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The Explanation
The Media Show: When the Royals lose control of the story
The Explanation
Oct 23, 2025

New attention on Prince Andrew has reopened debate about how the Royal Family is covered by the media. Following confirmation that he will no longer use his titles and the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, journalists are reassessing the balance between scrutiny, access and tradition.

Simon McCoy, journalist and broadcaster, Robert Hardman, royal biographer, and Emily Andrews, former royal correspondent for The Sun, share professional insight into how stories about the royals are shaped.

Also, Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign correspondent Paul Salopek describes his 12-year “Out of Eden Walk,” a 16,000-mile reporting journey retracing humanity’s ancient migration routes.

Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical co-ordinator: Chris Brown Sound engineer: Robin Schroder

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22min 58sec




The Media Show: When the Royals lose control of the story

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