From politics to the personal, we're about bridging rigid partisan divides and listening with respect to different points of view. Our podcast is hosted by longtime journalist Richard Davies. We challenge authors, experts and provocateurs in a search for positive, practical ideas. Guests include David Blankenhorn, Mónica Guzmán, Dr. Francis Collins, and other leaders and members of Braver Angels. “How Do We Fix It?" - a repair manual for the real world. Produced by DaviesContent. Hosted on A ...
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Brian Wilson Speaks
Brian Wilson, Nationally known Award-Losing Talk Show Host and Author solves the world's problems.
Occasionally, content fails to meet our low standards and for this we are continually amazed - but unlikely to remove. brianwilsonwrites.substack.com
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Roger Bolton, formerly presenter of BBC Radio 4's 'Feedback' launches his very first podcast. Free from the constraints of broadcasting on the BBC, with a few more opinions and casting his net a little bit wider to encompass the whole of the BBC, Roger examines the issues that are facing the corporation and public service broadcasting. Find all our podcasts here And please support this podcast by subscribing here We also support VLV (Voice of the Listener and Viewer) which represents the int ...
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Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Beth Malow & Doug Teschner
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30:11If you’re disturbed or simply turned off by America's rigid political divisions this is the show for you. We discuss creative skills and practices that put a little hope back in your political life Doug Teschner and Beth Malow are co-authors of the forthcoming book "Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in…
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Patrick Spence, exec producer 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' on the crisis facing British drama
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26:09Fresh from his BAFTA award, Patrick Spence, executive producer for Mr. Bates vs The Post Office discusses how the series was commissioned, why it was a success, how it was funded, the decline of certain TV drama genres, the crisis in the industry, the need of government support: levy vs tax breaks, the impact of tariffs, regional production, the st…
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Rozina Breen, CEO, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, on the Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit
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33:54Rozina Breen is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and formerly head of news at BBC Five Live and BBC North. A speaker at the recent Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit, Rozina discusses the event, the growing challenges facing journalism under the Trump administration, the importance of local a…
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Compromisers and Contrarians. Our 10th Anniversary Podcast: Richard and Jim
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43:27Ten years ago this month we launched our first show at a time of new beginnings for podcasts. We were early to this game, and well before podcasting became part of mainstream media. In contrast to other shows about politics and current affairs we ran against the grain, avoiding snarky slogans and angry attacks. How Do We Fix It? focused instead on …
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Jonathan Dimbleby, veteran broadcaster, on unravelling historical myths, democracy's fragility, and long-form interviewing
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36:50Jonathan Dimbleby is a veteran British broadcaster known for his long-form interviews on BBC and ITV, and as host of Radio 4’s Any Questions. In this episode, we discuss his latest book on World War II, the use of a journalistic background in writing history, challenging historical myths, the ‘special relationship’ between the US and Britain, the r…
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An afternoon chat about Radio and stuff with good friend and LA air personality, John "Nolan!" Nolan Get full access to Brian Wilson Writes at brianwilsonwrites.substack.com/subscribeBy Brian Wilson
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Guest Scribbler Don Williams is back to discuss his latest BWW post "Alinskyizing the Judges". Of course, we have to pundit-ificate on the latest white caps frothing the DC Swamp! Get full access to Brian Wilson Writes at brianwilsonwrites.substack.com/subscribeBy Brian Wilson
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Nick Kent on his BBC Two documentary "Simon Schama: The Road to Auschwitz" and public service broadcasting
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32:34Nick Kent is the chief executive and creative director of Oxford Films, which made this week’s BBC Two documentary "Simon Schama: The Road to Auschwitz". We discuss the challenges making an impactful 60 minute documentary which explores the Holocaust's broader historical context, the role of language and visual imagery, ethical considerations in po…
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Braver Angels First 100 Days Debates: "Is Trump Making America Great?" Jessie Mannisto
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24:39We release this show at a moment of high political drama. Economics, financial markets, and America’s relations with the rest of the world are in a state of tumult. So how on earth do we talk with and listen to people on the other side? Should you even try? Jessie Mannisto, Director of Debates at Braver Angels says “yes!” In this episode we learn w…
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James Cridland, editor Podnews and radio futurologist on BBC Annual Plan and monetising BBC audio
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29:20
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29:20James Cridland is the editor of Podnews and a radio futurologist— a writer, consultant, and public speaker on radio’s future. We discuss the BBC’s Annual Plan, its financial challenges, the impending changes to BBC Sounds' international access, the intricate challenges of rights management, potential revenue streams, and the delicate balance betwee…
