Nancy Guthrie, TikTok sleuths, and Starmer's cringeposting era

About this episode

The episode discusses the unsolved disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and the role of TikTok sleuths in the investigation, alongside a critique of political figures on social media.

Almost six weeks since the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie (the 84-year-old mother of Today show host, Savannah Guthrie) the case which has shocked America remains unsolved. It's also led to a host of online amateur sleuths broadcasting their own investigations to a mass audience on TikTok, with many descending on Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona. Marianna has reached out to some of the people posting to discuss their motives, the issue of misinformation and the risk of undermining an active investigation. And, as TikTok montages from the official account of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attract criticism and ridicule, why do established politicians often struggle to thrive on the platform? Matt has been getting the perspective of the strategists behind some of the most successful political campaigns on social media. Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you…

People in this episode

Hosts: Marianna Spring, Matt Shea

Topics covered

• Nancy Guthrie disappearance
• TikTok investigations
• misinformation
• political social media
• Keir Starmer
• online sleuths

Keywords

• Nancy Guthrie
• TikTok
• misinformation
• Keir Starmer
• political campaigns
• social media strategy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC

Places: Tucson, Arizona

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