Why the US treasury secretary thinks the FT has become ‘tabloid trash’

Why the US treasury secretary thinks the FT has become ‘tabloid trash’

From Media Confidential by Prospect Magazine

April 2, 2026 · 27 min · Season 3 · Episode 57

About this episode

Alan and Lionel discuss media criticism involving the Financial Times and the Observer, along with the selection process for Ofcom and the BBC's recent actions.

Alan and Lionel discuss the Observer after investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr, the paper’s former features writer, suggests that some of its new funders may not be who they seem. And as Scott Bessent, US secretary to the Treasury, takes aim at the Financial Times —claiming that a story about him was “manufactured”—former FT editor Lionel gives a considered reply. The editors also examine the selection process for the new head of Ofcom. What’s taking so long? And they discuss the BBC’s sacking of Scott Mills, following new information about abuse allegations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Alan, Lionel

Topics covered

  • US Treasury
  • Financial Times
  • media criticism
  • Ofcom
  • BBC
  • investigative journalism

Keywords

  • US Treasury
  • Financial Times
  • Carole Cadwalladr
  • Scott Bessent
  • Ofcom
  • BBC
  • Scott Mills

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Financial Times, Observer, Ofcom, BBC

More episodes of Media Confidential

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Media Confidential podcast page.