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Braver Angels: Beginnings and Today’s Challenge. David Blankenhorn
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21:12I don’t do this work in optimism. I do it in hope”, Braver Angels President David Blankenhorn tells our podcast. “If we’re going to have any chance to fix this and save our country, this is what needs to be done.” Soon after the tumultuous 2016 election Braver Angels sprung to life— co-founded by David, Bill Doherty and David Lapp. Two years after …
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Kirsty Lang BBC presenter on changes to BBC Sounds for listeners abroad, the impact of cuts and a call to arms
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31:57Kirsty Lang began her BBC career in 1986 and worked as the Central Europe correspondent for the BBC World Service and as a reporter on Newsnight. After a stint as The Sunday Times’ Paris correspondent, Kirsty went on to present Channel 4 News. Since 2002, she has been a stalwart of Radio 4, presenting Front Row, Last Word, and Round Britain Quiz. W…
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Stewart Purvis, former Ofcom regulator, on the fall out of the landmark decision against Ofcom in favour of GB News and the RTS awards controversy
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26:18Prof Stewart Purvis is the former content regulator at Ofcom, a former Editor of Channel 4 News and ITN Chief Executive. As the Vice President of the Royal Television Society we discuss: the RTS Awards controversy withdrawing an award for Gaza journalists, Stewart’s experience reviewing BBC Middle East coverage and the fallout from the landmark GB …
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Don Williams returns for an unvarnished look at Trump 2.0 and... Get full access to Brian Wilson Writes at brianwilsonwrites.substack.com/subscribeBy Brian Wilson
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Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, The i Paper columnist, on the BBC's Gaza coverage and media bias
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32:35Yasmin Alibhai-Brown describes herself as a "lefty, liberal, anti-racist feminist, Muslim" who was born in Uganda and came to the UK in 1972. She is a journalist, columnist for The i Paper, and commentator. Yasmin is a strong advocate for human rights who supports Israel's right to exist while being critically engaged with its policies. On this wee…
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Richard Ayre, former senior BBC Executive on BBC's Chair Samir Shah and DG Tim Davie parliamentary appearance and the Gaza documentary fallout
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33:44Richard Ayre is the chair of the UK's independent press regulator, Impress. Before that, he spent about thirty-five years at the BBC as a former controller of editorial policy and deputy chief executive of BBC News, before becoming a member of the BBC Trust. Richard is also a former member of the OFCOM content board. In this week's episode, we disc…
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Tony Hall, Former BBC Director-General, on Royal Charter renewal and anti-Semitism allegations
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27:30Tony Hall was the Director-General of the BBC from 2013 to 2020, during which time the BBC's Royal Charter was last renewed. We discuss the differences between that charter renewal process and the current one, as well as the key issues surrounding the upcoming renewal: a long-term vision, a permanent charter, a new funding model, accountability, an…
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Braver Angels. Learning & Listening Across Political Divides: Wilk Wilkinson
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23:46
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23:46What do you think of people who you totally disagree with about politics? Can you listen to their point of view and have a constructive conversation? Do you dismiss the other side as evil or deplorable? In this episode we hear from Wilk Wilkinson, a Christian conservative who voted for Donald Trump. He has working class roots and grew up poor. A de…
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Dan Thomas, FT Global Media Editor on Sky's digital shift, BBC charter renewal debates, and the future challenges facing public service broadcasters
31:10
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31:10Dan Thomas is the Global Media Editor at the Financial Times who broke the story on Sky News’ strategy and newsroom overhaul. We discuss the strategic decisions facing all the major news organisations as they adapt to changing audience behaviours, regulation of social media, the future of all the public service broadcasters, BBC charter renewal, th…
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Why Should I Trust You? Vaccines and Public Health. Brinda Adhikari and Tom Johnson
23:42
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23:42In the five years since the COVID pandemic began, trust in public health institutions and vaccines has plummeted. According to a new opinion poll, just over half of the public now says they trust the Food and Drug Administration to make the right recommendations on health issues at least “a fair amount,” down from nearly two-thirds (65%) in June 20…
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Rob Crilly, Chief US Political Correspondent for The Daily Mail, on Trump's presidency - an insider's view
34:22
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34:22Rob Crilly is the Chief US Political Correspondent for The Daily Mail who has covered Donald Trump since his bid for the presidency in 2015. Part of the White House press corp and regularly travelling with the president, Rob offers unique insights into Trump’s personality, communication style, and the impact Trump has had on American politics and j…
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NFSCD -- Brian Wilson With Don Williams S4 Ep 3
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51:44
