The News Meeting

How dangerous is Anthropic’s new AI?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:48:59 GMT

Why does the Artemis II mission around the moon matter? Are concerns around Anthropic’s new AI model Mythos justified? And who has the upper hand in the ceasefire agreement between the US-Israel and Iran?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s technology reporter, Patricia Clarke, reporter Phoebe Davis and Deputy Comment Editor, Erica Wagner, to decide the top story of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

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Antisemitism and the return of Kanye West

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:26:14 GMT

What can NASA's latest rocket launch teach us about our bodies? Is shared house ownership worth it? And what does the return of Kanye West tell us about our relationship with musicians?

Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Jessica Hayden, The Observer’s assistant sports editor; Ada Barumé, producer; and Phoebe Davis, reporter, to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Jeevan Vasagar

Producer: Jonathan Lewis

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

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Join our events – observer.co.uk/our-events

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How did a woman sue Meta and Google and win?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:27:59 GMT

What does AI chatbots have to do with violence against women and girls? Why have Meta and Google been found liable for social media addiction? And could Nigel Farage's visit to Ipswich Town's Portman Road be the start of Reform’s relationship with football?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s technology reporter, Patricia Clarke, deputy sports editor, Andrew Butler, and data reporter, Hannah Schuller, to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Casey Magloire

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Who’s behind the arson attack on Jewish charity ambulances?

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:46:57 GMT

Why did President Donald Trump postpone his deadline to strike Iranian power plants? How is the Iran war impacting the cost of living in the UK? And is there a pattern to anti-semitic attacks in the UK?

To battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news, Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer reporter Stephen Armstrong, producer Ada Barumé and Head of Data and Graphics, Katie Riley.

Come along to the next The News Meeting LIVE, right in our newsroom, this Thursday at 6:30 pm! Get your ticket at observer.co.uk/our-events.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Casey Magloire

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Does the US have plans for Cuba?

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:06:07 GMT

Why has a recent blackout in Cuba sparked questions about a potential conflict with the US? How concerned should we be about the spread of meningitis? And why did Kenya introduce menstrual leave for workers?

Jeevan Vasagar is joined by The Observer’s Evan Moffit, Elaine McCallig and James Tapper as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Jeevan Vasagar

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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What’s behind the mass displacement of people in Lebanon?

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:32:17 GMT

Why is President Donald Trump asking NATO for help in the Iran war? What’s going to happen with the hundreds of thousands who are displaced in Lebanon? And what is the Labour government going to do about the nearly one million young people who are out of work?

To battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news, Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer reporters Stephen Armstrong, Hannah Schuller and Bex Sander.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
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Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Casey Magloire

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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What’s in the Mandelson files?

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:11:57 GMT

How did a British man end up being charged for allegedly filming Iranian missiles in Dubai? A tranche of new files raise questions about what the Labour government knew about Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him UK ambassador to the US. What could the files mean for Keir Starmer’s future as Prime Minister? And why is the Edinburgh International Festival facing backlash?

To battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news, Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Arts and Media Editor Vanessa Thorpe, News Reporter Jon Ungoed-Thomas and Assistant Sports Editor Jess Hayden.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Casey Magloire

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is the new supreme leader of Iran?

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:55:30 GMT

How and why is the war in Iran impacting oil prices? What do we know about the new supreme leader of Iran? And how damaging will Keir Starmer's fracturing relationship with President Donald Trump prove to be?

To battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news, Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer reporters Poppy Bullard, Stephen Armstrong and Serena Cesareo.

Listen to ‘Stephen Miller’s America’ episode on the Slow Newscast HERE.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Casey Magloire

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is Shabana Mahmood shaking up the immigration and asylum system?

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:05:44 GMT

Why has the Home Secretary banned student visa applications for people from Sudan, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Cameroon? How will the recent conflict between the US and Iran impact the Men’s Football World Cup? How are senior members of the US army using religious language to bolster support for the conflict with Iran?

Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer’s Andrew Butler, Erica Wagner and Hannah Schuller, as they battle it out to see who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X

@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok

@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell and Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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What’s next for Iran?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:16:28 GMT

In this episode we discuss the US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend. How did the situation unfold and what are the wider ramifications for the region?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s International Editor Steve Bloomfield, Narrative Editor Chloe Hadjimatheou and Middle East expert and author Jotam Confino.

Subscribe to our newsletters HERE for a wide array of digital stories and columns straight from The Observer newsroom.

Listen to Chloe Hadjimatheou’s Slow Newscast documentary on ‘The hunt for Iran's next Supreme Leader’ HERE.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Casey Magloire

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Who are the men taking their looks to dangerous extremes?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:07:50 GMT

Politicians broke away from tradition and discussed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in Parliament this week - does this signal the end of deference? The number of people living in asylum hotels has dropped, but what’s behind this trend? Popular influencer Clavicular is the face of a growing community of looksmaxxers who are taking over the internet. What is looksmaxxing and why is it so popular?

To battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news, Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan, and two newcomers; writer, journalist and host of Sky News’ Trevor Phillips on Sunday, Sir Trevor Phillips, and award-winning documentary maker and journalist, Benjamin Zand.

Read ‘Clavicular didn’t invent ‘looksmaxxing’ – gay men have been at it for a long time’ on The Observer website HERE.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire and Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Casey Magloire

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Has Russia launched World War 3?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:18:44 GMT

What does a bomb explosion in the Ukrainian city of Lviv tell us about where Russia’s war in Ukraine might be going? How will the UK be affected by President Donald Trump’s new 15% global tariff? And what might be behind the killing of El Mencho, the most-wanted cartel boss in Mexico?

Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer’s Poppy Bullard, Elaine McCallig and Bex Sander as they battle it out to see who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

Please come and see us this Thursday, the 26th of February, for the next The News Meeting Live: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Casey Magloire

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:41:45 GMT

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew the Duke of York, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

In this episode, Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Political Editor Rachel Sylvester, Home Affairs Editor John Simpson and Professor of the History of Monarchy at City, University of London, Anna Whitelock. They discuss the details of the arrest, possible fallout and impact on the Monarchy.

Join us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Did Russia poison opposition leader Alexei Navalny?

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:22:27 GMT

Why are Britain and its European allies backing the conclusion that the Kremlin poisoned Alexei Navalny? What’s driving a growing measles outbreak in London? And why is the UK’s top military official framing rearmament as a moral necessity?

Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer’s Hannah Schuller, Phoebe Davis and Francisco Garcia as they battle it out to see who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Casey Magloire

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Did the government make it harder for graduates to pay off student loans?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:44:21 GMT

Should the government consider implementing a graduate tax to make the tuition repayment system fairer? What did Jim Ratcliffe get wrong about immigration in the UK? And do we need to get serious about carbon capturing?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Andrew Butler, Ada Barumé and James Tapper as they battle it out to see who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

Join us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell and Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Why does Keir Starmer face a perilous week ahead?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:12:30 GMT

Two senior aides to Keir Starmer have resigned. What does this tell us about where his leadership is heading? What do mass layoffs at The Washington Post mean for journalism? And why did Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl half-time show so irked Donald Trump?

Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer’s Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan, producer Casey Magloire and Digital Production Editor Elaine McCallig to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Will Peter Mandelson bring down Keir Starmer?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:18:14 GMT

Keir Starmer has apologised for appointing Peter Mandelson to his cabinet, but will that be enough to keep him in Downing Street? With an internet blackout impacting the flow of information out of Iran, how can journalists report on the ongoing atrocities? And as soldiers in Ukraine face an unrelenting winter, is a turning point in the conflict around the corner?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer reporters Serena Cesareo and Jon Ungoed Thomas, and International Editor Steve Bloomfield to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

Join us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Will Peter Mandelson’s Epstein links see him removed from the House of Lords?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:49:35 GMT

What does the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza mean for the next phase of Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan? What backlash might Keir Starmer face from new details surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson’s relationship to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein? And what are the effects of new age verification requirements on Pornhub?

Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer reporters Serena Cesareo and Bex Sander, and Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 26th of February: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-8

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Is ChatGPT introducing porn?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:48:15 GMT

Are fears about microplastics overblown? Why is the assisted dying bill stuck in the house of lords? And what’s going to happen when ChatGPT rolls out its new ‘Erotica’ feature?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Patricia Clarke, Jeevan Vasagar and Jess Hayden to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire and Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Matt Russell and Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Is the Trump administration lying?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 17:24:27 GMT

How is the Trump administration defending the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents? Why was Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham blocked from running as MP? And what role will Trump’s new Board of Peace play in Gaza?

Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer reporters Stephen Armstrong and Serena Cesareo, and producer Poppy Bullard to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 29th of January: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-7

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Is brand Beckham on the brink?

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:07:40 GMT

Does Keir Starmer need to rethink the UK’s approach to America? What does the Brooklyn Beckham bombshell tell us about the relationship between celebrities and the press? And will China put a man on Mars?

Jeevan Vasagar is joined by The Observer’s Jon Ungoed Thomas, Cat Neilan and Andrew Butler, as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Buy tickets to the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 29th of January HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Jeevan Vasagar

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Donald Trump’s second term one year on

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:03:52 GMT

In this special episode looking at the first year of US President Donald Trump’s second term: What will the impacts of Trump’s cuts to USAID be? How has Trump reshaped global politics? Is Trump’s power threatened more by grassroots activism than pushback from institutions?

Jeevan Vasagar is joined by The Observer’s Deputy Comment Editor, Erica Wagner, Head of Data and Graphics, Katie Riley, and Chatham House’s Senior Research Fellow for the Latin America, US and North America Programme, Chris Sabatini.

Buy tickets to the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 29th of January HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Jeevan Vasagar

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Poppy Bullard

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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How do US immigration agents track people down?

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 18:31:45 GMT

What will the UK government do about xAI’s Grok? Can a 1000-year-old tapestry really help repair European diplomacy? And how does ICE use data to identify who gets deported?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Head of News, Alex O’Connell, Fronts Editor, Evan Moffitt and Data and Graphics reporter, Bex Sander.

Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 29th of January: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-7

Listen to the new Tortoise Investigates series ‘The Walkers: The real Salt Path’ wherever you listen to podcasts now: https://observer.co.uk/listen/the-walkers-the-real-salt-path

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Amalie Sortland and Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Katie Gunning

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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What’s really happening on the ground in Iran?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:38:23 GMT

How can we tell what’s really happening on the ground in Iran? Why are murder rates falling in London? And are ICE agents immune from legal accountability?

Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer reporters Hannah Schuller, Stephen Armstrong and Serena Cesareo to battle out who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

Please come and see us at the next The News Meeting Live on Thursday, the 29th of January: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-7

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Katie Gunning

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Why did the US seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker?

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:13:23 GMT

How did the seizure of a Russian oil tanker unfold? Is President Trump’s crypto-profeteering a bigger scandal than Watergate? And with the United States turning 250, is this a time to reflect on the UK-US special relationship?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Vanessa Thorpe and James Tapper, plus special guest - the host of The Making of Musk: Understood, Jacob Silverman. Today they battle it out to see who can pitch the story that should lead the news.

You can find Understood wherever you get your podcasts, and here: https://link.mgln.ai/NewsMeetingxMoM

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Gary Marshall

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What next for Venezuela?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:34:36 GMT

Will captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro get a fair trial in the US? Who is driving American foreign policy? How would Trump’s supporters view a military campaign?

Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer’s Washington Correspondent Hugh Tomlinson, Reporter Phoebe Davis, and lawyer Robert McWhirter as they give their assessment on the situation in Venezuela.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Jasper Corbett

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

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What will be the biggest stories of 2026?

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 02:00:00 GMT

Will the world turn against AI? Could the England men’s team finally win the World Cup? And who is the mysterious backbencher preparing to challenge Keir Starmer?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s consulting editor for comment, Erica Wagner; deputy sports editor, Andrew Butler; and Whitehall editor, Cat Neilan, as they look ahead to the stories set to shape 2026.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Casey Magloire and Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

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2025’s biggest stories of the year

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:01:03 GMT

It has been a busy year! The Epstein files were released, Prince Andrew is no longer a prince, The Lionesses won the Euros and Ozempic has taken hold of Hollywood. And they are just a few non-Donald Trump related headlines.

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Jeevan Vasagar, Poppy Bullard and Jessy Parker Humphreys, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the year.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire & Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

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Palestine Action hunger strikers

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:48:31 GMT

Will European countries decide to give billions of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine? What did we learn about Trump’s White House from Vanity Fair’s 11 months of reporting? How should the government respond to the Palestine Action hunger strikers?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Senior Producer Katie Gunning, Data and Graphics Editor Katie Riley, and Data Reporter Hannah Schuller as they battle it out for the top story of the day.

Find the team’s must reads:

All Cock, No Wok

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Who should win Sports Personality of the Year?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:44:07 GMT

It’s been a huge year for British sport: the Lionesses roared to victory in the Euros this summer, the Red Roses won the Women's Rugby World Cup and Lando Norris won Formula 1 drivers' championship.

In such a record-breaking year across the sports, who deserves to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year? This year’s contenders are: Hannah Hampton, Chloe Kelly, Ellie Kildunne, Luke Littler, Rory McIlroy and Lando Norris.

Andrew Butler is joined by The Observer’s Assistant Sports Editor Jess Hayden, alongside sports reporters Jessy Parker Humphreys and George Simms, as they go head-to-head to debate who deserves to take home SPOTY.

Vote for who you think should win here: https://www.smartsurvey.com/t/observersport/

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Andrew Butler

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

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Head to our website observer.co.uk

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The terror attack on Bondi Beach

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:55:54 GMT

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the shooting attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, an act of terrorism and anti-semitism. The Washington Post has introduced AI-generated podcasts, and pro-democracy Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of national security offences.

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s technology reporter Patricia Clarke, senior researcher Serena Cesareo, and our very own producer Casey Magloire, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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What happens if Tehran runs out of water next week?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:55:22 GMT

The Iranian leader said the water problem in the capital “cannot be solved” and has suggested evacuating the city’s nearly ten million residents. Iran and Egypt, two countries that criminalise homosexuality, were picked to play the World Cup’s Pride Match in Seattle. And some councils are now regularly paying more than £250,000 a year to support children with special educational needs.

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer reporters Jon Ungoed-Thomas and Jessy Parker Humphreys, and Fronts Editor Evan Moffitt, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Gary Marshall

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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What happens to streaming if Netflix buys Warner Bros?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:18:53 GMT

Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. - including its film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO - is set to have major ripple effects on both TV and cinema. Meanwhile, the Kremlin is applauding the Trump administration’s newly released national security strategy. Why is Moscow welcoming it? A border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is turning deadly. How are natural resources fuelling the tension?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer reporters Hannah Schuller and Stephen Armstrong, and Senior Writer Francisco Garcia, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore & Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Why has Wes Streeting launched a review into autism and ADHD diagnoses?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:04:38 GMT

Will the next men’s football World Cup be the most politically tense in history? Did we learn anything from the latest round of peace talks between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump’s envoys? Is overdiagnosis of conditions like Autism and ADHD leading to worse outcomes for neurodiverse people?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Ides and Comment Editor Alex O’Connell, Deputy Sports Editor Andrew Butler, and journalist and author Julia Ioffe as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day.

Buy Julia Ioffe’s book from the Observer Bookshop:

Motherland

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

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Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Why does Benjamin Netanyahu want to be pardoned?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 18:15:18 GMT

Why did Prime Minister Keir Starmer decide to defend himself and the Chancellor over last week’s budget? Rightwing activist and regular GB News contributor Lucy White claimed Commons deputy speaker Nusrat Ghani should not be allowed in the house because she was born in Pakistan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon in his corruption cases.

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Whitehall editor, Cat Neilan, senior researcher, Serena Cesareo, and producer Poppy Bullard, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day.

Find the team’s Must Reads:

The Observer’s Global AI Index

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore & Gary Marshall

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Why wasn’t Rachel Reeves’ budget bolder?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:24:31 GMT

Will the shooting of two National Guards in Washington DC change US politics forever? Should the UK roll out screening for prostate cancer? Did Chancellor Rachel Reeves miss an opportunity to gear up the economy for growth?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Cat Neilan, Steve Bloomfield and James Tapper, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day.

Find the teams Must Reads:

Less WFH, more Lime, slower buses

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

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Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Why might the government scrap jury trials?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:21:21 GMT

David Lammy has proposed scrapping jury trials in England and Wales for all but the most serious offences. Paramount Global has obtained exclusive streaming rights to the UEFA Champions League - a move that could redefine how football fans follow the sport in the future. Revelations that MAGA-supporting accounts on X are operated from countries like North Macedonia, Pakistan and Poland raise concerns about foreign-driven influence and its impact on political discourse.

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Head of Investigations Alexi Mostrous, sports reporter Jessy Parker Humphreys, and journalist, author, and presenter Jenny Kleeman as they compete to pitch the day’s top stories.

While we’ve wrapped up our live editions of The News Meeting for 2025, keep checking https://observer.co.uk/our-events if you’d like to join us at recordings in 2026.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Amalie Sortland and Poppy Bullard

Executive Producers: Matt Russell and Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Will talks to end the war in Ukraine lead anywhere?

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:38:38 GMT

Did international tourists go on “sniper safaris” to Sarajevo during the siege in the mid-nineties? Why do some campaigners want to halt the new medical trial into the use of puberty blockers? What lies behind renewed efforts to find a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Stephen Armstrong, Bex Sander and Francisco Garcia, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Why is a Russian spy ship targeting the RAF?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:11:36 GMT

A Russian spy ship has directed lasers at Royal Air Force pilots monitoring its movements near UK waters. What is President Vladimir Putin trying to achieve with this latest provocation? Scotland has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Can this rare moment of sporting joy help unite the nation? Meanwhile, councils are weighing up the sale of youth and community centres. What consequences could these closures have for local communities?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Assistant Sports Editor, Jessica Hayden, Data and Graphics reporter, Becky Pinnington, and Contributing Editor on National Security, Bernard Gray, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day.

Get your ticket for the News Meeting Live HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whitell

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Why is Shabana Mahmood inspired by Denmark’s asylum policies?

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:38:59 GMT

The Home Secretary has announced a raft of tough immigration controls to make the UK a less attractive destination for illegal migrants. The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh was sentenced to death, how is the UK connected to alleged corruption in her regime? And why does President Donald Trump suddenly want to release the Epstein files?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Cat Neilan, Bex Sander and Serena Cesareo, as they battle it out to pitch the top stories of the day.

Listen to our Londongrad podcast series HERE

Get your ticket for the News Meeting Live HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Katie Gunning

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

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Why have US politicians released documents on Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:58:47 GMT

Twenty thousand documents from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been released. Could emails referencing Donald Trump divide his loyal MAGA base? Has a No. 10 briefing warning backbenchers about a possible coup exposed a vulnerability in Keir Starmer’s leadership? And Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion, but is that even possible?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Alexi Mostrous, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Poppy Bullard, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.

Get your ticket for the News Meeting Live HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whitell

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Can Zohran Mamdani take on President Trump?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:54:49 GMT

Why are so many prisoners being released from prison by mistake? What happens if Arts Council England goes under? And what can the Democrats learn from Mamdani’s New York City mayoral election victory?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Deputy Sports Editor, Andrew Butler, Arts and Media Editor, Vanessa Thorpe, and reporter Jon Ungoed-Thomas as they pitch their top stories of the day.

Must Reads:

Days of wine and noses: the life of a critic

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producers: Matt Russell and Poppy Bullard

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

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Is the UK indirectly implicated in the civil war in Sudan?

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:27:43 GMT

Will there be any voter suppression in Tuesday’s US elections? Why did a British university prevent one of its academics from researching human rights abuses in China? Are Sudan’s rebels using British-made equipment on the battlefield?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Data and Graphics editor, Katie Riley, Senior Audio Producer Katie Gunning, and Senior Researcher Serena Cesareo as they pitch their top stories of the day

Must Reads:

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Giles Whitell

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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What’s behind Brazil’s deadly police raid?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:38:31 GMT

What do we do with the knowledge that climate change made Hurricane Melissa worse? Why was there such a deadly police raid in Brazil? And why isn’t hospice care treated as an essential part of healthcare?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Data and Graphics editor, Katie Riley, and reporters James Tapper and Rachael Healy, as they pitch their top stories of the day.

Must Reads:

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Why is Hurricane Melissa so strong?

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:02:00 GMT

The storm caused widespread damage in Jamaica and is making its way to Cuba; is climate change to blame for its power? What - or who - is behind Donald Trump’s obsession with Venezuela? Is it good news that a cargo ship has made it through the North East Passage for the first time?

Jeevan Vasagar is joined by the Observer’s Erica Wagner, Jessica Hayden and Chloe Hadjimatheou as they pitch their top stories of the day, live from the Observer newsroom.

Must Reads:

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Jeevan Vasagar

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore and Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Does Amazon control too much of the internet?

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:32:33 GMT

Which international peacekeeping forces might be present in Gaza, and what will their role be? Is the fact that kids on free school meals do worse in their GCSEs a symptom of a failed state? Does the Amazon outage show that the internet is too reliant on a small number of companies?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Stephen Armstrong, Bex Sander and Ruth Michaelson as they pitch their top story of the day.

You can listen to We Have Notes HERE

Must Reads:

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Gary Marshall

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Is Vladimir Putin outsmarting Donald Trump?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:06:07 GMT

Trump imposed what he called “tremendous” sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies. What’s next for the Trump-Putin rollercoaster?

President Trump is planning to demolish the East Wing of the White House as early as this weekend. Who will pay for this 99,000ft ballroom?

Two Metropolitan Police officers have been dismissed for gross misconduct following their appearance in a BBC Panorama undercover investigation that caught serving officers making racist and misogynistic comments.

Giles Whittell is joined by journalist and author Ari Shapiro, former US representative to NATO and foreign policy advisor to Barack Obama Ivo Daalder and The Observer’s Jessica Hayden, as they pitch their top story of the day.

**Join us at the next News Meeting Live! Get your tickets → HERE

Must Reads:

Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, From Revolution to Autocracy by Jullia Loffe
The Trump Rules for Radical Schools

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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What did we learn from Virginia Giuffre’s new memoir?

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:22:48 GMT

Who is responsible for breaking the ceasefire in Gaza? How might the Louvre heist thieves get away with selling jewels belonging to Napoleon’s wife? Does Virginia Giuffre’s memoir shed new light on the allegations against Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Phoebe Davis and Stephen Armstrong, and the journalist and author Pete Apps, as they pitch their top story of the day.

You can buy Pete’s book Homesick HERE

Must Reads:

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Will Donald Trump move the World Cup?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:06:48 GMT

As more and more people turn to AI for news, how should journalists fight back and protect the human by-line? Will Donald Trump’s cosy relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino allow him to dictate which cities the World Cup will be held in the US? Will the British Museum win its £3.5 million battle to keep a rare gold Tudor Heart pendant?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Alex O’Connell, Vanessa Thorpe and Jessy Parker Humphreys, as they pitch their top story of the day.

Must Reads:

Is Nick Fuentes Winning Over Women on the Left?

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Gaza Special: What's next?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:41:24 GMT

One story is dominating the headlines today: the rapidly unfolding situation in the Middle East. This morning, Hamas released the last 20 living hostages; in return, Israel freed over 1,700 Palestinian detainees. We're devoting the entire episode to the latest from Gaza.

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Narrative Editor Chloe Hadjimatheou and Middle East Correspondent Ruth Michaelson, to answer questions about the first part of Donald Trump’s peace deal in Gaza.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

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Will Trump’s Gaza deal lead to lasting peace in the Middle East?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:47:48 GMT

Why has Donald Trump sent hundreds of National Guards to Illinois? Should the UK look to France when it comes to tackling the far-right? Will the US-backed plan for peace in Gaza work?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Katie Riley and Poppy Bullard, and David Runciman, Honorary Professor of Politics at Cambridge University and host of the Past Present Future podcast, as they pitch their top story of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

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Why is the government giving the police more power to stop protesters?

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:03:15 GMT

Do new oil projects in the Gulf of Mexico signal the end of an international consensus on climate change? Will the Home Office’s new plans to curb protests backfire? Six months on from the Supreme Court ruling, why are the public expected to police each other’s gender?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Jeevan Vasagar, Ada Barumé and Evan Moffitt as they pitch their top stories of the day.

Find the team’s Must Reads here:

Pre-order Jeevan’s book The Surge HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
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Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What we know about the Manchester synagogue terror attack

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:34:22 GMT

Two Jewish people were killed in a terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue. Did President Trump and Pete Hegseth cross the line with their inflammatory speeches to military generals? And what’s behind the surge in profits at soft toy maker Jellycat?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Erica Wagner, John Simpson and Sam Freedman, as they pitch their top story of the day.

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
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Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the point of Labour’s new plan for immigration?

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:49:46 GMT

Will the US ban a safe and legal abortion pill? Is the Met Police full of Freemasons? Can Labour take control of the narrative on immigration?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Francisco Garcia, Serena Cesareo and Phoebe Davis as they pitch their top story of the day.

Find the team’s Must Reads here:

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are top comedians performing at a comedy festival in Saudi Arabia?

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:03:56 GMT

This weekend marks the first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival, with Jimmy Carr, Aziz Ansari, and Dave Chappelle on the bill. It’s being reported they are each being paid upwards of $375,000 to perform in a country which severely restricts freedom of speech. What does Trump’s cryptic “good luck to all” at the UN really mean for Ukraine - and should we be worried? Is the breakthrough on Huntington’s disease The News Meeting’s first genuinely good news story?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s International Editor, Steve Bloomfield, and reporters Rachael Healy and James Tapper as they pitch the top story of the day

** Listen to The Observer’s new culture podcast We Have Notes HERE

**Join us at the next News Meeting Live HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-Chief

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Donald Trump falsely claim paracetamol causes autism?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:06:53 GMT

This week the President made the erroneous link between pregnant women taking paracetamol to autism. What happens now that trust in basic pain relief is shaken? Has Reform miscalculated with its climate-skeptical stance? And Nike has teamed up with Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS - but is their new campaign crossing the line by sexualising female athletes?

Giles Whittell is joined by journalist and author David Aaronovitch, the Observer’s National News Editor Claudia Williams and reporter Jon Ungoed-Thomas as they pitch the top story of the day

** Listen to The Observer’s new culture podcast We Have Notes HERE

**Join us at the next News Meeting Live HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-Chief

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to recognise a Palestinian state?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:54:33 GMT

Could Tiktok become MAGA-tok? What are the implications of recognising a Palestinian state? Should Rwanda be hosting an international cycling competition?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Stephen Armstrong, Bex Sander and Serena Cesareo as they pitch their top stories of the day.

Find the team’s Must Reads here:

**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm**

Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronovitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas.

Get your tickets → HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Jimmy Kimmel’s cancellation tell us about freedom of speech in Trump's America?

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:42:51 GMT

What did we learn from Donald Trump and Keir Starmer’s press conference? Why is Israel invading Gaza City? What does the suspension of the Jimmy Kimmel show tell us about press freedom in America?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Erica Wagner, Steve Bloomfield and Rachel Sylvester as they try and pitch the top stories of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm**

Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronovitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas.

Get your tickets → HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Gen Z in Nepal overthrow a government?

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:49:51 GMT

With young people in Nepal using social media sites like Discord to organise protests, are we witnessing the South Asian Spring? How influential is Elon Musk in British politics following his message to the Unite the Kingdom protestors? And how did the Assad regime systematically steal hundreds of children from their families?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Patricia Clarke, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Stephen Armstrong, as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm**

Giles Whittell will be joined by David Aaronvitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas.

Get your tickets → HERE

Find the team’s must reads here:

What will the consequences of Charlie Kirk’s shooting be?

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:45:31 GMT

What does the sacking of Peter Mandelson mean for Keir Starmer? Does Vladimir Putin want war with NATO? Is the UK at risk of an uptick in political violence?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The Observer’s Jessica Hayden, Katie Gunning and Bernard Gray as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Find the team’s must reads:

**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm**

Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronovitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas.

Get your tickets → HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are older people risking arrest for Palestine Action?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:24:06 GMT

Why can’t the French government pass a budget? Who will win in the fight for the soul of the Labour Party? Why do pensioners keep being arrested?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Tom Gatti and Serna Cesareo, as well as the journalist and author Charlie Brinkhurst Cuff, as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Find the team’s must reads:l

**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm**

Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronvitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas.

Get your tickets → HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Angela Rayner resign?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:55:13 GMT

Will revelations about Angela Rayner’s taxes be the end of her political career? How will Melvyn Bragg’s exit from In Our Time impact the iconic show? Why did Nigel Farage compare the UK to North Korea in his plea to US politicians?

Giles Whittell is joined by the Observer’s Cat Neilan, Paul Hayward and Alex O’Connell as they each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Must Reads:

'Jimmy Breslin Essential Writings'

**Join us at the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 23rd September at 6:30pm**

Rebecca Moore will be joined by David Aaronvitch, Claudia Williams and Jon Ungoed-Thomas.

