Guardian Media Talk (no longer active): Recent Episodes
Guardian Media Talk (no longer active)
In a break from the traditional format, Media Talk presents highlights from Lenny Henry's Bafta television lecture, recorded on Monday at Bafta headquarters in Piccadilly. In a wide-ranging talk on the "appalling" drop in the number of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people working in creative industries, Henry proposes ring-fenced funding for productions featuring a BAME majority – in a similar vein to regional quotas championed by Channel 4 and the BBC. Also on the programme, John Plunkett talks to actor and writer Matt Berry about working on The Mighty Boosh, The IT Crowd, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace and his latest cult hit, Toast of London. John PlunkettMatt Hill
Hugh Muir sits in for John Plunkett to digest the week's media news, including the BBC's new plans for the iPlayer. In an announcement on Tuesday, Tony Hall revealed new exclusive content from comedians Frankie Boyle and Bob Mortimer, plus documentaries by Adam Curtis. But will this online adventure damage the BBC's case as it looks to keep TV licence fee evasion a criminal offence? MediaGuardian writer Maggie Brown and Folder Media creative director Matt Deegan outline the challenges facing the BBC as it threatens to cut services if charter renewal doesn't link the annual fee to inflation – and Michael White offers some context from Westminster. Also in the programme, the panel discuss the vox pop that went wrong for Channel 4 News and share their own memories of being sent out to canvass opinion. Plus, Getty Images goes free online – what will it mean for photographers? Sam Wollaston is also on hand to review Astronauts: Live in Space and Shetland. Hugh MuirMatt HillMichael WhiteMaggie BrownSam Delaney
Despite the recently launched campaign, director-general Tony Hall is planning to close BBC3. John Plunkett is joined by Heat Magazine's TV editor Boyd Hilton and broadcaster and writer Helen Zaltzman to discuss the plans. Also on the programme: six weeks after TalkSport disappeared from Twitter, chief executive of the station and UTV Media GB Scott Taunton speaks to Media Talk about his frustration at the social media company's response so far. The Sun launches a breast cancer awareness campaign using its Page 3 models – but was this the right way to go about it? Plus, the Guardian's TV reviewer Sam Wollaston reviews BBC2's new WW1 drama 37 Days and celebrates the end of Outnumbered on BBC1. John PlunkettMatt HillHelen ZaltzmanBoyd Hilton
John Plunkett is joined by former Channel 5 chief executive David Elstein, former FT media editor and media consultant at Edelman Ben Fenton and Kate Bulkley, reporter for Broadcast. Together they review the Oxford Media Convention, including keynote addresses by culture secretary Maria Miller – whose claim that an independent Scotland would lose the BBC was met with scepticism. The BBC director general, Tony Hall, gave a staunch defence of the licence fee and hinted that households using UK TV catchup services may fall under its remit after charter renewal in 2016. Plus, we wave Rebecca Nicholson a fond farewell as she moves to a new lair in America, with reviews of True Detective, BBC3's Hair and BBC1 drama Silk. John PlunkettMatt Hill
John Plunkett is joined by MediaGuardian reporter Maggie Brown and Shortlist editor Mike Soutar to discuss the week's media news. Radio 1 has announced another shakeup to the way the Top 40 singles will be counted, as streaming services such as Spotify are taken into account. But what will be the weighting compared to downloads and physical sales? And the latest ABCs for the magazine industry are out – and it's good news for Good Housekeeping, but not so good for the NME. Mike Soutar explains why. Maggie Brown has been hearing Ofcom's departing chair, Dame Colette Bowe, explain how she thinks the BBC should share its licence fee, in an extension of contestable funding. What will it mean for the other public service broadcasters – and can any top-slicing avoid government bureaucracy? Plus, in Rebecca Nicholson's TV Lair, the reviewer discusses the second series of House of Cards, Sky1's new drama The Smoke and ITV2's The Big Reunion. John PlunkettMatt HillMaggie BrownRebecca Nicholson
On this week's programme, John Plunkett throws the usual format out of the window and spends the week in Rebecca Nicholson's TV lair. Together they review some of the biggest programmes of the week, including Salamander on BBC4 and the return of BBC2's Line of Duty with Keeley Hawes. We hear from Babylon producer Robert Jones on the making of Danny Boyle's comedy drama pilot Babylon and actor Emily Mortimer (star of the Newsroom) discusses her new self-penned sitcom, Doll and Em. Plus, there's a first-look at Sky Atlantic's True Detectives with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, and series two of My Mad Fat Diary on E4. John PlunkettMatt HillRebecca NicholsonSam Bain
John Plunkett is joined by the creative director of television indie Lemonade Money Faraz Osman and radio consultant James Cridland to discuss the week's media news. The Rajars for the last quarter of 2013 were released on Thursday, with the news that digital station BBC 6Music has almost the same amount of listeners as Radio 3. Radio Academy chief executive Paul Robinson explains why the figures are good for digital and for speech radio. Mark Thompson returned to face MPs again over the failed Digital Media Initiative which lost £90m of licence fee payers' money before it was scrapped; the panel discuss what we learned from his performance. Plus, John Plunkett speaks to former Sky News political editor Adam Boulton as he celebrates 25 years at the channel. Down in Rebecca Nicholson's TV lair, we discuss Channel 4's Dispatches, the ending of The Bridge (contains spoilers!) and BBC2's The Restaurant Man. John PlunkettMatt HillPaul RobinsonRebecca Nicholson
John Plunkett is joined by director of broadcasting at City University Lis Howell and creative director of Folder Media, Matt Deegan. Together they discuss the week's top media stories, including the launch of a new pay-tv channel, ITV Encore. It's not the only channel to be announced this week – BBC Worldwide chief executive Tim Davie speaks to John Plunkett about one of the three new channels the commercial arm is to launch, BBC Brit. On the way to Rebecca Nicholson's TV lair, the panel discuss the findings of the National Audit Office report into the BBC's failed Digital Media Initiative, the shutdown of people.co.uk and the fallout from the bizarre Daily Telegraph advert attacking Libby Purves. John PlunkettMatt HillRebecca Nicholson