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51:44Don Williams Returns Another great Free Range chatfest! Plus, YOU could become a trillionaire with just one of the 2 ideas discussed in this podcast! Don Williams is a conservator, educator, scholar and all-around inquisitive guy, having worked on some of the most interesting objects and historic buildings in our nation's public and private collect…
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Peter Kosminsky, director of 'Wolf Hall' on financial support for British dramas, his career and being sacked by the BBC Plays department
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37:37Peter Kosminsky, the renowned British film and television director who recently directed the much-acclaimed Wolf Hall, discusses his career journey—from being sacked by the BBC Plays department to finally becoming a successful documentary-maker and filmmaker. He describes the creative process behind Wolf Hall, the challenges British filmmakers face…
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Braver Faith: Building Bridges With Respect Not Agreement. Mark Beckwith
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23:10How Do We Fix It? raises questions about solutions to divisive topics of politics and public policy: Decidedly secular matters. In this episode we look at how religious groups and institutions can help bring people together across divides. Braver Faith is our focus. The Right Rev. Mark Beckwith is our guest. Braver Faith is one the newest and most …
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Adjoa Andoh, Royal Shakespeare Company and Bridgerton actor on BBC radio drama cuts
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28:27Adjoa Andoh is one of Britain's most celebrated actors, with an extensive career spanning stage, screen, and radio. She has appeared in iconic TV series like Doctor Who and Netflix’s Bridgerton, as well as making her Hollywood debut in Clint Eastwood's Invictus. In this episode we discuss the importance of radio drama, concerns about the significan…
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David Lloyd local radio expert on the outcome of his complaint on BBC Radio Devon's coverage of the Plymouth riots
29:48
29:48
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29:48David Lloyd is a veteran of the local radio industry, with over 40 years of experience in roles at LBC, Virgin Radio, and the BBC. He also brings regulatory expertise from his time at the UK Radio Authority, now part of Ofcom. Today, he's a broadcaster and co-founder of Boom Radio, a relatively new UK station catering to baby boomers. In this episo…
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NFSCD -- Brian Wilson with Brad Smith S4 Ep2
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22:50Guest scribbler and Military Intel vet, Brad Smith, returns for a free-range chat about Ukraine, UFOs, The Great Cyber Truck Mystery, LA Fires, DEMs, and the Winterscape in Michigan. Brad Smith opines on Facebook from his rural Michigan home and has a background in military intelligence. Brian Wilson is a nationally-known radio and television host,…
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David Elstein, founding Chief Executive of Channel 5, on BBC mutualisation, funding models, PSB content, and tax breaks
36:05
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36:05David Elstein was the head of programming at BskyB, the director of programmes at Thames Television, before launching Channel 5 as its chief executive in 1997. Since then, he has chaired innumerable boards and organisations including the British Screen Advisory Council and Open Democracy. David was part of the last Conservative government's inquiry…
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NFSCD -- Brian Wilson with Four Branches Bourbon Co-Founder Harold Underdown S4 Ep1
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41:20Note: The Tech Gods were angry today and did everything possible to screw up this production. Unfortunately, Substack doesn’t have an immediate contact solution to let subscribers know Evil has been lurking in the software! This should do it! Thanks for your patience, endurance and not writing scathing emails! BW How would you like to Do Good, Drin…
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The last days of the Biden-Obama administration: why what happened happened. Get full access to Brian Wilson Writes at brianwilsonwrites.substack.com/subscribeBy Brian Wilson
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NFSCD -- Brian Wilson with Gun Talk's Tom Gresham S3 Ep 32
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29:25(Almost) Everything you wanted to know about guns! Tom Gresham is a nationally-known firearms expert, author and television host. For more than 50 years, Tom has engaged in all forms of print, electronic and online media for more than 50 years. As we say in Show Biz: He’s done it all: author, magazine editor and writer, TV host, director and creato…
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Sir Richard Eyre, theatre and film director and former BBC Governor on radio drama cuts and the BBC's cultural remit
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33:08Sir Richard Eyre, the renowned theatre and film director, who has served as a BBC Governor, shares his concerns over the cuts to radio drama programming, the broader challenges facing the BBC's cultural remit, the tensions between the BBC's public service mission and commercial pressures, and role of the BBC in nurturing and sustaining the UK's cul…
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Braver Angels "Road Trip Across a Divided America": Joseph Sim
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22:38In the fall 2024, a young British filmmaker jumped in a small car and drove across America, asking more than 200 strangers the same two questions: "How did we lose connection with our neighbors, and how do we get it back?" Many of the answers and explanations are fascinating. "I am a firm believer that developing a curiosity or a curiosity in stran…
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Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, DCMS ctte chair on BBC charter renewal, funding, World Service and Greg Wallace
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33:03Conservative MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage is the Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee. We discuss the upcoming debates around the renewal of the BBC's charter, the crucial issues of the corporation's funding, impartiality, and role in public service broadcasting, as well as the future of the BBC World Service and the Greg …