Get your tickets → HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Casey Magloire and Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will an alliance between India and China usher in a new era of global superpowers?

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:06:20 GMT

Will Afghanistan get the aid it needs? Is China the new America when it comes to globalisation? Could a lawsuit from a dark corner of the internet affect the Online Safety Act?

Rebecca Moore is joined by Observer reporters Stephen Armstrong, Phoebe Davis and Bex Sander as they pitch their stop stories of the day.

Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here:

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of Audio

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Israel targeting journalists in Gaza?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:28:41 GMT

Will SpaceX’s latest triumph mean Elon Musk will make it to Mars? Why will the price of Mounjaro weightless drugs go up? Benjamin Netanyahu called the IDF’s airstrike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital a “tragic misstep" but so far 240 Palestinian journalists have died since the beginning of the conflict.

Giles Whittell is joined by the Observer’s International Editor, Steve Bloomfield, our Acting National News Editor, Rebecca Myers and reporter, James Tapper, as each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here:

Race Across the World
‘House of Earth and Blood’ by Sarah J. Maas

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell

Producer: Amalie Sortland

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the Epping asylum protestors won?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:55:03 GMT

An Essex council has been granted a High Court injunction to stop a local hotel from housing asylum seekers. What is behind the massive growth of Women’s Rugby and support for the Red Roses? Will a tax on tourists help boost local economies and support the arts?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Ceri Thomas, Vanessa Thorpe and Jessica Hayden, as each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Can Zelensky and European leaders get President Trump back on Ukraine’s side?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:17:46 GMT

Will Zelensky find any success with Trump, in the wake of the Alaska Summit? What does the militarisation of Washington DC tell us about America’s political direction? And why are MPs making TikToks?

Rebecca Moore is joined by the Financial Times’ Working It Editor Isabel Berwick, Plus The

Observer’s Katie Riley and Stephen Armstrong, as each try to pitch the top story of the day.

Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here:

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

Producers: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is proscribing Palestine Action a PR disaster for the government?

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 18:08:53 GMT

Will facial recognition technology change law enforcement forever? JD Vance has been wooing his British political allies in the Cotswolds, but will a new think-tank deepen US influence in right wing politics? Is the government at risk of losing public support after the Palestine Action arrests?

Giles Whittell is joined by the Observer’s Whitehall Editor Cat Neilan, News Reporter Jon Ungoed Thomas and Consulting Editor for Comment, Erica Wagner.

Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here:

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-Chief

Producers: Amalie Sortland and Poppy Bullard

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Israel target and kill an Al Jazeera journalist?

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:05:49 GMT

What proof has Israel provided to support their claim that Anas al Sharif ran a Hamas cell in Gaza? Why has the partnership between Premier League Football and Stonewall ended? And will Putin’s visit to the US bring an end to the war in Ukraine?

Giles Whittell is joined by NPR’s International Correspondent, Lauren Frayer. Plus the Observer’s Serena Cesareo and Jessy Parker Humphreys, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.

Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here:

What It’s Like to Brainstorm with a Bot - HERE
Dr. Phil’s Road From Oprah to ICE Raids - HERE
Uber’s Festering Sexual Assault Problem - HERE
A livestream of deep sea creatures transfixes Argentina and sparks calls for refunding science - HERE

More from Lauren’s NPR colleague Anas Baba reporting from Gaza

For NPR’s Anas Baba, covering the war in Gaza also means living it - HERE
The deadly risk of trying to reach food in Gaza - HERE

**We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-Chief

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is Brigitte Macron suing conspiracy theorist Candace Owens?

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:43:20 GMT

Is it wrong for the government to ask police to release information on the ethnicity and immigration status of crime suspects? As countries gather for the UN plastics summit, just how much of our lives are contaminated by plastic? Who is the YouTuber behind the misinformation campaign targeting France’s First Lady?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Political Editor Rachel Sylvester, reporter Phoebe Davis and reporter James Tapper.

Links to the team’s Must Reads here:

Listen to Rachel’s series The Lab Detective HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we in a “Hot Reform Summer”?

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:20:23 GMT

As the UK Parliament takes its summer break, has Reform seized the media spotlight and emerged as a viable third-party contender? What are the risks of uploading ID to age-restricted websites under the Online Safety Act? Will Trump impose his peace deal deadline on Russia if Putin refuses negotiations?

Rebecca Moore is joined by The New Statesman’s Associate Political Editor, Rachel Cunliffe. Plus the Observer’s Poppy Bullard and Patricia Clarke, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.

Links to the team’s Must Reads and recommendations here:

Gen lay-Z: Why my generation doesn't care about work - HERE
One year on, tensions still circle Britain’s asylum-seeker hotels - HERE
Nathan For You (Season 4, Episode 8), Finding Frances.
Trump’s relationship with Putin ‘at breaking point’ after Russia unleashes Kyiv blitz -
HERE

We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is Donald Trump targeting Brazil?

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:39:25 GMT

Are male novelists a dying breed? Can women trust apps with their personal data? Are tariffs the only way Donald Trump knows how to do diplomacy?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Home Affairs Editor John Simpson, Head of Data and Graphics Katie Riley and Consulting Editor for Comment, Erica Wagner.

Links to the team’s Must Reads here:

Read Erica’s piece on the Booker Prize longlist HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does UK recognition change anything in Gaza?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:50:26 GMT

Is the UK’s decision to conditionally recognise the state of Palestine more symbolic than practical? As protests in Epping continue, how is rhetoric around asylum seekers impacting children from ethnic minority backgrounds? Now that the Lionesses have won the Euros for a second time, is this confirmation that the hard work put into the women’s game has paid off?

Giles Whittell is joined by ITV News Presenter and Loose Women panellist Charlene White. Plus, the Observer’s narrative editor Chloe Hadjimatheou and Deputy Sports Editor, Andrew Butler.

**Join us at the next News Meeting Live HERE

Dive deeper into all the stories from this episode:

Leader: it is time to recognise Palestine HERE
Sensemaker podcast: How did the Lionesses do it again? HERE
Never mind the economy, immigration is now a bigger concern for voters HERE
Sensemaker podcast: How much aid is getting through to Gaza? HERE
Nigel Farage wants to be taken seriously, but can’t stop playing dangerous games HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-In-Chief

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of Audio and Rebecca Moore, Executive producer

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do the anti-immigration protests tell us about British politics?

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:19:26 GMT

Are Labour’s concerns about social cohesion a sign that they may be aligning with some of Reforms ideas on immigration? Why does Kemi Badenoch want to outlaw doctors’ strikes? And are the latest aid drops in Gaza a sign of change to come?

Jasper Corbett is joined by journalist and broadcaster David Aaronovitch. Plus, the Observer reporter Stephen Armstrong and senior producer Katie Gunning.

**Listen to the Sensemaker podcast: How did the Lionesses do it again? HERE

**Join us at the News Meeting Live HERE

Links to the team’s Must Reads here:

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jasper Corbett, Head of Audio

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of Audio

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Football Already Come Home?

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:46:17 GMT

Is Belgium paving the way for more international action over Gaza? Have the Lionesses paved the way for a permanent change in English football culture? What’s going on at Unite?

Rebecca Moore is joined by three Observer journalists. Senior Digital Editor Claudia Williams, Sports Reporter Jessy Parker Humphreys and Architecture Critic Rowan Moore.

Links to the team’s Must Reads here:

Listen to the Inside Unite HERE

**Join us at the News Meeting Live HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett, Head of Audio

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why has Israel launched a new air and ground attack on Deir al-Balah in Gaza?

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:12:25 GMT

Why has Israel launched a new air and ground offensive in Gaza, where many international aid organisations are operating? Will plans to overhaul the water companies in England and Wales work? And why is Donald Trump suing Rupert Murdoch?

Jasper Corbett is joined by The Observer’s Head of Data and Graphics, Katie Riley, researcher Serena Cesareo, and reporter Stephen Armstrong.

Links to the team’s Must Reads here:

‘My Friends’ by Hisham Matar: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127488823-my-friends
‘Where Americans Ever Healthy’ by Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-07-18/was-the-us-ever-healthy-what-maha-gets-wrong-about-nutrition-history
‘You Said ‘Yes’ to Being an Organ Donor. What Exactly Does That Mean?’ by the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/20/health/organ-donors-information.html

**Join us at the News Meeting Live HERE:

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jasper Corbett, Head of Audio

Producer: Amalie Sortand

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Trump won’t release the Epstein files

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:19:01 GMT

Will the conspiracy theories about Jeffrey Epstein divide Trump from his MAGA supporters? Can British culture accept genetically modifying embryos to prevent serious diseases? And why have we only just learned of the data breach involving Afghan refugees?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Head of Audio Jasper Corbett, reporter Phoebe Davis and producer Poppy Bullard.

Links to the team’s Must Reads here:

Listen to the Retreat from Kabul parts One and Two

**Join us at the News Meeting Live HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's fueling a rise in measles cases in the UK?

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:01:54 GMT

Is climate politics full of hot air? What’s next for the government’s Prevent scheme? What’s behind falling vaccine rates in some parts of the country?

Rebecca Moore is joined by a trio of Observer reporters: Whitehall editor Cat Neilan, Senior Audio Producer Katie Gunning and Senior Writer Francisco Garcia.

You can read Rebecca’s Must Read HERE

And you can read Francisco’s Must Read HERE

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with ITV News presenter Charlene White.

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett, Head of Audio

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Salt Path Controversy: Behind the scenes

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:15:33 GMT

The Observer recently published a major investigation into the bestselling memoir The Salt Path. In this special episode, Giles Whittell is joined by the journalist behind the story, Chloe Hadjimatheou, and her editor, Alexi Mostrous, to discuss how the investigation unfolded.

To read Chloe’s piece click here.

To read Raynor Winn’s rebuttal, click here.

To listen to the episode of The Sensemaker outlining Chloe’s piece, click here.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with ITV News presenter Charlene White.

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Starmer and Macron make a deal on small boats?

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:59:13 GMT

Are Britain and France on the cusp of yet another agreement over small boats? Could the Texan floods have been prevented? Can women trust the justice system?

Rebecca Moore is joined by Observer reporters Phoebe Davies and Serena Cesareo, and the journalist and author Jenny Evans, whose book Don’t Let It Break You, Honey details her experience being assaulted by a high profile figure, and her subsequent fight to find out why details of her ordeal made it into the tabloids.

You can buy Don’t Let It Break You, Honey HERE

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with ITV News presenter Charlene White.

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett, Head of Audio

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was the Diddy trial a failure to prosecute?

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:38:28 GMT

Why did the case to prosecute rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs fail? Who’s to blame for Rachel Reeve’s terrible week? Should kids be taught to read faster?

Giles Whittell is joined by a trio of Observer reporters. Cat Neilan is the Whitehall Editor, Vanessa Thorpe is the Media and Arts reporter and Stephen Armstrong, who has been covering the Diddy trial for the paper.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Listen to Stephen’s episode of the Sensemaker about the Diddy Trial here https://tinyurl.com/ysz3s2dy

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is the tech billionaire cosying up to Donald Trump?

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:38:16 GMT

Is Keir Starmer facing his most significant rebellion yet? Why is Chinese billionaire Justin Sun being accused of buying access to Donald Trump? And what should Health Secretary Wes Streeting focus on if he wants to fix the NHS?

Rebecca Moore is joined by host of the Westminster Inside podcast Sascha O’Sullivan, alongside The Observer’s Patricia Clarke and Jon Ungoed-Thomas, as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

Listen to Westminster Insider here:

Read everything mentioned in the episode here:

Patricia’s article - Trump’s top crypto investor edges closer to the seat of American power - HERE
The private trials of Keir Starmer by Tom Baldwin - HERE
The Verge’s reporting on Justin Sun - HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of Audio

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have we reached peak women’s sport?

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:14:59 GMT

Why are TV audiences for women’s sport falling? Was the Nato summit a victory lap for Donald Trump? And who is Zohran Mamdani, the charismatic progressive running for New York City Mayor?

Giles Whittell is joined by Katie Riley, data editor at The Observer; Jessica Hayden, The Observer’s assistant sports editor and author of The Red Roses: Behind the Scenes with the England Women’s Rugby Team; and Ivo Daalder, former US ambassador to Nato and foreign policy advisor to President Obama.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What next for Iran?

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:14:34 GMT

Has Netanyahu got the Middle East exactly where he wants it? How will Iran respond to the US strikes on its nuclear facilities? Will the the conflict in the region change British politics forever?

Rebecca Moore is joined by the journalists Rana Rahimpour and Jotam Confino, and former advisor to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, as they battle it out for the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

Producers: Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of Audio

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the MAGA split prevent a US war with Iran?

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:04:39 GMT

Is Ayatollah Khamenei becoming increasingly isolated? Who’s got Donald Trump’s ear in the decision to strike Iran? How can we find out what’s happening on the ground in Gaza?

Jess Winch is joined by the Observer’s Head of Audio Jasper Corbett, journalist Rana Rahimpour and the author of Prisoners of Geography, Tim Marshall, as they battle it out for the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

Listen to The hunt for Iran's next Supreme Leader - HERE

Buy Prisoners of Geography https://observershop.co.uk/prisoners-of-geography-9781783968596/

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jess Winch, Managing Editor

Producers: Casey Magloire and Poppy Bullard

Executive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of Audio

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens if the Iranian regime falls?

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:02:05 GMT

Could the latest developments in Iran and Israel end the Cold War of the Middle East? Why has it taken 40 years to start the process of identifying the bodies of 800 unknown babies in Ireland? And will President Trump’s MAGA support base buy into his family’s latest venture?

Rebecca Moore is joined by the Observer’s managing editor Jess Winch, NPR’s Lauren Frayer and co-host of Good Bad Billionaire Zing Tsjeng, as they battle it out for the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, Executive Producer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell, Deputy Head of Audio

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Netanyahu wants Trump to do about Iran

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:54:09 GMT

In this special episode of The News Meeting, Jess Winch is joined by Jerusalem-based reporter Noga Tarnopolsky, along with The Observer’s Chloe Hadjimatheou and Stephen Armstrong. Together, they unpack the Middle East conflict through the perspectives of America, Israel and Iran.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jess Winch, Managing editor at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is Israel striking Iran?

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:36:32 GMT

OpenAI’s Sam Altman self-publishes chat GPT’s water and energy consumption for the first time, but how can tech companies continue to expand in a more sustainable way? How will RFK Jr’s appointment of known anti-vaxers to the CDC panel shape vaccination policy in the US? And are generational labels a problematic myth?

Following Israeli strikes on Iran, The Observer’s Chloe Hadjimatheou and Jess Winch discuss the latest developments in the Middle East.

Then, Jess Winch is joined by award winning journalist and best selling author of Empire of AI Karen Hao; plus, The Observer’s Alexi Mostrous and James Tapper, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

** Links to everything mentioned in the episode:

Get your copy of Karen’s book Empire of AI: Inside the reckless race for total domination HERE
Watch Karen’s full conversation with Patricia Clarke at the Observer Bookclub live HERE
Listen to Alexi’s podcast series, Dr Anti-Vax HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jess Winch, Managing editor at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why has Trump turned Los Angeles into a battleground?

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:43:11 GMT

What’s behind the president’s decision to deploy the National Guard in response to protests over immigration raids? Is Greta Thunberg’s journey aboard the detained Madleen flotilla the most effective way to highlight the plight of Gazans? And how should we tackle the soaring water use of AI?

Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s Katie Gunning, Jon Ungoed-thomas and Serena Cesareo, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s behind Trump’s latest travel ban?

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:54:01 GMT

Why has the American Evangelical leader Johnnie Moore been chosen to chair the Gaza Humanitarian Fund? How will slipping data collection standards in the US undermine critics of the Trump administration? What is the rationale behind President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban placed on 12 countries?

Giles Whittell is joined by journalist Anu Anand, along with The Observer’s Katie Riley and Jasper Corbett, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is David Attenborough warning us about ocean trawling?

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:10:59 GMT

In his stark new film on the fishing industry, David Attenborough warns we're "almost out of time" to save the oceans. Are Nigel Farage’s calls to change UK abortion laws the start of a new culture war? And with Thames Water in crisis, should the government step in?

James Harding is joined by Pod Save the UK’s Coco Khan, along with The Observer’s Basia Cummings and Miranda Sawyer, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

** Listen to Coco Khan on Pod Save the UK HERE

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Ukraine's audacious drone attack on Russia a game changer?

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:42:40 GMT

The UK government’s new Strategic Defence Review says it’s time for British citizens to step up. In southern Gaza, the Red Cross says 21 people were “declared dead on arrival” at a field hospital after an incident near an aid distribution centre. And could Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web change the face of modern warfare?

Giles Whittell is joined by Media Storm’s Mathilda Mallinson along with The Observer’s Cat Neilan and Jasper Corbett, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

To read Cat’s article about the Strategic Defence Review click here.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE at SXSW on Wednesday 4th June - with Coco Khan and Miranda Sawyer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive Producer: Katie Gunning

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is for-profit aid shaping the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?

Fri, 30 May 2025 17:03:15 GMT

If the book is good, do we care if it was written by AI? Should we be concerned by the distribution of aid in Gaza by non-UN services? A team of British climbers recently reached Everest’s summit in just five days after using xenon gas to boost performance. Does this kind of enhancement challenge traditional ideas of mountaineering achievement?

Giles Whittell is joined by author, political adviser, and foreign policy specialist Chloe Dalton along with the Observer’s Claudia Williams and Vanessa Thorpe, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE at SXSW on Wednesday 4th June - with Coco Khan and Miranda Sawyer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Elon Musk behind Trump’s ‘white genocide’ claims?

Fri, 23 May 2025 10:07:27 GMT

What links Elon Musk’s business ties in South Africa to the US president’s attack on Cyril Ramaphosa? Will AI hit women in the workforce hardest? And could the case of Adriana Smith - a brain-dead pregnant woman being kept alive because she’s pregnant - reshape abortion laws in states like Georgia?

Giles Whittell is joined by writer and journalist Marisa Bate, along with Observer reporters Stephen Armstrong and Phoebe Davis, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from Hay Festival on Thursday 29th May - with Chloe Dalton
LIVE at SXSW on Wednesday 4th June - with Coco Khan
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

Read more of Phoebe’s reporting on abortion laws in the UK here:

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did Democrats try to hide Joe Biden’s deteriorating health?

Mon, 19 May 2025 15:53:05 GMT

Alex Thompson and Jake Tapper’s book, Original Sin alleges that officials working for Biden’s administration tried to keep what they describe as the president’s mental decline hidden. Is the media guilty of sensationalising Cassie Ventura’s testimony and the trial involving Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs? Why are changes to the fisheries policies between the EU and UK causing such a fuss?

Giles Whittell is joined by Anu Anand, Stephen Armstrong and Patricia Clarke as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from Hay Festival on Thursday 29th May - with Chloe Dalton
LIVE at SXSW on Wednesday 4th June - with Coco Khan
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

Read more about the team’s guilty pleasure news stories here:

British mountaineer breaks his own record for most Everest climbs by a non-Nepali

Listen to more of the Observer’s coverage on today’s stories here:

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bradley Wiggins admits he was a cocaine addict. What does his struggle with drugs tell us about retired athlete care?

Fri, 16 May 2025 10:57:28 GMT

Why did Bradley Wiggins seek advice from disgraced former cyclist Lance Armstrong to help him recover from cocaine addiction? What does the indictment of a US judge tell us about President Trump’s plans to take on the judiciary? How is a law from the 1800s being used to criminalise women who have abortions in 2025?

Jess Winch is joined by Marie Le Conte, Rowan Moore and Andrew Butler, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live:

LIVE from Hay Festival on Thursday 29th May - with Chloe Dalton
LIVE at SXSW on Wednesday 4th June - with Coco Khan
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

Read The Observer’s exclusive - Bradley Wiggins: ‘I was a functioning cocaine addict’ HERE

Read Marie’s column on cricket: ‘It’s like a summer fling, but I’m not sure cricket is for me’ HERE

Read more about the team’s guilty pleasure news stories here:

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Jess Winch, managing editor at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producers: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What will Keir Starmer’s closer relationship with the EU look like?

Wed, 14 May 2025 17:23:01 GMT

Is youth mobility on the cards for Labour’s post-Brexit plan with Europe? Why is it so hard to record incidents of spiking? How will Labour’s immigration plan affect international students and higher education?

Giles Whittell is joined by Rebecca Myers, Katie Riley and Cat Neilan, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the News Meeting Live

LIVE from Hay Festival on Thursday 29th May - with Chloe Dalton
LIVE at SXSW on Wednesday 4th June - with Coco Khan
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 17 June - with Zing Tsjeng and NPR’s Lauren Frayer
LIVE from the Observer Newsroom on Tuesday 29th July - with Charlene White and Kehinde Andrews

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor-in-chief at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are the Qataris reportedly gifting Donald Trump a $400mn jumbo jet?

Mon, 12 May 2025 17:37:56 GMT

How will Labour’s immigration legislation affect the UK’s care sector? What are the potential conflicts of interests if Trump accepts a jet from Qatar? The Indian Premier League is set to return after the competition was suspended amid rising tension in Kashmir, but what does this tell us about India's power in international cricket?

Rebecca Moore is joined by Orwell Prize winning Pete Apps, alongside The Observer’s Patricia Clarke and Jessy Parker Humphreys, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 13th May HERE

Read Patricia Clarke’s article in full: ‘How the US president and his clan ushered in a new golden age of corruption’

@ObserverUK on X
@theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, executive producer at The Observer

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore and Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are India and Pakistan on the brink of all out war?

Thu, 08 May 2025 16:21:21 GMT

As tensions rise between the two nuclear powers and US remains noticeably missing from the world stage, who will be the guarantor of peace between India and Pakistan? What does the new US-UK trade deal tell us about the new world order? Elon Musk is stepping away from Doge, was his time in government a success or costly failure?

Jess Winch is joined by author Quinn Slobodian and The Observer’s Rebecca Moore and Jasper Corbett, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 13th May HERE

Purchase Quinn’s book ‘Hayek's Bastards: The Neoliberal Roots of the Populist Right’ HERE

Read more about the team’s guilty pleasure news stories HERE

He injected himself with snake venom hundreds of times. His blood could ‘revolutionize’ snakebite treatment

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Host: Rebecca Moore, executive producer at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore and Matt Russell

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Ozempic weddings: What are the risks of slimming down for the big day?

Fri, 02 May 2025 12:26:39 GMT

Why are there calls to return British art like the original Winnie-the-Pooh doll from America to the UK? Trump and Zelensky have finally signed the US-Ukraine mineral deal, but who is the real winner? With wedding season approaching, what lengths are people willing to take to look slimmer on the big day?

Rebecca Moore is joined by Jeevan Vasagar, James Tapper and Vanessa Thorpe, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April HERE

Listen to James Tapper’s Sensemaker episode, 'The Down sides of weightloss drugs’ HERE

Read more about the team’s guilty pleasure news stories here:

@ObserverUK on X,
@theObserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
@theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, executive producer at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore and Jasper Corbett

To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we lose our local parks to festivals every summer?

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:28:05 GMT

What do councils do with the money they get from renting public spaces out for festivals? How will the Supreme Court’s ruling on the definition of a woman impact our day-to-day lives? And North Korea has confirmed it sent troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine.

Giles Whittell is joined by Rebecca Moore, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Miranda Sawyer as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://observer.co.uk/our-events/the-news-meeting-live

Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

@tortoise on IG and X,
@tortoisemedia on tiktok
@tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk

Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Host: Giles Whittell

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Trump losing patience with Putin?

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:33:13 GMT

Donald Trump has failed to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, how frustrated is he with Russia’s latest round of attacks on Kyiv? Ofcom published its news set of rules tech firms must comply with - or else. And how have the devastating attacks in Kashmir reignited tensions between India and Pakistan?

Giles Whittell is joined by Rebecca Moore, Stephen Armstrong and Cat Neilan, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Read more about the team’s guilty pleasure news stories here:

@tortoise on IG and X,
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Host: Giles Whittell

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government’s race to save British Steel

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:23:18 GMT

What does the government’s takeover of the Scunthorpe steelworks mean for the future of UK industry? Why is a bin strike in Birmingham exposing deep cracks in Britain’s social fabric? And who’s paying the price for Trump’s cuts to US foreign aid?

Rebecca Moore is joined by Katie Gunning, Stephen Armstrong and NPR’s Lauren Frayer as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Read more about the team’s guilty pleasure news stories here:

Listen to Stephen’s Slow Newscast episode, 'DIE, DIE, DEI’ here: lnk.to/8NMCoV

Listen to Lauren’s report on the impact of US aid cuts in Syria here: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/14/nx-s1-5342255/how-trumps-cuts-to-u-s-foreign-aid-have-hobbled-syrias-war-crimes-investigations

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Host: Rebecca Moore, executive producer at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore and Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s behind the allegations of insider trading following Trump’s tariff U-turn?

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:56:45 GMT

A few hours before he announced a 90-day pause on tariffs, the president posted “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT” on social media. Why has this led to accusations he manipulated the market for his own gain? The popularity of companion AI chatbots is rapidly increasing, but what safety nets are in place to protect young people? How have Big Law firms in America reacted to Trump 2.0?

Rebecca Moore is joined by Hashi Mohamed, Patricia Clarke and Katie Riley, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Read more about the team’s guilty pleasure news stories here:

Listen to Patricia’s Slow Newscast episode, 'My AI Girlfriend’ here: lnk.to/MyAIGirlfriend

@tortoise on IG and X,
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@tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky

Host: Rebecca Moore, executive producer at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global stock markets tumble as countries react to Trump’s tariffs

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:54:45 GMT

The United Nations says 15 medics have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, could this mark a turning point in how the West responds to the war? Is Keir Starmer right to suggest Donald Trump’s tariffs spell the end of globalisation? And with trillions wiped off global markets, will the President retreat from his punchy new policy?

Giles Whittell is joined by Jasper Corbett, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Cat Neilan, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Listen to Chloe’s episode of the Sensemaker here: lnk.to/sensemaker

Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

@tortoise on IG and X,
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@tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Trump’s tariffs the beginning of the end for the global economic order?

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:36:14 GMT

Will President Trump’s global tariff hike force countries to forge new alliances beyond the US? What is the government’s plan to tackle the problems involving young boys in Netflix’s Adolescence? And why are doctors sounding the alarm over the return of Victorian-era diseases?

Jess Winch is joined by the Observer’s Rebecca Myers, along with Jasper Corbett and Stephen Armstrong from Tortoise, as they battle to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

@tortoise on IG and X,
@tortoisemedia on tiktok
@tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deborah Frances-White on renters’ rights and the earthquake in Myanmar

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:53:46 GMT

One of the largest earthquakes in decades has wrecked parts of Myanmar, but how does a country still grappling with civil war and military rule handle a natural disaster of this scale? The Guardian investigates why senior Tory Lords and MPs are lobbying to thwart the renters’ reform bill. What does Prince Harry’s bullying allegations, brought forward by his former charity chief, reveal about the way we provide aid?

Basia Cummings is joined by the Guilty Feminist’s Deborah Frances-White, plus Tortoise’s Katie Riley and Claudia Williams, as they battle it out to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Take a look at Tortoise’s Peer Review tools here - https://www.tortoisemedia.com/peer-review-explore-tool

Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

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Host: Basia Cummings, Editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Trump’s top officials accidentally invite a journalist into their group chat?

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:47:31 GMT

Will there be any repercussions after top US security officials accidentally added the editor of the Atlantic to a Signal group used to plan airstrikes in Yemen? New government, new Spring Statement, but is this the same old politics? And why we need to talk about the growing fashion scene in Bath.

Giles Whittell is joined by journalist Anu Anand, Bath Spa University Chancellor Sharanjit Leyl and Tortoise’s Chloe Hadjimatheou, as they battle it out and try to pitch the top story of the day.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live on Tuesday 29th April here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Get in touch and let us know what you think should lead the news. Send a voice note to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

@tortoise on IG and X,
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@tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yalda Hakim on war with China and why did a fire shut down Heathrow airport?

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 18:33:30 GMT

Have the disruptions at Heathrow airport revealed key weaknesses in the UK’s infrastructure? Is the US looking to pull out of Ukraine so it can focus on a potential war with China? And what will happen to millions of people’s genetic data now that 23andMe has declared bankruptcy?

Giles Whittell is joined by Sky News’ Yalda Hakim, alongside Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke and Cat Neilan, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!

Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3

And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Listen to Tortoise’s latest episode of the Slow Newscast, The $Trumpcon - here

Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim podcast - here

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Host: Jess Winch, News Editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are there plans to remove 2 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip?