On this week's Media Talk, John Plunkett and guests discuss Tony Gallagher's abrupt departure as editor of the Daily Telegraph, how the Mail on Sunday is closing in on the Sun on Sunday, and what exactly the BBC is up to with its Instagram video news project. Plus, we ask the Guardian's Rebecca Nicholson if the second series of The Bridge is as good as the first. Joining us on the podcast are Guardian columnist Roy Greenslade, former Observer media editor James Robinson and podcaster and broadcaster Helen Zaltzman. John PlunkettMatt HillJames RobinsonRoy GreensladeRebecca Nicholson
John Plunkett is joined by Emily Bell, professor and director of the Tow Centre for Digital Journalism, and Media Talk's regular reporter Maggie Brown to discuss the week's media news. Alexander Lebvedev's Independent titles are up for sale less than four years after they were bought – but with circulation down, who would buy them? And what will become of the successful i newspaper? The Evening Standard and soon-to-be-launched London Live are to be kept off the market. Our pundits make their best (educated?) guesses. An appeals court in the US has made a ruling that may affect access to the internet and create a two-speed web. We discuss the implications for the media industry and new platforms such as Netflix. Plus, Sam Wollaston and Rebecca Nicholson welcome us into their TV lair for a first look at the new series of Girls on HBO, plus reviews of Uncle on BBC 3 and The Great Sport Relief Bake Off. John PlunkettMatt HillMaggie BrownEmily BellSam WollastonRebecca Nicholson
New year, new media controversy. This week's Media Talk hears from Richard McKerrow of Love Productions, producers of Channel 4's Benefits Street – which prompted almost 800 complaints to Ofcom – on why he thinks it's crucial to make important issues entertaining. John Plunkett is also joined by Steve Ackerman, managing director of Somethin' Else, and Lisa Campbell, editor of Broadcast, to talk new year's resolutions and catching up on Christmas TV. Also, the Guardian's very own Gill Phillips, director of editorial legal services, gives us a dummy's guide to the Defamation Act 2013, which came into effect on 1 January. John PlunkettMatt HillSteve AckermanGill Phillips
John Plunkett is joined by an array of Media Talk regulars to look ahead to the next 12 months in the industry. Radio Academy chief executive Paul Robinson is grilled on his 2013 predictions while Folder Media's Matt Deegan makes a few of his own. Plus Maggie Brown, Roy Greenslade, Rebecca Nicholson and Guardian Australia's Vicky Frost return to discuss the year in radio, print and television. What television and radio projects are you looking forward to in 2014? Who will be left standing after what's shaping up to be another decisive year for the print industry? Please leave your thoughts below and we'll include some on our next programme. John PlunkettMatt HillRebecca NicholsonVicky FrostPaul RobinsonRoy GreensladeMaggie Brown
It's that time of the year again. When we break out the mulled wine, mince pies and crackers (actually, we didn't have any crackers) for the Media Talk Christmas quiz special. Joining John Plunkett for a handful of chestnuts around a roaring fire (we didn't have the chestnuts or the fire either) are writer and broadcaster Sam Delaney, former Observer media editor turned Powerscourt PR James Robinson, City University director of broadcasting Lis Howell and the Guardian's TV and radio editor, Rebecca Nicholson. Unlike your Christmas presents, you can unwrap this one right now. John PlunkettMatt HillRebecca NicholsonSam DelaneyJames Robinson
It's D-day for digital radio on 16 December as communications minister Ed Vaizey unveils the government's policy for the medium formerly known as the wireless. Never before on the history of radio has an issue generated such debate as digital radio switchover. Will it happen? When will it happen? Should it happen? And what will Vaizey actually say? We seek to answer all these questions and more with some of the most important players in the debate in this Media Talk special. Joining presenter John Plunkett are: • Ford Ennals, chief executive of Digital Radio UK (DRUK);• Matt Deegan, creative director of radio and new media consultancy Folder Media, who runs digital only station, Fun Kids;• Scott Taunton, chief executive of TalkSport parent UTV Media, which was one of 13 media groups that came out against digital switchover last month;• Daniel Nathan, founder of Juice FM Brighton who was also one of those media groups and has been closely involved in all things digital; and• Media Talk regular Paul Robinson, chief executive of the Radio Academy. Whether you're a station exec or a listener, we'd like to hear your views in the comments below - or tweet @johnplunkett149. John PlunkettMatt HillPaul Robinson
To discuss this week's media news John Plunkett is joined by Observer writer Maggie Brown and Roy Greenslade, professor of journalism at City University. The Guardian's editor-in-chief Alan Rusbridger told MPs on Tuesday that the paper "will not be put off by intimidation" – and that's how this paper covered it. But what did our colleagues on Fleet Street say? Other stories discussed on the podcast include: BBC Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan's defence of his all-male daytime lineup; the backlash against David Montgomery's plans for Local World titles and yet more procrastinating over a date for digital radio switchover. Plus, it's good news for podcasters as Radio Academy chief executive Paul Robinson reveals the categories making a comeback in the awards previously known as the Sonys. And in Rebecca Nicholson's TV lair, we find the critic devouring the latest episodes of Homeland and the X Factor, as well as Channel 4's How Video Games Changed the World and shop-doc Liberty of London. John PlunkettMatt HillMaggie BrownRoy GreensladePaul RobinsonRebecca Nicholson
This week John Plunkett reports from the Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV) conference in London, where the campaign group celebrates its 30th year. We hear from Steven Barnett, professor of communications at the University of Westminster on the challenges facing VLV as the digital revolution takes hold in broadcasting. BBC director general Tony Hall faces questions from the floor and rallies the troops to defend the public service broadcaster in the runup to charter renewal – but could he and his team be doing more? Former BBC media correspondent Torin Douglas and journalist Raymond Snoddy provide their analysis. Away from the conference Edgar Wright – director of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End – announces plans to return to television for the first time since Spaced. Plus Rebecca Nicholson escapes her TV lair and reviews the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who, Masterchef: the Professionals and previews the new James Bond author biopic Fleming. John PlunkettMatt HillRebecca Nicholson
