Media Masters

Caroline Crampton, Web Editor at the New Statesman, and Barney Guiton, News Editor at Newsweek Europe, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: does the sale of the FT puts its editorial independence in jeopardy? Is journalists' perception of public opinion disproportionately influenced by social media? And what should be at the top of Laura Kuenssberg’s to-do list as she becomes the Beeb’s new Political Editor?

A journalist, writer and respected academic, Brian is perhaps best known for co-founding the campaign group Hacked Off. He reveals the behind-closed-doors discussions that took place during The Leveson Inquiry, explains why he thinks the new independent press regulator Ipso is toothless and critically biased, and outlines his plans to ensure that Leveson's recommendations are enacted in full. He also talks through his long career as a journalist, including his time as Deputy Editor of The Independent on Sunday.

Former Assistant Editor of The Times, Mary Ann Sieghart has worked across TV, radio and print, writing on politics and societal issues for many of the major newspapers and presenting Newshour on BBC World Service. Now working freelance, Mary Ann describes how she got started in journalism at the age of just 16, tells us about the time she approached Rupert Murdoch to buy The Times, and reveals how she managed the challenging transition from staff columnist to freelance journalist.

In this 62 minute interview you will hear Alastair Campbell describe what it takes to command a winning strategy, the highs and lows of his political career, and learn the inside story on being Blair's right hand man. Key insights in this episode: 00.52 - Career beginnings 08.40 - Alastair’s first story and first headline in the Daily Mirror 14.05 - Winning political predictions: 6 rising stars from the ‘90s 15.49 - Moving over to politics full time and naming Tony Blair as the next Labour leader 19.40 - What was the one thing Gordon and Ed didn’t get that Tony did? 24.52 - Was it inevitable that Tony would become Prime Minister? 26.54 - What winning an election really feels like 31.16 - Working in Downing Street, the highs and lows 37.30 - The anxiety of big speeches 40.48 - Handling personal attacks and Twitter politics 48.49 - The kind of motivation it takes to make a winner 55.25 - Alastair’s working week

Ian Brimacombe, Editor of BBC World Update, and journalist Kunal Dutta who writes for Channel 4 and The Independent joins Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: when does press questioning turn into harassment? How can journalists report on terrorist attacks without spreading propaganda? And does the traditional media no longer resonate with young people?

Former Editor of The Independent, and City Editor at the Evening Standard for nearly a decade, Chris Blackhurst was promoted to Group Content Editor of the Lebedev's media group. Now a columnist, TV presenter and writer, in this candid interview he gives us some revealing insights into the start of his career as well as the rapid growth of Evgeny Lebedev's group, including the ambitious and successful launch of the i newspaper and the challenging early days of London Live.

Pete Picton, Editorial Director at Mirror Online, and Rebecca Clancy, Head of Business Breaking News at The Times, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: did Kay Burley push too hard in her interview with Alton Towers' CEO? Should journalists be held personally responsible for their story page views? And can Twitter move on from its current problems?

John Humphrys has presented the Today programme on Radio 4 for more than twenty five years. Taking us through his career from leaving school at 15, joining a local paper as a cub reporter, and then his meteoric rise through the BBC - opening news bureaux in the USA and South Africa, anchoring the Nine O'Clock News, and now presenting Mastermind. John talks us through a typical day on Today, the logistics of breaking news on air, and gives advice to would-be interviewees on how to survive a 'John Humphrys interview'.

Ed Butler, Senior Broadcast Journalist at the BBC World Service, and Jake Kanter, News Editor at Broadcast magazine, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: should the wider media now rally to the support of the Beeb? Is investigative journalism now financially unsustainable? And should journalists always be able to report a politician's comments – even if it's claimed they're false?

A journalist and media pioneer, Luke Lewis launched the UK edition of BuzzFeed and has grown the website to an astounding 18 million unique monthly readers. Luke reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets to launching a globally successful media brand, tells us how some newspapers now threaten to be put out of business by the web, and explains the winning formula to writing viral online content.

Toby Castle, Deputy News Editor at BBC News, and Andrew Dickens, Senior Reporter at C21 Media, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: what does the appointment of John Whittingdale to Culture Secretary mean for the BBC? Was the publication of Prince Charles' 'black spider' memos an invasion of privacy? And is it a good idea for publishers to allow their articles to be run in full in Facebook’s news feed?

A leading musician, writer and activist, Pat Kane is one half of Scottish pop duo Hue and Cry. He has also played a prominent role in the media, writing for NME, The Scotsman and The Guardian; presented a number of TV and radio shows, and helped found The Sunday Herald. Pat explains how he balances his music and consultancy work, outlines his role as Lead Curator of 'FutureFest' and discusses how the music industry is embracing new business models.

Shona Ghosh, Senior Reporter at Marketing magazine, and Hana Stewart-Smith, Media and Tech Reporter at Alliance News, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: will we be reading the news on our watches in the future? Did CNN cross the line from covering the Nepal earthquake to doing its own PR? And is it time for newspapers to boycott Google?

Lara O'Reilly, Global Advertising Editor at Business Insider, and Adam Sherwin, Media Correspondent at The Independent, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: should the DPP resign over Operation Elveden? Do advertisers have an increasing influence over editorial decisions? And should we be worried about newspaper owners' political pressure over the UK election?

Asa Bennett, Assistant Comment Editor at The Telegraph, and Kumutha Ramanathan, journalist and presenter at World Finance, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This episode: should four Sun journalists cleared of charges related to paying a public official for stories have been taken to court in the first place? Should newspapers be banned from naming sexual offence suspect until they are charged? And, has The Sun lost its once much-lauded political clout?

John Myers is one of the biggest figures in radio. Starting as a presenter, he explains how he moved from 'microphone to management' and launched or rebranded many of the UK's most innovative radio stations, including Smooth, Rock Radio, Real Radio and Century Radio. Author of the highly influential 'Myers Report' into UK commercial radio, he takes us behind-the-scenes of launching a radio station and gives us his view on the future of the industry.

William Turvill, News Editor at the Press Gazette, and web psychologist Nathalie Nahai join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This edition: should the BBC consider selling BBC Three instead of moving it online? Have newspapers turned 'Jihadi John' into a celebrity? And should we be concerned about journalistic standards at MailOnline?

A Time Out veteran, Tim has written for and edited most sections, and was Editor of the UK magazine before becoming CEO of the worldwide group. He oversaw the revolutionary move to take the iconic listings magazine from London newsstands to freesheet, and launched 'Time Out Live,' the brand's award-winning UK events business. He takes us behind-the-scenes of Time Out and shares some of the lessons learned along the way.

Guy Parker, Chief Executive at the Advertising Standards Authority, and writer Neil Mullarkey, founding member of the Comedy Store Players, join Paul Blanchard to discuss the latest media headlines. This edition: will the BBC push local papers out of business as it expands regional coverage? Do advertising laws need to be updated for the digital age? And how much should news organisations show of graphic terrorism videos?

Andria Vidler has been at the helm of a number of iconic media companies, including Capital FM, Magic and EMI Music; and oversaw the launches of BBC 5 Live, BBC News Online and BBC Sport. Now CEO of Centaur Media, she reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges of launching and re-launching hallmark brands, and shares her tips for success.