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Jon Ronson On

Factual: Life Stories

Jon Ronson and guests examine a series of diverse stories and subjects

Jon Ronson examines a series of diverse stories and subjects with the help of contributors from the worlds of comedy, journalism, entertainment and culture

Jon Ronson On: Series 7

Jon Ronson On: Series 7: Episode 4: Undeserved Rewards

Episode 4

Episode 4: Undeserved Rewards

Series 7

Undeserved Rewards

BBC Radio 4 - Jon Ronson On, Series 7, Undeserved Rewards

Jon Ronson investigates why the least deserving people often get the richest rewards.

Jon Ronson meets comedian Bob Mortimer and others who have had experience of winning accolades undeservingly. From April 2013.

We like to think we live in a fair world - but writer and documentary-maker Jon Ronson investigates the way in which the least deserving often win the greatest rewards.

Writer Helen Keen opens the programme, describing how she won an award for comedy she wrote about working class life in a gritty northern town - but, when she met the judges, she sensed that her 'poshness' disappointed them and made her less deserving of the award. 

Jon meets comedian Bob Mortimer who admits that, when he was a criminal barrister in Peckham, he couldn't resist asking his clients if they were guilty. Astonishingly, he says, all fifteen hundred admitted their guilt. Nevertheless, he fought their cases in court and a huge proportion of them walked free. He was rewarded for his success but it cost him dear on other more profound levels.

South Hampstead Synagogue sounds like an unlikely site for misplaced rewards. Jon travels there to meet a charismatic young rabbi who had a novel idea to increase youth attendance. Kids won raffle tickets for turning up and joining in. The competition ran over a year, culminating in a grand draw. The prizes were massive. Emotions were running high. But things went drastically wrong, leaving the children asking "how could God let this happen?".

Finally, Jon talks to ex-New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, who added fictitious flourishes to his news stories. He embellished details, put words in people's mouths and created poignant touches about his interviewees' lives. He knew it was wrong but his lies started earning him huge respect from his bosses and readers - until the whole façade dramatically unravelled.


Producer: Lucy Greenwell
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Episode 4: Undeserved Rewards

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