On this week's Media Talk, John Plunkett is joined by writer and broadcaster Sam Delaney and Broadcast reporter Peter White. It's been a good week for ITV as ad revenues are up and I'm a Celebrity … returns with record ratings, but not so good for BBC3 and BBC4 after David Dimbleby questions their future. We check out the latest score in the sports rivalry to end all others – BT v BSkyB – and find out why Global Radio's world just got a bit smaller. Plus, is Simon Cowell worth £150m? And, we return to Rebecca Nicolson's TV lair to talk Last Tango in Halifax, American Horror Story, Fresh Meat – and John Plunkett's box-set collection. John PlunkettMatt HillSam DelaneyPeter White
John Plunkett is joined by Steve Ackerman, MD of content creation company Somethin' Else and Emily Bell, director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, to discuss the biggest media stories of the week. As BT acquires the rights to the Champions League from next year, has Sky – which saw its shares drop at the start of this week – taken its eye off the ball? Home secretary Theresa May has suggested that the decline in sales of local newspapers is the fault of the BBC; Emily Bell compares the UK market with the what's happening in the BBC-less US. A new campaign called Rewind and Reframe launched on Monday, just as wrecking ball aficionado Miley Cyrus declares herself "one of the biggest feminists in the world". Helen Zaltzman reports on the pressure put on the UK government to bring in a age advisory system for online videos. Plus, we join Rebecca Nicholson in her TV lair where she discusses daytime television, the ongoing Homeland unpleasantness and MasterChef: the Professionals. John PlunkettMatt HillSteve AckermanEmily BellRebecca NicholsonHelen ZaltzmanKerry McCarthy
Hugh Muir takes us through some of the media stories making the headlines this week, including the news following Grant Shapps comments about the BBC that more people believe the corporation favours the left than the right and the latest on the government's softening stance on press regulation. On the panel are Lis Howell, director of broadcasting at City University, and creative director of Folder Media, Matt Deegan. Together they discuss Ben Cooper's new cross-platform strategy at Radio 1 and ask the question, 'what is the first thing you touch in the morning?' The answer may surprise you. There's more ratings woe for ITV and The X Factor as last weekend's shows were beaten again by Strictly Come Dancing, and there's a celebration of Kay Burley as she completes 25 years on Sky News. Plus, Sam Wollaston reviews series two of The Choir on BBC 2 and series three of Fresh Meat on Channel 4. Hugh MuirMatt HillSam Wollaston
Joining John Plunkett on this week's Media Talk are Roy Greenslade, columnist and professor of journalism at City University, Heat TV editor Boyd Hilton and the Guardian's TV critic, Sam Wollaston. We talk royal charters and press regulation, ask what Grant Shapps's beef is with the BBC, and switch over to Sky's latest move in its battle with Netflix. Plus, we find out why you really should be watching Toast of London on Channel 4. John PlunkettScott CawleyBoyd HiltonSam WollastonRoy Greenslade
This week John Plunkett is joined by Media Talk regular Maggie Brown and the former Observer media editor James Robinson. Together, they discuss their take on the week's media news, including the latest Rajar figures. Nick Grimshaw has shed 1 million listeners in a year: but is that good or bad news for Radio 1? BBC director general Tony Hall and BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten were up before MPs again this week, this time talking executive pay. Is it reasonable to earn £207,800 a year as a BBC controller while also running your own cafe? Discuss. And finally, the BBC's Great British Bake Off trounced ITV's Champions League coverage this week, cooking up BBC 2's biggest audience in a decade. What's its recipe for success? Plus, Rebecca Nicholson reviews the third series of Homeland, Sky's The Tunnel and Mitchell and Webb's new vehicle, Ambassadors. John PlunkettMaggie BrownJames Robinson
This week on the Media Talk podcast, Mark Sweney travels to the Lowry in Salford Quays for the Radio Academy's Radio Festival. One of this year's Radio Festival hosts, Woman's Hour presenter Jane Garvey, and Radio Academy chief executive Paul Robinson review the big keynote speeches. Garvey discusses tackling Helen Boaden about the Jimmy Savile affair and whether the executive's heart was in returning to radio. They also discuss Charlotte Church's comments that radio stations should take account of an artist's image when fixing their playlists. Garvey disagrees with Global Radio president Ashley Tabor's opposition to positive discrimination for women in broadcasting, arguing that she doesn't hear enough female voices on commercial radio. Neil Fox talks about how women have been part of his radio career – as well as how he's keeping himself fresh for a digital age. He also reveals that he expects to have a daily national radio show next year, possibly hinting at Magic's move to become available across the UK in 2014. Following a session on taste and decency, Radio 5 Live's Shelagh Fogerty and LBC's Nick Ferarri discuss the times when they have fallen foul of the rules – and how they deal with tricky editorial decisions while they're live on air. Finally, Radio Academy chair - and Radio 1 and 1Xtra controller - Ben Cooper looks back at the festival as it draws to a close. Mark SweneyScott Cawley
This week Hugh Muir is joined by media journalist Maggie Brown and the Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll, to discuss the week's media news. On Wednesday and Thursday, Lord Leveson appeared in front of a House of Lords committee and the Commons select committee for the first time since the publication of his report into press ethics. We talk to select committee member and MP Paul Farrelly about what happened. Also this week, the new director general of the BBC, Tony Hall, gave his first major speech about the future for the corporation. How did he do? And as Britain's first-ever commercial radio station, LBC celebrates four decades on air, we ask if life begins at 40? And finally, Rebecca Nicholson discusses the Downton Abbey rape scene controversy, the discovery of missing Doctor Who episodes and Channel 4's Masters of Sex. Hugh MuirLisa O'CarrollMaggie BrownPaul Farrelly
In a slight diversion from our usual fare, Media Talk producer Matt Hill welcomes Rebecca Nicholson and Tom Meltzer to the programme to discuss their pick of the new and returning series to UK screens. Featuring first looks at Joss Whedon's new TV show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Sky Atlantic's remake of the "Scandidrama" The Bridge, aptly named The Tunnel, and wild speculation on the Doctor Who special and Breaking Bad prequel, Better Call Saul. Normal service is resumed next week... Matt HillRebecca NicholsonTom Meltzer