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:19:38 GMT

What is President Trump’s “voluntary transfer plan” for Gaza residents? As Trump clashes with a federal judge over mass deportation, is the Supreme Court willing to stand up to the President? Who were the Navajo code talkers, and why was their wartime legacy briefly erased from US military websites?

Jess Winch is joined by Tortoise’s Katie Riley, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Jasper Corbett, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!

Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3

And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Listen to Tortoise’s latest investigative series - Lucky Boy - here

@tortoise on IG and X,
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Host: Jess Winch, News Editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Trump deport hundreds to a mega prison in El Salvador despite a judge's ruling?

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:25:53 GMT

Are welfare reforms Labour’s only hope of saving money ahead of the Spring Statement? Who are the hundreds of Venezuelans who have been forcibly removed from the US? And what is the media getting wrong when it comes to reporting on femicide by an intimate partner?

Giles Whittell is joined by Media Storm podcast hosts Mathilda Mallinson and Helena Wadia, along with Claudia Williams from Tortoise, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!

Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3

And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Listen to Media Storm here - https://podfollow.com/media-storm

@tortoise on IG and X,
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Host: Giles Whittell, deputy at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Young Turks’ Cenk Uygur discusses the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil and what this means for free speech in America

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:30:03 GMT

Is potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil proof that Donald Trump will use cancel culture against his loudest critics? If misogyny is a political ideology, should the Southport murderer's crime be classed as terrorism? Why health professionals are struggling to treat teenagers addicted to vaping.

Giles Whittell is joined by founder and host of The Young Turks, Cenk Uygur. Plus,Tortoise’s Katie Riley and Claudia Williams, as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!

Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3

And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

@tortoise on IG and X,
@tortoisemedia on tiktok
@tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why the King wants you to listen to Bob Marley and Reform’s civil war escalates

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:41:09 GMT

Is King Charles’ new Apple playlist a savvy PR move or just a bid for relevance? Mark Carney is Canada's new prime minister; are technocrats the best leaders to combat Trump 2.0? How will the Reform party’s internal battle impact the next British election?

Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Orwell Prize-winning author and Inside Housing contributing editor, Pete Apps. Plus,Tortoise’s Katie Riley and Katie Gunning as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!

Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3

And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

@tortoise on IG and X,
@tortoisemedia on tiktok
@tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky

Host: Jeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Europe seize $220bn in frozen Russian assets and why an Alaskan dog sled race just got even longer?

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:56:49 GMT

Could Europe unlock frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s fight against Putin? Why Elon Musk’s DOGE remains a mystery despite promises of transparency. And how climate change is reshaping Alaska’s iconic dog sled race.

Jasper Corbett is joined by Tortoise’s Chloe Hadjimatheou, Patricia Clarke and Katie Riley as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!

Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3

And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Want to learn more about what we discussed in this episode? Here’s everything you need:

What to know more about DOGE? Listen to Patricia’s episode of the Sensemaker: Musk, Trump, and the secretive government overhaul here

Read more of the reporting on DOGE by ProPublica here and the New York Times here and here

If you’re interested in the attention economy, Katie recommends reading Chris Hayes’ The Siren’s Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource

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Host: Jasper Corbett, Audio Editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump ambushes Zelensky and Starmer takes the lead

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:34:26 GMT

After a frantic weekend of diplomatic chess, has Sir Keir Starmer emerged as the new leader of Europe? Will Israel agree to enact the second stage of the ceasefire deal and pull troops out of Gaza? Why is the government spending £100m on a bat cave for HS2?

Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Stephen Armstrong, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Hashi Mohamed as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!

Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3

And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Listen to Tortoise’s latest series - Lucky Boy here - https://lnk.to/IKgGih

Listen to the latest episode of the Slow Newscast: Trump’s Dealmaker here

@tortoise on IG and X,
@tortoisemedia on tiktok
@tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Starmer try to win over Trump and is Zelensky’s mineral deal with the US a smart move?

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 12:46:07 GMT

Will Keir Starmer’s meeting with Donald Trump cement him as the pragmatic leader the UK left has been missing? With the TV industry struggling, are we witnessing the end of our beloved British TV dramas?

Giles Whittell is joined by comedian Matt Forde, critic Scott Bryan and Tortoise’s Cat Neilan as they each pitch a story they think should lead the news.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live!

Get your ticket for Wednesday 26th March in Bath here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-3

And our London live show on Tuesday 29th April here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-2

Grab your ticket to see Matt Forde’s Political Party Live - https://www.mattforde.com/live/

Listen to Tortoise’s latest series - Lucky Boy here - https://lnk.to/IKgGih

Get 30% off UnCommon Wine by using the code UNCOMMONTORTOISE at checkout!

@tortoise on IG and X,
@tortoisemedia on tiktok
@tortoisemedia.bsky.social on bluesky

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why has Apple pulled a data protection tool and will Germany stand up to Trump?

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:46:09 GMT

Germany’s Friedrich Merz has vowed to secure “independence” from the United States following his party’s victory in parliamentary elections.

In 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service found black people are 16 times more likely than white people to face prosecution under joint enterprise laws, so why is a review only happening now?

For the first time, Apple has agreed to withdraw its highest-level data security tool from UK customers after the government demanded access to user data for security reasons.

Giles Whittell is joined by ITV News presenter Charlene White, plus Tortoise’s Jeevan Varsagar and Patricia Clarke, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

**February’s edition of the News Meeting Live has sold out! So grab a ticket for our March and April shows while spots are still available! Get your ticket here

We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do some young voters buy Trump's lies about Ukraine and what’s behind the violence in the DRC?

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:41:04 GMT

Why is it so hard for journalists to report on Trump’s blatant lies? Tens of thousands have died and been displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo - so why is the war missing from the front pages? And what does the conversation between Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and controversial podcaster Jordan Peterson reveal about the UK’s political right?

Giles Whittell is joined by journalist and author Marie Le Conte, plus Tortoise’s Ada Barumé and Cat Neilan, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

**February’s edition of the News Meeting Live has sold out! So grab a ticket for our March and April shows while spots are still available! Get your ticket here

We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Europe irrelevant in Trump’s new world order and will the UK send troops to Ukraine?

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:21:15 GMT

As Trump and Putin negotiate a peace deal without Europe or Ukraine, where does this leave Nato members? Can Keir Starmer establish himself as a key figure in European defence? And as the US and Russia meet in Saudi Arabia this week, what does that tell us about the future of geopolitics?

Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Jasper Corbett, Stephen Armstrong and Cat Neilan, as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here

We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump-Putin phone call shocks Europe and mayday for universities in Wales

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:49:28 GMT

With a single 90-minute phone call has Donald Trump sidelined Europe in the Ukraine discussion? Why is Donald Trump criticising South Africa’s land laws and what does Elon Musk have to do with it? With Cardiff University announcing major departmental cuts, will other institutions follow suit to save higher education in Wales?

Giles Whittell is joined by the former opposition leader of South Africa and founder of Futurelect, Lindiwe Mazibuko, CNN presenter Max Foster and Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke as they pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here

We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rise and rise of Reform and the posthumously published diary of Joan Didion

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:38:51 GMT

What are the ethical dilemmas of publishing a writer's private works after their death? A new poll reveals that Nigel Farage’s Reform Party may be the UK’s most popular political party. How have Labour and the Conservatives responded to the news? What does the latest round of Trump tariffs tell us about the President’s negotiating tactics?

Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Tortoise’s Cat Neilan, Katie Riley and Patricia Clarke as the pitch and battle it out for today’s top story.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here

Listen to Cat’s episode of the Slow Newscast - The Rwanda Plan: How to lose £70 million here from Tuesday 11th February

We always love to hear your thoughts. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Host: Jeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise.

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Taliban refuses to return $7bn of US arms and Doge takes on USAID

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:59:17 GMT

A gang of young officials from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency targeted the US Agency for International Development. What does that tell us about his loyalty to Trump?

Despite overseeing the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Trump now demands the Taliban return 78 aircraft, 40,000 vehicles and 300,000 weapons left behind.

As the US steps back from a key NATO committee, is this the UK’s chance to get closer with Europe again?

Basia Cummings is joined by Moby Media Groups’s Saad Mohseni, plus Tortoise’s Stephen Armstrong and Giles Whittell as they battle to pitch the top story.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month. Get your ticket for February 27th here

To read the BBC’s analysis of Hollywoodgate, the documentary Basia mentioned about US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan, click here.

We always love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Send a voice note to: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Host: Basia Cummings, editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is the Royal Family off limits in Parliament and could Trump force Palestinians out of Gaza?

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:07:43 GMT

What are the 180-year-old rules that prevent MPs from debating issues about the Royal Family? As Donald Trump floats the idea of “clearing out” Gaza, what lies ahead for Palestinians returning home? And President Trump promised tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China - but how will this affect foreign relations with the US’ closest neighbours?

Giles Whittell is joined by NPR’s International Correspondent Lauren Frayer, plus Tortoise’s Patricia Clarke and Jasper Corbett as they battle to pitch the top story.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month.

Get your ticket for February 27th here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-1

Learn more about House of Lords with Tortoise’s Peer Review here:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/intelligence/peer-review

Read the Ezra Klein article that Giles recommended here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-trump-column-read.html

Read The Observer Patricia based her pitch on here: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2025/feb/01/stop-shielding-uk-royals-from-parliamentary-scrutiny-says-labour-peer

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An art heist in the Netherlands and will there ever be a third runway at Heathrow Airport?

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 17:08:37 GMT

Why were priceless ancient Romanian artefacts stolen from a Dutch museum and what does this tell us about the global black market in stolen art? Will the government’s latest plans to expand Heathrow airport bring the growth Rachel Reeves has been promising? And why did Donald Trump offer federal government employees money to quit their jobs?

Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Katie Riley, Claudia Williams and Jasper Corbett as they battle to pitch the top story.

**Join us at the next edition of the News Meeting Live! We host live recordings on the last Thursday of every month.

Get your ticket for February 27th here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live-1

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israeli settlers in the West Bank and the millionaire paying to dodge death

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:00:52 GMT

How much is tech guru Bryan Johnson willing to put his 19-year-old son through in his quest to avoid dying? Why 33% of surveyed Gen Z-ers say they prefer the army to run the country? What happens to the West Bank during a Trump administration?

Basia Cummings is joined by scientist and broadcaster Adam Rutherford, plus Tortoise’s Cat Neilan and Stephen Armstrong, as they battle to pitch the top story.

**Get tickets for our next News Meeting live on Wednesday 29th January here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live/book

** Listen to the ‘Immortality Bros: The business of living forever’ here: https://lnk.to/XSGGvM

** Listen to Jordan Peterson and the making of man here: https://lnk.to/YAYX7Y

Host: Basia Cummings, editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is the bishop who urged Trump to “have mercy” and why was crypto booming at Davos?

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:50:13 GMT

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s direct plea to Donald Trump has led a Republican congressman to demand her deportation. Should Democrats buy Trump’s meme coins? And what’s the point of Davos?

Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s James Harding, Patricia Clarke and Katie Riley as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

**Get tickets for our next News Meeting live on Wednesday 29th January here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live/book

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ceasefire in Gaza, allegations against Neil Gaiman, and Donald Trump returns

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 18:11:46 GMT

How Tortoise first reported on the allegations made against author Neil Gaiman. Does a ceasefire in Gaza mean peace? And what are Donald Trump’s plans for day one in the White House?

Jeevan Vasagar is joined by Tortoise’s Cat Neilan, Katie Gunning and Chloe Hadjimatheou as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

Listen to Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman here:

https://lnk.to/NG-Master

**Get tickets for our next News Meeting live on Wednesday 29th January here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live/book

Listen to Making Sense of Sustainable Farming here:

https://lnk.to/MSOSF

Guests:

Katie Gunning, senior audio producer at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou editor at Tortoise

Host: Jeevan Vasagar, editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How should the media handle Trump 2.0?

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:30:00 GMT

As the world gears up for a second Donald Trump presidency, how will newsrooms handle the whirlwind this time around? What lessons will they take from the missteps and chaos of his first term?

Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell is joined by Pulitzer prize-winning American journalists Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan and Tortoise’s data editor, Katie Riley.

**Get tickets for our next News Meeting live on Wednesday 29th January here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live/book

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The price of Shein’s fast fashion and what’s gone wrong for Rachel Reeves?

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 17:56:28 GMT

What should politicians do about allegations of poor treatment for workers at Shein’s factories in China? Will Keir Starmer back the chancellor amid the UK’s economic woes? And is allowing supervised drug use the solution to Scotland’s drug death crisis?

Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Cat Neilan, Patricia Clarke and Stephen Armstrong as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

**Get tickets for our next News Meeting live on Wednesday 29th January here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live/book

To read Laura Bicker’s BBC investigation into Shein click here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdrylgvr77jo

To vote for Cat Neilan’s episode of the Slow Newcast Frank Hester: Tory Northern Diamond has been shortlisted for Scoop of the Year at the inaugural iNHouse Communication’s Political Podcast Awards 2025

https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/

Guests:

Patricia Clarke, reporter at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is Mark Zuckerberg changing Meta’s policies and will the LA wildfires make California uninsurable?

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:40:39 GMT

How will climate events like fires and hurricanes affect America’s home insurance market? Why is the Silicon Valley tech boss scrapping fact-checking ahead of Trump 2.0? And what should happen to two french orca whales now their marine park is set to close?

Jess Winch is joined by Tortoise’s Giles Whittell, Claudia Williams and Patricia Clarke as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day.

Click here to join us at the News Meeting live on Wednesday 29th January: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events/the-news-meeting-live/book

Guests:

Patricia Clarke, reporter at Tortoise
Claudia Williams, reporter at Tortoise
Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blake Lively versus Justin Baldoni and Elon Musk muscles in on British politics

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:16:56 GMT

Giles Whittell is joined by Tortoise’s Alexi Mostrous, Jeevan Vasagar and Cat Neilan as they battle it out to see who can pitch the top story of the day. They discuss the allegations levelled by the It Ends With Us co-stars, how journalists should respond to Elon Musk's remarks on grooming gangs in England, and President Biden blocking a $15 billion deal.

Listen to Alexi’s series Who Trolled Amber here: lnk.to/WhoTrolledAmber

Guests:

Alexi Mostrous, investigations editor at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Will 2025 be the breakthrough year for AI adoption?

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:00:48 GMT

Despite Silicon Valley promising Artificial Intelligence would revolutionise our daily lives, the reality has been slower to unfold.

Writer: Patricia Clarke

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Host: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Matt Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News Meeting 2025 predictions: Will Trump and Musk stay friends and could AI help us talk to animals?

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 12:00:13 GMT

Giles Whittell and Tortoise journalists predict what stories will make the headlines in 2025. They discuss possible political shifts in the UK, reconciliation attempts in Syria and much needed local council reform.

Guests:

Katie Riley, data editor at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Denmark's gold rush town

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 06:00:44 GMT

2024 was weight-loss injections such as Ozempic and WeGovy went global. What does that mean for Novo Nordisk, the Danish company making them? And can it live up to the hype?

Writer: Claudia Williams

Producer: Claudia Williams

Photography: Joe Mee

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: A hard year for King Charles

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:00:50 GMT

The King's first full year on the throne has been marked by his illness. Along with that of his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales. What does this year tell us about the state of the royal family?

Writer: Xavier Greenwood

Producer: Xavier Greenwood

Photography: Lola Williams

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Joe Root – the greatest gets better

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:00:30 GMT

How England cricket’s greatest batter got even better in 2024.

Writer: Andrew Butler

Producer: Katie Gunning

Photography: Lola Williams

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Nara Smith and the tradwife renaissance

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:00:01 GMT

The tradwife movement, led by influencers like Nara Smith, sparked intense online debate throughout 2024, particularly following Donald Trump's presidential election victory. What does it tell us about the year?

Writer: Jess Swinburne

Producer: Jess Swinburne

Host: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: The rise and rise of Kneecap

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:00:37 GMT

The Belfast rap trio has taken the world by storm. But who are they and how have they managed to capture the zeitgeist?

Writer: Elaine McCallig

Producer: Casey Magloire

Photography: Jon Jones

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The News Meeting: 2024 Wrapped

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:00:21 GMT

Giles Whittell and Jess Winch take a look back on some of the biggest stories of the year and share some of their favourite pitches. From the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine to domestic issues like the Grenfell inquiry and the first Labour budget, along with cultural stories such as Gary Lineker's departure from Match of the Day.

Guests:

Basia Cummings, editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Varsagar, contributing editor at Tortoise
Pete Apps, Inside Housing contributing editor and Orwell Prize winning author
Kwajo Tweneboa, social housing activist
Patricia Clarke, reporter at Tortoise
Lindiwe Mazibuko, former opposition leader in South Africa and co-founder of Futurelect
Beth Rigby, political editor at Sky News

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise and Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: How Baby Reindeer rocked British TV

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:00:37 GMT

How the fallout from the TV show sparked a nearly two hundred million dollar lawsuit.

Thanks for listening to the Sensemaker.

This episode was written and mixed by Eleanor Biggs.

Photography by Jon Jones.

The executive producer is Rebecca Moore.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Gaza’s Vlogger

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 06:00:13 GMT

How a young woman from Gaza who chronicled life in the Strip after October 7th and became one of the most influential women in the world.

Writer: Chloe Hadjimatheou

Producer: Gary Marshall

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Chappell Roan and the price of fame

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:00:57 GMT

In 2024, Chappell Roan went from relative obscurity to playing to some of the biggest crowds in festival history. What toll did this meteoric rise take on her?

Writer: Katie Riley

Producer: Katie Gunning

Photography: Lola Williams

Host: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: The woman behind ITV’s Mr Bates vs. The Post Office

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 05:00:38 GMT

The Post Office scandal was one of the largest miscarriages of justice in the UK with hundreds of people wrongly prosecuted for theft or false accounting. So why did it take an ITV drama to bring about change?

Writer: Sophie Fenton

Producer: Tomini Babs

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: 2024: The year of the sequel

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:00:05 GMT

For the first time ever, the top ten grossing films of the year are all sequels. What does this tell us about the film industry? Has Hollywood run out of new ideas?

Writer: Casey Magloire

Producer: Casey Magloire

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The News Meeting: Justice for Gisele Pelicot and are Americans taking all the Guinness?

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:07:37 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate the top stories of the day. They discuss the conclusion of the mass rape trial that found 50 men guilty of raping Gisele Pelicot, the new new terrorism and federal charges brought against accused CEO murderer Luigi Mangione and if the Guinness shortage is real or just great marketing.

Guests:

Katie Riley, data editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Luigi Mangione’s alleged 3D-printed gun

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:00:21 GMT

The man accused of killing the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, is alleged to have used an untraceable 3D-printed firearm. What is that and why is it so controversial?

Writer: Xavier Greenwood

Producer: Xavier Greenwood

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Why does Lucy Letby’s new lawyer think she should be released?

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:00:52 GMT

This week, Mark McDonald announced he is trying to bring Lucy Letby’s case back to the Court of Appeal. What reasons does he give for believing the circumstances have changed since her initial trial?

Writer: Phoebe Davis

Producer: Claudia Williams

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Why has Saudi Arabia been awarded the 2034 World Cup?

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:34 GMT

Saudi Arabia has been awarded the tournament despite widespread concerns about human rights violations and environmental issues. What does this tell us about the changing face of global football?

Writer: Andrew Butler

Photography: Joe Mee

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: The rise of memecoins

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 05:00:55 GMT

A new cryptocurrency linked to the identity of Luigi Mangione, the suspected killer of Brian Thompson, has reached a market value of $76 million.

Writer: Barney Macintyre

Producer: Matt Russell

Photography: Joe Mee

Host: Claudia Williams

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News Meeting: Rising water bills and the future of the Archbishop of York

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:28:22 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what stories should lead the news. They discuss calls for Stephen Cottrell to step down over his handling of a sexual abuse case, failures of the UK’s privatised water industry, and ABC News’s $15 million defamation settlement with Donald Trump.

Guests:

Pete Apps, Inside Housing contributing editor and Orwell Prize winning author
Basia Cummings, editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Who is the lawyer suing Jay-Z?

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:00:22 GMT

Billionaire rapper Jay-Z is the first celebrity to be named as a co-defendent in an allegation concerning Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Jay-Z vehemently denies the allegation – that he raped a 13 year old girl in 2000 along with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Jay-Z’s legal team has sued the attorney who filed the claim against him. So who is the lawyer bringing multiple lawsuits against Sean Combs and his associates?

Writer: Eleanor Biggs

Photography: Jon Jones

Host: Claudia Williams

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News Meeting: Syria’s disappeared and Fifa’s 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:04:28 GMT

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the thousands of people disappeared by Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the controversy surrounding Saudi Arabia hosting the tournament amid human rights concerns, and a proposed new law banning marriages between first cousins.

Guests:

Dr Adam Rutherford, scientist, broadcaster and scientist
Basia Cummings, editor at Tortoise
Claudia Williams, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Syria’s prisons

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 05:00:33 GMT

The ousting of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad has revealed the full scale of how he used the prison system to lock up, torture and execute his opponents. What do we now know about what went on?

Producer: Eleanor Biggs

Photography: Jon Jones

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Could Nigel Farage’s Reform party be backed by mega donors?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:00:54 GMT

Tech billionaire Elon Musk and property tycoon Nick Candy have been named as considering multi-million-pound contributions, which could change the face of British politics forever. Reform could become the best-funded political party in the UK.

Writer: Cat Neilan.

Producer: Katie Gunning.

Photography: Jon Jones.

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore.

To find out more about Tortoise:

Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: France’s political tailspin

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:56 GMT

France’s government has been toppled, making Michel Bernier the shortest serving prime minister in the history of the modern French Republic. What does it mean for France – and the rest of Europe?

Writer: Claudia Williams

Producer: Claudia Williams

Photography: Jon Jones

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: How did Syrian rebels overthrow Bashar al-Assad?

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:00:12 GMT

For more than half a century, the Assad family ruled Syria with brutality and repression. It took less than two weeks for rebels to bring that rule to an end. What does this mean for Syria and the region?

Writer: Xavier Greenwood

Producer: Xavier Greenwood

Host: Claudia Williams

Photography: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The News Meeting: The end of the house of Assad

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:29:05 GMT

Giles Whittell is joined by three guests pitching an angle on the toppling of the Syrian regime - the only story leading the news.

Guests:

Charlene White, Loose Women panellist
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Eleanor Biggs

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: The assisted dying bill has passed its first House of Commons hurdle, what happens next?

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:00:27 GMT

MPs voted in favour of proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill has many more stages to pass before it becomes law. So what happens next?

Writer: Phoebe Davis

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The News Meeting: France’s political turmoil and will Musk fund Farage

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:37:45 GMT

Jess Winch is joined by three guests who bring a story they think should lead the news. They debate reports that Elon Musk may donate millions to Nigel Farage’s Reform, the collapse of France’s government and a scientific breakthrough that has the potential to reduce the energy required to store data.

Guests:

Patricia Clarke, technology reporter at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Are targets for the rollout of electric vehicles too high?

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 06:00:40 GMT

The carmaker behind Fiat, Jeep, and Citroën says the closure of its Vauxhall factory in Luton is due to new zero-emission policies. But is that the full story?

Writers: Barney Macintyre

Producer: Matt Russell

Host: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trendy: The big trends that shaped 2024

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:07:58 GMT

In this season finale, Rachel and John look at some of the major trends shaping how we live today and those that are going to matter in the future.

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

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Sensemaker: Syrian rebels take back Aleppo

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:25 GMT

In just 24 hours President Assad’s forces just “melted away” in Syria’s second biggest city. How did the rebels seize control and what might Assad do in response?

Writer: Chloe Hadjimatheou

Producer: Gary Marshall

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Banana Art

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:00:43 GMT

A banana taped to the wall with duct tape sold at a Christie’s auction for $6.2 million to a cryptobillionaire. At the same auction, a Henri Matisse remained unsold. What does this sale tell us about the state of the art market?

Writer: Jess Swinburne

Producer: Casey Magloire

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Russia’s new experimental ballistic missile

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:00:37 GMT

Vladimir Putin has threatened to deploy more Oreshnik missiles against Ukraine. He boasted that they’re equipped with multiple warheads and have destructive power comparable to a nuclear strike.

Writer: Nina Kuryata

Producer: Eleanor Biggs

Host: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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News Meeting: Rebels advance in Syria and Joe Biden pardons his son

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:13:45 GMT

Giles Whittell is joined by three journalists, each competing for the top spot in today's news bulletin. They discuss Joe Biden issuing a ‘full and unconditional pardon’ of Hunter Biden, President Bashar al-Assad losing control of Aleppo and Ireland's general election.

Guests:

Jess Winch, Tortoise’s News Editor
Katie Riley, Tortoise’s Data Editor
Yasmeen Serhan, London-based correspondent for TIME Magazine

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Why has Kate Nash started an OnlyFans?

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Singer-songwriter Kate Nash has hit the headlines for starting an OnlyFans account to pay for her tour. She says that selling pictures of her butt online is the only way she can make money in an economic landscape that squeezes musicians.

Writer: Eleanor Biggs

Producer: Casey Magloire

Photography: Joe Mee

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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News Meeting: Kate Nash joins OnlyFans and the nuclear test veterans

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Rebecca Moore and guests debate the top stories of the day and decide what should lead the news. They discuss the veterans demanding access to their missing military medical records, the financial structure of the music industry and why the UK is so ill prepared for flooding.

Guests:

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Dave Haslam, Hacienda DJ, author and journalist
Dr Anita Sethi, journalist and author of the award winning book I Belong Here: a Journey Along the Backbone of Britain

Host: Rebecca Moore

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

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Sensemaker: Who do the Lords work for?

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 06:00:24 GMT

The House of Lords rarely gets much scrutiny, either by the media or the public. A team of Tortoise journalists has put a spotlight on the UK’s second chamber and asks whether some of its members are working for us or themselves?

Writer: Cat Neilan

Producer: Katie Gunning

Episode photography: Joe Mee

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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Trendy: How do ethnic minorities in Britain vote?

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 13:45:10 GMT

Rachel and John are joined by James Kanagasooriam to discuss the trends that explain the attitudes, values and voting patterns of Britain’s ethnic minorities.

Guests:

James Kanagasooriam, chief researcher at Focaldata

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Sensemaker: The crisis in women’s healthcare

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:00:39 GMT

Gynaecology waiting lists are at a record high in England and Wales, with over three-quarters of a million people waiting to be treated. How did it get this bad?

Writer: Phoebe Davis

Producer: Patricia Clarke

Episode photography: Jon Jones

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Can an AI chatbot cure loneliness?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:26 GMT

30 million people have signed up to use Replika, “the AI companion who cares”. The chatbot can text you, flirt with you, and promises to love you unconditionally. But what are the risks that come with loving an AI?

This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center.

Writer and producer: Patricia Clarke

Episode photography: Jon Jones

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: What are Israel’s plans for northern Gaza?

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:00:20 GMT

For nearly two months, the Israeli army has encircled cities in the north of the Gaza Strip. Experts warn Israeli settlements could be established there within the next few weeks.

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News Meeting: Band Aid backlash and Project 2025 in the White House

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:36:58 GMT

Basia Cummings and guests debate the top stories of the day and decide what should lead the news. They discuss Donald Trump’s latest controversial cabinet nomination, the backlash against Bob Geldolf’s Christmas hit and the growing concerns about shadow banking.

Guests:

Lindiwe Mazibuko, former opposition leader in South Africa and co-founder of Futurelect
Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise

Host: Basia Cummings

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Why are there protests over Māori rights in New Zealand?

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:06 GMT

A proposed new bill has prompted one of New Zealand’s biggest protests of all time. Why is it so controversial? And what does it seek to change?

Writer and producer: Claudia Williams

Episode photography: Jon Jones

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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News Meeting: Don’t forget Afghanistan and why farmers are protesting

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:04:34 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the farmers’ protest over inheritance tax, why newsrooms are ignoring Afghanistan at their peril and the transgender bathroom row in the US Capitol.

Long description: Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the farmers’ protest over inheritance tax, why newsrooms are ignoring Afghanistan at their peril and the transgender bathroom row in the US Capitol

Guests:

Saad Mohseni, Chief executive officer of the Moby Media Group
Jeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise
Louise Tickel, Tortoise reporter

Host: Giles Whittell

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: No men, no sex: A feminist backlash to Donald Trump’s election

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 05:00:26 GMT

In the wake of the US election result, why are some American women joining a radical feminist movement that started in South Korea?

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Trendy: The doctor will see you now

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:00:57 GMT

Are we getting healthier? John Curtice and Rachel Wolf discuss the long term trends impacting the nation’s health with Neil Ferguson.

Guests:

Neil Ferguson, Director of the School of Public Health at Imperial College London

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Sensemaker: Is the UK’s network 5G a myth?

