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The Media Show: Netflix’s skyscraper live stunt
The Explanation
Jan 29, 2026

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during ICE operations in Minneapolis has intensified scrutiny of how events are recorded and reported, as video filmed by members of the public becomes central to news coverage. Meg Anderson, correspondent at NPR, outlines the challenge for reporters on the ground.

Algorithms are in the news. Elon Musk says he will "open-source" the algorithms that power X. Instagram has recently started giving some users more control over what its algorithm recommends. And “the secret sauce” that powers TikTok has been part of the discussion this month as the company sells its US operations. James Ball, political editor at The New World, explains their fascination.

Netflix’s live broadcast of free solo climber Alex Honnold scaling a skyscraper in Taiwan has raised ethical questions about risk. Vicky Jessop, commissioning editor and culture writer at The Evening Standard, considers what the event tells us about the future of television.

Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Laura Cain Researcher: Phil Hawkins Technical co-ordinator: Akik Rahman Sound engineer: Robin Schroder

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Artificial intelligence is starting to change how some journalists work, as newsrooms test whether it can help produce more content. One reporter says AI is now helping him write more than 600 articles a year. Nick Lichtenberg, Business Editor at Fortune, Jane Martinson, Professor of Financial Journalism, City, University of London, and Max Goldbart, International TV Co-Editor, Deadline, discuss the pros and cons of letting AI into the newsroom. Two major court cases in the United States have put fresh attention on social media and its impact on young users. In Los Angeles, a jury found Meta and Google liable after deciding their platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive. In New Mexico, Meta was ordered to pay damages over claims it misled users about child safety. Lily Jamali, BBC North America Technology Correspondent, outlines developments from Silicon Valley, and Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Centre for Humane Technology, reflects on the design of features such as infinite scroll. In the UK, new research is being developed to understand how social media affects teenagers. A large study involving thousands of students will test limits on usage, alongside a government-backed pilot looking at restrictions for under-16s. Professor Amy Orben, psychologist at the University of Cambridge, explains how the research will work and what it aims to measure.

Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Sound engineer: Mark Pickett


22min 59sec


The Media Show: Netflix’s skyscraper live stunt

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