This week John Plunkett is joined by former TV executive and director of broadcasting at City University Lis Howell and the new chief executive of the Radio Academy, Paul Robinson. Together, they discuss their take on the week's media news, including the new BBC Trust report that praises the broadcaster's output for children but criticises its lack of progress selling archive to commercial rivals. Programme-makers enter the fray alongside Richard Desmond and Channel 4 in resisting a perceived influence of advertisers on programme making and commissioning. Is WPP's media buying arm Group M too big and powerful – and does anyone have the guts to take them on? Plus, there's a preview of the forthcoming Radio Festival in Salford, and Rebecca Nicholson discusses the Emmys and reviews BBC2's The Wrong Mans and Channel 4's The Fried Chicken Shop. John PlunkettMatt HillPaul RobinsonRebecca Nicholson
John Plunkett is joined by writer and broadcaster Sam Delaney and managing director of content company Somethin' Else Steve Ackerman to look at the week's media news – including the fallout from the disastrous showing by BBC bosses in front of Margaret Hodge last week. As Ofcom indicates it would be able to regulate the BBC and culture secretary Maria Miller warns that the National Audit Office might probe deeper into its accounts – we ask why James Harding and the Daily Mail are toeing the same line? Sir David Attenborough talks about his new two-part BBC2 programme Rise of the Animals: Triumph of the Vertebrates – and reflects on how the BBC has changed since his time as director of programmes. There's good news for indies thanks to new plans by Channel 4 to invest in promising small producers and the Sun's paywall makes an impact on readers... but only in so much as they've dropped by 62%. Plus, down in Rebecca Nicholson's TV lair, we find her watching Good Food's Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia, Channel 4's Fabulous Fashionistas and another superb episode of Breaking Bad (warning – contains spoilers!). John PlunkettMatt HillRebecca NicholsonSam DelaneySteve Ackerman
It's a Media Talk special this week as Dave Gorman joins John Plunkett on the pod. In this extended interview, we talk about the making of his new TV show – Modern Life is Goodish – and the tricky business of making great comedy and factual series without losing creative control. Normal service is resumed next week … John PlunkettMatt Hill
There are two Spotify stories circulating this week; one involves a new service - Spotify Connect - and the other concerns a lawsuit brought against it by the Ministry of Sound. John Plunkett is joined by former Observer media reporter James Robinson and broadcasting consultant Paul Robinson (no relation) to see what the fuss is about. In other news, Tony Parsons defects from the Mirror to arch-rival the Sun on Sunday, Ian Katz has his first week on BBC2's Newsnight and Geoff Hill is appointed editor of ITV News. And with the launch of this year's MediaGuardian 100 this week, we ask the panel for their own top players of the year. Who would be in your list? Plus, we enter Rebecca Nicholson's TV lair to review the return of The X Factor and What Remains (both on ITV1), as well as Sky1's A Touch of Cloth. John PlunkettMatt HillJames RobinsonPaul RobinsonRebecca Nicholson
Joining John Plunkett to discuss the week's media news is Answer Me This co-presenter Olly Mann and Media Guardian reporter Josh Halliday. Director general Tony Hall is aiming for an equal balance of men and women on all BBC local radio breakfast shows within two years – we ask broadcaster and member of Sound Women Miranda Sawyer whether it's realistic and whether it's the right way to solve the problem. In other news, David Cameron is caught with his trousers down by the paparazzi – but were some papers right to publish? Sky Living's director announces a makeover to make the channel more inclusive of men – but does that take away its selling point? Also in the programme, Colin Murray discusses his departure from BBC1's Sunday night football show, MOTD2 as he begins a new job at TalkSport. And Rebecca Nicholson reviews the final episode of Top of the Lake (warning – contains spoilers), the return of The Great British Bake Off and Sky1's new comedy, Chickens. John PlunkettMatt HillRebecca NicholsonMiranda SawyerJosh HallidayColin Murray
Kevin Spacey has delivered an upbeat message to TV creatives asking them to wrestle their productions from the hands of execs – but are they really to blame? Is this an international problem, or a US one? John Plunkett discusses the issues with Heat Magazine's TV editor Boyd Hilton, Broadcast magazine editor Lisa Campbell and Media Talk regular Maggie Brown. Plus, Vince Gilligan, creator and exec of Breaking Bad, explains how he cut his teeth writing on The X Files and Charlie Brooker talks about his future with the Guardian. Rebecca Nicholson finds the time between drinks receptions to see a few TV previews, including Channel 4's new sitcom Man Down by Greg Davies. Warning: as is the way with TV executives, there's strong language throughout the podcast. John PlunkettRebecca NicholsonBoyd HiltonMaggie BrownMatt Hill
Kevin Spacey has delivered an upbeat message to TV creatives asking them to wrestle their productions from the hands of execs – but are they really to blame? Is this an international problem, or a US one? John Plunkett discusses the issues with Heat Magazine's TV editor Boyd Hilton, Broadcast magazine editor Lisa Campbell and Media Talk regular Maggie Brown. Plus, Vince Gilligan, creator and exec of Breaking Bad, explains how he cut his teeth writing on The X Files and Charlie Brooker talks about his future with the Guardian. Rebecca Nicholson finds the time between drinks receptions to see a few TV previews, including Channel 4's new sitcom Man Down by Greg Davies. Warning: as is the way with TV executives, there's strong language throughout the podcast. John PlunkettRebecca NicholsonBoyd HiltonMaggie BrownMatt Hill
John Plunkett is joined by creative director of Folder Media Matt Deegan and 50% of the Answer Me This podcast, Helen Zaltzman, to discuss the week's media news. As Global Radio moves Smooth Radio's operation to Leicester Square, we take a look at where UK commercial radio is heading – and if it can stop the ad revenue rot. Next week, TV's great and good are making the annual jaunt to Scotland – so we flip through the programme and offer our pick of the Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. And Media Talk regular Stig Abell becomes the new managing editor of the Sun – we ask Roy Greenslade what his appointment means for the paper. Plus, Rebecca Nicholson reviews the first episode in the final run of Breaking Bad (avoiding spoilers), That Puppet Game Show on BBC1 and Dragons' Den on BBC2. John PlunkettMatt HillHelen ZaltzmanRoy Greenslade
John Plunkett is joined by creative director of Folder Media Matt Deegan and 50% of the Answer Me This podcast, Helen Zaltzman, to discuss the week's media news. As Global Radio moves Smooth Radio's operation to Leicester Square, we take a look at where UK commercial radio is heading – and if it can stop the ad revenue rot. Next week, TV's great and good are making the annual jaunt to Scotland – so we flip through the programme and offer our pick of the Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. And Media Talk regular Stig Abell becomes the new managing editor of the Sun – we ask Roy Greenslade what his appointment means for the paper. Plus, Rebecca Nicholson reviews the first episode in the final run of Breaking Bad (avoiding spoilers), That Puppet Game Show on BBC1 and Dragons' Den on BBC2. John PlunkettMatt HillHelen ZaltzmanRoy Greenslade
