The Media Show: The accidental BBC News star episode artwork

EPISODE · May 7, 2026 · 22 MIN

The Media Show: The accidental BBC News star

from The Explanation · host BBC World Service

Twenty years ago a man arriving for a job interview at BBC Television Centre was taken into a live TV studio and asked to comment on a legal story. The clip quickly spread on early video-sharing sites and became a meme. Guy Goma reflects on what happened, alongside Elliott Gotkine, the journalist involved in the original error. Saudi Arabia has spent large sums on sport and media in recent years, aiming to build influence as well as make financial returns. New developments, including changes to sports funding and involvement in major media deals, suggest a shift in approach. Claire Enders, founder of Enders Analysis, and Claire Atkinson, contributing editor at The Ankler and founder of Media Mix, outline how the strategy is changing. Climate change remains one of the most complex stories for news organisations to cover. It involves long-term change, scientific detail and questions about how to keep audiences engaged. David Shukman, journalist and former BBC Science editor, sets out his view on how climate reporting has developed and the issues it faces. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Dan Hardoon Content Producer: Laura Cain Sound engineer: Jack Wilfan

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 7, 2026

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