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The Explanation
The Media Show: Who will inherit the Murdoch empire?
The Explanation
Aug 1, 2024

News emerged last week that Rupert Murdoch is attempting to change his family’s legal trust to preserve the editorial stance of his media outlets after his death. Several of his children are fighting back. Jim Rutenberg, writer at large at The New York Times has been following the family for more than two decades. He got the scoop and he joins us alongside Murdoch biographer Claire Atkinson. The BBC’s David Sillito reflects on Huw Edwards’ guilty plea to making indecent images of children - 41 images that had been shared with him by another man on WhatsApp. We look at how the story broke and the challenges of covering it for journalists inside the BBC. Also on the show, Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy reflects on his experience competing on the TV dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson

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Jul 2, 2026
The Media Show: The Murray brothers' media game

Wimbledon is under way and some of the sport's biggest names are increasingly becoming media businesses in their own right. Jamie Murray has joined the BBC's Wimbledon coverage as an analysis expert while launching a new YouTube channel, The Set, with his brother Andy. Jamie Murray explains why they decided to create their own platform, and Catherine Whitaker, co-host of The Tennis Podcast, looks at what more player-led media means for broadcasters and sports journalism.

Netflix has added two more seasons of the Russian children's cartoon Masha and the Bear, prompting criticism from Ukraine. The country's Centre for Countering Disinformation says the programme is a form of Russian soft power, while its producers have previously said they receive no funding from the Russian state. Oleksandra Zhylina, a master's student at Charles University specialising in propaganda and disinformation, outlines the concerns. Clare Denning, Russia specialist at BBC Monitoring, explains why the debate has grown.

More journalists are leaving traditional news organisations to build their own subscription businesses. Lachlan Cartwright has reported for the New York Post, Vanity Fair and The Hollywood Reporter before launching Breaker Media. Lachlan Cartwright explains why he went independent and how he is building a media business around exclusive reporting.

This audio was edited on 2 July to add: “Since the programme was recorded, a spokesperson for the producers of Masha and the Bear has been quoted in news coverage as saying that their client ‘categorically rejects the false and defamatory suggestion that Masha and the Bear is associated with propaganda’.

Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Tim Bano Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Akik Rahman Sound: Robin Schroder


22min 59sec



Jun 25, 2026
The Media Show: How Shop workers became content

The shop workers union USDAW says the filming of retail staff by customers for social media has become increasingly common, with concerns about videos being uploaded without workers' consent. The issue is highlighted by the experience of a shop worker who appeared in content created by former television presenter Michael Barrymore, now a social media creator with millions of followers across TikTok and YouTube. Jayne Allport, National Officer at USDAW, outlines the union's concerns. The resignation of Sir Keir Starmer has intensified scrutiny of Labour's relationship with the media, with attention turning to Andy Burnham as a potential future leader. Burnham's years as Mayor of Greater Manchester have provided a public record of his dealings with journalists. Joshi Herrmann, founder and editor of The Mill, reflects on Burnham's approach to media engagement. Online romance fraud continues to affect victims around the world, with organised groups in Nigeria responsible for many high-profile scams. A new book traces the origins and evolution of the so-called Yahoo Boys, named after an early generation of fraudsters who relied on Yahoo email accounts. Carlos Barragán, a New York Times reporter, recounts his reporting from Lagos. BBC Radio 4 Long Wave closes this month, bringing to an end a century of long-wave broadcasting in the UK. The network's transmitters at Droitwich, Westerglen and Burghead are due to cease operation as listening habits continue to shift towards digital platforms. Jeffrey Borinsky, broadcasting historian, reflects on the history and legacy of Long Wave radio.

Production team Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Apprentice researcher: Cameron Taylor Technical Coordinator: Luke Sweeney Sound: Mark Pickett


22min 58sec

The Media Show: Who will inherit the Murdoch empire?

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