There's been plenty of discussion in America's East Coast media village this week about West Coast billionaire Jeff Bezos's plans for the Washington Post. John Plunkett is joined in the studio by Emily Bell of the Tow Centre for Digital Journalism and MediaGuardian reporter Maggie Brown to discuss the implications for the US press industry. In Australia, Rupert Murdoch's empire fires the first salvo in the upcoming election with a classically belligerent swipe at Kevin Rudd's government – and in the UK, Mail Online celebrates record-breaking visitor numbers in the week the Sun launched its paywall. In broadcasting news, there's a new voice on BBC Radio 5 Live, a US makeover for ITV1's Broadchurch and new owners for Absolute Radio. Plus, the panel dissect BBC America's strategy in light of the Doctor Who launch simulcast. Sam Wollaston sits in for Rebecca Nicholson and reviews BBC1's I Love my Country and the Channel 4 drama Southcliffe. Will the Washington Post be safer in private hands? What does BBC America need to do to gain a wider audience? Leave your comments below. John PlunkettMatt HillEmily BellMaggie BrownSam Wollaston
There's been plenty of discussion in America's east coast media village this week about west coast billionaire Jeff Bezos's plans for the Washington Post. John Plunkett is joined in the studio by Emily Bell of the Tow Centre for Digital Journalism and MediaGuardian reporter Maggie Brown to discuss the implications for the US press industry. In Australia, Rupert Murdoch's empire fires the first salvo in the upcoming election with a classically belligerent swipe at Kevin Rudd's government – and in the UK, Mail Online celebrates record-breaking visitor numbers in the week the Sun launched its paywall. In broadcasting news, there's a new voice on BBC Radio 5 Live, a US makeover for ITV1's Broadchurch and new owners for Absolute Radio. Plus, the panel dissect BBC America's strategy in light of the Doctor Who launch simulcast. Sam Wollaston sits in for Rebecca Nicholson and reviews BBC1's I Love my Country and the Channel 4 drama Southcliffe. Will the Washington Post be safer in private hands? What does BBC America need to do to gain a wider audience? Leave your comments below. John PlunkettMatt HillEmily BellMaggie BrownSam Wollaston
This week we have a podcast on … podcasts. It's been 10 years since the Guardian first coined the term, we ask who's doing it, why – and is anyone making a living from it? Helen Zaltzman, one half of Answer Me This, is joined on her travels by Olly Mann and comedy producer Ben Walker of Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast. Other guests include the Guardian's own Francesca Panetta, and Helen's brother, Andy Zaltzman, of news satire The Bugle. Across the pond, we hear from Jesse Thorn, producer of the Maximum Fun network, and Roman Mars, the man behind cult-favourite design podcast 99% Invisible. Do you produce – or are thinking about starting – a podcast? Will we be talking about it in another 10 years? Share your advice on making great programmes in the comments below. Helen ZaltzmanMatt HillFrancesca Panetta
John Plunkett is joined by Tech Weekly's Jemima Kiss and Stuart Dredge in this special programme that we have decided to nickname 'Tech Media Talk Weekly'. Recorded at the Guardian's new coffee shop at Silicon Roundabout – home of tech businesses including Moshi Monsters and SoundCloud – the panel discusses the on/off sale of Hulu. Is there malaise in the TV industry, despite earlier successes such as the BBC's iPlayer? Apple, Google and Microsoft are all competing to be the centre of your entertainment hub – but who's winning? And do we really want everything in one box? Plus, as is traditional, Rebecca Nicholson drops in for an iced coffee and a chat about the final episode of Luther, the return of Phone Shop and the decline of The Americans. John PlunkettJemima KissStuart DredgeMatt HillRebecca Nicholson
The heat has got to John Plunkett and guests Stig Abell and Nick Lawrence, but amidst the non-sequiturs the panel admirably digest on the BBC's annual report, where the cost of the Jimmy Savile inquiry and executive payoffs is fully uncovered. Plus, the latest ABCs reveal good news for the Daily Star, encouraging times for the Guardian and some mixed messages for the Independent. The new presenter of the Today programme will be Mishal Husain – but why has it taken so long for the BBC to another woman to front its flagship news show? In television, Rebecca Nicholson reviews Top of the Lake featuring Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss, Run (starring Olivia Coleman) and Christopher Guest's new sitcom Family Tree. John PlunkettMatt HillStig AbellRebecca Nicholson
First the Jimmy Saville affair, the Digital Media Initiative and now payoffs – BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten has not had an easy time in front of the select committee for a long while. John Plunkett is joined by Broadcast editor Lisa Campbell and media consultant Paul Robinson to discuss the fallout. Also in this week's programme, Roy Greenslade listens to secret recordings of Rupert Murdoch talking to Sun staff and finds nothing too incriminating – and there's criticism of the BBC's coverage of Wimbledon and – more understandably – Ben Elton's sitcom The Wright Way. Plus, Rebecca Nicholson drops by to review Channel 4's The Murder Trial, Count Arthur Strong's transfer from Radio 4 to BBC1 and new Netflix comedy drama Orange is the New Black. John PlunkettRebecca NicholsonMatt Hill
It seems like everybody's been to Glastonbury apart from poor John Plunkett. But he's back in the presenting seat and ready to trawl through the week's media news with Media Guardian reporter Josh Halliday and Folder Media's Matt Deegan. Plus, Richard Bacon drops in to talk about his online etiquette and how he uses Twitter to prepare for his BBC Radio 5 Live show. Rebecca Nicholson reviews the series finale of Mad Men and the returns of Luther and Skins. What did you think of the BBC's perceived impartiality? Has the BBC Trust got a handle on the situation? Leave your thoughts below. John PlunkettMatt HillJosh HallidayRebecca Nicholson