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:00:34 GMT

The UK was one of the first countries to adopt 5G but now it has one of the worst networks in the world. Why is it so difficult to get a decent phone signal in Britain?

Writer: Sophie Fenton

Producer: Tomini Babs

Host: Claudia Williams

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Does severe flooding in Spain signal a warning for Europe?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:00:18 GMT

While national debate raged in Spain over who should be held accountable for the deadliest floods in decades, heavy rainfall flooded parts of Southern Italy. Extreme floods are likely to increase as a consequence of climate change: is Europe ready to deal with them?

Writer: Serena Cesareo

Producer: Casey Magloire

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Will an anti-vaxxer take over America’s department of health?

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:00:08 GMT

Robert F. Kennedy Jr has a long record of criticising vaccines and spreading medical misinformation. President-elect Donald Trump has chosen him to be the secretary of Health and Human Service in his upcoming administration.

To listen to Basia’s interview with RFK Jr click here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/audio/what-the-rfk-jr/

Writer: Rebecca Moore with additional reporting from Alexi Mostrous.

Producer: Claudia Williams

Host: Claudia Williams

Photography: Joe Mee

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

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News Meeting: Biden authorises strikes into Russia and could Elon Musk make a good diplomat?

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 18:03:48 GMT

Basia Cummings and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss President Biden’s decision to let Ukraine use long range missile against Russia, reports about Elon Musk’s latest foreign intervention and Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees.

Guests:

Sanam Anderlini MBE, founder and CEO of International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) and host of the If You Were In Charge podcast.
Jess Winch, Tortoise’s News Editor
Katie Riley, Tortoise’s Data Editor

Host: Basia Cummings

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The world’s loneliest penguin

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:09 GMT

An emperor penguin has turned up on a surfers beach in southwestern Australia, more than 2000 miles away from its natural habitat in the Antarctic. How did it end up so far off course?

Writer and producer: Claudia Williams

Episode photography: Jon Jones

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

With thanks to Jazz Bailey for her videos.

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News Meeting: Gary Lineker’s shock exit from Match of the Day and the endgame in Ukraine

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:18:51 GMT

Basia Cummings and the hosts of Electoral Dysfunction debate what should lead the news. They discuss the need for a public inquiry into Mohamed Al Fayed, why we need to talk about Ukraine, and what Gary Lineker leaving Match of the Day says about impartiality at the BBC.

Guests:

Beth Rigby, Political Editor at Sky News
Harriet Harman, Labour Peer
Ruth Davidson, Conservative Peer

Host: Basia Cummings

Listen to Electoral Dysfunction here - https://podfollow.com/electoraldysfunction

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: The resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:38 GMT

Justin Welby is the first Archbishop of Canterbury to resign. He stood down following a report into a decades long abuse scandal. Why did it take the CofE more than forty years to get to the bottom of it?

Writer: Phoebe Davis

Producer: Eleanor Biggs

Photography: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Trendy: Who’s watching the news?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:00:02 GMT

John and Rachel are joined by Nic Newman from the Reuters Institute to discuss how the way we engage with news has changed and what this means for the future of journalism.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Guests:

Nic Newman, Senior research associate at the Reuters Institute.

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Sensemaker: The case for funding climate action before disaster strikes

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:34 GMT

At the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, countries are exploring the best ways to fund climate action. What lessons can they take from a new aid strategy that helped people in Bangladesh navigate this year’s floods?

Writer: Jeevan Vasagar

Producer: Casey Magloire

Photography: Jon Jones

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Musk buys power

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:27 GMT

Thanks to his alliance with Donald Trump, Elon Musk has achieved an unprecedented combination of political power and immense wealth. What form will this new, supercharged Musk take?

Writer and producer: Patricia Clarke

Host: Tomini Babs

Photography: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

With thanks to Alexi Mostrous, Gary Marshall, Basia Cummings and Matt Russell

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Sensemaker: Why will HS2 spend £100 million on a bat tunnel?

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 05:00:09 GMT

The high-speed rail project is now tens of millions of pounds in the red and an expensive bat tunnel is the latest major cost. With its future in doubt, how did it all go so wrong?

Featuring Christian Wolmar, host of the podcast Calling All Stations - https://shorturl.at/KTypI

Writer and producer: Eleanor Biggs

Photography: Jon Jones

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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News Meeting: Donald Trump begins his transition to power and jeopardy in Ukraine

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:02:06 GMT

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the president-elect failing to submit a mandatory ethics plan, Ukrainian attempts to regain ground before Trump takes office and Israeli strikes in northern Gaza.

Guests:

David Taylor, contributing editor at Tortoise
Yasmeen Serhan, Correspondent at Time Magazine
Professor Chris Carmen, Stevenson Professor of Citizenship (Political & International Studies) at the University of Glasgow

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: How are Sudan’s neighbours coping with the country’s refugees?

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 05:00:50 GMT

The conflict in Sudan is intensifying and the fighting has caused the biggest displacement crisis in the world. What is being done to help those fleeing to neighbouring countries?

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News Meeting: Why Kamala Harris’s bet on abortion rights didn’t pay off and mass deportations

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 17:52:45 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news following the US election. They discuss Donald Trump’s plans for day one of his next presidency, women dying as a result of abortion bans and the role the media had in a Republican victory.

Guests:

David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News
David Taylor, contributing editor at Tortoise
Katie Riley, Tortoise’s data editor

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: What lies ahead for Trump 2.0?

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 06:00:27 GMT

Donald Trump returns as President of the United States on 20th January 2025. What happens next? We consider the implications for America and the world – from Ukraine and climate change to the US southern border.

Writer: David Taylor

Producer: Katie Gunning

Host: Claudia Williams

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Trendy: It was the economy, stupid

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:22:28 GMT

As the world prepares for a second Donald Trump presidency, John Curtice and Ben Ansell look at the trends behind his victory and what the results mean for the future of American politics.

Hosts: John Curtice

Guests:

Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions in the Department of Politics and International Relations and Professorial Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford University.

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Sensemaker: How did Donald Trump pull it off?

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:22 GMT

Donald Trump has been elected US president for a second time, in what some have seen as the greatest comeback in political history. How did he do it?

Writer: Xavier Greenwood

Producer: Patricia Clarke

Host: Claudia Williams

Photography: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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The News Meeting: Did the media help Donald Trump win an historic election?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:38:14 GMT

Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. James Harding and guests discuss why Americans turned out for him and the role of the media under the new Trump administration.

Guests:

Mary Jordan, Associate editor at the Washington Post
Michael Warren, senior editor at The Dispatch
Katie Riley, Data editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, Tortoise co-founder and editor

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The US election: what’s happened so far?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:06:01 GMT

The results of the US elections have been coming in all night. What do they tell us about who could be the next president?

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Sensemaker: TikTok and the rise of ‘Algospeak’

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:00:13 GMT

The language of the internet has taken on a life of its own with the rise of apps like Tik Tok. How far has the app affected the way we speak in real life?

Correction: In this episode we state that "Brat" was the Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year. This is incorrect. "Brat" has actually been named the Collins Dictionary Word of the Year. The Oxford Dictionary has yet to announce its Word of the Year.

Writer: Tomini Babs

Producer: Tomini Babs

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

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News Meeting: Trump’s plan to challenge a Kamala Harris win and why both candidates need Pennsylvania

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:26:50 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news ahead of the US election. They discuss Republicans' plans to challenge a Harris win, the significance of Pennsylvania and the importance of the Arab American vote in Michigan.

Guests:

Lauren Frayer, International Correspondent at NPR
Yasmeen Serhan, Correspondent at Time Magazine
Professor Chris Carmen, Stevenson Professor of Citizenship (Political & International Studies) at the University of Glasgow

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Why is big money backing Donald Trump?

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:32 GMT

The 2024 presidential election is set to become the most expensive in history. Who are the billionaires donating to Donald Trump and what do they want in return?

Writer: Xavier Greenwood

Producer: Xavier Greenwood

Host: Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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News Meeting: Will the Budget fix the housing crisis and what is Jeff Bezos's influence on the Washington Post?

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 11:59:57 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss whether Rachel Reeves pulled off Labour’s first Budget in 14 years, government pledges to increase social housing and why some of America’s major newspapers aren't endorsing Kamala Harris.

Guests:

Kwajo Tweneboa, social housing activist
Katie Riley, Tortoise’s data editor
Cat Neilan, Tortoise’s political editor

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: A generational Budget

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 05:00:58 GMT

The dust on Rachel Reeves’s plans for the British economy is beginning to settle. Does her Budget leave young people better or worse off?

Writer: Barney Macintyre

Producer: Patricia Clarke

Host: Tomini Babs

Episode photography: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Trendy: Growth? What growth?

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 16:49:37 GMT

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Labour Party have unveiled their first budget in 14 years. John and Rachel are joined by Merryn Somerset Webb to discuss the big takeaways and what this means for the country's economic future.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Guest: Merryn Somerset Webb, senior columnist at Bloomberg

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The battle of the sexes in the US election

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:00:32 GMT

More than any other time in history, American men and women have found themselves supporting opposing presidential candidates. But what is driving the battle between the sexes that may decide the next US president?

Writer: Casey Magloire

Producer: Eleanor Biggs

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Why doesn’t prison work for women?

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:00:54 GMT

The UK’s new justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has pledged to radically reduce the number of women going to prison in England and Wales.

Writer: Phoebe Davis

Producer: Gary Marshall

Host: Tomini Babs

Episode photography: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Rachel Reeves changes the rules

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:00:18 GMT

Britain’s chancellor has announced a big change to the way the country will measure debt. She hopes this will enable more spending for things like hospitals, roads and schools but has she made the right move for the country?

Writer: Cat Neilan

Producer: Eleanor Biggs

Host: Tomini Babs

Episode photography: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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News Meeting: Georgia’s pro-Russia party wins and how to handle Trump’s tweets

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:45:19 GMT

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the ruling Georgian Dream party increasing its share of the vote, Rachel Reeves changing the fiscal rules and what journalists can do to report on Donald Trump differently.

Tickets for 30th October News Meeting Live available here - https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-11/

Guests:

Peter Apps, contributing editor at Inside Housing and author of the Orwell prize winning book ‘Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen’.
David Taylor, contributing editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: North Korean troops join Russia’s fight in Ukraine

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 05:00:32 GMT

Kim Jong Un has sent thousands of military personnel to Russia as part of a deal with Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called it a “clear escalation” of the war.

Writer: Nina Kuryata

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Host: Tomini Babs

Episode photography: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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The News Meeting: North Korean troops in Ukraine and Gisele Pelicot becomes a feminist icon

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:44:56 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss Trump’s claims that the Labour party are interfering with the US election, Gisele Pelicot’s hope for other women who face abuse and North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia.

Tickets for 30th October News Meeting Live available here - https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-11/

Guests:

Rachel Wolf, Trendy podcast host and co-founder of Public First
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

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- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: The press frenzy over Liam Payne’s death

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:00:51 GMT

The world was shocked last week by the news of pop star Liam Payne's death. What does the lurid media coverage that followed tell us about the press’s relationship with celebrities?

Writers: Eleanor Biggs and Tomini Babbs

Producer: Eleanor Biggs

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Trendy: On the fence

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:32:55 GMT

With only two weeks to go until the US election, Rachel and John are joined by Professor Chris Carmen to discuss the polls, the big campaign moments and what may happen next.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Guest: Professor Christopher Carman, Stevenson Professor of Citizenship at the University of Glasgow

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about trendy@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: AI goes nuclear

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:00:17 GMT

Big tech is hunting away for new sources of power to supply the boom in generative artificial intelligence. Recently, both Google and Microsoft revealed plans to purchase electricity from nuclear power plants. But what impact could this have on the planet?

Writer: Barney Macintyre

Producer: Casey Magloire

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Just Stop Oil protest laws

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Two Just Stop Oil protestors were arrested after throwing a can of Heinz tomato soup over Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. What do their lengthy prison sentences tell us about the changing laws around protest in the UK?

Writer: Jess Swinburne

Producer: Casey Magloire

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sensemaker: Why is Israel clashing with peacekeeping forces in Lebanon?

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:00:58 GMT

Israel and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon remain in a standoff, with the safety of UN peacekeepers on the line. What could happen next?

Writer: Xavier Greenwood

Producer: Xavier Greenwood

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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News Meeting: Sean "Diddy" Combs allegations and sewage in Lake Windermere

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:59:35 GMT

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a new report that found 140 million litres of waste was dumped into Lake Windermere and the mounting allegations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

Tickets for 30th October News Meeting Live available here - https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-11/

Guests:

Luke Moore, co-owner of podcast company, Stak and host of Football Ramble
Chloe Hadjimatheou, Narrative Editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Assisted dying: how could the law change in England and Wales?

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 05:00:14 GMT

Assisted dying could become law in England and Wales for terminally ill adults. But opponents fear it could lead to a “slippery slope”. What is being proposed, and what has happened in other countries that have adopted similar laws?

Writer: Elaine McCallig

Producer: Katie Gunning

Host: Claudia Williams

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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News Meeting: Trump threatens to fight the enemy within and the gender divide splitting US voters

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:28:00 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the controversy surrounding the planned execution of Robert Roberson, why the genders are so divided on who to vote for and Trump’s threats to use the military against his enemies at home.

Guests:

Kevin Sullivan, Associate editor at the Washington Post
Mary Jordan, Associate editor at the Washington Post
Katie Riley, Tortoise’s Data Editor

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Matt Russell

To find out more about Tortoise:

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- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: The Canary Island migrant route

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 05:00:17 GMT

The Atlantic migration route from West Africa to Spain is even more dangerous than crossing the Mediterranean, so why is it growing busier as migration by sea elsewhere in Europe has declined?

Writer: Serena Cesareo

Producer: Ada Barume

Host: Tomini Babs

Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett

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Trendy: Join the party

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:14:48 GMT

Who belongs to a political party these days? John and Rachel discuss the changing nature of political party membership.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

To find out more about Tortoise:

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- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about trendy@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: The race to save the Amazon

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:00:01 GMT

A Brazilian cattle rancher who destroyed large areas of the Amazon has been ordered to pay $50 million to restore the land he logged. As deforestation rates soar in countries around the world, can we ever reverse them?

Writer: Jess Swinburne

Producer: Jess Swinburne

Host: Claudia Williams

Executive Producers: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Riots, racism and British society

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:00:21 GMT

In the wake of violence and racism during the riots this summer, one of Britain’s leading public intellectuals reflects on how racism - and his experience of it - has changed over the last 50 years.

To read Anand Menon’s article in full, click here

Writer: Ada Barume

Producer: Ada Barume

Host: Tomini Babs

Photograph by Malcolm Clarke/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Who is the real JD Vance?

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 04:00:20 GMT

Whether Trump wins or loses the US election, he has an heir: his 40-year-old running mate JD Vance. So where does Vance want to take America?

To listen to Beyond Trump: JD Vance and the New Right click here.

Writer: Xavier Greenwood

Producer: Xavier Greenwood

Host: Claudia Williams

Photography: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News Meeting: Elon Musk is one step closer to Mars and UN peacekeepers under fire

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:59:44 GMT

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss Israel’s escalating campaign in southern Lebanon, SpaceX successfully catching a rocket with giant robotic arms and Rachel Reeves tries to combat pre-Budget jitters.

Guests:

Lauren Frayer, NPR’s International Correspondent
Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s Deputy Editor
Cat Neilan, Tortoise’s Political Editor

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Too Cleverly? Inside the Conservative leadership race

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:44 GMT

After a series of twists and turns, the Conservative leadership race has reached the final stage with a result due in November. But who is the frontrunner and what does it tell us about the future of the opposition?

Writer: Tortoise’s political editor, Cat Neilan

Producer: Ada Barume

Host: Casey Magloire

Photography: Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images

Picture Editor: Jon Jones

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News Meeting: Why hurricanes hit the poor hardest and tactical voting in the Conservative leadership battle

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:06:36 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss allegations of vote sharing after James Cleverly was knocked out of the race, the financial costs associated with hurricane preparedness, and Birmingham Council's proposed of cuts to its youth services.

Guests:

Gary Younge, journalist and co-host of the podcast ‘Over the Top and Under the Radar’
Cat Neilan, Tortoise’s political editor
Louise Tickle, Tortoise reporter

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Episode photography: Emma O'Neil

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Did climate change make Hurricane Milton stronger?

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 05:00:19 GMT

Just weeks after Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction across several south-eastern US states, Hurricane Milton has smashed its way across Florida. Why does climate change make hurricanes more destructive?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Trendy: Food! Glorious Food!

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:00:26 GMT

Rachel and John are joined by Professor Tim Lang to discuss food trends. From cooked liver to takeaway meals, what are the forces influencing our diets?

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Guest: Professor Timothy Lang

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about trendy@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Will facial recognition technology transform policing?

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:00:05 GMT

The head of the UK’s largest police force says facial recognition technology could be the best new crime fighting tool since fingerprinting. But campaigners have called it ‘dystopian’.

To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Sensemaker: Big Tech's growing political influence

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:00:47 GMT

What does Elon Musk’s endorsement of Donald Trump tell us about the relationship between Silicon Valley and US politics?

To find out more about Tortoise:

Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Sensemaker: One Year On From October 7. Part 2: Gaza, Hamas and the Palestinians

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 04:00:54 GMT

It’s been a year since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. Since then, according to Palestinian health officials, Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza strip has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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News Meeting: the UK hands the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius and the anniversary of October 7

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:19:23 GMT

Tortoise’s editor James Harding is joined by three journalists all vying to pitch the top story of the weekend. This week they are in the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London as part of the KITE festival. They discuss Chappell Roan’s fight against toxic celebrity culture, an end to the longstanding dispute over Britain's final African colony and one year on after Hamas attacked Israel.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Oliver Kamm, journalist and author
Katie Riley, Tortoise’s data editor
Chloe Hadjimatheou, Tortoise’s narrative editor

Host: James Harding, Tortoise’s editor and founder

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producers: Rebecca Moore and Matt Russell

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: One Year On From October 7th. Part 1: The Hostages

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:56 GMT

On the anniversary of their capture, a deal to secure the return of the Israeli hostages taken into Gaza feels more distant than ever. Part 2 will explore a year of devastation in Gaza.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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News Meeting: Driving test hold-ups and why was Hurricane Helene so damaging?

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:32:13 GMT

Jess Winch and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the deadliest mainland US hurricane since Katrina, the undecided voters that could swing the American election and the poor state of the driving test system in the UK.

Guests:

Steve Hayes, CEO and editor at The Dispatch
Patricia Clarke, reporter at Tortoise
Katie Riley, Tortoise’s Data Editor

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise.

To book tickets for KITE festival go to: https://kitefestival.co.uk/tickets/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: The elite footballers threatening to strike

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 04:00:25 GMT

Some of the world’s biggest footballers are threatening to go on strike because they say they’re overworked and risking their health by playing too many games. How much truth is there in that claim and how will the industry respond?

To listen to Danny Murphy on TalkSPORT click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVYs8cMNQU0

To find out more about Tortoise:

Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

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Trendy: Who should pay for university?

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:00:00 GMT

As universities face financial challenges, John and Rachel are joined by Professor Dame Alison Wolf to discuss higher education funding and how the system can be improved.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Guest: Professor Dame Alison Wolf DBE

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The driving test backlog

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:00:39 GMT

Waiting times for UK driving tests are creeping back up, and the official booking site has become overrun by bots. What will it take to fix the problem?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: American abortion ban leads to woman’s death

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:00:32 GMT

Two years after the US Supreme Court removed the constitutional right to an abortion, a medical review has linked the death of a woman to abortion restrictions in the state of Georgia. What does Amber Thurman’s death reveal about reproductive rights in America?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The death of Hezbollah’s leader

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 05:00:14 GMT

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News Meeting: Misinformation about Ukraine in the US election and what does Iran do next?

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:29:18 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the future of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Zelensky’s missteps in America and the future of one of the biggest artificial intelligence companies, OpenAI.

Guests:

Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise
Ben Ansell, Oxford professor and host of podcast What’s Wrong with Democracy
Gabriel Gatehouse, broadcaster and author of The Coming Storm

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

To book tickets for KITE festival go to: https://kitefestival.co.uk/tickets/

To listen to Ben Ansell on What’s Wrong with Democracy click here: lnk.to/1z5R1s

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Can Instagram make itself safe for teens?

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:00:07 GMT

The social media platform is rolling out changes that will put users under 18s into “teen accounts”. Why is Instagram doing this and will it be effective?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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News Meeting: Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon and the indictment against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:42:44 GMT

Giles Whittell is joined by Football Ramble’s Luke Moore to debate what should lead the news. They discuss the significant escalations in the Middle East, the criminal charges brought against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and the footballers threatening to strike.

Tickets to the News Meeting live on 30th October available here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-11/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Luke Moore, host of the Football Ramble podcast and COO of Stak
Jess Winch, News Editor at Tortoise
Claudia Williams, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore and Jasper Corbett

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Sensemaker: Why is the future of British TV drama in crisis?

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 04:00:24 GMT

The UK is unlikely to have more TV shows like ‘Mr Bates vs The Post Office’ because the British TV drama industry is unable to financially compete with the big American streaming services.

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Trendy: Who votes Conservative?

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:00:00 GMT

The Conservative party had its worst election defeat in its history, both in terms of votes and seats. In this episode of Trendy John and Rachel discuss who votes Conservative and how has that changed over time.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Is AI capable of reasoning?

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:00:20 GMT

OpenAI says the latest model of its chatbot is capable of “reasoning” – others say it’s already able to deceive humans.

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Sensemaker: Israel’s new offensive against Hezbollah

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 04:00:24 GMT

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have killed at least 550 people days after hundreds of Hezbollah operatives were maimed by exploding pagers and walkie talkies. What do we know about how the attacks were carried out?

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Sensemaker: Labour’s tricky party conference

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:00:16 GMT

Instead of enjoying their first party conference in power for 15 years, Labour politicians are facing criticism and scrutiny for accepting free gifts and hospitality from donors. How damaging is this episode for the new government?

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News Meeting: US election workers threatened and Labour’s plans to stop migrant gangs

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 17:00:06 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the mysterious packages being sent to US election officials, the abortion laws that contributed to the death of Amber Thurman and the Labour’s migration plan.

Tickets to the News Meeting live on 25th September available here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-10/

Explore the Westminster Accounts:

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Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Jess Winch, News Editor at Tortoise
Katie Riley, Data Editor at Tortoise
Ian Goldin, Oxford professor, founding Director of the Oxford Martin School and author of ‘The Shortest History of Migration’.

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Springfield under siege

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMT

It’s nearly two weeks since Donald Trump falsely accused Haitian migrants of eating pets and put a small city in south western Ohio under the spotlight. What happened next?

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News Meeting: Exploding pagers in Lebanon and a rape trail that is shocking France

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 12:02:55 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the “new phase of the war" in the Middle East, the response to Gisèle Pelicot at her husband’s trial and infighting in Keir Starmer’s top team.

Tickets to the News Meeting live on 25th September available here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-10/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Louise Tickle, Tortoise reporter
Jasper Corbett, editor at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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Sensemaker: The return of Fyre Festival?

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 04:00:44 GMT

We speak to Andy King, original investor and star of Netflix's documentary, about round two of pop culture's most notorious luxury music event. Is Fyre Festival II going to happen?

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Trendy: Who votes Labour?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Ahead of Labour’s party conference John and Rachel discuss who Labour’s voters are now and what policy challenges the government faces in the next few months.

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Sensemaker: Crisis at the Jewish Chronicle

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:00:34 GMT

Several high-profile columnists at the world’s oldest Jewish newspaper have resigned after it published fraudulent articles about the war in Gaza. There are now questions about who owns the paper.

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Sensemaker: A West Bank Warlord

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:00:11 GMT

The number of violent incidents between Israelis and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has gone up since October 7th. What is behind the increase?

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Sensemaker: Trump survives apparent assassination attempt

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:00:01 GMT

A man has been charged after being spotted with a gun at Donald Trump’s Florida golf course, nine weeks after the former president was shot at a campaign rally. What are Trump’s security arrangements and what's to stop this happening again?

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News Meeting: Donald Trump doubles down on misinformation and women’s rights in Afghanistan

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss Afghan women’s rights and Donald Trump’s debunked claims about Haitian migrants.

Tickets to the News Meeting live on 25th September available here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-10/

Read more about women in Afghanistan here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/09/16/afghan-women-demand-action-against-the-taliban/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Claire Atkinson, Journalist at the Media Mix
Chloe Hadjimetheou, narrative editor at Tortoise
Claudia Williams, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise.

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Matt Russell

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Sensemaker: Why Germany is introducing tighter border controls

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 05:00:20 GMT

New border controls come into force in Germany today. Why has a country at the heart of the EU’s free movement decided to do this?

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News Meeting: The fallout from the Trump v Harris debate and Labour’s problem with bad landlords

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 11:16:27 GMT

Giles Whittell and guests discuss what should lead the news in the week that saw Kamala Harris and Donald Trump debate for the first time and headlines about the rising cost of bearskin hats worn by the King’s Guards.

Tickets to the News Meeting live on 25th September available here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-10/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Patrick Frank, former Barack Obama campaign aide
Dave Taylor, editor at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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Sensemaker: Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump: who came out on top?

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 05:00:09 GMT

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump faced each other for the first time in a head-to-head viewed by millions. But how has the debate impacted the presidential race?

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Trendy: Have we reached peak Lib Dem?

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:00:42 GMT

As the Liberal Democrats party conference gets under way, John and Rachel take a look at liberal voting trends. Who are their voters and why do they vote liberal?

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Why Ireland is reluctant to take Apple’s billions

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:00:35 GMT

The EU’s highest court has ruled that Apple must pay Ireland over €13 billion in back-taxes, even though the Irish government argued it didn’t want the money.

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Sensemaker: Brazil vs Musk

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 04:00:46 GMT

Why X has been banned in Brazil – and how Elon Musk is fighting back.

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News Meeting: Is Trump beating Harris and does Britain still matter on the world stage?

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:46 GMT

Tortoise’s editor James Harding is joined by three journalists all vying to pitch the top story of the weekend. They discuss Antony Blinken’s visit to the UK, a new damning report on the NHS and polling which puts Trump ahead of Kamala Harris.

Tickets to the News Meeting live on 25th September available here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-10/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Lauren Frayer, NPR’s International Correspondent
Katie Riley, Tortoise’s data editor
Stephen Armstrong, Tortoise reporter

Host: James Harding, Tortoise’s editor and founder

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producers: Rebecca Moore

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Sensemaker: Why are prisoners being released early?

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 04:00:58 GMT

Today marks the first wave of early release for prisoners across England and Wales. across the UK. But will the probation service be able to cope?

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Sensemaker: The “systematic dishonesty” that caused the Grenfell Tower fire disaster

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 04:00:00 GMT

The public inquiry into the fire at Grenfell Tower which killed 72 people has concluded that the “systematic dishonesty” of multinational companies whose products spread the fire was largely to blame.

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News Meeting: Will the Grenfell Tower Inquiry bring justice?

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:10:16 GMT

Tortoise’s Giles Whittell is joined by Peter Apps, a leading expert on the Grenfell Tower fire and author of the Orwell prize winning book ‘Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen’.

Tickets to the News Meeting live on 25th September available here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-10/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Peter Apps, contributing editor at Inside Housing and author of the Orwell prize winning book ‘Show Me the Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen’.
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Jasper Corbett, editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producers: Rebecca Moore and Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Netanyahu defies his critics

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 05:00:11 GMT

How Israel’s prime minister has managed the impossible.

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Trendy: Do trade unions still matter in the UK?

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:00:44 GMT

Over the last forty years trade union membership in Britain has halved. Critics of the new government have accused it of giving into union demands over public pay. John and Rachel discuss how important trade unions are in the modern workplace.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: How the US elects its president

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:00:52 GMT

With two months to go until the US election, Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for the final phase of the presidential campaign. So how does the US choose its president?

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Sensemaker: Sextortion on the rise

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 04:00:53 GMT

An Australian man who posed as a social media star and blackmailed hundreds of girls around the world into sharing sexual content has been jailed for seventeen years.

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Sensemaker: Why Oasis used dynamic ticket pricing

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:00:51 GMT

The UK government will investigate the use of dynamic pricing by ticket websites after some Oasis fans paid more than advertised for the band’s reunion tour.

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News Meeting: Why Oasis can charge so much and Israel’s strike for Gaza hostages

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:54:28 GMT

Economist Tim Leunig explains why Oasis used dynamic ticket pricing. Plus, Germany’s far right celebrates a “historic success”.

