The Media Show

Former Culture Secretary Dame Tessa Jowell, along with current Culture Secretary John Whittingdale, discuss the implications of the government's White Paper on the BBC's future. Topics include government involvement in editorial independence, governance changes, regulatory effects on autonomy, and the creation of a contestable fund using license payers' money.

Lord Patten warns of government threats to BBC independence, Robert Peston's politics show debut, BBC's struggle with diversity targets. Featuring discussions on political influences on the BBC and challenges in achieving diversity within the organization.

Former crime reporter Bob Westerdale discusses his coverage of the Hillsborough tragedy, highlighting the misconceptions and unfolding of the 'truth'. Veteran journalist Martyn Lewis advocates for 'constructive' journalism to combat negativity in news. Concerns arise over the BBC Chinese Service moving to Hong Kong, questioning its impact on integrity and journalist safety.

Former editor of BBC News and Channel 4 News editor discuss the decline of TV news, celebrity injunction cases, and local TV stations' challenges. They explore the impact on audiences, legal battles, and strategies for news delivery amidst digital advancements.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale is facing calls to withdraw from involvement in regulation of the press following the disclosure that he had a relationship with a prostitute. Four newspapers knew he'd had a relationship with a woman who he later found out was a sex worker, but they didn't publish the story. Steve Hewlett talks to one of the journalists who had been investigating the claims - former political correspondent of the Independent James Cusick, and asks him his views about why he thinks the story didn't run. MPs from across political parties will debate diversity at the BBC in the House of Commons tomorrow. The MP David Lammy is leading the debate - he claims the BBC is falling short when it comes to maintaining its commitment to represent the UK and its nations and regions. Broadcasters have long acknowledged that diversity is a problem, both on and off screen. Steve Hewlett talks to Seetha Kumar, the CEO of Creative Skillset, which works with broadcasters to promote diversity. Formally a BBC Executive, she talks to him about the challenge of attracting BAME employees, and the problem in retaining them. TV dramas form an important part of how channels like ITV and BBC retain and grow audiences. Following the move of BBC controller of drama Polly Hill to ITV, we explore the long standing rivalry between the BBC and ITV; from "Howards Way" and "The Jewel in the Crown" to "Call the Midwife" and "Downton Abbey". Joining Steve Hewlett to discuss the ebbs and flows of TV drama since the 1980s are former BBC1 controller Jonathan Powell, and creator of "Holby City" Mal Young.Producer: Katy Takatsuki.

Rona Fairhead discusses concerns about the BBC Trust model and government interference. Tips for interviewing will.i.am spark debate on celebrity PR control. The clash between press freedom and privacy in court rulings raises concerns about shielding celebrities' actions from media coverage.

Media analyst Mathew Horsman discusses Netflix's UK dominance and global ambitions. Channel 5's rebrand aims for a younger audience. Debate on print media's future with success stories like The i and challenges faced by traditional newspapers.

Twitter is ten years old and has had an "utterly transformative" impact on journalism. That's according to Emily Bell, Director of the Tow Centre for Digital Journalism at the Columbia Journalism School. She says it has been the most important journalistic tool since the phone. We'll hear from her and from radio and TV presenter Richard Bacon, one of the UK's pioneers in using Twitter. He has 1.5 million followers and has experienced both the bright and very dark sides of Twitter.We'll also ask if we - all of us - are too quick to share pictures and video on Twitter and other social media in the aftermath of terror attacks, like those in Brussels yesterday? We'll be hearing from Hend Amry who began #ISISMediaBlackout on Twitter to discourage users from sharing ISIS propaganda online. She feels that sharing footage of attacks inadvertently serves the purpose of terror groups who hope to spread panic.Also - the editor of the Mail on Sunday, Geordie Greig, will reveal what he thinks helped his newspaper to win Newspaper of Year at last night's Society of Editors Press Awards.And the Chief Executive Officer of Johnston Press, Ashley Highfield, will discuss his plans for the i newspaper, which the Johnston Press is in the process of buying. How will the i thrive without the content previously supplied by the Independent newspaper? And with so many local newspapers in the Johnston Press empire now labelled "non-core" or "sub-core", will their future be blighted by cuts, strikes and closures? All questions for Ashley Highfield.

Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Maria Eagle, discusses safeguarding BBC independence amidst BBC Charter Renewal. Sir Joseph Pilling tackles criticisms of IPSO as its independent reviewer. Discussion on Investigatory Powers Bill's impact on press freedom and journalists' safety.

Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC TV Channels and iPlayer, discusses the future vision for BBC TV. Topics include the Turkish press crackdown, BBC TV distinctiveness, and the balance between BBC independence and government influence. Insightful perspectives from various key figures in media and broadcasting.