Hugh Muir sits in for John Plunkett, tackling the week's media news. Joining him are Media Guardian reporter Josh Halliday, former radio executive and journalist Sam Steele and one half of Answer Me This, Olly Mann. There are new editors at the Sun and the Independent – what can David Dinsmore and Amol Rajan bring to their respective titles? And how much will their digital strategies play a part in their success? In other news, we talk about the slow death of The Voice on BBC1 and ask what direction will new controller Charlotte Moore want to take the programme? Plus, Rebecca Nicholson tells us why she was left underwhelmed by Russell Brand's appearance on Question Time – as well as answering why The Man with the 10-Stone Testicles hit the spot with almost 4 million people. We'd like your thoughts on this week's topics. Why does Britain's Got Talent have 4 million more viewers than the Voice? You can comment on any of the subjects on this week's podcast below. Hugh MuirMatt HillRebecca NicholsonJosh Halliday
This week, Media Talk comes from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where some of the biggest names in advertising have gathered to discuss the future of the industry. John Plunkett has taken his sofa down to the south of France and invited many of the delegates to sit and chat about their work, including legendary film-maker Sir Alan Parker and the heads of companies including PHD and Ogilvy Group UK. We discuss the role of brands in creating content – is Dunkin Doughnuts really a media company? – how big data is changing the way adverts are targeted and philosopher and author Nassim Nicholas Taleb persuades John to take more risks in life. Were you at the festival? What were your highlights? Leave your comments below the line. Alan ParkerJohn PlunkettMatt HillPhil MaynardAndy GallagherIrene BaquéNassim Nicholas Taleb
John Plunkett digests the week's media news with the managing director of content company Somethin' Else Steve Ackerman and broadcaster and former Heat editor Sam Delaney. Greece is in turmoil again after the government pulled the plug on the state broadcaster in a bid to cut costs. With people on the streets and journalists going rogue, what will be the outcome? Richard Desmond announces 40 new editorial roles at the Daily Express while The Times cuts its staff by 20 – we discuss the varying fortunes of the papers and Sam issues his verdict on the industry. Plus: what was Andrew Neil thinking, Emily Bell reports on hopes for the Guardian's US team after the NSA leaks and how John Oliver took on America. John PlunkettMatt HillEmily BellSam DelaneySam WollastonSteve Ackerman
On this week's Media Talk, we discuss how Stephen Fry, Tom Stoppard and some of Britain's other most prominent authors and playwrights are trying to save the defamation bill from being killed off, and talk to the new host of LBC's drivetime slot,Iain Dale. Plus we weigh up Bonnie Tyler's chances of winning this year's Eurovision Song Contest, and BBC and ITV slug it out with rival crime dramas Broadchurch and Mayday. Joining John Plunkett are Matt Deegan, creative director of Folded Media; media commentator Roy Greenslade; and the Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll and Vicky Frost. John Plunkett Lisa O'Carroll Roy Greenslade
With John Plunkett away hosting the Broadcasting Guild Press Awards, Hugh Muir takes the hotseat in another frantic week in the Leveson saga. Professor of journalism at City University Roy Greenslade and visiting professor of broadcast journalism at Birmingham City University Tim Crook take us through the big press stories of the week, with Tom Clark dropping by to add some political context. Helen Zaltzman reports from the South by Southwest festival in Austin, where she discovers a threat to US podcasters from a patent troll. And we bid farewell to Vicky Frost – who is leaving for Australia – with reviews of It's Kevin and Masterchef and a very antipodean Media Monkey Quiz. Please leave your thoughts on anything in the programme in the comments below. Hugh Muir Matt Hill Roy Greenslade Tom Clark Vicky Frost Helen Zaltzman
As cross-party consensus results in almost unanimous rejection from press editors, John Plunkett sifts through the debris with Dan Sabbagh and former PCC man Stig Abell. Plus, Labour peer Lord Puttnam explains why he brought talks to a head with his Leveson-esque amendments. This week, the great and the good of the advertising industry went to london for the inaugural Advertising Week Europe. We hear from legendary creative Trevor Beattie (of those Wonderbra ads) on the death of the 30-second TV ad and veteran producer John Lloyd on why we should take more risks on British television. Do you think the proposed press regulator will work? Can the government enforce it without editors' support? Please leave your thoughts below John Plunkett Matt Hill Dan Sabbagh John Lloyd David Puttnam
John Plunkett is joined by Maggie Brown and Paul Robinson to delve into the week's media news, including a preview of the problems Lord Hall will have to deal with on his first official day at the BBC. We also discuss the decision of the Telegraph and The Sun to join the paywall policies of the Financial Times and The Times - and the strange goings-on this week, just after the Today programme on Radio 4. Olly Mann drops in to talk about the week in digital media and G2 TV critic Sam Wollaston previews the new series of Doctor Who and The Voice and rips apart Kate Mosse's Labyrinth. And we'd like your feedback. Amidst ongoing strike action, what do you think the new man at the BBC needs to solve first? Please leave your thoughts below. John Plunkett Matt Hill Paul Robinson Maggie Brown Sam Wollaston
Joining presenter John Plunkett to discuss the week's media news are John Myers, former chief executive of GMG Radio and now of Team Rock, plus Media Guardian reporter Josh Halliday. Aside from Team Rock's launch, there's talk of BBC director general Tony Hall's performance on the Today programme and the news that online music licensing revenues have trumped radio for the first time. Is this the beginning of the end for radio's influence over music companies? Jemima Kiss drops by to share some more titbits from the online media landscape and Rebecca Nicholson reviews the new episode of Game of Thrones, now officially the most illegally downloaded programme of all time. What did you think of the Game of Thrones series opener? Can Team Rock succeed where other digital stations have failed? Please join the discussion below … John Plunkett Matt Hill Jemima Kiss Josh Halliday Rebecca Nicholson
This week we have an extra audio treat for our loyal Media Talk listeners: our new Guardian Audio Edition, a weekly selection of longer articles in audio form. As the UK's largest commercial quality news organisation, the Guardian is renowned for its thought-provoking, progressive news agenda and for its innovative storytelling across all digital platforms. Now for the first time the Guardian has a voice in the Guardian Audio Edition, supported by Audible.co.uk. Every week we showcase the best news, culture and opinion pieces from across the Guardian in an easy to digest, hour-long podcast. Additionally, our books team will be looking at two great audiobooks each week which will be available on Audible.co.uk. Click her to subscribe in iTunes, listen on Soundcloud or on Audioboo.
