The Media Show

US entertainment group ABC has brought such classics as Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy to TV. As president since 2010, Paul Lee is responsible for all development, programming and scheduling. He joins Steve to discuss the enduring popularity of Modern Family, the importance of diversity in the commissioning process, and how research into the Great Depression, of all things, has influenced recent dramas on ABC.BBC2's natural history offering this Christmas, The Snow Wolf Family and Me, is promising an intimate portrait of Arctic wolves. The presenter wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan explains how with a small crew he got up close and personal with a pack of wild wolves in the Arctic. With them, Caroline Hawkins, filmmaker and creative director at Oxford Scientific Films. They discuss whether Gordon's back to basics, hands-on approach is a turning point in a genre that has become increasingly reliant on high-tech gadgetry.John Lewis' Monty the Penguin Christmas advert has made the humble penguin the surprise media sensation of the year. The two-minute tale of a boy and his imaginary feathered friend has driven up sales of penguin toys and all-important John Lewis brand awareness. Ewen Brown, the producer of Monty the Penguin explains what is involved in making an ad with viral potential and why the penguin stole the public's hearts.The journalist, diplomat and Labour MP John Freeman has died at the age of 99. He was perhaps best known for his interviews with public figures like Martin Luther King and Tony Hancock for BBC television series Face to Face. He was renowned for his persistence and direct approach as an interviewer. Former political editor and correspondent John Sergeant talks about his style and legacy.Producer: Katy Takatsuki. Editor: Karen Dalziel.

Analyst Claire Enders discusses BT's bid for EE and its impact on consumer choice and Premier League rights. OFCOM's concerns about Channel 4's audience decline are explored. The launch of 4 new London papers by Sir Ray Tindle is examined. The changing relationship between PR and journalism is debated, highlighting the power dynamics in the digital age.

BBC plans to transition BBC Three into an online service to save money and focus on long-form content. Press Recognition Panel assesses press regulation while IPSO opts out. Alan Rusbridger steps down as editor-in-chief of The Guardian, sparking discussions on editorial transitions in journalism.

Retired teacher Christopher Jefferies shares his experience of wrongful accusation and media defamation. The Times and Sunday Times return to profit thanks to a subscription model. The debate on toning down tabloid front page content to protect children is discussed.

Editor of The Sun and trainee discuss controversial stories, including one about a snob remark. New Scottish newspaper's success and challenges of local TV in Birmingham. Kenyan journalist's impactful work on child soldiers and challenges faced in reporting sensitive topics in Kenya.

Conservative MP proposes scrapping BBC licence fee, shifting to subscriptions. Ofcom's Ed Richards discusses regulator's role and media landscape. Teen blogger wins award for blog on OCD, connecting with others. Trinity Mirror closes regional newspapers in digital transformation.

BBC One Controller, Charlotte Moore, discusses taking risks in programming and engaging audiences. Observer critic talks about the success of 'Serial' podcast in storytelling. Retiring sports journalist, Patrick Collins, reflects on the changing nature of sports journalism.

Former Radio 1 Managing Editor Paul Robinson discusses BBC R1's new TV channel on iPlayer targeting younger viewers. Al Jazeera English's Managing Director talks about the importance of eyewitness reporting in news strategy. Blendle's founder explains how their platform allows readers to buy newspaper articles individually. The competitive landscape between BT Sport and Sky Sports is examined, including CEO Gavin Patterson's claims of customer bribery.

Guardian Media Group CEO discusses the company's 'open' digital strategy. Filmmakers explore the ethical issues of recording inside Broadmoor. Facebook and Twitter's financial results are analyzed. Russia Today faces criticism over UK TV channel launch.

Two of the founding members of the BBC Trust leave their position this week. David Liddiment and Alison Hastings have seen the governing body through some tough times over the last few years, dealing with upsets like Savile, executive pay and the collapse of the Digital Media Initiative. Steve Hewlett talks to them about the challenges, dilemmas, and their views on the future of what some have described as a discredited arm of the organisation.The House of Lords heard evidence this week about the representation of women in news and current affairs broadcasting both on and off screen. A number of recent studies have indicated concern about of women in terms of employment, casting and participation. Steve Hewlett hears from two experts who gave evidence to the Inquiry - Suzanne Franks, Professor of Journalism at City University London and author of 'Women and Journalism' and Jane Martinson, Head of Media at the Guardian. Steve also hears from Dorothy Byrne, Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel 4.The Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso) says it's considering whether to continue with a full investigation into the Sunday Mirror for the sex sting carried out against MP Brooks Newmark, despite the complaint against the newspaper being dropped. It would be the first time that a press regulator has continued to investigate a complaint in the absence of a complainant, and could be a significant precedent. Steve talks to Jane Martinson, Head of Media at the Guardian, who has been following the story.Producer: Katy Takatsuki.