Tickets to the News Meeting live on 25th September available here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-10/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Tim Leunig, director at Public First Consulting and chief economist at Onward
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: Afghanistan’s new ‘vice and virtue’ laws

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:00:22 GMT

After banning a UN official from Afghanistan the Taliban introduced draconian new laws that further restrict the rights of women and girls. What is the world doing about human rights abuses in the country?

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News Meeting: Biden’s man visits Beijing, sextortion and Telegram’s CEO is arrested

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:59:10 GMT

New York Times diplomatic correspondent Edward Wong joins the Tortoise team to discuss what should lead the news.

He explains why US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese president Xi Jinping this week.

They also discuss why France’s investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov matters and the sentencing of an Australian man responsible for one of the worst sextortion cases in history.

Click here to book tickets for The News Meeting Live on 25th September: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-10/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Edward Wong, diplomatic correspondent at the New York Times and author of ‘At the Edge of Empire: A Family’s Reckoning with China’
Claudia Williams, reporter at Tortoise and host of the Slow Newscast
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Why Telegram’s founder is being investigated

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 04:00:50 GMT

Pavel Durov has been placed under formal investigation by French authorities over allegations about how his platform has been used.

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Sensemaker: SpaceX will return stranded astronauts to Earth

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Two Nasa astronauts were meant to be on the International Space Station for eight days. Now they will spend at least eight months there.

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Sensemaker: Could Labour's pay deals backfire?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Keir Starmer has blamed the previous Conservative government for the difficult decisions ahead whilst also touting his achievements so far. One of them was negotiating with junior doctor and train driver unions to end strikes, but could those deals lead to further pay demands?

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Sensemaker: What is ketamine infusion therapy?

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:00:25 GMT

In the months before he died, actor Matthew Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression. Was a man with known addiction issues a good candidate for the treatment?

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News Meeting: Democrats showcase their wife guys and Starbucks boss is under fire

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 11:20:53 GMT

What should lead the news? Three journalists tell Giles Whittell what they think the top story should be and Giles has a message for the new Starbucks CEO.

In this episode they discuss why the coffee chain’s boss is being criticised, the vibe at the Democratic National Convention and what a death at Britain’s newest jail tells us about the prison’s crisis.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Katie Riley, data and graphics editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: Indonesia moves its sinking capital

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 05:00:32 GMT

What do you do when your capital city starts to sink? Indonesia decided to build a new one, but it isn't going to plan.

Book your tickets for the News Meeting Live here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-10/

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Sensemaker: The Ukrainian accused of blowing up the Nord Stream pipeline

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:00:58 GMT

German prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian diving instructor, so can we put all the other theories to bed?

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Sensemaker: New York’s war on rats

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 05:00:00 GMT

New York mayor Eric Adams has made it his mission to rid the city of rats. But after several failed attempts, can he win the war?

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Sensemaker: The world of MrBeast

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:00:48 GMT

Allegations about conditions on the set of MrBeast’s reality TV show are just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the world’s biggest YouTuber. How did he build a media empire and could this mark the start of its downfall?

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News Meeting: Africa’s mpox vaccine shortage and Kamala Harris pitches for the presidency

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:04:25 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most.

In this episode they discuss why Africa is currently facing a shortage of supply of mpox vaccines, the influence of Labour Together and Kamala Harris heads to Chicago to accept her party’s nomination for president.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Dave Taylor, editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: Valdo Calocane and the ‘failures’ in the case of the Nottingham killer

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:00:13 GMT

A review has found that there was "a series of errors, omissions and misjudgements" by mental health services in the care of Valdo Calocane, who killed 3 people in Nottingham last year.

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News Meeting: Why Indonesia is moving its capital and the children in care placed far from home

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:24:33 GMT

What should lead the news? Three journalists pitch the story they think matters most.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Louise Tickle, reporter at Tortoise
Claudia Williams, host of the Slow Newscast
Jeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: London (Taylor’s Version)

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 04:00:49 GMT

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has returned to Wembley Stadium for another five nights, which means she will have performed the show in London more than any other city in the world. Why does London mean so much to the self-styled Miss Americana?

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Trendy: Keeping the lights on

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 09:50:32 GMT

How much energy do we use and where does it come from? To achieve net zero carbon emissions politicians will have to make some difficult decisions about how we power our lives and the economy. John and Rachel talk to Professor Dieter Helm, Britain’s leading energy economist, to get a sense of the scale of the challenge.

Guest: Dieter Helm, professor of energy policy at New College, Oxford

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Ukraine advances into Russia

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:00:42 GMT

Why did Kyiv launch its surprise offensive and does it plan to hold onto the territory that it’s taken?

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Sensemaker: Rupert Murdoch and the real ‘Succession’ battle

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 05:00:47 GMT

Rupert Murdoch’s vast media empire wields political power in the US and the UK. Now he’s locked in a bitter court case with his own children to ensure it remains right wing.

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Sensemaker: Why GPs are taking industrial action

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 05:00:14 GMT

GPs in England are taking industrial action for the first time in 60 years. What are their demands and are they likely to be met?

Correction: In a previous version of this podcast we said Wes Streeting had settled the pay dispute with junior doctors when in fact he made an offer, which is yet to be voted on by BMA members.

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News Meeting: Kamala Harris leads in key states and a call for a fossil-fuel free Olympics

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:35:51 GMT

Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, explains what she thinks should lead the news.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise
Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party of England and Wales and author of Another England

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: How do you solve a problem like Elon Musk?

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 04:00:19 GMT

The owner of X has shared disinformation and used far-right talking points that are designed to stoke division in the UK. Can the government do anything about it?

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News Meeting: An Olympic star takes flight and Elon Musk spreads fake news

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 12:01:06 GMT

Sports writer Simon Barnes and Countryfile presenter Tom Heap join Tortoise’s James Harding and Cat Neilan to debate what should lead the news.

They discuss Elon Musk posting fake news and misinformation about the riots in the UK, their Olympic highlights and why we should be using farmland for solar panels rather than biofuels.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Simon Barnes, sports writer who is covering the Paris Olympics for Tortoise
Tom Heap, author of Land Smart and Countryfile presenter
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, founder and editor-in-chief of Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: The mystery of Akon City

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 04:00:13 GMT

In 2020 the singer Akon promised to build a real-life Wakanda in his home country of Senegal, but four years later development has barely started.

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Trendy: Keir Starmer’s mission control

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 11:00:02 GMT

How do new prime ministers change the machinery of government to help deliver their priorities? John and Rachel are joined by former civil servant Jill Rutter to discuss government transitions and what Keir Starmer has changed since taking the reins of the British state.

Guest: Jill Rutter, senior fellow at the Institute for Government and former civil servant

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Kamala Harris’s ‘weird’ pick for vice president

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 05:00:55 GMT

The Democratic presidential candidate has chosen Tim Walz as her running mate. Who is he and how might he change the race for the White House?

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Sensemaker: How they pulled off an ‘impossible’ prisoner exchange

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:00:10 GMT

Twenty four people have been released in the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West for decades, but who benefits?

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Sensemaker: Gaza ceasefire talks at a standstill

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:00:27 GMT

What impact has the killing of two senior Hamas leaders had on the negotiations?

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News Meeting: The Olympic boxing controversy and how to cover the UK riots

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 17:11:29 GMT

Award-winning foreign correspondent Christina Lamb on what should lead the news.

She also explains why she sticks with stories after other journalists have moved on and tries to find bright spots to reignite interest in them.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Christina Lamb, chief foreign correspondent at the Sunday Times
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Patricia Clarke, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Ceri Thomas, editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: Who are Britain’s far right?

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:37 GMT

The disorder and violence that has followed the attack in Southport has been condemned as “thuggery,” and an insult to a grieving community. What does it tell us about Britain’s far right?

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Sensemaker: Sha’Carri Richardson and the politics of doping

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMT

The US athlete is seeking redemption at the Paris Olympics, but what does her story tell us about the politics of doping?

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News Meeting: Evan Gershkovich freed in biggest prisoner swap since Cold War

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:33:28 GMT

Jess Winch is joined by guests to make sense of three big stories and decide which one should lead the news.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise
Katherine Denkinson, freelance investigative journalist

Host: Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Producers: Casey Magloire and Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Trendy: What Labour and the Conservatives do next

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:00:04 GMT

How have the two main parties interpreted the election result? John and Rachel look at how they’ve reacted to what they think voters were telling them and how this moment compares to 1997 when Labour last won a landslide.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: How does a government overspend on asylum by £6bn pounds?

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:00:23 GMT

The chancellor Rachel Reeves accused the previous Conservative government of 'covering up' a £22bn hole in the public finances including £6 billion on housing asylum seekers that hadn’t been budgeted for.

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Sensemaker: How Kamala Harris could beat Trump

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:00:51 GMT

Her presidential campaign has taken off, but can she maintain the momentum all the way to election day in November?

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Sensemaker: FlowGPT vs Bad Bunny and the rise of AI-generated music

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:00:28 GMT

AI-generated music is on the rise. Major artists are hearing their voices in songs they never recorded, and the law is struggling to keep up. What does this mean for the future of the music industry?

Fill out the Tortoise listener survey by Monday 19th August to be entered into a draw to win £250 and Tortoise merch.

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News Meeting: An unusual start to the Paris Olympics and Just Stop Oil protesters jailed

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:09:01 GMT

David Taylor is joined by three guests to decide what should lead the news. In this episode they discuss the bumpy start to the Paris Olympics, signs that the UK’s stance on Israel may be shifting and historic jail sentences for Just Stop Oil protesters.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Lauren Frayer, NPR International correspondent
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise

Host: David Taylor, editor at Tortoise

Producers: Casey Magloire and Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Historic jail terms for Just Stop Oil protestors

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:00:20 GMT

Why five activists who disrupted traffic on the M25 have been given the longest sentences for peaceful protest in UK history.

Fill out the Tortoise listener survey by Monday 19th August to be entered into a draw to win £250 and Tortoise merch.

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Editor's Voicemail: Why the anti-woke backlash presents an opportunity

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 11:00:36 GMT

Some businesses are capitulating to the anti-woke movement by rolling back their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In his final voicemail before a summer break, James Harding argues that companies which choose to embrace it now will be better off in the future.

Fill out the Tortoise listener survey by Monday 19th August to be entered into a draw to win £250 and Tortoise merch.

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News Meeting: Kamala Harris brat memes and Keir Starmer suspends Labour rebels

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:50:25 GMT

Giles Whittell is joined by three guests and an audience in the Tortoise newsroom for this live episode of The News Meeting.

They discuss how Kamala Harris has taken social media by storm since declaring that she’s running to be the Democratic presidential nominee; Keir Starmer’s decision to suspend seven Labour MPs who rebelled; and why violence against women and girls is a “national emergency”.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Fill out the Tortoise listener survey by Monday 19th August to be entered into a draw to win £250 and Tortoise merch.

Guests:

Hashi Mohamed, barrister and contributing editor at Tortoise
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, journalist, author and columnist
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producers: Casey Magloire and Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Strictly Come Dancing loses its shine

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 04:00:31 GMT

For two decades Strictly Come Dancing has been a jewel in the BBC’s crown. But now allegations of misconduct against at least two professional dancers have rocked the show – and more celebrity contestants are speaking out about their experiences.

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Trendy: From Butlins to Barcelona: how Brits holiday

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Millions of us heading off on holiday across the UK and the rest of the world in the next few weeks. John and Rachel take a closer look at where we go on holiday, how this has changed and the impact it has on local residents and the environment.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Simone Biles seeks redemption at the Paris Olympics

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 04:00:10 GMT

The US gymnast was top of the world in Rio, but she struggled in Tokyo. What will Simone Biles do in Paris?

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Sensemaker: What we can learn from the CrowdStrike outage

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:00:28 GMT

The world is still recovering from a global IT failure that affected at least 8.5 million devices.

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Sensemaker: Joe Biden drops out

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:00:59 GMT

Following weeks of pressure US President Joe Biden has dropped out of the 2024 US presidential election. With just over 100 days to go, what does this mean?

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News Meeting: Joe Biden quits the presidential race

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:07:15 GMT

After weeks of mounting pressure, Joe Biden has quit the race for the White House. James Harding is joined by three journalists to make sense of this turning point in history.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Dave Taylor, editor at Tortoise
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Katie Riley, data editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, Tortoise’s editor

Producer: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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Sensemaker: The malaria survivor who helped create a new vaccine

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:00:17 GMT

Mehreen Datoo nearly died after she caught the disease when she was a medical student. Now she is part of the team that has helped develop a world-changing malaria jab.

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News Meeting: Trump’s marathon speech and what Labour will do about climate change

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:18:06 GMT

Giles Whittell is joined by Greg Swenson from Republicans Overseas UK to review Donald Trump’s speech to the Republican National Convention. Greenpeace’s Areeba Hadid wants to talk about the Labour government’s environmental policies and Tortoise’s Cat Neilan on UK-EU co-operation to tackle illegal migration.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Areeba Hamid, joint executive director of Greenpeace UK
Greg Swenson, chairman of Republicans Overseas UK

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Editor's voicemail: The price of loyalty to Biden

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:33:47 GMT

As Joe Biden edges closer to stepping aside, James Harding has a cautionary tale for worried Democrats from across the Atlantic.

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Sensemaker: Brat summer: how Charli XCX captured the zeitgeist

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 04:00:30 GMT

Charli XCX’s new album has taken the world by storm, but its success is down to more than just the music. How did Brat breakthrough to become this summer’s zeitgeist trend?

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Trendy: Double haters and the US election

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:00:00 GMT

With the Republican party convention in full swing, John and Rachel are joined by Christopher Carman to discuss how political parties in the US have changed.

Guest: Professor Christopher Carman, University of Glasgow

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Donald Trump’s mini-me

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:00:43 GMT

Donald Trump has chosen the ultra-loyal, 39 year old JD Vance to be his running mate. What does this tell us about Donald Trump’s bid for the White House?

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Sensemaker: India’s mega-wedding

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 04:00:35 GMT

What do Rihanna, Tony Blair and Andrea Bocelli have in common? They all went to the multi-event wedding hosted by India’s richest family. But why spend so much, so publicly, in a country with huge inequality?

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Sensemaker: How an attempt to assassinate Trump upended the presidential race

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:00:12 GMT

Donald Trump and Joe Biden have called for unity after the former president was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania, but will it last and how might the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate change the course of the election campaign?

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The News Meeting: Trump and Biden call for calm after assassination attempt

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 15:24:04 GMT

After the shock of the shooting, attention has turned to the gunman’s motive, why there was such a huge security breach and what this all means for the United States. Giles Whittell is joined by three journalists to make sense of this hugely significant story.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Dave Taylor, editor at Tortoise
David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News
Patricia Clarke, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: What is the ‘grey belt’?

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 05:00:43 GMT

The government has promised to build one and half million homes over the next five years by overhauling planning rules and developing what it calls ‘grey belt’ areas. Will it help solve the housing crisis?

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News Meeting: Lucy Letby, Britain’s prisons crisis and Labour’s Gaza problem

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:28:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Former director of public prosecutions Lord Ken Macdonald joins the Tortoise team to explain what he thinks the top story should be.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Lord Ken Macdonald, former director of public prosecutions and co-host of Double Jeopardy, the law and politics podcast
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise.
Alexi Mostrous, investigations editor at Tortoise

Host: Ceri Thomas, editor at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: England reach Euro 2024 final

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 04:00:16 GMT

How Gareth Southgate took England’s men to not one but two finals at the European Championships.

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Trendy: Has France rejected the far-right?

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:54:05 GMT

Polls predicted a historic win for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France’s parliamentary election. But a new coalition on the left did better than expected. John and Rachel are joined by UCL professor Philippe Marliere to discuss what just happened in France and what might happen next.

Guest: Philippe Marliere, professor of French and European Politics at University College London

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: The battle over the future of the Tory party

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:21 GMT

Following its seismic election defeat the Tory party has descended into bitter infighting over the election of its next leader.

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Sensemaker: Labour’s radical prisons minister

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 04:00:34 GMT

Keir Starmer’s government has inherited a prisons crisis in England and Wales. Could the boss of a high street key cutting chain fix the problem?

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Sensemaker: France’s shock election result

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 04:00:04 GMT

The far right have been defeated in parliamentary elections where they were expected to make major gains and possibly even form a government.

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News Meeting: Labour’s policy blitz and gridlock after France’s election

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:42:54 GMT

There are political stories everywhere you look, so which one should lead the news? James Harding is joined by three guests to discuss the first few days of Keir Starmer’s government, the prime minister’s visit to Scotland and France’s shock election result.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise,
Lesley Riddoch, broadcaster and columnist at The National

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: What will the new government do first?

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:00:09 GMT

After its landslide victory in the general election, what are the Labour government’s priorities for its first days in office?

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Editor’s Voicemail: A moment of optimism

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 15:00:32 GMT

The seam of anger and disillusion in UK politics is wide and deep. But Thursday’s vote offers us a reason to hope, too.

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Trendy: What just happened?

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 08:00:32 GMT

John Curtice and Rachel Wolf discuss the election results and what they mean?

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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News Meeting: Starmer drama

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 16:21:39 GMT

When he entered Downing Street as prime minister Keir Starmer said "our work is urgent - and we begin it today." In this episode James Harding is joined by special guests to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the incoming Labour government.

Former Labour cabinet minister Ben Bradshaw and Camilla Cavendish, head of David Cameron’s policy unit, offer their advice to MPs and cabinet ministers who are about to start their new jobs.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Camilla Cavendish, head of David Cameron’s policy unit and FT columnist
Ben Bradshaw, former Labour MP and cabinet minister

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Patricia Clarke and Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: Labour's landslide

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 05:10:41 GMT

Keir Starmer's party has won the general election with a landslide, ending 14 years of Conservative-led government. This is how election night unfolded.

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News Meeting: Will Joe Biden step aside?

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 05:00:20 GMT

It’s nearly a week since Joe Biden’s terrible performance in that debate against Donald Trump and the panic in the Democratic party has reached fever pitch. In this special episode James Harding is joined by Susan Glasser from The New Yorker, crisis management consultant Dan McGinn and former US ambassador Matthew Barzun.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Susan Glasser, staff writer at The New Yorker
Matthew Barzun, former US ambassador to London and Tortoise chairman
Dan McGinn, crisis communication and reputation management consultant

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Lewis Vickers and Casey Magloire

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Trendy: The final countdown

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:53:06 GMT

On the eve of the election John explains how the exit polls work.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Could it be true?: Is everything we’ve told you a lie?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 04:00:50 GMT

A new academic paper says journalists regularly overstate the harms of online misinformation. In our final episode, Alexi Mostrous and Patricia Clarke speak to the paper’s author and reflect on their own reporting from the frontlines of the digital election campaign.

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News Meeting: Why populist candidates thrive

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:15:44 GMT

With a few days to go until the election, James Harding is joined by three guests and an audience in Manchester to discuss the stories that should be leading the news.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Joshi Herrmann, founder of The Mill
Nazir Afzal, chancellor of Manchester University and former chief crown prosecutor for north west England
Maria Farnell, employment lawyer and founder of business strategy firm Athelis

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive Producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: How the election looks on social media

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:00:10 GMT

Reform has emerged as the most dominant political party on social media ahead of the election, but what impact will this have on the results?

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News Meeting: The Biden problem and is Julian Assange a hero or a villain?

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:12:45 GMT

After Joe Biden’s debate disaster, what might happen next? Plus Julian Assange is freed, the prime ministerial debate between Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, and what we can do about political corruption.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Book your free ticket to be in the audience for our next election special in Manchester on Monday 1st July: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-manchester/

Guests:

Simon Kuper, columnist at the Financial Times and author of ‘Good Chaps’
Giles Whittell, world affairs editor at Tortoise
Katie Riley, data editor at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Lewis Vickers and Casey Magloire

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Editor's Voicemail: Minority rule

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:12:34 GMT

Labour look set to win a huge majority in Thursday’s general election. But a large and unlikely coalition of voters will be left wondering whether they’ve been heard at all.

Listen to the latest episode of Trendy now.

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Trendy: The digital election campaign

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:01:15 GMT

What does the online election campaign look like? Who are the parties trying to reach and how effective are they? John Curtice and Rachel Wolf are joined by Kate Dommett, professor of digital politics at Sheffield University.

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Guest: Kate Dommett, professor of digital politics at Sheffield University

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Could it be true?: The platforms’ dilemma

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:00:35 GMT

Are the big social media platforms doing enough to tackle election misinformation? Or could they be doing too much?

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News Meeting: AI warfare and why Tory fundraising has collapsed

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:20:44 GMT

James Harding is joined by the editor of the Evening Standard to discuss why the paper is axing its daily print edition, what should lead the news and why he’s decided to write for the first time about being sexually assaulted as a teenager.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Book your free ticket to be in the audience for our next election special in Manchester on Monday 1st July: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-manchester/

Guests:

Dylan Jones, editor-in-chief at the Evening Standard and author of ‘These Foolish Things’
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire and Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The ghost of Boris Johnson

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 04:00:41 GMT

The Conservatives heralded the arrival of Boris Johnson to join their election campaign. A day later, it emerged he was going on holiday. Why can’t the party get over its former leader?

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Editor's Voicemail: hope, change and the fiscal rules

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 18:55:41 GMT

James Harding wonders whether amid all the hope of a new Labour government it will need to revise its fiscal rules.

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News Meeting: Polar bears, ice caps, jobs and growth

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 05:00:59 GMT

Giles Whittell is joined by Ecotricity owner Dale Vince, journalist Louise Tickle and Jo Leahy from Stroud Valleys Artspace in front of an audience at The Long Table in Stroud to discuss what should lead the news ahead of the election.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Book your free ticket to our final election special in Manchester on Monday 1st June: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-manchester/

Guests:

Dale Vince, owner of Ecotricity and Labour party donor
Louise Tickle, reporter at Tortoise
Jo Leahy, artistic director of Stroud Valleys Artspace

Host: Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Trendy: (What’s the story) losing Tory?

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:31:32 GMT

John and Rachel discuss the latest polls and policy dividing lines between the main parties.

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Could it be true?: Chaos agents

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 04:00:24 GMT

From Russian disinformation campaigns to Chinese spies, are foreign influence operations targeting the UK election?

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News Meeting: What Farage wants and Barclays faces anti-Israel protests

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:42:21 GMT

What should lead the news? Three Tortoise journalists each pitch the story they think should be at the top of the news agenda to deputy editor Giles Whittell.

In this episode, Nigel Farage grabs the limelight but should he get as much coverage as he does? Plus, Benjamin Netanyahu disbands his war cabinet; and who is pure enough to fund the arts after Barclays and Baillie Gifford faced anti-Israel boycotts?

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Book your free ticket to be in the audience for our next election special in Stroud on Wednesday 19th July: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-stroud/

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasgar, contributing editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: Pro-Palestine candidates threaten to take votes from Labour

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:00:36 GMT

Labour faces an unlikely challenge from a TikTok star in one of its safest seats. What impact could Israel’s war in Gaza have on Labour’s support in some areas?

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Editor's Voicemail: Not rejoining, but returning

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 17:52:17 GMT

Now Labour and the Conservatives have published their party manifestos, Tortoise editor James Harding examines which issues they're not tackling.

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News Meeting: Sunak’s aide bets on the election and French politics goes crazy

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:01:15 GMT

What should lead the news? Three Tortoise journalists each pitch the story they think should be at the top of the news agenda to deputy editor Giles Whittell.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Book your free ticket to be in the audience for our next election special in Stroud on Wednesday 19th July: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-stroud/

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Trendy: Volatile voters and why people don’t trust politicians

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:15:13 GMT

What has changed since Rishi Sunak’s D-Day gaffe and Nigel Farage’s intervention? John and Rachel delve into the latest polls, the party manifestos and the latest British Social Attitudes survey, which shows trust in politics is at a record low.

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Could it be true?: Sneaky politics

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:19:08 GMT

This week, Alexi and Patricia dive into the wild west of political advertising and investigate the people behind a sneaky series of smear campaigns.

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News Meeting: Douglas Ross quits as leader and Scotland’s homeless children

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:58:00 GMT

In this election special Giles Whittell is joined by former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, journalist John Boothman and columnist Andrew Tickell in front of an audience at Material Source in Glasgow.

They discuss what’s behind Douglas Ross’s decision to resign as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, the lurch to the right in some European countries and the number of Scottish children living in temporary accommodation.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Book your free ticket to our next election special in Stroud on Wednesday 19th July: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-stroud/

Guests:

Kezia Dugdale, former leader of Scottish Labour and Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow
John Boothman, political correspondent at The Times and Sunday Times
Andrew Tickell, writer, columnist and lecturer in law at Glasgow Caledonian University

Host: Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Ed Davey: the carer and the clown

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 04:00:45 GMT

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has shown his more serious side after a series of campaign stunts. What's the party's election strategy?

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News Meeting: Tory superdonor Frank Hester and Vladimir Putin’s latest threat

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Giles Whittell talks to Sky News executive chairman David Rhodes about election leader debates and what should lead the news.

They’re joined by Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan and news editor Jess Winch to discuss the news that the Conservative party accepted a further donation from Frank Hester, after he had been accused of making racist comments about Labour's Diane Abbott.

Plus, Narendra Modi loses his majority and Vladimir Putin warns that Russia could provide long-range weapons to attack the West.

Book your free ticket to be in the audience for our election specials in Glasgow, Stroud and Manchester here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/book/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Editor's Voicemail: It's the technology, stupid

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:31:13 GMT

James Harding thinks we're asking our politicians the wrong questions ahead of the election.

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Trendy: The Conservatives face their Mount Everest

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 13:44:09 GMT

Is Labour’s poll lead over the Conservatives widening? What could Nigel Farage’s return to the political fray mean for the polls and the Tories? And John Curtice reveals the six tribes of voters that make up the UK electorate. Which one do you belong to?

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: What does Farage’s return mean for the Tories?

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:00:48 GMT

Nigel Farage has announced that he’ll stand in the general election for Reform UK after previously saying he wouldn’t. What does it mean for the Conservative party?

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Could it be true?: Deepfakes

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 10:12:52 GMT

Every week between now and the UK election, Tortoise's Alexi Mostrous and Patricia Clarke will examine claims from the campaign trail. Some will be outlandish, some believable. Some might even be true. This week: AI technologies and how they’re being used to manipulate voters. Or are they?

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News Meeting: Farage shakes up the election campaign

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:45:59 GMT

Giles Whittell goes to Stoke-on-Trent to hear what people there think should lead the news.

They discuss the news that Nigel Farage will lead Reform and stand at the election, Rishi Sunak’s crackdown on ‘rip-off’ degrees, Labour’s apprenticeships pledge and the fire that gutted a local pub.

Plus reaction to the news that Nigel Farage is standing to be an MP and will lead Reform UK.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cris Cohen, a chef who founded the fine dining restaurant Feasted in Stoke
Anna Francis, Associate Professor of Fine Art and Social Practice at Staffordshire University, and director of The Portland Inn Project
Jenna Goodwin is a local historian known as The Red Haired Stokie

Host: Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The First Millennial Saint

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:00:08 GMT

Carlo Acutis is set to become the first millennial saint. But how did a teenager, dubbed ‘God’s influencer’ achieve one of the highest honours within the Catholic Church.

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Word for word: Trump on trial - episode 5

Fri, 31 May 2024 19:00:09 GMT

Donald Trump is the first former US president to be convicted of a crime.

In a special one-off, we will be sharing our new series Word for Word: Trump on Trial. In each episode, we’re bringing you the story of the trial, told using the transcripts of what is said in court. This is the final part.

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Word for word: Trump on trial - episode 4

Fri, 31 May 2024 18:58:00 GMT

Donald Trump is the first former US president to be convicted of a crime.

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Word for word: Trump on trial - episode 3

Fri, 31 May 2024 18:56:00 GMT

Donald Trump is the first former US president to be convicted of a crime.

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Word for word: Trump on trial - episode 2

Fri, 31 May 2024 18:54:00 GMT

Donald Trump is the first former US president to be convicted of a crime.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Word for word: Trump on trial - episode 1

Fri, 31 May 2024 18:40:00 GMT

Donald Trump is the first former US president to be convicted of a crime.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Editor's Voicemail: The politicisation of the courts

Fri, 31 May 2024 17:05:33 GMT

In the wake of the verdict against Donald Trump, James Harding considers the the loss of confidence in the judiciary, the suspicion that judges are politicians, that the courts are political and polarising.

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News Meeting: Israel’s attacks on Rafah and Elon Musk’s new AI chatbot

Fri, 31 May 2024 14:35:06 GMT

Giles Whittell and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.

In this episode he’s joined by Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan, investigations editor Alexi Mostrous and reporter Patricia Clarke.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, Tortoise’s political editor
Alexi Mostrous, Tortoise’s investigations editor
Patricia Clarke, Tortoise reporter

Host: Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett and Matt Russell

To find out more about Tortoise:

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- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Is climate change to blame for extreme turbulence?

