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The Media Show

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The Media Show: Alan Rusbridger, Leveson laws, PinkNews, ITV buys UTV

Alan Rusbridger, Leveson laws, PinkNews, ITV buys UTV

21/10/2015

BBC Radio 4 - The Media Show, Alan Rusbridger, Leveson laws, PinkNews, ITV buys UTV

Alan Rusbridger talks about why Fleet Street's confidence is 'wearing thin'.

Topical programme about the media world, including Alan Rusbridger on why Fleet Street's confidence is 'wearing thin', plus Leveson laws, PinkNews and ITV's purchase of UTV.

Fleet Street's confidence has "worn thin", says the former editor of the Guardian, Alan Rusbridger. In a wide ranging speech at the Society of Editors' annual conference, he also took a swipe at the rest of the UK media by criticising their lack of interest in the Snowden revelations and the subsequent debate about the issue of surveillance. Steve Hewlett talks to him about his legacy and asks where next for the Guardian?

The culture secretary John Whittingdale says he is not convinced the time is right to introduce laws forcing publishers to pay both sides' legal costs in libel and privacy cases, even if they win. Most of the industry has argued that the measures undermine press freedom. However, the prospect of Mr Whittingdale abandoning this key element of the Leveson regime drew criticism from campaign group Hacked Off. Steve speaks to Helen Anthony, author of recent report "Leveson's Illiberal Legacy" and Evan Harris of Hacked Off.

The portrayal of LGBT issues in the media still needs improving, according to the Chief Executive of the online site PinkNews which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. Steve hears from Ben Cohen, Chief Executive, about how media outlets are covering LGBT issues today, and whether there is still a need for specialist sites like his now.

ITV has bought the Northern Ireland broadcaster UTV for a reported £100 million. UTV's television division, which operates in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland accounted for 36 per cent of its revenue last year, according to Thomson Reuters data. The deal will put 13 of 15 channel 3 licences in the hands of ITV. Media analyst Alex DeGroote explains how media, money and politics have converged to influence the sale.

Producer: Katy Takatsuki.

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