Ding dong! No, it's not Avon calling – although that would be nice – it's the £145.50* question at the BBC. Should it play Ding Dong the Witch is Dead from the Wizard of Oz soundtrack after it was propelled into the top 10 by an anti-Margaret Thatcher Facebook campaign? We talk to former Radio 1 executive Trevor Dann, Somethin' Else managing director Steve Ackerman and Shortlist Media founder and chief executive Mike Soutar. We also talk to Mike about his latest launch, digital venture Never Underdressed, and look at the nominations – out this week – for the Bafta Television and Sony Radio awards. Plus, we talk tech with Folder Media's Matt Deegan and ask: Mad Men … has it nuked Don's fridge? * price of licence fee. John Plunkett Matt Hill Steve Ackerman Nosheen Iqbal
Hugh Muir delivers the week's media stories direct to your ears, with guests Maggie Brown and Lisa O'Carroll. James Harding becomes the top news man at the BBC. What can we expect from the former editor of Rupert Murdoch's Times now he has switched camps? Then we tackle John Sweeney and the controversial Panorama episode on North Korea. There have been some tough calls for the new director general – did Tony Hall get them right? Roy Greenslade isn't sure. And in the US, as the public radio stations this week end their annual pledge drives, Helen Zaltzman speaks to the producer behind one of the most successful radio whiprounds of all time. Plus Nosheen Iqbal drops in to discuss Ben Elton's new sitcom and the slow, agonising death of the panel show. What long-running show should be put out of its misery? Leave your comments below... Hugh Muir Matt Hill Maggie Brown Lisa O'Carroll Helen Zaltzman Gill Phillips Dan Sabbagh Roy Greenslade Nosheen Iqbal
More! magazine is to close after twenty-five years and a not-unhealthy circulation of over 90,000. John Plunkett is joined by former Heat editor Sam Delaney and Broadcast editor Lisa Campbell to discuss this and the other media stories of the week. As five big newspaper groups announce an alternative charter for press regulation, Lisa O'Carroll drops in to explain how it differs from the government's own proposal and why. BBC director general Lord Hall joins chairman Chris Patten at the DCMS select committee – but were they really on best behaviour? On Radio 4, David Attenborough is to launch a new early morning feature about birdsong – which gives John an excuse to showcase his love of twitching and Barnes Wetlands Centre. In TV, Nosheen Iqbal discusses the end of Broadchurch, the quiet return of 10 O'Clock Live and how Amazon is taking on Netflix with its own new commissions. Plus, we reveal which bus Chris Patten used to get in the morning and which bird makes the sound of a vomiting fairy. What did we miss? Please leave your thoughts on the week's media news below. John Plunkett Matt Hill Nosheen Iqbal Lisa O'Carroll Sam Delaney
John Plunkett is joined by former director of the press complaints commission Stig Abell and media consultant Paul Robinson to discuss all that's fit to print and broadcast. This week, the BBC revealed the findings of a report into bullying and harassment – but can a culture of whistleblowing be developed at the corporation? Commons culture select committee chairman John Whittingdale suggested that ITV's public service remit could be scrapped, after its coverage of Margaret Thatcher's funeral was found left wanting. Maggie Brown fills us in with the details. Media Talk royalty Emily Bell returns to the programme, bringing the latest developments from the US – including a health check on the New York Times and the unabated rise of Netflix. Rebecca Nicholson champions the new series of Community and there's a lukewarm review for BBC2's The Politician's Husband. John Plunkett Matt Hill Emily Bell Paul Robinson Stig Abell Maggie Brown Rebecca Nicholson
It's an awards special on this week's Media Talk as we look ahead to the Bafta TV and Sony Radio Academy Awards and ask - whatever happened to the podcast programme award? Plus, we ask what the score will be when BT takes on Sky in the live Premier League football face-off and find out why the BBC's "tapeless" future is not necessarily a trouble-free one. We talk all things tech with Jemima Kiss and ask Rebecca Nicholson whether, nine series into The Apprentice, Lord Sugar's business show is running out of steam. All this in the company of Heat TV editor Boyd Hilton, Olly Mann of Answer Me This plus Sony Radio Academy Awards chairman John Myers down the (ISDN) line. John Plunkett Matt Hill Boyd Hilton
John Plunkett is joined by Folder Media's Matt Deegan and Broadcast magazine's Lisa Campbell to sift through Channel 4's annual report: we all knew they'd be out of pocket, but has the investment paid off in the medium- to long term? Mike Smith – yes the Mike Smith – joins us to unpick this year's Sony awards, there's more good and bad news at Newsnight and John finds out why John Humphrys paid tribute to George Entwistle. As if that wasn't enough, Emily Bell joins us from New York to give us the latest on the White House's snooping agenda and we talk Eurovision with TV's Rebecca Nicholson. John Plunkett Matt Hill Emily Bell Rebecca Nicholson
On this week's programme, John Plunkett and Roy Greenslade discuss the graphic front pages of the national press in the aftermath of the Woolwich killings – were they justified in printing the photo? Did ITV handle their exclusive footage in the right way? Also in the podcast, Helen Zaltzman and Paul Robinson discuss the Competition Commission's disastrous ruling for Global Radio –- should heads roll? Former – and founder – editor of Loaded magazine James Brown discusses how the Sabotage Times is run (more also available in this video). And on the small screen, Rebecca Nicholson reviews Love & Death in City Hall, Channel 4's Skint and a particularly bizarre episode of Mad Men. • Comments have been removed for legal reasons John Plunkett Matt Hill Helen Zaltzman Paul Robinson Roy Greenslade Rebecca Nicholson
John Plunkett is joined by former PCC director and partner at Pagefield Communications Stig Abell and Media Talk regular Maggie Brown. Together they discuss Rupert Murdoch's plans for News Corp after the business splits into two parts from 30 June. In other news, more than 80 readers complain to the PCC about national press coverage of the Woolwich killing and Netflix is diagnosed with Arrested Development after the show's return meets mixed reviews. Plus Rebecca Nicholson talks funny histories on with TV reviews of Psychobitches, Up the Women and the return of CBBC's Horrible Histories. John Plunkett Matt Hill Maggie Brown Stig Abell Rebecca Nicholson
John Plunkett is joined this week by Media Guardian acting editor Jason Deans and Broadcast editor Lisa Campbell. Together they dissect the week's media stories, checking their privileges as they go. Single documentaries strand Modern Times is coming back, thanks to BBC2 controller Janice Hadlow – but will the budgets and quality match up to the original? In other news. Channel 4 releases a new second-screen app, there's more fallout at the BBC from the Digital Media Initiative fiasco and Jemima Kiss has a reality check for culture secretary Maria Miller, over plans to curb the sharing of illicit content on the web. Plus Rebecca Nicholson recovers from this week's Games of Thrones to review ITV1's Love and Marriage and new import The Americans. John Plunkett Matt Hill Jason Deans Jemima Kiss Rebecca Nicholson
