The News Meeting - podcast cover

The News Meeting

The Observerobserver.co.uk

Every Monday and Friday three journalists battle it out to try and convince the editor that their pitch should lead the news. 


Discover what goes on behind the scenes in a newsroom. Why do some stories dominate, while others fail to make the cut?


Tell us if you agree with the final running order - email [email protected] 


Book your place at a news meeting live in our newsroom - https://www.tortoisemedia.com/our-events 


Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore


Producer: Casey Magloire


To find out more about The Observer:

Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk 

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If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact [email protected]

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Episodes

Trendy: Going places: is social mobility alive and well?

The number of university graduates has never been higher, but what does that mean for social mobility? Has it stalled and if so, what does that reveal about inequality? Email: [email protected] Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf Executive producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to a...

Feb 08, 202438 minEp. 151

Sensemaker: Lewis Hamilton's new era

Lewis Hamilton is the most successful Formula 1 driver in history. At the age of 39, he has decided to make the biggest move of his career, to Ferrari. To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us...

Feb 08, 20246 minEp. 150

Sensemaker: Imran Khan imprisoned

Once a world famous cricket captain and playboy, Imran Khan became Pakistan’s prime minister in 2018. Now, ahead of the county’s election on Thursday, he’s been imprisoned for 14 years. Why? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touc...

Feb 07, 20248 minEp. 149

Sensemaker: Kemi and the evil plotters

With Tory MPs casting around for solutions to their anticipated election defeat, cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch’s name keeps coming up as a potential leader. Just a few days ago she was denying any involvement in a plot to oust Rishi Sunak, it emerged she was in a WhatsApp group called the Evil Plotters. So what is the business secretary planning? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Pod...

Feb 06, 20246 minEp. 148

News Meeting: Strikes against the Houthis and the rising demand for ADHD medication

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. The Tortoise team is joined by Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. They discuss the new wave of strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, the Clapham chemical attack and the number of wealthy adults being prescribed ADHD medication. Email: [email protected] Guests: Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House Chloe Hadjimatheou, na...

Feb 05, 202437 minEp. 147

Sensemaker: A weightloss journey that ended in tragedy

A young woman died on the flight home after having weight loss surgery in Turkey. She’s one of at least 25 British people to die in similar circumstances since 2019. What’s going on? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us dir...

Feb 05, 20248 minEp. 146

News Meeting: What does David Miliband think should lead the news?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s editor-in-chief James Harding. David Miliband, the former UK foreign secretary and president of the IRC, discusses another death in the Channel, EU aid for Ukraine, Northern Ireland and Elon Musk’s pay. James also asks him about US concerns about Israel’s war in Gaza and the role of diplomacy. Email: [email protected] Guests: David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Comm...

Feb 02, 202452 minEp. 145

Sensemaker: The Taylor Swift deepfake scandal

When sexually explicit AI-generated images of Taylor Swift went viral on social media her loyal fans tried to drown them out with other content about the pop star, but it didn’t stop the fakes spreading like wildfire. To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If y...

Feb 02, 20247 minEp. 144

Trendy: The paradox of populism

Across Europe the radical right is making progress and winning elections. To understand why, Rachel and John speak to Professor Sara Hobolt from the London School of Economics. Email: [email protected] Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf Producer: Lewis Vickers Executive producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Bec...

Feb 01, 202436 minEp. 143

Sensemaker: The Austrian extremist stirring up controversy in Germany

There have been mass protests against Germany’s far-right AfD party after senior figures attended a meeting where Martin Sellner allegedly presented a proposal for mass deportations. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

Feb 01, 20248 minEp. 142

News Meeting: Why big events ultimately come down to chance

In this bonus episode the Tortoise team are joined by Dr Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London and author of ‘Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters’. They discuss a joke at Donald Trump’s expense, the mood swings of politicians and why a thin layer of cloud saved one Japanese city from an atomic bomb.  The producer was Rebecca Moore. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated b...

Jan 31, 202429 minEp. 141

Sensemaker: Be the best: Britain’s shortage of soldiers

Why the head of the British Army raised the prospect of conscription and what he was trying to say about the state of our military. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 31, 20248 minEp. 140

Sensemaker: A new test for Alzheimer's

A recent study found measuring levels of protein through blood tests could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease early. What could that mean for how we treat the disease? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Jan 30, 20245 minEp. 139

News Meeting: The death penalty and does Iran want a war with the United States?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whittell. In this episode the team discuss the US troops killed in a drone strike, the first ever execution by nitrogen inhalation and Donald Trump’s defamation trial. Email: [email protected] Guests: Dr Brian Klaas, Associate Professor in Global Politics at University College London and author of 'Fluke: Chance, Chaos and Why Everything We Do Matters' Cat Neilan, politic...

Jan 29, 202437 minEp. 138

Sensemaker: How Trump saw off his rivals

After his victory in New Hampshire last week, it looks almost certain that Donald Trump will win the race to become the Republican party’s presidential candidate. How did he secure such a convincing lead? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more Hosted on...

