Stop The Press!

Send us Fan MailA landmark ruling in Los Angeles has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, with tech giants like Meta and Google found liable for contributing to the worsening mental health of a young woman who argued their platforms were deliberately designed to be addictive.In this episode of Stop The Press!, the boys unpack what this case really means. Is this the beginning of meaningful accountability for Big Tech, or a legal overreach that could fundamentally reshape the internet?They explore whether this ruling could become a bellwether moment, opening the floodgates for similar lawsuits across the US. If platforms are held responsible for user harm, does that force a redesign of the attention economy itself?The conversation also turns to the growing global backlash against social media, including Australia’s increasingly aggressive regulatory stance and proposed bans for younger users. Are governments finally catching up, or are they stepping too far into personal freedom?

Send us Fan MailThis week on Stop The Press!, the team sit down with Falklands War veteran and former Western Morning News and Plymouth Herald photographer Pete Holdgate for a powerful conversation about the craft and courage behind photojournalism. From his early days in the Marines to capturing defining moments in the newsroom, Pete shares what it really takes to tell stories through a single frame. The discussion explores what makes a truly great news photograph, the instinct and timing behind the shot, and why photography remains one of the most important tools in shaping how we understand the world.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop The Press!, Nick, Bill, and Rob discuss the recent Channel 4 documentary series The Blair Years and revisit the political era shaped by former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. From the landslide victory of 1997 to three consecutive terms in office, Blair’s premiership transformed the political centre ground and redefined Labour’s place in British politics.The team examine the achievements and controversies that continue to define Blair’s legacy - economic growth, public service reform, and the shadow of the Iraq War - while asking whether history is becoming kinder or harsher in its judgement. With the UK facing political uncertainty today, they also debate a provocative question: does Britain need a leader with Blair’s authority and electoral dominance again, or has the political landscape changed too much for that style of leadership to return?A reflective discussion about power, legacy, and how the media revisits political figures once the dust of history begins to settle.

Send us Fan MailThe Middle East is once again at war. Following the joint Israeli and American strikes on Iran, the geopolitical consequences are unfolding at speed - from retaliation across the region to rising tensions between allies and growing uncertainty about what comes next.In this episode of Stop The Press!, Nick, Bill and Rob examine how the media has responded to the most significant military escalation in the region for years. They look at the cautious, sometimes conflicted reaction from the British government, and whether Sir Keir Starmer’s attempt to balance alliance politics with restraint has been fairly reported.The conversation also turns to Donald Trump and the early media narrative around the conflict. How much latitude is the press giving the American president in the first days of war? And at what point does coverage move from rallying around the flag to asking harder questions?As events continue to unfold, the episode reflects on a familiar but uneasy cycle: the rush to interpret war in real time — and the moment when the mood of the media, and the public, inevitably shifts.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop The Press!, Nick, Bill and Rob unpack a week where media accountability, political influence and public broadcasting all collide.First, the team examines the latest developments in the Hacked Off trial - what it means for press regulation, whether the ghosts of Leveson still haunt Fleet Street, and why this story refuses to die.They then turn to the growing noise around the Labour Together investigation, asking hard questions about transparency, political operations behind the scenes, and what journalists — and the public — should be paying attention to.Finally, it’s the BBC in the spotlight as the panel reviews the corporation’s recent Winter Olympics coverage. Did the broadcaster deliver the clarity and storytelling audiences expect, or is this another example of the BBC struggling to land big global moments?

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop The Press!, Nick Copson, Bill Martin and Rob Chadwick dig into the latest developments surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case and the continuing ripple effects across the media and the monarchy.With fresh documents and renewed online speculation driving headlines (oh and the small matter of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's arrest), the trio examine how news organisations are navigating one of the most legally and scandelous stories of years. They explore the fine line between legitimate public interest and unverified claims, and why responsible reporting matters more than ever in the age of viral narratives.The discussion also looks at what the ongoing Epstein fallout means for public trust in institutions - including the Royal Family - and how different parts of the media ecosystem are choosing to cover the story.

Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode of Stop The Press! Bill, Nick and Rob discuss what's been happening in the news, (or rather what's been happening in Trump-land) because that's the only show in town at the moment, and there's lots to discuss.The guys also discuss Starmer, Epstein, and who the heck owns Greenland now, oh... and is Warner Brother's sale to Netflix another nail in the coffin for old media?It’s irreverent, light-hearted and very very cynical.

Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of the press and England sport pod, Bill, Rob, and Nick take on one of the biggest ethical questions in journalism: does the press go too far in pursuit of a headline?Using the historic but high-profile sting operations involving Sven-Göran Eriksson and Sam Allardyce as flashpoints, the trio explore where the line sits between exposing wrongdoing and manufacturing a scandal. When reporters set the trap, steer the conversation, and shape the narrative, are they uncovering the truth - or creating a story that didn’t really exist?The discussion digs into the ethics of “gotcha” journalism, the pressure to feed the news cycle, and how these tactics affect public trust - not just in the press, but in the people they target.

Send us Fan MailEngland’s Ashes tour of Australia didn’t just take place on the pitch - it played out in headlines, columns, and outrage too. From stories about drinking culture to fierce criticism of Bazball tactics, the coverage often felt less like analysis and more like a prosecution - in the UK and Australia.In this episode of Stop The Press!, Rob, Bill, and Nick ask a blunt question: have the media and press overstepped the mark with England’s sporting teams - and does it genuinely affect their chances of success?They explore how the scrutiny around the cricket team echoes the relentless criticism aimed at the England football team in the 90s and 00s - where every misstep became a national crisis, and the pressure often seemed to grow louder than the game itself.Is tough journalism part of holding teams accountable… or have we created a culture where England can’t build momentum without being torn down first?

Send us Fan MailWhat’s going to happen in 2026? Almost certainly not what we predict… which makes this episode perfect Stop The Press! territory. Bill, Nick and Rob each bring three predictions for the year ahead across news, media, politics and culture - and they range from the vaguely plausible to the gloriously unhinged.Expect bold calls, wilful speculation, media trends taken to their illogical conclusion, and a healthy dose of self-awareness that most of this will age terribly. From the future of journalism and political chaos to cultural moments that definitely won’t pan out as expected, the trio embrace the joy of being confidently wrong.It’s irreverent, slightly cynical, occasionally insightful, and very much not investment advice. 

Send us Fan MailIn this special year-in-review episode of Stop The Press!, Bill, Nick and Rob take a deep breath and dive into the whirlwind that was 2025. From Trump’s escalating tariff battles to the latest round of turmoil inside the Labour Party, the trio unpack the stories that dominated headlines - and the ones that shaped the world in quieter but equally important ways.Who came out on top this year, and who stumbled spectacularly? The team breaks down the political players, media moments, surprise successes and high-profile missteps that defined the global news cycle. Tune in for a lively look back at the winners, the losers, and everything in between as we close the chapter on 2025.

Send us Fan MailThis week, Rob, Bill and Nick, look back at 30 years of crossing paths with every British Prime Minister from Margaret Thatcher to Boris Johnson. Bill, especially shares what they were really like when the cameras stopped rolling, how they dealt with the media - and how the media dealt with them. From cool operators to total chaos merchants, it’s a lively tour through three decades of political personalities and press showdowns.

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s Stop the Press!, hosts Rob Chadwick, Nick Copson and Bill Martin break down the latest developments in Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the BBC for defamation. The team explores why the lawsuit has escalated now, the likely legal outcomes, and what this unprecedented clash means for the BBC’s future, especially with the Royal Charter renewal just over 2 years away.Expect sharp analysis on media independence, political pressure, newsroom accountability, and how this case could reshape the landscape of public service broadcasting.

