The Media Show

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

This is the programme about a revolution in media.

Social media, anti-social media, breaking news, faking news: this is the programme about a revolution in media.

BBC Radio 4 FM

The Media Show: It's... another true crime show!

03/08/2022

It's... another true crime show!

BBC Radio 4 - The Media Show, It's... another true crime show!

How the public appetite for true crime has created an unending production boom

How the public appetite for true crime has led to one of the biggest production booms in years

Crime and true crime has always been big business in films and books. But when Serial exploded onto the scene almost eight years ago it launched a whole new genre; the true crime podcast. Now with the major broadcasters and streaming services involved, it seems like we just can’t get enough of solved and unsolved crimes. 

And it’s not just criminal cases - this week we’ve seen the insatiable interest surrounding the Wagatha Christie verdict, the TV rights are already sold.

TV cameras are also now allowed into criminal courts for sentencing right across the UK. 

So today we take a look at how the public appetite for true crime has led to one of the biggest production booms in years, and ask where it might lead.  

Mark Williams-Thomas is an investigative reporter, former detective and new global head of investigations for the regional publisher Newsquest.   
Suruthi Bala is co-host of the Redhanded podcast which tells the stories of an incredible range of criminal cases and unusual mysteries from around the world.  
Will Hanrahan is co-founder of First Look TV, a production company that specializes in True Crime.   
Persephone Bridgman Baker is a partner with the legal firm Carter-Ruck. 
Abi Clarke is the host of the 'It's... Wagatha Christie' podcast and also a huge True Crime fan.

Presenter: Datshiane Navanayagam
Producer: Helen Fitzhenry

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Media Show

It's... another true crime show!

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4