Jan 29, 20248 minEp. 137

News Meeting: Trump wins again and why the British military is in such a state

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whitell. In this episode the team are joined by journalist Jane Martinson and an audience in the Tortoise newsroom. It was recorded on Wednesday 24th January. Email: [email protected] Guests: Jane Martinson, journalist, academic and author of ‘ You May Never See Us Again’ Stephen Armstrong, reporter at Tortoise Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise Host: Giles Whittell, dep...

Jan 26, 202436 minEp. 136

Sensemaker: Britain’s measles outbreak

The UK has declared a national incident in response to one of the worst measles outbreaks since the 1990s. Why are cases rising? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories...

Jan 26, 20248 minEp. 135

Trendy: Britain’s baby bust

Across the western world birth rates are declining. Why aren’t we having as many children as we used to? Is there still a link between marriage and having children? And what can policy makers be doing about the falling birth rate?    Email: [email protected] Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf Producer: Rebecca Moore Executive producer: Jasper Corbett To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe...

Jan 25, 202441 minEp. 135

Sensemaker: Why UK universities face testing times

The University of York has lowered the bar for some international students. What does it tell us about the state of higher education in the UK? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us...

Jan 25, 20248 minEp. 134

Sensemaker: Fujitsu and the Post Office scandal

The Japanese technology giant has apologised for its role in one of Britain’s most widespread miscarriages of justice. How much damage could it do to the company? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about ...

Jan 24, 20246 minEp. 133

Sensemaker: Hizb’ut-Tahrir banned in the UK

After almost 20 years of trying the British government has finally succeeded in banning the Islamist group Hizb’ut-Tahrir. But will the ban stick and is it really enforceable? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us di...

Jan 23, 20247 minEp. 132

News Meeting: Tata Steel job losses and why are measles cases rising?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise’s deputy editor Giles Whitell. In this episode the team discuss the news that Tata steel has decided to shut its Port Talbot blast furnaces with the loss of 2,800 jobs, Britain’s measles outbreak and a judge’s ruling against a manager who wanted to work from home. Email: [email protected] Guests: Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill and author of ‘The Inequality of Wealth’ Cat Neila...

Jan 22, 202434 minEp. 131

Sensemaker: Ecuador’s state of war

It used to be one of the most peaceful countries in Latin America. Now its president says it’s in a “state of war” against drug gangs. How did Ecuador descend into violence? Listen to episode of The News Meeting to hear more about what's happening in Ecuador: pod.fo/e/212c58 To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get...

Jan 22, 20247 minEp. 130

News Meeting: How important will immigration be at the next election?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to Tortoise editor Ceri Thomas. In this episode the team discuss the Conservative infighting over the Rwanda bill, Pakistan’s missile strike on Iran and Fujitsu’s apology for the Horizon Post Office computer system. Email: [email protected] Guests: Katy Balls, political editor at The Spectator Jess Winch, news editor at Tortoise Jeevan Vasagar, climate editor at Tortoise Host: Ceri Thomas, editor at Torto...

Jan 19, 202433 minEp. 129

Sensemaker: Iceland feels the heat

Molten lava from a fissure in the ground flowed into an Icelandic town on Sunday, setting several houses on fire. Is the country facing a new period of volcanic activity? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app  - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+  on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member  and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with ...

Jan 19, 20246 minEp. 128

Trendy: The welfare state we're in

A quarter of all government spending goes on welfare, including pensions, housing and incapacity benefit. What challenges does the next government face when it comes to welfare? Email: [email protected] Guest: Robert De Vries, senior lecturer in sociology and social policy at the University of Kent Hosts: John Curtice and Rachel Wolf To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts f...

Jan 18, 202443 minEp. 127

Sensemaker: The Bethany Cox abortion case

A 22 year-old woman from Stockton-on-Tees was found not guilty of having an illegal at-home abortion. She is one of six similar cases this year. Why is this happening? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app  - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+  on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member  and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us ...

Jan 18, 20248 minEp. 126

Sensemaker: Who is France’s new prime minister?

Gabriel Attal is the country’s youngest and first gay head of government. What does his appointment tell us about France? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app  - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+  on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member  and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about ...

Jan 17, 20246 minEp. 125

Sensemaker: Bill Ackman and the battle for the future of Harvard

The billionaire investor led a successful campaign against the president of Harvard following her guarded response to accusations of antisemitism on campus. What does he plan to do next? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app  - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+  on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member  and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to ge...

Jan 16, 20247 minEp. 124

News Meeting: Iowa decides, but does it matter?

What should lead the news? Three people pitch the story they think matters most to special guest host Liz Moseley. Leslie Vinjamuri from foreign affairs think tank Chatham House explains the Iowa caucuses as the US presidential race kicks off. The team also discuss 100 days of the Israel-Hamas war and continuing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. What do you think should lead the news? Email your stories to [email protected] . The producer was Imy Harper and the executive producer was Le...

Jan 15, 202433 minEp. 123
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