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode of Stop the Press!, hosts Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick, and Bill Martin unpack two of the biggest stories shaking the UK media landscape — the latest developments in the Prince Andrew scandal and the property licence avoidance controversy surrounding Rachel Reeves. How have Britain’s leading outlets handled these sensitive and politically charged stories? The hosts debate questions of press bias, editorial responsibility, and whether the public is getting the full picture or just a curated narrative. Plus, they explore what these twin scandals reveal about accountability, celebrity privilege, and the ongoing trust crisis in UK journalism.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop the Press!, hosts Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick, and Bill Martin explore how journalism in film and media in pop culture have shaped the public’s view of the news. From the iconic All the President’s Men and the Oscar-winning The Post to the modern digital-era drama The Hack, the team dissects how reporters in movies and TV news dramas capture — or distort — the real-world challenges of investigative journalism and press freedom.They discuss how Hollywood and the press have long influenced each other, why newsroom movies still resonate, and how portrayals of political journalism on screen reflect changing attitudes toward truth, power, and accountability. Expect sharp analysis, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of debate about what makes great movie journalism — and what doesn’t.journalism podcast, media analysis, newsroom movies, journalism in film, All the President’s Men, The Post, The Hack, investigative journalism, reporters in movies, press freedom, Stop the Press podcast, Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick, Bill Martin, media in pop culture, Hollywood and the press, political journalism on screen, movie journalism, TV news dramas

Send us Fan MailWhile the rest of Britain was busy incinerating sausages and arguing over who forgot the sun cream, Westminster went one better and set itself on fire.What’s usually the media’s quiet season — when journos are forced to turn “seagull steals chip” into a front-page exclusive — turned into a summer blockbuster of political scandals, power plays and panic stations.In this episode of Stop The Press!, we look back at the UK’s summer of 2025: the non-stories that filled the airwaves, the headlines that refused to die, and the politicians who probably wish they’d booked a longer holiday.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop The Press!, Rob, Nick and Bill dive into the shifting habits of Gen Z when it comes to consuming news. With headlines losing ground to TikToks and traditional media struggling to keep up with scroll culture, what does journalism mean to a younger audience? Joining the discussion is special guest Katie Martin - an actual real life young person - who brings insight, honesty and a few home truths about how her generation engages with current affairs. From social media algorithms to trust in legacy outlets, it's a lively, intergenerational conversation that pulls no punches.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop The Press!, we explore how the podcast boom has breathed new life into long-form journalism. From deep-dive investigative series to immersive narrative storytelling, podcasts have created space for nuance and depth in a fast-twitch media world. We chat about what makes audio such a compelling format, and how traditional media outlets are adapting to the new soundscape. Tune in to hear how journalism is evolving - one episode at a time.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop The Press!, we delve into a pressing question: Why does the public seem to care less about the news today than they did 30 years ago? From the rise of digital overload to growing distrust in media, we explore the shifting habits, attitudes, and platforms that have reshaped how (and whether) people engage with current affairs.Has the 24-hour news cycle left audiences fatigued? Has social media replaced journalism with algorithms and opinion? Or are people simply overwhelmed, anxious, or disengaged by a world that feels increasingly chaotic?

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop The Press!, we dive into the media coverage surrounding Reform UK - the most disruptive force in British politics today. As the party gains traction in the polls, we examine how outlets on both the left and right are reporting on its progress, policies, and leadership.Is the traditionally partisan press adapting to Reform UK’s rise - or doubling down on familiar narratives? What does this say about longstanding media biases and the shifting political landscape? Join us as we unpack headlines, analyse editorial tone, and explore what the coverage tells us about journalism in the UK today.

Send us Fan MailIn this special two-part edition of Stop The Press!, Rob, Bill and Nick turn the spotlight on the BBC - Britain’s most iconic media institution. Part One charts the broadcaster’s historic role in shaping journalism, culture, and public trust, from its founding principles to its golden moments and controversies. Part Two dives into the present-day challenges facing the BBC: political pressure, funding dilemmas, digital disruption, and shifting audience expectations. We also explore what the future might hold for the Beeb in an age of streaming, social media, and global competition. Featuring insights from journalists, media analysts, and former insiders, this is essential listening for anyone who cares about the future of public service broadcasting.

