did the so-called 'VIP paedophile ring' allegations go unreported for so long? And what was the biggest media story of 2014?
Media Masters - Peter Watt
As General Secretary at the Labour Party, Peter Watt oversaw the party's transition from Tony Blair to Gordon Brown. Resigning at the height of the Donorgate affair in 2007, he published his no-holds-barred memoir and exposé 'Inside Out' soon after, which cast an unforgiving light on Brown's leadership style and caused a media furore. Now Director of Child Protection at the NSPCC, Peter explains how he 'managed' the press at the top of the Labour Party and talks abo
'The Paedophile Next Door', UK local TV, and Scotland's 'The National'
Jasper Jackson, Editor at TheMediaBriefing.com, and Katie Glass, columnist and features writer at The Sunday Times, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This edition: should Channel 4 have aired 'The Paedophile Next Door'? How can UK local television stem the decline in viewing figures? And will Scotland's first pro-independence daily paper succeed in the long term?
Media Masters - David Cohen
David Cohen is Campaigns Editor and Chief Feature Writer at the London Evening Standard. He has led some of the paper's most memorable campaigns, and won the Paul Foot award in 2013 for 'Frontline London' which helped former gang members start social enterprises. David gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into life at the 'Standard', shares the ingredients for writing the perfect campaign story, and reveals the challenges and rewards of working with the city's most
Reporting terrorism, digital advertising, & CNN's Russian withdrawal
Julian Lloyd-Evans, Managing Director at Dennis Publishing, and consultant Jimmy Leach, formerly Head of Digital Comms at 10 Downing Street, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This edition: how can broadcasters report offensive views responsibly? Will the increase in digital ad spending keep newspapers in business? And is CNN's withdrawal from Russia the start of a worrying trend?
Media Masters - Torin Douglas
Media correspondent at the BBC for over 20 years, Torin Douglas has reported on some of the industry's most explosive stories, including the Hutton Report and Jimmy Savile affair. Now a visiting media professor and columnist, he explains how he got started in the industry, talks about becoming one of the UK's first dedicated media reporters, and gives us an insider's view on the BBC's most famous crises.
Automated news sites, online streaming, & corporate PR papers
Kenny Campbell, former editor of Metro, and John Godfrey, Group Communications Director at Legal & General, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This edition: Do automated news 'aggregator' websites need a human editor? How should traditional broadcasters respond to competition from online streaming giants? And are corporate PR 'newspapers' a threat to independent press scrutiny?
Police and journos, Farage on TV, and is the news bad for us?
Matthew Eltringham, Editor of the BBC College of Journalism, and Adam Dustagheer, Digital Communications Manager at the CBI, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media stories. This edition: Should the police be able to access journalists' phone logs without a warrant? Should Nigel Farage take part in the TV election debates? And is the news bad for our health?
Media Masters - Barry McIIheney
Launch Editor of Smash Hits and Empire magazine, and launch executive of FHM, Heat and Zoo, Barry McIlheney started some of the world's most-read and beloved magazines. Now Chief Executive of the Professional Publishers Association, in this in-depth one-to-one interview, he shares his adventures behind-the-scenes; gives his tips for people starting out in the industry, and offers practical lessons learned in the Editor's chair.
Brooks Newmark, state-educated journalists, and the FM switchover
Michael Hill, Managing Director of Radioplayer, and Evening Standard journalism apprentice Mollie Goodfellow join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media stories. This edition: was the Brooks Newmark sting in the public interest? Should media employers actively hire more state-educated journalists? And have the public been told enough about the FM switchover?
Media Masters - David Puttnam
In this in-depth one-to-one interview, producer David Puttnam shares a few behind-the-scenes moments on set, offers practical advice to those starting out in the film industry, and reveals the difficulties of balancing family life with a hugely demanding career. One of the UK’s most respected film producers, over a thirty year career he produced many iconic movies including Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express and Bugsy Malone. Awarded a CBE, a knighthood, and appointed to the House of Lords in 19
Referendum bias, podcasting, and political phone-ins
Broadcaster Helen Zaltzman and BBC radio producer Tim Johns join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media stories. On this podcast: was there a press bias against Scottish independence, and did it affect the outcome? Will podcasts ever go mainstream? Are shows like LBC's 'Call Clegg' and 'Ask Boris' the new way of connecting people with Westminster, and which politician will be next to get their own show?
Training war correspondents, IPSO, and newspaper barons
Clothilde Redfern, Director of One World Media, and consultant Tom Whitwell, former Head of Digital at The Times, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media stories. Press chiefs have confessed that they're "terrified" of sending their journalists to Iraq. How can we prepare correspondents to report from these dangerous areas? IPSO, the new press regulator, has already been subject to a lot of criticism with The Guardian announcing it would join some other papers in a boycott
Politically sensitive adverts, Scottish Independence, and interactive TV
Indra Adnan, founder of the Soft Power Network, and media technologist Tony Churnside, Technical Director at The New Radiophonic Workshop, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media stories. The Guardian has been criticised for publishing an advert that compared Hamas to “child killers”. The advert had been turned down by The Times - which paper was right? With the Scottish independence referendum just around the corner, have TV channels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland given the issu
TV news impartiality, Sky invests in virtual reality, & 'robot' journalists
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 h
Media Masters - Ben Page, Chief Executive of Ipsos MORI
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.
Media Masters - Bob Leaf, former International CEO of Burson-Marsteller
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
The right to be forgotten, TV's stubborn popularity, and the end of lads' mags?
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
Newsnight's future, data journalism, and town hall Pravdas
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?
New BBC Trust Chair, crowdfunding the news, & Kate's bottom
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?
Media Masters - Popbitch's Camilla Wright
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.
Channel 5, Journos in PR, & Courtroom TV
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?
UKIP, Lenny Henry, and London Live
The FT's Media Correspondent Henry Mance and Baroness Jenny Jones AM join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.
Celeb Deaths, Hate Speech and Curated Content
Buzzfeed's Patrick Smith and former BBC Chief Spokesman Donald Steel join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.
Editorial Freedom, Equality, & The Licence Fee
Broadcaster and journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and Al Jazeera's Ben Rayner join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.
BBC Cuts, Greenwald's Intercept, and Piers Morgan
Digital content specialist James Erskine, and communications guru Andrew Caesar-Gordon join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.
Social Media, Election Trolling, and Drones
Communications expert Holly Sutton, and former deputy Political Editor for the Daily Mail, Paul Eastham join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.
Dacre, SuperBowl, Politics and Top Gear
The BBC's Jumoke Fashola, and media expert James Hutchinson join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.
Immigration, the March to Digital, & the Lib Dem Blues.
Broadcaster Michael Wilson, and political blogger and podcaster Mark Thompson join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.
Breaking News, the BBC Trust, & Is Print Dead?
Writer and broadcaster Christina Patterson, former BBC Editor Kevin Marsh, and political consultant Jo Foster join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest in the world of media.
Launch Episode
Former BBC Media Correspondent Torin Douglas and Tim Collins, producer of The Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the coverage of the death of Nelson Mandela and the rest of the week's big media stories.