
Ofcom’s Michael Grade doesn't understand impartiality
From Media Confidential by Prospect Magazine
June 4, 2026 · 36 min · Season 3 · Episode 73
About this episode
The episode discusses Michael Grade's views on impartiality in broadcasting and the implications of his tenure at Ofcom.
Should a politician be allowed to present the BBC’s Today Programme? Former Ofcom chair Michael Grade thinks so. This week on Media Confidential , Alan and Lionel pick apart Grade’s recent interview, where he claimed that mainstream broadcasters are afraid of GB News. They discuss the logic behind the rules of impartiality—and what Grade’s opinions reveal about Ofcom’s controversial decisions under his tenure. Plus, they invite him to respond on Media Confidential . Alan and Lionel disagree on coverage around the killing of Henry Novak, the young stab victim who was handcuffed by police in Southampton. Plus, after a veteran 60 Minutes presenter was fired in a spectacular fashion, the hosts discuss the explosive situation at CBS and its relationship with the BBC. And one listener asks: why do all media organisations seem to have the same stories? Get in touch with your questions at mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Hosts: Alan, Lionel
Topics covered
- impartiality
- media coverage
- broadcasting
- politics
- Ofcom
- BBC
- GB News
Keywords
- impartiality
- Michael Grade
- Ofcom
- BBC
- GB News
- media coverage
- CBS
- 60 Minutes
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Ofcom, BBC, GB News, CBS, 60 Minutes
More episodes of Media Confidential
- Henry Nowak and how the media fuels racism · June 11, 2026 · 35 min
- Joshi Herrmann ‘If we're going to devolve more power to places like Greater Manchester we’re going to need to bulk up the quality of the local media.’ · June 8, 2026 · 38 min
- Why are Britain’s politicians so weak on freedom of speech? · June 1, 2026 · 44 min
- Peter Geoghegan on getting SLAPP’d: ‘It had a huge chilling effect’ · May 28, 2026 · 41 min
- Hiring on the cheap: Are news organisations exploiting young journalists? · May 21, 2026 · 28 min
- Investigative journalist Gabriel Pogrund: ‘Go after big targets because they deserve to be pursued, not because you want to take them down’ · May 18, 2026 · 40 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Media Confidential podcast page.