Fri, 31 May 2024 04:00:51 GMT

A man died and dozens were injured by extreme air turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight. Is this phenomenon becoming more common and if so, why?

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Trendy: How is the election campaign going?

Thu, 30 May 2024 12:57:11 GMT

The first week of the election campaign is over. What do the polls say and how have they changed? What policies have the parties announced? John Curtice and Rachel Wolf are joined by two former campaign insiders to discuss.

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Guest: Dr Denise Baron, former head of insights for the Liberal Democrat Campaign and Dr Tom Hamilton formerly head of research for the Labour Party.

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Sensemaker: All eyes on Rafah

Thu, 30 May 2024 04:00:20 GMT

Israeli tanks have rolled into the centre of Rafah, where Israel has been ordered to halt its offensive by the International Court of Justice. Will Israel listen?

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Sensemaker: The women facing deportation to Rwanda

Wed, 29 May 2024 05:00:54 GMT

Fatima is currently detained in Yarl’s Wood for deportation to Rwanda. What will the upcoming election mean for the Conservative party’s flagship policy – and for asylum seekers like her?

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Sensemaker: Paula Vennells and the Post Office scandal

Tue, 28 May 2024 11:00:05 GMT

The former CEO of the Post Office has made a long-awaited appearance before a public inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal. What did she know and when?

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News Meeting: The first days of the election campaign

Fri, 24 May 2024 15:26:10 GMT

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.

In this episode he’s joined by Rachel Wolf, Torsten Bell and Ben Bradshaw.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Rachel Wolf, host of the Trendy podcast who co-authored the Conservative Party’s Election Manifesto in 2019
Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter
Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation

Host: James Harding, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Editor's Voicemail: The course for change

Fri, 24 May 2024 14:13:39 GMT

James Harding reflects on how the UK General Election will change the course of the country.

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Sensemaker: Rishi Sunak announces a general election

Fri, 24 May 2024 04:00:08 GMT

To the surprise of many in his party, prime minister Rishi Sunak called a general election for 4th July. Why now?

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Trendy: What does Gen Z think?

Thu, 23 May 2024 12:23:58 GMT

Gen Z - people born between 1997 and 2012 - are the post Brexit, post financial crisis, post austerity generation. They are better educated than their predecessors, but face higher levels of debt and higher housing costs. For many this will be the first time they get a chance to vote in a general election. So what do they think and what could that mean for policy makers?

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Scarlett Johansson speaks out against OpenAI

Thu, 23 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

The Hollywood actress said she was “shocked” and angered when OpenAI released a chatbot that sounds “eerily similar” to her. How might this latest controversy impact the company?

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Sensemaker: Bad Blood

Wed, 22 May 2024 05:00:00 GMT

The official report into the infected blood scandal found endless delays, needless suffering, and high level negligence, collusion and cover up. What next for the victims and their families?

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Word for word: Trump on trial – episode 3

Tue, 21 May 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Donald Trump is the first former US president to face a criminal trial. He is accused of falsifying business records by saying a hush money payment to a porn star was for legal fees. He's facing 34 counts of fraud under campaign finance laws, and has pleaded not guilty to all of them. The trial, which is expected to last eight weeks, is being held in a New York court and Donald Trump has to appear for every day.

In each episode, we’re bringing you the story of the trial, told using the transcripts of what is said in court. This is part 3.

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Sensemaker: The death of Iran’s president

Tue, 21 May 2024 04:00:59 GMT

In the early hours of Monday morning, rescuers confirmed that Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, had been killed in a helicopter crash. What does his sudden death mean for the Iranian regime?

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News Meeting: Death in Iran and the Infected Blood Scandal Inquiry

Mon, 20 May 2024 15:22:47 GMT

Giles Whittell and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.

In this episode he’s joined by Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan, news editor Jess Winch, and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, Tortoise’s political editor
Jess Winch, Tortoise’s news editor
Jeevan Vasagar, Tortoise’s climate editor

Host: Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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Sensemaker: England’s ‘Ghost’ Pupils

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:00:04 GMT

The number of children who are absent from school for more than half the time has soared by 136 per cent since before the pandemic. What’s behind the record levels of absenteeism?

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Editor's Voicemail: Should journalism defend democracy or enable it?

Fri, 17 May 2024 16:41:28 GMT

James Harding ponders what the job of journalism is in the face of populist liars, sophisticated propaganda and the information war.

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News Meeting: Protests in Georgia and the carer’s allowance scandal

Fri, 17 May 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Giles Whittell and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.

In this episode he’s joined by businessman John Rose who used to be chief executive of Rolls-Royce and is now deputy chairman of Rothschild Group, Tortoise’s news editor Jess Winch, and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

John Rose, former chief executive of Rolls-Royce and current deputy chairman of Rothschild Group
Jess Winch, Tortoise’s news editor
Jeevan Vasagar, Tortoise’s climate editor

Host: Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Matt Russell

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Sensemaker: Netflix's Baby Reindeer problem

Fri, 17 May 2024 05:00:42 GMT

Richard Gadd’s Netflix series is on track to become one of the streamer’s most popular shows of all time. But it’s raised questions around Netflix’s duty of care to the real-life people the show’s characters were based on.

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Trendy: Was school better in your day?

Thu, 16 May 2024 11:00:00 GMT

John and Rachel discuss how schooling has changed from the 1960s until now. Who goes to school? Who runs them? And are school-leavers better at maths now than their predecessors?

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: The Church tackles climate change

Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:51 GMT

A Christian charity has encouraged nearly all of the country's Churches to take a vital step in tackling climate change after ten years of campaigning.

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Sensemaker: Drake vs Kendrick

Wed, 15 May 2024 05:00:02 GMT

What does rap’s latest beef tell us about the changing nature of hip-hop feuds?

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Word for word: Trump on trial – episode 2

Tue, 14 May 2024 15:00:00 GMT

In each episode, we’re bringing you the story of the trial, told using the transcripts of what is said in court. This is part 2.

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Word for word: Trump on trial

Tue, 14 May 2024 13:00:00 GMT

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Sensemaker: What’s left of Hamas in Gaza?

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:42:54 GMT

As Israel steps up operations in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, what remains of the militant group that it’s trying to wipe out?

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News Meeting: Russian advances and Drake versus Kendrick Lamar

Mon, 13 May 2024 14:55:45 GMT

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.

In this episode he’s joined by businesswoman and campaigner Gina Miller, Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell and reporter Stephen Armstrong.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Gina Miller, businesswoman and campaigner
Giles Whittell, Tortoise’s deputy editor
Stephen Armstrong, Tortoise reporter

Host: James Harding, founder and editor of Tortoise

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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Sensemaker: My life as a prison officer

Mon, 13 May 2024 04:00:25 GMT

Last year, almost one in seven prison officers left. What's the state of Britain's prisons, and why does nobody want to work in them?

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Editor's Voicemail: Why newsrooms matter

Fri, 10 May 2024 18:00:22 GMT

James Harding makes the case for why newsrooms should be places a home for challenging questions, heretics and contrarians.

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News Meeting: Stormy Daniels testifies and gay rights in Ghana

Fri, 10 May 2024 15:00:00 GMT

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.

In this episode he’s joined by psychotherapist and author Julia Samuel, Tortoise news editor Jess Winch and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Julia Samuel, psychotherapist and author
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, founder and editor of Tortoise

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

To listen to Hattie Garlick’s interview with Stormy Daniels click here.

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Sensemaker: Bumble changes course

Fri, 10 May 2024 04:00:40 GMT

The dating app Bumble ditched its requirement for women to write the first message. What does the change in tack tell us about the business of modern dating?

To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Trendy Live: The fallout from the local elections

Thu, 09 May 2024 15:28:21 GMT

John Curtice and Rachel Wolf discuss the fallout from the local elections results and work out what this could mean for the major parties in a the general election.

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Chaos at Co-op Live

Thu, 09 May 2024 04:00:43 GMT

Olivia Rodrigo, Take That and Keane are among the artists to have gigs cancelled after the opening of Manchester's new arena, Co-op Live, was postponed multiple times. What's causing the delay?

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Sensemaker: The inquiry into alleged SAS war crimes

Wed, 08 May 2024 04:00:35 GMT

Public hearings into the alleged war crimes committed by British special forces during the war in Afghanistan have been delayed by several months after the Ministry of Defence repeatedly failed to meet its deadlines.

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Sensemaker: Toomaj Salehi: the rapper sentenced to death for criticising the Iranian regime

Tue, 07 May 2024 04:00:55 GMT

A rapper faces execution after criticising the Iranian regime in his lyrics. What does his death sentence tell us about the strength – or weakness – of the Islamic Republic?

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The News Meeting: Has Europe weaned itself off Russian oil?

Fri, 03 May 2024 15:35:44 GMT

Columnist Phil Collins joins James Harding and the Tortoise team to tell them what he thinks should lead the news.

Plus, Kevin Sullivan and Mary Jordan have their latest Postcard from America. This week they discuss the life and career of former US President Jimmy Carter.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Phil Collins, Times Columnist and The Draft Founder

Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, founder and editor of Tortoise

Producers: Casey Magloire and Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Editor's Voicemail: The joy of journalism

Fri, 03 May 2024 12:30:00 GMT

Why being a journalist and asking questions can be such a privilege and a joy.

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Sensemaker: The Caitlin Clark Effect

Fri, 03 May 2024 05:00:36 GMT

Record breaking college basketball star Caitlin Clark is set to make her professional debut. What impact has she had on the sport and could her success help close the pay gap between male and female players?

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Trendy: King and country

Thu, 02 May 2024 11:00:35 GMT

Just over half of the British public now think the monarchy is ‘very’ or ‘quite’ important. That’s according to new data published by the British Social Attitudes survey which suggests that support for the monarchy has been in decline over the last decade. John and Rachel discuss why this is happening.

Click here to book your tickets for Trendy Live at 6.30pm on Wednesday 8th May:

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/trendy-live-show-local-election-special/

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: No-fault evictions: how the Renters Reform Bill was watered down

Thu, 02 May 2024 04:00:08 GMT

Five years ago the government said it would reform the private rental market, but charities that once backed the Renters Reform Bill have now turned against it.

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Sensemaker: Humza Yousaf’s unforced error

Wed, 01 May 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf has resigned after just over a year, throwing the country - and its minority SNP government - into turmoil. What does this mean for the party which has governed Scotland for nearly two decades?

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Sensemaker: Hersh Goldberg-Polin and the other hostages still in Gaza

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:00:29 GMT

In recent days Hamas has released videos of several hostages being held in Gaza. In each case it was the first time their families had seen them alive since they were taken during the October 7th attack. Why might Hamas be releasing the videos now?

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News Meeting: Humza Yousaf resigns as Scotland’s first minister and Macron’s warning

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:29:32 GMT

James Harding and three guests debate what they think should lead the news.

In this episode he’s joined by Bronwen Maddox, director and chief executive of Chatham House, Tortoise deputy editor Giles Whittell and political editor Cat Neilan.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Bronwen Maddox, director and chief executive of Chatham House
Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, founder and editor of Tortoise

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Trump’s first week in court

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:00:39 GMT

What happened when Donald Trump’s old friend took to the stand at the former president’s criminal trial in New York.

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Editor's Voicemail: A new age of rearmament

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:08:56 GMT

In the past week there have been a couple of dramatic announcements on military spending, but it has actually increased every year since 2014. In his Editor's Voicemail James explains why this gradual military build-up amounts to a step change, and asks what it might mean for the world.

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The News Meeting: India’s election and why pupils in England are facing their worst exam results in decades

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:00:00 GMT

David Aaronovitch and the Tortoise team debate what should lead the news in front of an audience in the newsroom.

They discuss the scale of India’s election, failures to tackle the academic and social legacies of school closures during Covid, and what was happening in Iran on the day it attacked Israel.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

David Aaronovitch, journalist, broadcaster and host of ‘Eight Year’s Hard Labour’
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Grindr sued

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:00:43 GMT

The world's biggest dating app for the LGBT community is accused of sharing personal information such as people's HIV status with third parties.

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Trendy: Dating, love and marriage

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Nearly two-thirds of under 35s have used a dating app or online service to meet a partner. That’s according to an exclusive poll for Trendy. However, opinion is split about whether online dating is a positive or negative experience. How has how we find a partner changed and what does it mean for long term relationships?

Click here to book your tickets for Trendy Live at 6.30pm on Wednesday 8th May: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/trendy-live-show-local-election-special/

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Guest: Rebecca Moore, Producer

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Rwanda policy: What difference will it make?

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 04:00:05 GMT

Rishi Sunak has finally passed his Rwanda bill after the House of Lords dropped its opposition. But two-thirds of voters think the country is on the wrong track, so is it a distraction from the bigger issues Britain faces and will it actually stop the boats?

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News Meeting: Brexit, austerity and how Labour could fix Britain

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 11:00:52 GMT

In the nineties Will Hutton wrote about the role of government and the free market post-Thatcher. Now, after more than a decade of Conservative-led government, he’s written a new book called ‘This Time No Mistakes’. In this bonus episode he tells James how it might influence Labour’s thinking on issues like Britain’s relationship with the EU and economic reform.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guest: Will Hutton, former editor of the Observer and author of This Time No Mistakes: How To Remake Britain

Host: James Harding, founder and editor-in-chief of Tortoise

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: Britain’s mouldy homes

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 04:00:53 GMT

Yeremiah Bizimana has been living in a hotel for almost nine months because his council house has problems caused by damp and mould.

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Sensemaker: Why the internet is arguing about flooding in Dubai

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:00:49 GMT

A storm that brought record rainfall and flooding to parts of the United Arab Emirates led to a wave of speculation online about the dangers of ‘geo-engineering’. But what exactly is ‘cloud seeding’ and is it really to blame for the recent extreme weather?

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News Meeting: Sunak’s Rwanda showdown and the Met’s apology to an anti semitism campaigner

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:24:28 GMT

What propels something to the top of the news agenda? James Harding is joined by three guests who each pitch the story they think should lead the news.

In this episode he’s joined by former Observer editor Will Hutton to discuss the wrangling over the government’s Rwanda policy, the Met’s apology to Gideon Falter after he was called "openly Jewish" by police and threatened with arrest, and Congress approving $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine.

Book your ticket for the next News Meeting Live on 24th April by clicking here.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Will Hutton, former editor of the Observer and author of This Time No Mistakes: How To Remake Britain
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, Tortoise founder and editor-in-chief

Producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Vinicius Jr: the Real Madrid star’s fight against racism

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 05:00:43 GMT

During an emotional news conference the Real Madrid footballer Vinicius Junior broke down in tears as he described the racist abuse he faces whilst playing in Spain. But what is being done about it?

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Editor's Voicemail: David Cameron inspires a rethink

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:00:18 GMT

Although Lord Cameron’s turn as Foreign Secretary hasn’t redeemed his reputation for Brexit, it has made James think again - not just about the former prime minister, but about politics and political coverage.

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News Meeting: Christiana Figueres on the Dubai floods and Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:19:22 GMT

Former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres joins the Tortoise team to tell them what she thinks should lead the news.

Plus, Kevin Sullivan and Mary Jordan have their latest Postcard from America. This week it’s about the rise of college women’s basketball, fuelled by one charismatic star - Caitlin Clark.

Book your ticket for the next News Meeting Live on 24th April by clicking here.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief and host of the ‘Outrage and Optimism’ podcast
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: The Swiss women who went to court over climate change and won

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:00:38 GMT

A group of Swiss women who are all over the age of 64 took their government to court over climate change and won. How did they do it?

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Trendy: What London Thinks

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Forty years ago London was in decline. Now it’s a global megacity with a growing population and a large economy, but it’s quite socially conservative. How does that shape the politics of the capital and who governs it?

Click here to book your tickets for Trendy Live at 6.30pm on Wednesday 8th May: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/trendy-live-show-local-election-special/

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Guest: Professor Tony Travers, director of LSE London

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Sensemaker: The Hull funeral home investigation

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 04:00:41 GMT

Families have been left with some difficult unanswered questions after Legacy Independent Funeral Directors was raided by police. What’s alleged to have happened?

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Sensemaker: Angela Rayner’s high stakes pledge

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 04:00:21 GMT

A slowburn story has presented a moment of peril for Labour’s deputy leader, and perhaps Keir Starmer too.

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Sensemaker: Iran attacks Israel: what happens next?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:45 GMT

The Middle East is on the brink after Iran launched a huge drone and missile strike on Israel, the first time it has ever attacked the country directly.

To understand more about how Israel’s prime minister thinks in moments like this you can listen to ‘The State of Netanyahu’ – a three part series from Tortoise’s Slow Newscast.

Just search for ‘The State of Netanyahu’ wherever you get your podcasts or click this link: https://lnk.to/StateOfNetanyahu

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News Meeting: Why Iran attacked Israel and Trump’s hush money trial

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 16:26:14 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think should lead the news to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

In this episode the team are joined by David Rhodes from Sky News to talk about Iran’s attack on Israel, police investigating Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner after she was accused of breaking electoral law, which she denies, and jury selection in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial.

Book your ticket for the next News Meeting Live on 24th April by clicking here.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producers: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: A health warning from an esports star

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 05:00:38 GMT

Why Jaden Ashman, known online as Wolfiez, decided to speak out about the impact being a pro-gamer had on his health and what it could mean for the next generation of esports stars.

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News Meeting: Swiss women win landmark climate case and Zeinab Badawi on a year of war in Sudan

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 11:00:00 GMT

The journalist and president of SOAS pitches the story she thinks should lead the news and discusses her new book ‘An African History of Africa’.

In this episode she’s joined by Tortoise editors Ceri Thomas and Jess Winch to also talk about how we deal with hate speech and the 2,000 Swiss women who took their government to court over its climate policies.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Zeinab Badawi, journalist and author of An African History of Africa
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Ceri Thomas, editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Mr Bates at the Post Office inquiry

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:00:18 GMT

Former subpostmaster and campaigner Alan Bates has finally had his day in front of the Post Office inquiry that’s looking into the Horizon IT scandal. What did he say and what questions will this latest phase try to answer?

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Trendy: Local elections 2024: what to expect

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 11:00:52 GMT

Voters in England and Wales will elect councillors, mayors, London Assembly members and police and crime commissioners. What’s at stake? Is local democracy in Britain in good shape? And what can these elections tell us about the general election?

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Instability AI

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 04:00:03 GMT

StabilityAI was once one of the world’s most-hyped startups. But now, former employees say it’s in a “death spiral”. What does the company’s apparent downfall tell us about the current state of AI?

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Sensemaker: Why Republicans are blocking aid for Ukraine

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 04:00:46 GMT

For months, Republican lawmakers like Marjorie Taylor Greene have blocked a $60bn aid package for Ukraine. Why do they oppose it and what does it mean for Ukraine?

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Sensemaker: Westminster’s honeytrap sext scandal

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:57 GMT

A Conservative MP is under growing pressure after giving his colleagues’ personal phone numbers to a stranger who targeted him in a spear-phishing attack.

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News Meeting: Solar eclipse conspiracy theories and is Thames Water facing the end game?

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:04:46 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

In this episode he’s joined by Bronwen Maddow, chief executive of Chatham House, who thinks it’s make your mind up time for the Israeli government in light of waning Western support for its war in Gaza.

Climate editor Jeevan Vasagar pitches Thames Water defaulting on its debt and Stephen Armstrong thinks the US conspiracy theories surrounding the solar eclipse should lead the news.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Bronwen Maddox, chief executive of Chatham House and host of Independent Thinking
Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstron, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Assistant producer: Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Threat to life: the Iranian journalist stabbed in London

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 05:00:07 GMT

An Iranian journalist working for a TV news channel which is critical of Tehran has been stabbed. What does this attack tell us about the lengths Iran will go to to silence its critics?

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News Meeting: Aid worker deaths in Gaza and a Westminster honey trap

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 12:20:09 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan, climate editor Jeevan Vasagar and news editor Jess Winch discuss the World Central Kitchen workers killed in Gaza, shooting Botswana’s elephants and Conservative MP William Wragg’s involvement in a sext scandal.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producers: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: The aid workers killed in Gaza

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 04:00:49 GMT

There’s been international condemnation after seven aid workers were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza. But will it change anything?

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Sensemaker: Bollywood gets political

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 04:00:30 GMT

As India’s election approaches, some Bollywood films are promoting the politics of the country’s prime minister. What does it tell us about Narendra Modi’s influence and his brand of Hindu nationalism?

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Sensemaker: The truth about Trump’s Truth Social

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 04:00:17 GMT

Why you can now buy shares in Donald Trump’s social media platform – and what it means for the former president as he faces a series of legal and financial challenges ahead of November’s election.

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Sensemaker: Boeing, Boeing, gone

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 04:00:53 GMT

A safety crisis at Boeing has led to sweeping management changes. What went wrong – and will these changes be enough?

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News Meeting: Elizabeth Day on Baltimore bridge conspiracies and Trump’s Truth Social

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 05:00:40 GMT

The host of How To Fail joins the Tortoise team to pitch the story she thinks should lead the news and to talk about her book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict.

In this episode, recorded in front of an audience in the Tortoise newsroom, they discuss dissatisfaction with the NHS, Trump’s financial woes and conspiracy theories surrounding the Baltimore bridge collapse.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Elizabeth Day, podcaster and author of Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise
Cat Neilan, Tortoise’s political editor

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Trendy: How to fix the NHS

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:04:26 GMT

A new survey suggests the public’s satisfaction with the NHS is at a record low. What can the next government do to fix this? John and Rachel are joined by Julian le Grand, former senior policy advisor to Tony Blair specialising in health, who argues it’s time to bring back what he describes as "targets and terror" to the NHS.

Guest: Julian le Grand, former senior policy advisor to Tony Blair specialising in health

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: When extreme sports turn deadly

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:00:50 GMT

Base jumping deaths are rising. When big companies sponsor athletes to jump off cliffs, who's responsible when things go wrong?

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Sensemaker: Who was behind the Moscow terror attack?

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 05:00:01 GMT

More than 130 people were killed in a shooting at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow last Friday. What do we know about the people behind it?

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Sensemaker: Israel and the UN’s Gaza relief agency

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:00:34 GMT

Disputes between UNWRA and Israel are stopping aid from reaching millions of people in the Gaza strip. What does the aid agency do and why does it matter?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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News Meeting: What the Moscow attack means for Putin and Chinese hacking

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:58:44 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

Barrister and broadcaster Hashi Mohammed joins Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan and reporter Stephen Armstrong to discuss whether Beijing should be considered a threat, the terror attack on a Moscow concert hall and Conservative plans to maintain the triple lock on pensions.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Hashi Mohamed, barrister and broadcaster
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producers: Rebecca Moore and Casey Magloire

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Bitcoin is back

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:00:18 GMT

The cryptocurrency surged to a new record value against the dollar. What caused it and how far could it fall?

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Editor's Voicemail: Why it's wrong to suggest the BBC is antisemitic

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:00:00 GMT

We should worry about people putting the self-serving values of WhatsApp tribalism ahead of the difficult business of common understanding.

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News Meeting: Men-only clubs and a smoking ban for for some, but not all

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:12:58 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

Businessman John Rose and Labour MP Ben Bradshaw join Tortoise reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou to discuss the men-only Garrick Club, Mike Lynch’s fraud trial in the US and a ban on anyone born after 2009 from buying cigarettes is starting its journey into law.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Click here to book tickets to The News Meeting Live with Elizabeth Day: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-with-elizabeth-day/

Guests:

Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise
John Rose, deputy chairman of Rothschild Group and former chief executive of Rolls Royce
Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP and former culture secretary

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Frank Hester: The race row and the rise of the mega donor

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 05:00:29 GMT

The Conservative donor was someone very few people had heard of until an investigation revealed his racist comments towards MP Diane Abbott. What role will mega donors play in the run-up to the UK’s general election?

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Trendy: The general election campaign starts here

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT

There’s feverish speculation about the timing of the next election, so in this episode Rachel and John look at how campaigns have changed with the help of Kate Dommett, professor of digital politics at Sheffield University.

Guest: Kate Dommett, professor of digital politics at The University of Sheffield

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Indefinite jail terms: ‘a stain on our justice system’

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:35 GMT

What the death of one man tells us about the continued impact of indefinite prison sentences that were abolished more than a decade ago.

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News Meeting: Lessons from a World War Two disinformation campaign

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Are we living through an information war? Sefton Delmer was a British propagandist who targeted the Nazi regime. In this bonus episode, the journalist Peter Pomerantsev explains what his story can teach us about modern disinformation and propaganda.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Click here to book tickets to The News Meeting Live with Elizabeth Day: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-with-elizabeth-day/

Guests: Peter Pomerantsev, author of How to Win an Information War

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Elon Musk takes on OpenAI

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 05:00:31 GMT

Elon Musk is suing the creators of ChatGPT, accusing OpenAI of straying from its original mission to build AI that will benefit humanity. What is his lawsuit actually about?

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Sensemaker: Putin's sham election

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:00:38 GMT

Russia’s president has won a fifth term in an election viewed by many as neither free nor fair. What does Vladimir Putin’s victory mean for the world?

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News Meeting: Boris Johnson’s Venezuela meeting and should we change the way we fund the police?

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:13:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Alex Coley, a councillor for Epsom in Surrey and former head of digital at the Met Police, news editor Jess Winch and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Click here to book tickets to The News Meeting Live with Elizabeth Day: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-with-elizabeth-day/

Guests:

Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise
Alex Coley, councillor for Epsom in Surrey and former head of digital at the Met Police

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Family fractured after suspected illegal abortion

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:00:09 GMT

Tortoise spent six months fighting to report that a British mother being investigated for a suspected illegal abortion had her existing children removed from her care. How did it happen?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Editor's Voicemail: The princess and the tortoise

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:00:00 GMT

Who decides what's real? James Harding reflects on the challenges that modern newsrooms face when trying to provide accurate information. He also has some news about his family's pet tortoise.

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News Meeting: Disgraced Tory donor Frank Hester and has levelling-up made any difference?

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:49:12 GMT

Tortoise understands that the Conservatives have received an as-yet-undeclared £5 million sum from Frank Hester, the party donor embroiled in a race row. In this episode James Harding is joined by Cat Neilan, Tortoise’s political editor, to discuss her exclusive story.

The Guardian revealed on Monday that at a meeting in 2019, Frank Hester said seeing Diane Abbott on TV made “you want to hate all black women” and that the long-serving MP “should be shot”. He has apologised for the remarks but denied they were motivated by race or gender.

They’re also joined by James Mitchinson, editor of the Yorkshire Post, and journalist and author Peter Pomerantsev.

Plus, Kevin Sullivan and Mary Jordan’s first Postcard from America.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Click here to book tickets to The News Meeting Live with Elizabeth Day: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-with-elizabeth-day/

Guests:

Peter Pomerantsev, journalist and author of How to Win an Information War
James Mitchinson, editor of the Yorkshire Post
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Will the US ban Tik Tok?

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:00:22 GMT

The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly voted in favour of a landmark bill that could see TikTok banned in America.

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Trendy: Where’s all the money gone?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT

The state of public finances is dire: government debt is high and so too are taxes. How did we get into this mess and what choices does the next government have?

Guest: Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Lee Anderson’s political journey

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:37 GMT

Lee Anderson began his political life as a member of Arthur Scargill’s mineworkers union. He was a Labour councillor before joining the Conservatives and has now defected to Reform. Will voters follow the Ashfield MP on the latest leg of his political journey?

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News Meeting: Who is the real Keir Starmer?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:21:36 GMT

Tom Baldwin has written a biography about the Labour leader. In this bonus episode he tells Giles Whittell and Cat Neilan how the book came about, Keir Starmer’s upbringing and what sort of prime minister he might be.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Click here to listen to Eight Years’ Hard Labour: https://podfollow.com/eight-years-hard-labour

Guests:

Tom Baldwin, journalist and author of Keir Starmer: The Biography
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Kate’s photo-editing experiment blows up

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 05:00:06 GMT

The Princess of Wales admitted that she edited an image of her and her three children after international news agencies withdrew the picture over concerns it had been digitally manipulated. What does the media storm around that photo say about the fragility of the Royal Family?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Getting aid into Gaza

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:47 GMT

There are reports of malnutrition and even starvation in Gaza. Why isn’t aid getting in and what’s being done to provide the relief that’s needed?

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News Meeting: That Kate photo and Sathnam Sanghera on slavery reparations

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:14:21 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think should lead the news to Tortoise’s editor James Harding.

In this episode the team are joined by journalist and historian Sathnam Sanghera to discuss whether the intrigue surrounding the edited photo of the Princess of Wales is newsworthy.