John Plunkett is joined this week by Media Guardian acting editor Jason Deans and Broadcast editor Lisa Campbell. Together they dissect the week's media stories, checking their privileges as they go. Single documentaries strand Modern Times is coming back, thanks to BBC2 controller Janice Hadlow – but will the budgets and quality match up to the original? In other news. Channel 4 releases a new second-screen app, there's more fallout at the BBC from the Digital Media Initiative fiasco and Jemima Kiss has a reality check for culture secretary Maria Miller, over plans to curb the sharing of illicit content on the web. Plus Rebecca Nicholson recovers from this week's Games of Thrones to review ITV1's Love and Marriage and new import The Americans. John PlunkettMatt HillJason DeansJemima KissRebecca Nicholson
John Plunkett is joined by former PCC director and partner at Pagefield Communications Stig Abell and Media Talk regular Maggie Brown. Together they discuss Rupert Murdoch's plans for News Corp after the business splits into two parts from 30 June. In other news, more than 80 readers complain to the PCC about national press coverage of the Woolwich killing and Netflix is diagnosed with Arrested Development after the show's return meets mixed reviews. Plus Rebecca Nicholson talks funny histories on with TV reviews of Psychobitches, Up the Women and the return of CBBC's Horrible Histories. John PlunkettMatt HillMaggie BrownStig AbellRebecca Nicholson
On this week's programme, John Plunkett and Roy Greenslade discuss the graphic front pages of the national press in the aftermath of the Woolwich killings – were they justified in printing the photo? Did ITV handle their exclusive footage in the right way? Also in the podcast, Helen Zaltzman and Paul Robinson discuss the Competition Commission's disastrous ruling for Global Radio –- should heads roll? Former – and founder – editor of Loaded magazine James Brown discusses how the Sabotage Times is run (more also available in this video). And on the small screen, Rebecca Nicholson reviews Love & Death in City Hall, Channel 4's Skint and a particularly bizarre episode of Mad Men.• Comments have been removed for legal reasons John PlunkettMatt HillHelen ZaltzmanPaul RobinsonRoy GreensladeRebecca Nicholson
John Plunkett is joined by Folder Media's Matt Deegan and Broadcast magazine's Lisa Campbell to sift through Channel 4's annual report: we all knew they'd be out of pocket, but has the investment paid off in the medium- to long term? Mike Smith – yes the Mike Smith – joins us to unpick this year's Sony awards, there's more good and bad news at Newsnight and John finds out why John Humphrys paid tribute to George Entwistle. As if that wasn't enough, Emily Bell joins us from New York to give us the latest on the White House's snooping agenda and we talk Eurovision with TV's Rebecca Nicholson. John PlunkettMatt HillEmily BellRebecca Nicholson
It's an awards special on this week's Media Talk as we look ahead to the Bafta TV and Sony Radio Academy Awards and ask - whatever happened to the podcast programme award? Plus, we ask what the score will be when BT takes on Sky in the live Premier League football face-off and find out why the BBC's "tapeless" future is not necessarily a trouble-free one. We talk all things tech with Jemima Kiss and ask Rebecca Nicholson whether, nine series into The Apprentice, Lord Sugar's business show is running out of steam. All this in the company of Heat TV editor Boyd Hilton, Olly Mann of Answer Me This plus Sony Radio Academy Awards chairman John Myers down the (ISDN) line. John PlunkettMatt HillBoyd Hilton
John Plunkett is joined by former director of the press complaints commission Stig Abell and media consultant Paul Robinson to discuss all that's fit to print and broadcast. This week, the BBC revealed the findings of a report into bullying and harassment – but can a culture of whistleblowing be developed at the corporation? Commons culture select committee chairman John Whittingdale suggested that ITV's public service remit could be scrapped, after its coverage of Margaret Thatcher's funeral was found left wanting. Maggie Brown fills us in with the details. Media Talk royalty Emily Bell returns to the programme, bringing the latest developments from the US – including a health check on the New York Times and the unabated rise of Netflix. Rebecca Nicholson champions the new series of Community and there's a lukewarm review for BBC2's The Politician's Husband. John PlunkettMatt HillEmily BellPaul RobinsonStig AbellMaggie BrownRebecca Nicholson
More! magazine is to close after twenty-five years and a not-unhealthy circulation of over 90,000. John Plunkett is joined by former Heat editor Sam Delaney and Broadcast editor Lisa Campbell to discuss this and the other media stories of the week. As five big newspaper groups announce an alternative charter for press regulation, Lisa O'Carroll drops in to explain how it differs from the government's own proposal and why. BBC director general Lord Hall joins chairman Chris Patten at the DCMS select committee – but were they really on best behaviour? On Radio 4, David Attenborough is to launch a new early morning feature about birdsong – which gives John an excuse to showcase his love of twitching and Barnes Wetlands Centre. In TV, Nosheen Iqbal discusses the end of Broadchurch, the quiet return of 10 O'Clock Live and how Amazon is taking on Netflix with its own new commissions. Plus, we reveal which bus Chris Patten used to get in the morning and which bird makes the sound of a vomiting fairy. What did we miss? Please leave your thoughts on the week's media news below. John PlunkettMatt HillNosheen IqbalLisa O'CarrollSam Delaney
Hugh Muir delivers the week's media stories direct to your ears, with guests Maggie Brown and Lisa O'Carroll. James Harding becomes the top news man at the BBC. What can we expect from the former editor of Rupert Murdoch's Times now he has switched camps? Then we tackle John Sweeney and the controversial Panorama episode on North Korea. There have been some tough calls for the new director general – did Tony Hall get them right? Roy Greenslade isn't sure. And in the US, as the public radio stations this week end their annual pledge drives, Helen Zaltzman speaks to the producer behind one of the most successful radio whiprounds of all time. Plus Nosheen Iqbal drops in to discuss Ben Elton's new sitcom and the slow, agonising death of the panel show. What long-running show should be put out of its misery? Leave your comments below... Hugh MuirMatt HillMaggie BrownLisa O'CarrollHelen ZaltzmanGill PhillipsDan SabbaghRoy GreensladeNosheen Iqbal