Send us Fan MailIn this special two-part edition of Stop The Press!, Rob, Bill and Nick turn the spotlight on the BBC - Britain’s most iconic media institution. Part One charts the broadcaster’s historic role in shaping journalism, culture, and public trust, from its founding principles to its golden moments and controversies. Part Two dives into the present-day challenges facing the BBC: political pressure, funding dilemmas, digital disruption, and shifting audience expectations. We also explore what the future might hold for the Beeb in an age of streaming, social media, and global competition. Featuring insights from journalists, media analysts, and former insiders, this is essential listening for anyone who cares about the future of public service broadcasting.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop The Press!, hosts Rob Chadwick, Nick Copson, and Bill Martin sit down with special guest Mike Baker to tackle a question weighing on the minds of aspiring reporters: Is there still a career in journalism?With the industry facing challenges like dwindling print circulation, AI-generated content, and the rise of social media as a news source, is there still a viable path for those who dream of breaking stories and holding power to account? Mike Baker, a seasoned journalist with years of experience in the field, shares his insights on how the industry is evolving, what skills are in demand, and where the opportunities still lie.Expect candid discussion, sharp analysis, and a few war stories from the newsroom as the panel debates whether journalism is a career worth pursuing in today’s media landscape.🎧 Tune in now for a thought-provoking conversation on the past, present, and future of journalism!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Stop The Press!, hosts Rob, Nick, and Bill dive into the world of sports journalism, sharing their all-time favourite pieces, writers, and moments that shaped the industry. From legendary columnists to groundbreaking investigative reports, they explore what makes great sports journalism stand out. Whether it's the poetic storytelling of classic game recaps, hard-hitting exposés on corruption in sports, or the rise of digital media changing the landscape, this episode celebrates the best of the best.Tune in as the trio debates which stories left a lasting impact, reflect on the evolution of sports reporting, and discuss the future of the craft. If you love the intersection of sports and media, this episode is a must-listen!

Send us Fan MailIn the wake of the sacking of Labour MPs Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan, who were dismissed from their positions and suspended from the Labour Party over offensive WhatsApp messages. These messages, leaked from a group chat named "Trigger Me Timbers," contained racist, sexist, and antisemitic remarks, including Gwynne expressing hope for a constituent's death and making derogatory comments about fellow MPs. Rob, Nick, and Bill explore the content of these messages, the context in which they were shared, and the implications of private communications becoming public.  Additionally, we examine the broader impact of such incidents on political discourse and the importance of maintaining professionalism in both public and private communications. 

Send us Fan MailThe news and media landscape is evolving faster than ever. From the rise of AI-generated content to the shifting tides of social media platforms, what trends will shape how we consume information in the coming year? In this episode, we break down our media predictions — from the impact of deepfake technology to the future of independent journalism and the ongoing battle against misinformation. Join us as we explore what’s next for news, who’s leading the charge, and how these changes will affect the way we stay informed.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into the intriguing topic of how the BBC covers its own news, from internal controversies to its role as a global broadcaster. With a reputation for impartiality and credibility, the BBC often finds itself under scrutiny, especially when it is the subject of the story.We’ll explore key questions:How transparent is the BBC when reporting on its own decisions, scandals, or criticisms?Does it apply the same editorial rigor to self-reporting as it does to external stories?Are there instances where bias—whether conscious or unconscious—has shaped the narrative?

Send us Fan MailSocial Media and News have shared the same bed for 20 years, but how much is this space now affecting democracy, freedom of speech, and is it creating more and more division in society?

Send us Fan MailWe're no AI experts, we're all still learning (everyone is), but we've learnt enough to form opinions, so listen to Bill, Nick, and Rob debate how AI is currently infiltrating our newsrooms and news consumption habits, and where it all could eventually lead. 

Send us Fan MailOur first ever episode! It's a little rough around the edges but we'll get better and more polished. It's the topics that are most important, right?  On this episode, Bill, Nick, and Rob, discuss the current state of local newspapers (and media in general) and ask the big question, does anyone still care about them, and can they survive?

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