He also explains why the Church of England’s decision to pay reparations for its links to slavery has implications for a host of other national institutions and they look at the row brewing over the government’s new extremism definition.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Click here to book tickets to The News Meeting Live with Elizabeth Day: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-with-elizabeth-day/

Guests:

Sathnam Sanghera, journalist, historian and author of Empireworld
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: How spies recorded a German military meeting

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:00:45 GMT

A recording of a private call between German air force officials where they discussed sensitive and secret information relating to the war in Ukraine has been leaked.

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Editor's Voicemail: An economy built on fellowship

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:00:00 GMT

After this week's budget and Labour's response, James Harding found himself wishing for new ideas for the economy. In this week's Editor's Voicemail he explores the idea of fellowship.

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News Meeting: Starvation in Gaza and why pensioners are the biggest budget losers

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think should lead the news to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whitttell.

Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, on Jeremy Hunt’s budget. Plus, concerns grow about a famine in Gaza and why a cabinet minister’s false claim cost the taxpayer £15,000.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Click here to book tickets to The News Meeting Live with Elizabeth Day: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-with-elizabeth-day/

Guests:

Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: How Raye broke a Brits record

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:00:58 GMT

The singer-songwriter made history when she beat the record for the most wins in one year, but why did she have to ditch her record label to do it?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Trendy: Britain’s Covid hangover

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:00:38 GMT

Four years on from the start of the pandemic we’re still living with the consequences. In this episode, John Curtice and Rachel Wolf discuss Covid’s legacy. What has it done to the size of the state, public services and the world of work?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Haiti’s state of anarchy

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:00:26 GMT

Haiti’s prime minister appears to be unable to return to his country after gangs stormed two of its biggest prisons, allowing thousands of criminals to escape. How did it get to this point?

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Sensemaker: Border farce: the sacked Home Office inspector

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:01 GMT

The Home Office has now published 13 reports by the independent immigration and borders watchdog, but only after sacking him for speaking to the media about them. Why did it take them so long to release them?

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Sensemaker: Why Wayne Couzens wasn't stopped

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:22 GMT

An inquiry into the police officer who murdered Sarah Everard has found that there were several opportunities to stop him in his tracks.

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News Meeting: Hopes for a Gaza ceasefire and Joe Biden’s political problems

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:57:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode, David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News, explains why he thinks there won’t be an Israel-Hamas peace deal. The team also discuss whether Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s Gaza offensive could cost him politically and George Galloway’s return to the House of Commons.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Click here to book tickets to The News Meeting Live with Elizabeth Day: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-with-elizabeth-day/

Guests:

David Rhodes, executive chairman of Sky News
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

- Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content

- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: What George Galloway’s return means for British politics

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:59 GMT

Rochdale’s new MP is a pro-Palestinian agitator who now has a parliamentary platform from which to exploit Labour’s divisions ahead of the general election. What could his return to the House of Commons mean for British politics?

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Editor's Voicemail: Jacob Rothschild

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 19:00:00 GMT

The financier and philanthropist, who died this week at the age of 87, was an enthusiastic supporter of Tortoise. In this Editor's Voicemail James Harding remembers a man who believed in bringing people together to reach a better understanding.

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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News Meeting: The Couzens report, America’s airports and Taylor Swift’s political power

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:03:58 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode James Harding is joined by Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning husband and wife reporting team, who are joining Tortoise to write a regular letter from America.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Listen to Who Trolled Amber here: https://podfollow.com/tortoise-investigates

Guests:

Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan, award-winning correspondents
Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: A spike in spiking?

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:00:36 GMT

A recent report suggested there was a “hidden epidemic” of spiking in the UK, but the data is complicated and often misunderstood. What’s really going on?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Trendy: The race for the White House

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:00:03 GMT

The US presidential election is shaping up to be a repeat of 2020: Joe Biden vs Donald Trump. How does America choose its candidates and what’s likely to happen in November’s election?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: How to hack the hackers

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:31 GMT

Last week the world’s largest ransomware gang was taken over in an extensive, international police operation. What does the infiltration of LockBit tell us about the fight against cyber crime?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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News Meeting: Chris Anderson on why the internet is making us meaner

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT

The head of TED sits down with Tortoise editor James Harding to discuss his concerns about artificial intelligence and how his religious upbringing made him want to spread the idea of infectious generosity.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guest: Chris Anderson, head of TED and author of Infectious Generosity

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

- Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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Sensemaker: How Birmingham went bust

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:00:19 GMT

People living in Birmingham are paying more for less after the city council effectively declared itself bankrupt.

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Sensemaker: When egg freezing goes wrong

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:00:44 GMT

A hospital in London has told more than 130 patients that their eggs and embryos might have accidentally been damaged. What does this incident tell us about the UK’s fertility services?

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News Meeting: Sudan’s forgotten war and Britain’s drink spiking epidemic

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:52:57 GMT

What should lead the news? Chris Anderson, head of TED and author of Infectious Generosity, pitches his story to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

The team discusses the Sunday Times’ investigation into drink spiking, the ongoing war in Sudan and why we’re wired to focus on bad news stories.

To book your place for The News Meeting Live with Elizabeth Day visit: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/the-news-meeting-live-with-elizabeth-day/

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Chris Anderson, head of TED and author of Infectious Generosity
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The case against Julian Assange

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:00:49 GMT

British judges are deciding whether the founder of WikiLeaks should be allowed to appeal his extradition to the United States. What is he accused of doing?

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News Meeting: Investigating a failing children’s prison and a nuclear missile misfires

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode the team are joined by Lord Bird, co-founder of the Big Issue, and an audience in the newsroom.

Louise Tickle talks about her investigation into failing young offenders institution Cookham Wood and John reflects on his time in prison as a youngster 60 years ago.

They also discuss Britain's Trident nuclear-deterrent system misfiring during a test and John’s poverty prevention plan. Plus, James introduces his editor’s voicemail.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Lord Bird, co-founder of The Big Issue
Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise
Louise Tickle, reporter at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The university that contributed to a student’s death

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:00:53 GMT

A landmark judgement has found that the University of Bristol contributed to the death of a student called Natasha Abrahart by discriminating against her. What does her suicide tell us about the duty of care that universities have towards their students?

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Trendy: Good times, bad times

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:00:17 GMT

What do you do all day? Data suggests the average time people spend on leisure has decreased since the 1980s. John and Rachel explain what’s going on and what they spend their time doing.

Email: trendy@tortoisemedia.com

Hosts: Professor John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Why Trump is selling golden trainers

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Donald Trump is on the campaign trail for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination, so why did he take time out to promote a new Trump-branded footwear range?

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Sensemaker: How The Body Shop lost its sheen

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:00:49 GMT

The business known for its natural and ethical beauty products has been a staple of the British high street for the past 50 years. Now it’s closing half of its UK stores and reducing the size of its head office, leading to hundreds of job losses.

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Sensemaker: Russia after Navalny

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:11 GMT

Kremlin critic and Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny has died in prison. As questions swirl about his death and world leaders condemn Vladimir Putin, what does it mean for Russia?

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News Meeting: Alexei Navalny’s death and the fake restaurants on Companies House

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:00:17 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

The team discusses what we know about Alexei’s Navalny’s death in a Russian penal colony, why fake restaurants are being registered on Companies House and Labour’s position on a ceasefire in Gaza ahead of a vote in the House of Commons later this week.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Graham Barrow, host of the host of The Dark Money Files podcast and an expert who investigates fraud on Companies House
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Biden: too old to be president?

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:49 GMT

When Joe Biden won the election in 2020 he was seen by many as the ‘safe’ option compared to Donald Trump. But during his presidency he’s become well-known for his gaffes and occasional stumbles. Many US voters are wondering: is 81 too old to run for president?

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News Meeting: UK in recession and has the vegan bubble burst?

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:14:43 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

In this episode the Tortoise team are joined by food critic and podcaster Jimi Famurewa. They discuss the news that the UK is officially in an economic recession, a huge rise in antisemitic abuse since the Hamas attack on Israel and what the closure of the last two Veggie Prets tells us about our commitment to a plant-based diet.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Jimi Famurewa, journalist, food critic and host of Where’s Home Really?
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Labour, Rochdale and the anti-Semitism row

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:00:15 GMT

Defending Labour’s long-held seat in Rochdale should have been a walk in the park. But with a fortnight still to go before the by-election there, the party has been forced to drop its candidate. How did Labour end up here?

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Trendy: A home of your own

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

One of the biggest policy challenges Britain faces right now is its housing crisis. How did we get into such a mess and how do we get out of it? John Curtice and Rachel Wolf are joined by Dr Tim Leunig who advised three secretaries of state on housing policy.

If you want to hear more from Tortoise on housing, listen to Making sense of social housing.

Email: trendy@tortoisemedia.com

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: Zelensky fires his top general

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:11 GMT

After a year of tension between the two men, the Ukrainian president fired his top military commander. What does it tell us about Volodymyr Zelensky’s plan for the next stage of the war with Russia?

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Sensemaker: Asylum hotels: hundreds evicted with a week’s notice

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:00:55 GMT

At the end of January almost 400 asylum seekers were given less than a week to leave the hotel they were being housed in. Where did they go and what does it tell us about the UK’s asylum system?

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Sensemaker: EU farmers ramp up protests

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:51 GMT

Farmers across the European Union are throwing eggs at buildings and setting tires on fire. What do they want?

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News Meeting: Israel’s Rafah offensive and Keir Starmer under pressure over antisemitism

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:03:51 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

In this episode he’s joined by journalist and author Donald Macintrye, political editor Cat Neilan and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar to discuss the prospect of an Israeli ground operation in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, allegations of antisemitism against Labour’s candidate in the Rochdale by-election and Taylor Swift’s private jet.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Donald Macintyre, journalist and author of ‘Gaza: Preparing for Dawn’
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Keir Starmer and the mysterious case of the £28bn green plan

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:00:04 GMT

Keir Starmer finally killed off Labour’s £28bn green plan. This may have ended months of will-he-won’t-he speculation about the future of the policy - but it has sparked a new debate about what the Labour leader stands for.

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News Meeting: A Labour u-turn and a failed peace agreement

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor James Harding

In this episode the team discuss the news that Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the Gaza peace deal, Labour has dropped its £28 billion green investment plan, and the hydroelectric dam that could power a lot of Africa

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Giles Whittell, Tortoise's deputy editor
Chloe Hadjimatheou, Tortoise's reporter
Phil Collins, author and columnist

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Sensemaker: 23andMe’s cybercrime crisis

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:00:18 GMT

A new class-action lawsuit is accusing the genetic testing company 23andMe of failing to protect the privacy of millions of its customers after the data identifying their ethnicity was posted on the dark web.

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Trendy: Going places: is social mobility alive and well?

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

The number of university graduates has never been higher, but what does that mean for social mobility? Has it stalled and if so, what does that reveal about inequality?

Email: trendy@tortoisemedia.com

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Lewis Hamilton's new era

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:00:47 GMT

Lewis Hamilton is the most successful Formula 1 driver in history. At the age of 39, he has decided to make the biggest move of his career, to Ferrari.

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Sensemaker: Imran Khan imprisoned

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:00:14 GMT

Once a world famous cricket captain and playboy, Imran Khan became Pakistan’s prime minister in 2018. Now, ahead of the county’s election on Thursday, he’s been imprisoned for 14 years. Why?

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Sensemaker: Kemi and the evil plotters

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 06:00:15 GMT

With Tory MPs casting around for solutions to their anticipated election defeat, cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch’s name keeps coming up as a potential leader. Just a few days ago she was denying any involvement in a plot to oust Rishi Sunak, it emerged she was in a WhatsApp group called the Evil Plotters. So what is the business secretary planning?

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News Meeting: Strikes against the Houthis and the rising demand for ADHD medication

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:27:05 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

The Tortoise team is joined by Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. They discuss the new wave of strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, the Clapham chemical attack and the number of wealthy adults being prescribed ADHD medication.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House
Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative audio editor
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore and Imy Harper

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

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- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: A weightloss journey that ended in tragedy

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:41 GMT

A young woman died on the flight home after having weight loss surgery in Turkey. She’s one of at least 25 British people to die in similar circumstances since 2019. What’s going on?

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News Meeting: What does David Miliband think should lead the news?

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 16:20:44 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

David Miliband, the former UK foreign secretary and president of the IRC, discusses another death in the Channel, EU aid for Ukraine, Northern Ireland and Elon Musk’s pay.

James also asks him about US concerns about Israel’s war in Gaza and the role of diplomacy.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and former UK foreign secretary
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Host: James Harding, editor-in-chief at Tortoise

Producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: The Taylor Swift deepfake scandal

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:00:15 GMT

When sexually explicit AI-generated images of Taylor Swift went viral on social media her loyal fans tried to drown them out with other content about the pop star, but it didn’t stop the fakes spreading like wildfire.

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Trendy: The paradox of populism

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:00:23 GMT

Across Europe the radical right is making progress and winning elections. To understand why, Rachel and John speak to Professor Sara Hobolt from the London School of Economics.

Email: trendy@tortoisemedia.com

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Producer: Lewis Vickers

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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Sensemaker: The Austrian extremist stirring up controversy in Germany

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:53 GMT

There have been mass protests against Germany’s far-right AfD party after senior figures attended a meeting where Martin Sellner allegedly presented a proposal for mass deportations.

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News Meeting: Why big events ultimately come down to chance

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:00:00 GMT

In this bonus episode the Tortoise team are joined by Dr Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London and author of ‘Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters’.

They discuss a joke at Donald Trump’s expense, the mood swings of politicians and why a thin layer of cloud saved one Japanese city from an atomic bomb.

The producer was Rebecca Moore.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Be the best: Britain’s shortage of soldiers

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:03 GMT

Why the head of the British Army raised the prospect of conscription and what he was trying to say about the state of our military.

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Sensemaker: A new test for Alzheimer's

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:00:03 GMT

A recent study found measuring levels of protein through blood tests could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease early. What could that mean for how we treat the disease?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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News Meeting: The death penalty and does Iran want a war with the United States?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:24:16 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

In this episode the team discuss the US troops killed in a drone strike, the first ever execution by nitrogen inhalation and Donald Trump’s defamation trial.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Dr Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London and author of 'Fluke: Chance, Chaos and Why Everything We Do Matters'
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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Sensemaker: How Trump saw off his rivals

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 05:00:41 GMT

After his victory in New Hampshire last week, it looks almost certain that Donald Trump will win the race to become the Republican party’s presidential candidate. How did he secure such a convincing lead?

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News Meeting: Trump wins again and why the British military is in such a state

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whitell.

In this episode the team are joined by journalist Jane Martinson and an audience in the Tortoise newsroom. It was recorded on Wednesday 24th January.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Jane Martinson, journalist, academic and author of ‘You May Never See Us Again’
Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Listen to Jane’s Slow Newscast about the battle for The Telegraph here.

Read more of Stephen’s reporting about the state of Britain’s military here.

Read more of our reporting about Donald Trump’s win in New Hampshire here.

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

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Sensemaker: Britain’s measles outbreak

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 05:00:33 GMT

The UK has declared a national incident in response to one of the worst measles outbreaks since the 1990s. Why are cases rising?

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Trendy: Britain’s baby bust

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Across the western world birth rates are declining. Why aren’t we having as many children as we used to? Is there still a link between marriage and having children? And what can policy makers be doing about the falling birth rate?

Email: trendy@tortoisemedia.com

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Jasper Corbett

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Sensemaker: Why UK universities face testing times

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:00:53 GMT

The University of York has lowered the bar for some international students. What does it tell us about the state of higher education in the UK?

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Sensemaker: Fujitsu and the Post Office scandal

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:00:27 GMT

The Japanese technology giant has apologised for its role in one of Britain’s most widespread miscarriages of justice. How much damage could it do to the company?

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Sensemaker: Hizb’ut-Tahrir banned in the UK

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:43 GMT

After almost 20 years of trying the British government has finally succeeded in banning the Islamist group Hizb’ut-Tahrir. But will the ban stick and is it really enforceable?

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News Meeting: Tata Steel job losses and why are measles cases rising?

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:08:24 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whitell.

In this episode the team discuss the news that Tata steel has decided to shut its Port Talbot blast furnaces with the loss of 2,800 jobs, Britain’s measles outbreak and a judge’s ruling against a manager who wanted to work from home.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill and author of ‘The Inequality of Wealth’
Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise

Host: Giles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise

Producer: Rebecca Moore

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Ecuador’s state of war

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:00:50 GMT

It used to be one of the most peaceful countries in Latin America. Now its president says it’s in a “state of war” against drug gangs. How did Ecuador descend into violence?

Listen to episode of The News Meeting to hear more about what's happening in Ecuador: pod.fo/e/212c58

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News Meeting: How important will immigration be at the next election?

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:29:18 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor Ceri Thomas.

In this episode the team discuss the Conservative infighting over the Rwanda bill, Pakistan’s missile strike on Iran and Fujitsu’s apology for the Horizon Post Office computer system.

Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com

Guests:

Katy Balls, political editor at The Spectator
Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise
Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise

Host: Ceri Thomas, editor at Tortoise

Producer: Imy Harper

Executive producer: Lewis Vickers

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: Iceland feels the heat

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 10:01:03 GMT

Molten lava from a fissure in the ground flowed into an Icelandic town on Sunday, setting several houses on fire. Is the country facing a new period of volcanic activity?

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Trendy: The welfare state we're in

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:00:03 GMT

A quarter of all government spending goes on welfare, including pensions, housing and incapacity benefit. What challenges does the next government face when it comes to welfare?

Email: trendy@tortoisemedia.com

Guest: Robert De Vries, senior lecturer in sociology and social policy at the University of Kent

Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf

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Sensemaker: The Bethany Cox abortion case

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:00:54 GMT

A 22 year-old woman from Stockton-on-Tees was found not guilty of having an illegal at-home abortion. She is one of six similar cases this year. Why is this happening?

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Sensemaker: Who is France’s new prime minister?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:47 GMT

Gabriel Attal is the country’s youngest and first gay head of government. What does his appointment tell us about France?

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Sensemaker: Bill Ackman and the battle for the future of Harvard

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:37 GMT

The billionaire investor led a successful campaign against the president of Harvard following her guarded response to accusations of antisemitism on campus. What does he plan to do next?

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News Meeting: Iowa decides, but does it matter?

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:34:56 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to special guest host Liz Moseley.

Leslie Vinjamuri from foreign affairs think tank Chatham House explains the Iowa caucuses as the US presidential race kicks off.

The team also discuss 100 days of the Israel-Hamas war and continuing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Imy Harper and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Journalists killed covering Israel-Hamas war

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:00:38 GMT

According to estimates by the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 79 have been killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.

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News Meeting: Who are the Houthis?

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:10:31 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

He’s also joined by Iona Craig, a journalist specialising in Yemen, about what we know so far about the strikes against Houthi rebel targets.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Lewis Vickers.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: The British Library cyber attack

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:00:25 GMT

The British Library suffered a devastating ransomware attack in late October. Its recovery will cost millions of pounds. What went wrong?

The British Library did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but after this episode was published it asked Tortoise to clarify the claim that "the British Library themselves are saying that they are going to have to dedicate 40 per cent of their reserves". In a statement, the British Library said:

"The final costs of recovering from the recent cyber-attack are still not confirmed. The British Library and its government sponsor, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), remain in close and regular contact. The Library always maintains its own financial reserve to help address unexpected issues and no bids for additional funding have been made at this stage."

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Trendy: When everyone hates you for the same reason

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:00:03 GMT

If the opinion polls are right the Conservatives could face one of their worst electoral defeats in their history in the upcoming general election. Can anything change that?

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Sensemaker: Boeing's tailspin

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:00:23 GMT

Once more questions are being asked about Boeing’s safety record after a major mid-air incident on board one of its jets.

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News Meeting: The Westminster Accounts one year on

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:56:51 GMT

A year ago Tortoise and Sky News launched the first fully searchable database of the money being used to oil the machinery of British politics.

In this bonus episode James Harding is joined by Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates, Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan and data scientist Joe White to discuss what we learnt.

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Sensemaker: Challenging Trump’s presidential run

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 05:00:24 GMT

Could the US courts block Donald Trump from running over his involvement in the January 66th uprising?

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Sensemaker: An assassination in Beirut

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:46 GMT

A senior leader of Hamas was killed in Beirut last week. What might Saleh al-Arouri’s death mean for the Middle East?

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News Meeting: The Joe Biden problem and should the Post Office scandal be leading the news?

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:53:40 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by deputy editor Giles Whittell, reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou and Katy Searle, former executive editor of BBC Westminster.

They discuss whether the Post Office scandal should be leading the news after an ITV drama put it back in the headlines, whether Joe Biden should be the Democratic presidential candidate and a senior police leader who says policing is ‘institutionally racist’.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Imy Harper and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: General Calamity

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:45 GMT

With a year under his belt as prime minister, Rishi Sunak has less than 12 months to go before he has to call a general election. What sort of campaign can we expect?

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Sensemaker: Artemis II: sending humans back to the moon

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 05:00:44 GMT

This year, NASA's Artemis II is due to carry a four-person crew to orbit the moon. If all goes to plan it’ll make history, but what's the mission’s ultimate aim?

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Sensemaker: Disney’s Mickey Mouse problem

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 05:00:09 GMT

2023 wasn’t Disney’s dream 100th anniversary year and far worse problems could be on the horizon. Not only does it have a weak slate for 2024, but the copyright on a version of Mickey Mouse expires.

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Sensemaker: The Kamala Harris question

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 05:00:59 GMT

US Vice President Kamala Harris looks like she’ll be Joe Biden’s running mate again. But after three years in office, do voters think she’s the right choice?

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Sensemaker: Jude Bellingham: England’s golden boy

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:48 GMT

The young midfielder has had a record-breaking start to his career at Real Madrid. Could he help the England men’s team end their long wait for a major trophy?

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News Meeting: 2024 predictions

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 05:00:21 GMT

What might happen this year? James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors and reporters to make some predictions.

The producer was Lewis Vickers.

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News Meeting: Robert Peston on why politicians need to get a grip of AI

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 16:00:50 GMT

James Harding sits down with ITV political editor Robert Peston to discuss his new book ‘Bust?: Saving the economy, democracy and our sanity’.

This episode was recorded in front of an audience at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill in association with Intelligence Squared.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

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Sensemaker: How Dan Wootton became the story

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 05:00:01 GMT

In 2023 the outspoken king of celebrity gossip put GB News in a tight spot. What does its response tell us about the UK’s new media landscape?

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Sensemaker: Sam Altman: who is the OpenAI boss?

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 05:00:47 GMT

The firing – and immediate rehiring – of OpenAI’s CEO rocked Silicon Valley this year. But what does Sam Altman’s story tell us about the fears around artificial intelligence?

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Sensemaker: The Taylor Swift Era

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 05:00:51 GMT

This year there was one artist who smashed records. But what does Taylor Swift’s monumental success say about the future of the music industry?

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News Meeting: What was the biggest story of 2023?

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 14:00:14 GMT

In this special Christmas episode with Intelligence Squared the Tortoise team are joined by Robert Peston and an audience at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill to discuss the biggest stories of the year.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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Sensemaker: Sports Illustrated and its AI-generated authors

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 05:00:11 GMT

Sports Illustrated magazine has been accused of attributing online cont ent to fake, AI-generated authors. The articles have now been taken down. What does it tell us about transparency in the era of artificial intelligence?

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Sensemaker: Hostage deaths put pressure on Netanyahu

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:00:11 GMT

The recent deaths of hostages in Gaza has heaped more pressure on Israel’s prime minister. Could it lead to another pause in fighting?

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Sensemaker: Prince Harry hacked

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 05:00:45 GMT

The Duke of Sussex has won £140,000 pounds in damages in his phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers. It’s the first victory in his battle against the British press.

Click here to listen to 'The prince against the press'.

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Sensemaker: Zelensky’s fight for funding

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:03 GMT

As the war in Ukraine approaches its two-year anniversary and with ammunition running out, the country’s leader has been flying from Washington DC to Europe in a desperate bid to persuade world leaders to give him the funding he needs to win the war against Russia.

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News Meeting: Michelle Mone’s change of tone and Jimmy Lai on trial

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:57:14 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode the best-selling author and journalist Tim Marshall joins the team to discuss Michelle Mone’s BBC interview, President Putin’s warning to NATO and pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai going on trial in Hong Kong.

Plus, Giles Whittell’s recipe for a greater Britain.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

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Sensemaker: Physician associates: what are they and why do we need them?

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:00:02 GMT

By 2037, the NHS hopes to have 10,000 physician associates. Now the government is beginning a legal process to set new rules around NHS staff in non-doctor associate roles.

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News Meeting: Was COP28 a success and why do politicians lie?

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 13:11:29 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise deputy editor Giles Whittell.

In this episode he’s joined by political editor Cat Neilan, climate editor Jeevan Vasagar and Rob Burley, former editor of the BBC’s political programmes and The Andrew Marr show. The team unpacks the historic agreement on fossil fuels, a stagnating UK economy and Rishi Sunak’s premiership to date.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

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Sensemaker: The end of fossil fuels?

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:00:22 GMT

For the first time in three decades of UN climate talks, nearly 200 countries have agreed a deal to transition away from fossil fuels, including oil and gas. Is it really a turning point in efforts to tackle climate change?

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Sensemaker: Rishi Sunak’s hollow victory

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:00:31 GMT

The prime minister has won a crucial vote in parliament on his government’s plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda. What does it tell us about the state of the Conservative Party and the future of the Rwanda deal?

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Sensemaker: El loco: Argentina’s chainsaw-wielding president

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 05:00:25 GMT

He was nicknamed “the mad man” in school. But can Javier Milei actually follow through on any of his controversial election promises?

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News Meeting: How to fix the economy

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:00:00 GMT

In this bonus episode James Harding sits down with Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, to talk about how to end the toxic combination of slow growth and high inequality.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

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Sensemaker: Infected blood scandal: a government defeat

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:37 GMT

Last week, parliament passed an amendment to speed up compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal. What happens next?

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News Meeting: How Russia wins

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:01:45 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode Chris Morris, chief executive of fact-checking organisation Full Fact, joins the team to discuss the risk of Ukraine fatigue, Cop28 and why a US university president was forced to quit.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Lewis Vickers.

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Sensemaker: Boris Johnson at the Covid inquiry

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:00:40 GMT

Boris Johnson spent two days last week being cross-examined by the Covid inquiry. What did we learn from his evidence?

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Trendy: Oh Come, All Ye Faithful: religion, politics and values

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:00:02 GMT

Two thirds of us never go to a place of worship. Support for organised religion in the UK is in steep decline among most groups in the UK. Yet most of us will celebrate Christmas in a few weeks. So what’s going on? John Curtice and Rachel Wolf discuss whether the UK is now a secular country and the role that faith still plays when it comes to certain policies, for instance education.

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Sensemaker: A revolting week for Rishi Sunak

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:00:14 GMT

It began with a government defeat in the House of Commons and ended with a resignation and revolt on the right of Rishi Sunak’s party. Where does it leave his premiership?

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News Meeting: Rishi’s Rwanda revolt and Boris Johnson at the Covid inquiry

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 21:24:43 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode Green MP Caroline Lucas joins the team to discuss Cop28, the UN’s climate summit in Dubai and political editor Cat Neilan has the latest on the Tory revolt over the government’s Rwanda policy.

News editor Jess Winch explores why evidence that Hamas raped women on 7th October took so long to come to light and Tortoise editor Ceri Thomas thinks Boris Johnson’s evidence to the Covid inquiry should get the attention it deserves.

Click here to listen to Ceri’s episode of the Slow Newscast called ‘Unforgiveable: Boris Johnson and Covid’s second wave’.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: India implicated in New York assassination attempt

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:00:45 GMT

US investigators say they’ve foiled an alleged plot by Indian officials to assassinate an American citizen who was critical of the government in New Delhi.

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Sensemaker: A new era for women’s football in England

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:00:06 GMT

The Women's Super League and Championship will break away from the Football Association after the top two tiers unanimously agreed to be governed by a new independent body from next season.

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News Meeting: James Harding on Tortoise's case against the Tory party

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:34:29 GMT

How the courts denied our request but agreed the public needs more information.

In this bonus episode James Harding explains how Tortoise tried to shine a light on the Conservatives' leadership elections.

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Sensemaker: Attacks in the Red Sea

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:00:38 GMT

The weeklong truce between Israel and Hamas ended on Friday. Two days later, a US warship came under attack in the Red Sea. Is this a sign that the conflict is escalating?

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News Meeting: Assassination attempt strains US-India relations and Farage in the jungle

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:55:14 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell.

The Tortoise team are joined by politics lecturer and author Remi Adekoya to discuss the backlash against Keir Starmer praising Margaret Thatcher, an assasination plot in the US and Nigel Farage on I’m A Celebrity.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Sensemaker: How close are we to green air travel?

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:09 GMT

The first transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable jet fuel took off last week, but it drew criticism from campaigners and climate experts. How “green” was its journey?

To find out more about Tortoise:

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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Was Henry Kissinger a force for good and has Elon Musk finally gone too far?

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 05:00:27 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by economist Linda Yueh, news editor Jess Winch and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar. They discuss Henry Kissinger’s record, Elon Musk telling advertisers on X/Twitter to “go f***” themselves, and the UN’s climate summit in Dubai.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

To find out more about Tortoise:

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- Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com

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The Elgin marbles debate and could a pause in fighting become a ceasefire in Gaza?

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:47:20 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding.

He’s joined by David Aaronovitch, Chloe Hadjimatheou and Giles Whittell to discuss whether the deal between Israel and Hamas could be a stepping stone towards a more lasting ceasefire.

They also talk about Lee Anderson’s claim that he was offered a financial incentive to defect to another party and disagree over what should happen to the Elgin marbles.

Listen to ‘Eight years’ hard Labour’ here.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

If you’d like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us. Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable.

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When is a tax cut not a tax cut?

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:02:13 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this live recording he’s joined by political editor Cat Neilan, the FT’s Claer Barrett and Slow Newscast host Basia Cummings to make sense of Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement and Palantir’s new NHS data contract.

Listen to Basia’s new series ‘Walter’s War’ here.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

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Open warfare at OpenAI and Jess Phillips on why she voted for a ceasefire in Gaza

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 21:12:21 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding.

Last week Jess Phillips was one of eight Labour MPs who quit as a shadow minister to vote for a ceasefire in Gaza. In this episode she joins the Tortoise team to talk about her decision to resign and how serious the divide is within her party.

They also discuss Sam Altman’s firing, housing for vulnerable people and when protest becomes intimidation.

You can book tickets for The News Meeting Live on Wednesday 22nd November here.

You can listen to Tortoise's new investigative series Walter's War here.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

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After Rwanda, what next and could Israel’s raid on a Gaza hospital be a turning point?

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:00:22 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding.

He’s joined by political editor Cat Neilan, news editor Jess Winch and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar to make sense of a busy week in British politics, Israel’s raid on Al-Shifa hospital and whether water should be traded like a commodity.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

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Bonus episode: Rory Stewart on Westminster’s failures and his political future

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 05:00:21 GMT

Former cabinet minister and author of ‘Politics on the Edge’, Rory Stewart, talks to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding about his political career, Westminster’s dysfunction and what he might do next.

James asks why Rory hasn’t joined the Labour party, why working in Westminster is so difficult and the future of the centre ground.

You can hear what Rory thinks about David Cameron becoming the new Foreign Secretary in a recent episode of The News Meeting here.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

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Rory Stewart on David Cameron’s return and Suella Braverman’s sacking

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:21:07 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding.

Rishi Sunak has sacked his home secretary and appointed a former prime minister as foreign secretary. Rory Stewart, former cabinet minister and author of ‘Politics on the Edge’, joins the Tortoise team to discuss that and the situation at Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital.

You can listen to a longer conversation between Rory Stewart and James Harding about his book, his political career and what he might do next in a bonus episode, which will be out on Wednesday.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

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Bonus episode: James O’Brien on the people who broke Britain and how we fix it

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:54:10 GMT

LBC presenter James O’Brien talks to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding about the people who he thinks broke Britain, why there aren’t any rules anymore and his approach to journalism.

James Harding also takes issue with some of the people he includes in his new book, ‘How They Broke Britain’, and asks how his experience presenting Newsnight affected how he thinks about balance and impartiality.

You can hear what James O’Brien thinks should lead the news in a recent episode of The News Meeting here.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James O’Brien on Suella Braverman and why Shell is suing Greenpeace

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 05:00:25 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding.

James O’Brien, LBC presenter and author of ‘How They Broke Britain’, joins the Tortoise team to discuss Suella Braverman’s attack on the police, a topsy-turvy week in US politics and Shell taking Greenpeace to court.

You can listen to a longer conversation between James O’Brien and James Harding about his book, the British media and its politics in a bonus episode, which will be released at 5pm on Friday.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should pro-Palestinian marches go ahead on Armistice Day and can we feel sorry for Sam Bankman-Fried?

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:31:24 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding.

He’s joined by Ian Goldin, professor of Globalisation and Development at Oxford University, and Tortoise editors Basia Cummings and Giles Whittell. They discuss the pro-Palestinian protests in the UK, Sam Bankman-Fried’s conviction and attitudes towards immigration.

Listen to the recent episode of Trendy about immigration here.

You can hear the full interview with Barack Obama on Pod Save America here.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What we learnt from the Covid inquiry and what’s been happening at Bletchley Park?

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 05:00:15 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor-in-chief James Harding.

He’s joined by Katy Searle, who was executive editor of BBC Politics, and Tortoise editors Chloe Hadjimatheou and Jeevan Vasagar. They discuss what’s been happening at the Covid inquiry, Israel’s response to the Hamas attack and what, if anything, Rishi Sunak achieved at his AI summit.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dagestan airport riot and who is the new US House Speaker?

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:32:50 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Basia Cummings.

She’s joined by Hashi Mohamed, Ceri Thomas and Giles Whittell to discuss what happened at Makhachkala airport, new House Speaker Mike Johnson and what the new Levelling Up Act means for house building.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Saudi Arabia want and are we facing an AI election?

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 04:00:12 GMT

What should lead the news? Times columnist Matt Chorley pitches his story and talks about his new book.

He joins Tortoise editors Giles Whittell, Cat Neilan and Jeevan Vasagar to discuss Saudi Arabia’s role in the Middle East, Keir Starmer’s position on Israel-Gaza and bankers bonuses. They also look ahead to the general election.

It was recorded in front of an audience in the Tortoise newsroom.

Matt’s new book is called ‘50 Places That Changed British Politics’.

Click here to book tickets for the next News Meeting Live on 22nd November at 6.30pm.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s delaying Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza?

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:45:40 GMT

What should lead the news?

As Israel prepares to enter Gaza, former BBC Middle East correspondent Paul Wood explains why the ground offensive hasn’t started yet and how Israel is approaching this war. Plus political editor Cat Neilan on Labour’s by-election victories and climate editor Jeevan Vasagar explains why we should care about the Italian prime minister’s private life.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore. The executive producer is Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel-Hamas war: what role can diplomacy play?

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:00:55 GMT

After Joe Biden announced an aid deal for Gaza, the question of the role and limits of diplomacy hangs over the Middle East. James Harding is joined by Lina Khatib, director of the Middle East Institute at SOAS, former US ambassador Matthew Barzun and Tortoise’s Jess Winch.

They also explore how a newsroom decides when it’s time to start leading on stories that aren’t about the war between Israel and Hamas.

Email your thoughts on this story or others that we’ve missed to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore. The executive producer is Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel and Gaza: Blinken’s diplomacy and Netanyahu’s next move

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:29:28 GMT

James Harding is joined from Jerusalem by journalist Noga Tarnopolsky and hears from Yousef Hammash, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s advocacy officer in Gaza.

Basia Cummings discusses the weekend’s election in Poland that could see the right-wing populist Law and Justice party ousted from office and Giles Whittell has a theory about Elon Musk.

They also hear from a News Meeting listener in Melbourne about Australia’s historic referendum.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel and Gaza: what happens next?

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 04:00:39 GMT

James Harding, Tortoise editor-in-chief and former director of BBC News criticises the BBC’s policy to not call Hamas terrorists.

In this episode Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of war studies at KCL, and Shaina Low from the Norwegian Refugee Council join the team to discuss Benjamin Netanyahu’s response to the Hamas attack and the situation in Gaza.

James Harding, Tortoise editor-in-chief and former director of BBC News, also criticises the BBC’s policy to not call Hamas terrorists.

You can read and watch John Simpson’s defence of the BBC’s policy here.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel at war

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:48:16 GMT

Israel’s prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has declared war on Hamas after the military group launched an attack from Gaza, killing hundreds of civilians and taking hostages. Israel has struck back and ordered a ‘complete siege’ of the enclave.

In this special episode James Harding is joined by political scientist Yascha Mounk, Basia Cummings and Giles Whittell to make sense of the Hamas attack and where it might lead.

Yascha also talks to James about his new book ‘The Identity Trap'.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How should we cover migration stories and why did Rishi Sunak cancel part of HS2?

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:00:48 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by BBC News and Mastermind presenter Clive Myrie, Jess Winch and Jeevan Vasagar to discuss HS2, whether we’re covering migration stories properly and the case of soldier Jaysley Beck, who took her own life after relentless sexual harassment by one of her bosses.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunak’s divided Conservatives and why do water companies want to increase bills?

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:33:26 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Basia Cummings.

In this episode she is joined by Tortoise political editor Cat Neilan, deputy editor Giles Whittell and barrister Hashi Mohamed. They discuss what’s happening at Conservative party conference, water companies wanting to put up bills and the victory of a pro-Russia party in Slovakia.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

Click here to book tickets for the next News Meeting Live with special guest Matt Chorley on 25th October at 6.30pm.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are six young people taking 32 countries to court and what is Suella Braverman up to?

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 04:00:52 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Giles Whittell.

In this episode he’s joined by comedian Andy Hamilton and Tortoise editors Basia Cummings and Jess Winch to discuss Suella Braverman’s speech about migration, the Portuguese young people taking countries to court and why we’re taking more sick days.

It was recorded in front of an audience in the Tortoise newsroom.

Click here to book tickets for the next News Meeting Live on 25th October at 6.30pm.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s happening with HS2 and should we celebrate Adidas’s new super-shoe?

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:33:12 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Giles Whittell.

In this episode he’s joined by Basia Cummings, Alexi Mostrous and Rachel Wolf from the new Tortoise podcast Trendy to discuss reported plans to scrap part of HS2, Osiris-Rex returning samples from an asteroid and Adidas’s new super-shoe.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

Listen to Trendy here.

Book tickets for The News Meeting Live at 6.30pm on 27th September here.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are journalists too obsessed with bad news and did Rupert Murdoch make a secret deal with Prince William?

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:50 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Steven Pinker, Harvard professor and author of Enlightenment Now, who criticises the news machine. Plus the team discusses whether Prince William reached a secret out of court settlement with Rupert Murdoch and News Group over phone hacking and Canada’s diplomatic row with India.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

To listen to the Slow Newscast episode: William and Murdoch: the prince and the press baron click here.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Jasper Corbett.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Russell Brand allegations and is climate change to blame for the Libya disaster?

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:54:21 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Basia Cummings.

In this episode she’s joined by Giles Whittell, Jeevan Vasagar and Coco Khan from Pod Save The UK to discuss the accusations against Russell Brand, flooding in Libya and the American XL bully ban.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

For more from Coco Khan you can listen to Pod Save The UK here.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer on the offensive and is the UK in a recession?

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 04:00:42 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane who offers his assessment of the UK economy. Cat Neilan and Jeevan Vasagar discuss Keir Starmer beginning to set out his stall in two Murdoch-owned papers and Bernard Looney's resignation from BP.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How significant are the China spy allegations and why do we struggle to care about climate stories?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:06:08 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch and Jeevan Vasagar, and The Critic’s parliamentary sketchwriter Robert Hutton.

They discuss the researcher arrested over alleged spying for China, Woking council cutting services and efforts to reduce global warming.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it right to scrutinise Volodymyr Zelensky’s marriage and should The Rolling Stones admit they’re a PR stunt?

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 04:00:24 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Tortoise editors Giles Whittell and Keith Blackmore, and special guest, world news broadcaster Yalda Hakim.

They discuss new music from The Rolling Stones, the difference between Melania Trump and Olena Zelenska, and Toyota’s plans to build fuel cells.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Jasper Corbett.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode: Is the NHS “fobbing off” the mother of a girl who died of sepsis?

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:00:16 GMT

In this special episode of The News Meeting, James Harding is joined by Merope Mills, the mother of 13-year-old Martha who died unnecessarily from sepsis, and Polly Curtis from Demos, who are campaigning for “Martha’s rule” - the right to call for a second opinion - to understand how to make the change happen.

You can listen to Merope Mills speaking with Mishal Husain on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme here: https://pod.fo/e/1ea721

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Jasper Corbett.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Elon Musk buy Twitter and how did a 13-year-old girl die needlessly in the NHS?

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 15:20:34 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Tortoise editors Basia Cummings, Jeevan Vasagar and Giles Whittell.

They discuss the risk of collapsing schools, an EU report on Kremlin disinformation and why the parents of Martha Mills, who died from sepsis, are campaigning for patients to have the right to a second opinion if they have concerns about care.

You can listen to Martha's mother, Merope Mills, speaking with Mishal Husain on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme here: https://pod.fo/e/1ea721

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Jasper Corbett.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can the US and China be frenemies and is the UK still a Christian country?

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:00:04 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Ceri Thomas and Giles Whittell, and the Financial Times’s US Financial editor Brooke Masters.

They discuss the ULEZ expansion, Gina Raimondo’s trip to China and massive pandemic relief fraud.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the British Museum thefts more than just a whodunnit and is there too much coverage of US politics?

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 05:00:21 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Jess Winch, Keith Blackmore and former culture secretary Ben Bradshaw who used to be the BBC’s Berlin correspondent.

The team discuss the thefts from the British Museum, Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood u-turn and the Republican presidential candidates.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode: After Prigozhin’s reported death, what now?

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:08:14 GMT

In this special episode of The News Meeting the team discuss what Yevgeny Prigozhin’s reported death means for Vladimir Putin, the Wagner Group, Ukraine and the West.

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Giles Whittell, who was Moscow correspondent for The Times, and Basia Cummings, who reported on Prigozhin for an episode of the Slow Newscast called Wagner’s war.

You can listen to that episode here.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why wasn’t Lucy Letby stopped sooner and what to make of the women's World Cup final?

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:18:59 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Keith Blackmore, Cat Neilan and Giles Whitell.

The team discuss the Women’s World Cup final, the sentencing of Lucy Letby and Donald Trump’s refusal to attend the first Republican primary debate.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Matt Russell.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Elon Musk “the space dictator” and why is the PSNI data leak so significant?

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 04:00:55 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Alexi Mostrous, Cat Neilan and former US ambassador Matthew Barzun.

The team discuss the ongoing impact of the PSNI data breach, Elon Musk’s unchecked power and faltering efforts to give Afghan refugees certainty about their new lives in the US.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Patricia Clarke and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is King Charles getting a pay rise and what’s happening in Niger?

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Basia Cummings, Giles Whittell and Will Brown.

The team discuss whether there could be military intervention in Niger, King Charles’s 45% pay rise and the mountaineers criticised for continuing their ascent after finding a dying guide.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Patricia Clarke and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leaving the ECHR and Zelda Perkins on toxic workplace culture

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 04:00:19 GMT

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Giles Whittell, Jess Winch and special guest Zelda Perkins.

Zelda was Harvey Weinstein’s personal assistant and is now a campaigner. She was one of the first women to break a non-disclosure agreement after she signed one with Harvey Weinstein. She’s the co-founder of Can’t Buy My Silence.

The team discuss claims of “bullying, discrimination and harassment” at ITV daytime shows like This Morning, Conservative grumblings over the ECHR and the Ohio vote that delivered a win for abortion rights campaigners.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Patricia Clarke and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you’re switched at birth and what does Rishi Sunak believe?

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 16:00:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Three journalists pitch the story they think matters most to James Harding.

In this episode he’s joined by Basia Cummings, Jeevan Vasagar and Jess Winch.

They discuss the jailing of Imran Khan in Pakistan, two Canadian men who discovered they were switched at birth and dozens of swimmers getting sick at the world triathlon championship. James also wonders what to make of Rishi Sunak

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is the latest Trump indictment so significant and who cares about wild camping?

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 05:00:30 GMT

Giles Whittell and the team discuss the latest charges against Donald Trump, assisted dying and wild camping returning to Dartmoor.

What should lead the news? Three journalists pitch the story they think matters most to Giles Whittell.

They discuss the latest charges against Donald Trump, assisted dying and wild camping returning to Dartmoor. We also hear from a listener about our coverage of the coup in Niger.

What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why should you care about a coup in Niger and what is carbon capture?

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:00:19 GMT

What should lead the news? Three journalists pitch the story they think matters most to Liz Moseley.

They discuss Rishi Sunak’s new carbon capture scheme in the North Sea, the coup in Niger and the death of Rianna Cleary’s baby in prison.

Get in touch to tell us about the stories we missed. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you report climate science and should UFOs ever lead the news?

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 05:00:00 GMT

What should lead the news? Three journalists pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise's deputy editor Giles Whittell.

They discuss a new law that curtails the power of Israel's Supreme Court, Nigel Farage’s war on Coutts and whether the Gulf Stream will really collapse by 2025. They also find time to talk about the US congressional hearings on UFOs.

Get in touch to tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Odesa cathedral, green policies reconsidered and Cookham Wood

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

In this episode Liz Moseley is in the editor’s chair. She’s joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch, Cat Neilan and Ceri Thomas. They discuss the Russian attack that damaged Odesa cathedral, the fallout from last week’s by-elections and shocking failures at a young offender institution.

Get in touch to tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Post Office scandal, Starmer benefit row, and grain deal

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 05:00:21 GMT

In this episode, recorded in front of an audience in the Tortoise newsroom, James Harding is joined by Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff, Liz Moseley and Katie Gunning.

The team discusses the row within Labour over Keir Starmer’s refusal to scrap the two-child benefit cap, Russia's withdrawal from the deal allowing Ukraine to safely export grain through the Black Sea, and the ongoing scandal over the treatment of Post Office workers affected by the Horizon IT system failure.

Get in touch to tell us about the stories you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European heat storm, inheritance tax, and Hollywood strikes

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

The team discusses the record-breaking heatwave in southern Europe, potential plans to scrap inheritance tax, and why Hollywood’s actors and writers are going on strike. James Harding also reflects on The Sun’s coverage of the Huw Edwards allegations.

Get in touch to tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

El Niño, mortgage costs, and missing migrant boats

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 05:00:10 GMT

Basia Cummings is in the editor’s chair. She’s joined by Cat Neilan, Claudia Williams and Stephen Armstrong who pitch rising mortgage rates, migrant boats missing in the Atlantic and catastrophic weather in the US.

Get in touch to tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

The producer was Rebecca Moore and the executive producer was Lewis Vickers.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode: the BBC presenter and privacy

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 18:28:21 GMT

In this special episode James Harding explores why the media is reluctant to name the BBC presenter accused of paying a teenager for explicit images. He’s joined by Pia Sarma, editorial legal director at Times newspapers, and former BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw.

Get in touch to tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BBC presenter suspended, NHS & big pharma, and cluster bombs

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Before founding Tortoise James Harding was head of BBC News. In this episode he’s joined by journalists Liz Moseley, Will Brown and Ceri Thomas, a former editor of Radio 4’s Today programme, to discuss the scandal surrounding a BBC presenter and what it means for the corporation.

They also cover the US government’s decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine, and the links between the NHS and big pharma.

Get in touch to tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Threads vs. Twitter, OnlyFans billboard, and Horizon membership

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 04:00:27 GMT

The team discusses Meta launching Threads to challenge Elon Musk’s Twitter, the billboard advertising an explicit OnlyFans account that sparked complaints and the UK edging closer to rejoining the EU’s Horizon programme.

Get in touch to tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.

For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France riots, Ukraine's counteroffensive, and affirmative action

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:00:00 GMT

In our first Monday episode the team discusses the violence that has erupted in France, Ukraine's faltering counteroffensive and the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn race-based college admissions.

Listen to 'Into The Dirt', Tortoise's new investigative series, here.

Get in touch to tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app. For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russian infighting, Thames Water, and Nicola Bulley’s inquest

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 05:00:26 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise journalists Basia Cummings, Claudia Williams and Cat Neilan. They discuss Russia after the failed Wagner rebellion, the politics of water amid fears that Thames Water could collapse, and a coroner’s ruling that Nicola Bulley’s death was accidental.

Get in touch and tell us about the story you think should lead the news. Email newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com.

Read more about Tortoise’s Global AI Index here.

Listen to Wagner’s War here.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app. For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.

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Titanic sub, interest rate rise, and short children

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 04:00:08 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch, Liz Moseley and Giles Whittell. In this episode they discuss the hunt for the missing Titan submersible, British children being shorter than their international peers and the Bank of England’s latest hike in interest rates.

For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app. For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts. If you’d like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us. Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Jailed for abortion, Pacific warming and peerages

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:00:20 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Basia Cummings, Cat Neilan and Giles Whittell. In this episode they discuss a British woman jailed for using abortion pills, the El Niño effect in the Panama Canal and Boris Johnson’s honour’s list.

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The News Meeting Live: Trump's toilet troubles, wildfires and the allegations against Crispin Odey

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:45:00 GMT

In this episode, recorded at Kite Festival on Sunday 11th June, James Harding is joined on stage by Tortoise editors Alexi Mostrous, Basia Cummings and Jeevan Vasagar.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

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Ukraine dam explosion, Saudi sportswashing and economic policy

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 05:00:23 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch and Giles Whittell, and Tortoise chairman Matthew Barzun who was US ambassador to London. In this episode they discuss the Kakhovka dam, the real difference between the economic policies of major political parties and golf’s PGA Tour merging with its Saudi-backed rival LIV Golf.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

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MeToo in the media, Whitehall WhatsApps and deep-sea mining

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 04:00:54 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Jeevan Vasagar, Jane Bruton and Giles Whittell. In this episode they discuss the sexual harassment allegations against former Observer columnist Nick Cohen; the Cabinet Office’s battle over Boris Johnson’s WhatApp messages; and a new frontier in the fight against climate change – deep below sea level.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism. For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year. As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown. If you’d like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us. Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Cardiff riots, rape trials and Tina Turner

Fri, 26 May 2023 05:00:05 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Liz Moseley, Keith Blackmore and Mark St Andrew. In this episode they discuss Cardiff police’s response to a fatal e-bike crash which sparked a riot, proposals to block using rape victims' sexual history as evidence in a trial and the death of music legend, Tina Turner.

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The News Meeting Live: Immigration stats, Ron DeSantis and Zelensky’s European Tour

Fri, 19 May 2023 05:00:04 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise’s Alexi Mostrous, Liz Moseley and Katie Gunning in front of a live audience at London’s Picturehouse Central.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Contraceptives, monarchy and Trump liable for sexual abuse

Fri, 12 May 2023 05:00:07 GMT

James Harding is joined by Liz Moseley, Phoebe Davis and Keith Blackmore to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Artificial intelligence, house building and the TV writers strike

Fri, 05 May 2023 04:00:27 GMT

Liz Moseley is joined by Tortoise’s political editor Cat Neilan, investigations editor Alexi Mostrous and head of live events Mark St Andrew. In this episode they discuss the American writers strike, the Conservative Party’s problem with housing and dire warnings about the future of artificial intelligence.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

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Sudan, the resignation of Dominic Raab and Joe Biden

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:00:58 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch, Cat Neilan and Basia Cummings. In this episode they discuss the escalating situation in Sudan, the resignation of Dominic Raab and US President Joe Biden running for reelection.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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The News Meeting Live: Fox settles, Musk's rocket and the SNP

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT

James Harding is joined by comedian Rosie Holt and Tortoise editors Liz Moseley and Giles Whittell in this special episode recorded in front of an audience in the Tortoise newsroom.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

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Pentagon leaks, China’s war games and sewage dumping

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT

Journalist and broadcaster Rachel Johnson is joined by Tortoise journalists Will Brown, Jeevan Vasagar and Katie Gunning.

In this episode they discuss the leak of classified US intelligence documents, Chinese military exercises around Taiwan and the report which revealed that sewage was dumped in UK waters for almost a million hours last year.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Pork fraud, Trump arrested and a lonely death

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT

David Aaronovitch is joined by Tortoise reporter Claudia Williams, editor Liz Moseley and head of live events, Mark St Andrew. In this episode they discuss the case against Donald Trump, large-scale fraud in British food supply chains and how a woman lay dead in her flat for two and a half years before her body was found.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Manchester United, Israel and treatment of asylum seekers

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise news editor Jess Winch, head of investigations Alexi Mostrous and head of social media Andrew Butler. In this episode they discuss the sale of Manchester United, Israel’s government pausing a judicial overhaul after protests and attitudes towards asylum seekers around the world.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Boris Johnson, Met Police report and life expectancy

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding is joined by political editor Cat Neilan, editor Dave Taylor and head of investigations Alexi Mostrous. They discuss Boris Johnson’s future, Baroness Casey’s scathing review of the Metropolitan Police and the life expectancy gap between the wealthiest and poorest areas.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Cladding crackdown, the collapse of SVB and Xi Jinping

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Former Sky News political editor Adam Boulton is this week’s guest host. He’s joined by Tortoise journalists Mark St Andrew, Patricia Clarke and Cat Neilan who pitch the story they think mattered most this week.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Stanley Johnson’s knighthood, river rights and another Met apology

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Former cabinet minister and Good Morning Britain presenter Ed Balls is in the editor’s chair. He’s joined by Tortoise journalists Liz Moseley, Claudia Williams and Mark St Andrew who pitch the story they think mattered most this week.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Hancock's WhatsApps, Fox News and bird flu

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:17:37 GMT

Three journalists pitch their top story of the week to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode James is joined by Tortoise editors Liz Moseley, Mark St Andrew and Cat Neilan.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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A year of war in Ukraine, the tomato shortage and cash-strapped councils

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Three journalists pitch their top story of the week to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode James is joined by Tortoise editors Jess Winch and David Taylor, as well as leading UK barrister Hashi Mohamed.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Nicola Sturgeon, Ford cuts jobs and BBC offices raided in India

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Three journalists pitch their top story of the week to guest editor Sonia Sodha, who is chief leader writer and columnist at the Observer. She is joined by Tortoise’s climate editor Jeevan Vasagar, head of live events Mark St Andrew and Jane Bruton, former deputy editor of The Daily Telegraph.

Mark argues that Nicola Sturgeon’s surprise resignation is the obvious lead, but Jane disagrees. She says we should care most about the attack on press freedoms in India, but Jeevan thinks it’s Ford’s huge round of job cuts which matter most this week.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Man City and BP

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding and the team discuss how the news should respond to major humanitarian disasters like the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Dominic Raab, Adani vs. Hindenburg and the British Army

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Three journalists pitch their top story of the week to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. In this episode James is joined by Tortoise reporter Claudia Williams, head of programming Mark St Andrew and investigations editor Alexi Mostrous.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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German tanks, Dartmoor and Chinese infrastructure

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Three journalists pitch their top story of the week to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding.

In this episode James is joined by Tortoise’s climate editor Jeevan Vasagar, who was the Financial Times’ correspondent in Singapore and Berlin; news editor Jess Winch, formerly foreign editor at the Daily Telegraph; and head of programming Mark St Andrew.

Jeevan argues that the top story this week should be the protests on Dartmoor but Jess disagrees, she says it is Germany’s decision to send tanks to Ukraine, and Mark claims China’s crumbling infrastructure projects should lead the news.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Britishvolt, David Carrick and online harms

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 03:00:00 GMT

Journalist and broadcaster Adam Boulton is the guest host of this week’s News Meeting. He’s joined by Tortoise editors Liz Moseley, Alexi Mostrous and Dave Taylor.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Prince Harry, Brazil and the Westminster Accounts

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 08:34:10 GMT

Tortoise editor James Harding is joined by Alexi Mostrous, Cat Neilan and Keith Blackmore to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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NHS crisis, Congress chaos and the Parthenon marbles

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 03:00:00 GMT

In the first episode of 2023 James Harding is joined by Liz Moseley, Dave Taylor and Mark St Andrew to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Fusion breakthrough, FTX boss arrested and a corruption scandal

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 03:00:00 GMT

In the last episode of 2022 James Harding is joined by Liz Moseley, Dave Taylor and Tortoise political editor Cat Neilan to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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German plot, ChatGPT and the World Cup

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 07:49:57 GMT

In this episode James Harding is joined by Alexi Mostrous from the hit podcast Sweet Bobby, and Tortoise editors Liz Moseley and Keith Blackmore, to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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Balenciaga, Alzheimer’s drug and protests

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 03:00:00 GMT

James Harding is joined by Tortoise journalists Liz Moseley, Andrew Butler and Dave Taylor to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week.

Tortoise is a newsroom devoted to slow journalism.

For early access and ad-free listening subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise for £60 a year.

As a member you’ll also get our newsletters and tickets to live events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/slowdown.

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World Cup, winter of discontent and a Disney hero?

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 03:00:00 GMT

In the first episode James Harding is joined by Tortoise editors Cat Neilan, Dave Taylor and Liz Moseley to discuss the stories they think mattered most this week.

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