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NFSCD -- Brian Wilson with Winemaster Richard Arrowood S3 Ep 31
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34:04It’s our annual Holiday Pod with Special Guest, Richard Arrowood, Award-Winning Grape Stomper and Winemaster! Everything about Best Holiday Wines for Turkey, Prime Rib, Spam, stocking stuffers, 2024 Wines, Trump tariffs, and other issues… Richard Arrowood, iconic winemaster who has been making wine exclusively in Sonoma County for more than for 50 …
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NFSCD -- Brian Wilson and T.L. Davis S3 Ep 30
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33:18Encore T.L. Davis! Post-Election Day review and what the future holds. T.L Davis is a writer, blogger, freelance, novelist, filmmaker for Lies of Omission at 12 Round Productions. Via his bio, “The challenges of a writing career are great and at times necessary to be augmented. I don't always augment, but when I do it is in the oil industry.” Brian…
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Peter York, author 'A Dead Cat On Your Table' on culture wars, media power and the BBC
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35:20Peter York is a cultural commentator, author, and former Style Editor of Harper's & Queen magazine. He is best known for co-authoring the iconic Official Sloane Ranger Handbook in the 1980s. More recently, Peter has shifted his focus to more serious topics, including co-authoring The War Against the BBC with Professor Patrick Barwise. This week, we…
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Andrew Graystone, writer and broadcaster, on his exposure of the abuse of John Smythe and the assisted dying bill debate
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41:20Andrew Greystone, writer and broadcaster, has played a pivotal role in exposing the abuse committed by John Smythe within the Church of England. In this discussion, he addresses the ongoing debate around the assisted dying bill, the media's approach to religion in ethical discussions, and the decline of religious literacy among journalists. He also…
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Holiday Helper: Embracing Disagreement With Love. Tania Israel and Arthur Brooks
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30:03The holiday season is here, but many people across the country may dread sitting down with their nearest and dearest— all because of politics. In this episode we share down-to-earth advice from two wise experts who have thought deeply and creatively about how to minimize conflict and maximize cooperation with parents, family, and friends. Tania Isr…
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Roger Mosey, former BBC editorial director on high standards, distinctiveness and the impact of cuts
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30:00Roger Mosey, a former Editorial Director of the BBC, Head of TV News, and Director of Sport, discusses his lecture to the Commonwealth Journalists Association on the challenges facing public service media, the mainstream media's lack of understanding of political landscapes in the UK and US, clickbait, interactivity and audience connections, as wel…
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NFSCD -- Brian Wilson and Brad Smith S3 Ep 29
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27:32Talking this time - a chat with Guest Columnist Brad Smith.Brad Smith opines on Facebook from his rural Michigan home and has a background in military intelligence. Brian Wilson is a nationally-known radio and television host, author, speaker, and consultant with more than 50 years experience in media as host, News/Program Director, and Owner. His …
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Braver Angels Reds and Blues: Election Day 2024 and Beyond
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23:20Some wore red hats, others wore blue. Outside scores of polling places in many states across the country, pairs of Democrats and Republicans sat together in a radically simple experiment called the Braver Angels Election Day Initiative. The contrast between dire media forecasts of violence, and calamity during the election and what actually happene…
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Prof Cathy Johnson discusses TV distribution and the dangers of exclusion
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28:09Professor Catherine Johnson from the University of Leeds discusses her role on the recently announced DCMS committee, which is examining the future of TV distribution. New research indicates that some viewers could be excluded from the general shift towards online viewership. We also explore the rise of YouTube, ways to ensure access to public serv…
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NFSCD -- Brian Wilson and Don Williams S 3 Ep 27
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40:18Don Williams joins me on Senate strategy and other MAGA horrors. Brian Wilson Writes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thanks for reading Brian Wilson Writes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Brian Wilson Writes at brianwilsonwrit…
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Prof Steven Barnett discusses BBC chair Samir Shah's speech: devolve, democratise, depoliticise
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29:10Steven Barnett, Professor of Communications at the University of Westminster, discusses BBC Chair Samir Shah's inaugural speech. We explore what devolving, democratising, and depoliticising means, loosening regulation, re-evaluating the roles and remits of other public service broadcasters, and alternative funding models. “I'm not sure a permanent …
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Tangle: Independent, Non-partisan News. Isaac Saul
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25:12Do you believe what you see in newspapers, websites and on TV? Most Americans don't trust the people who are supposed to truthfully report the news. A new Gallup poll says Americans have record-low trust in mass media. Only one-in-three adults has a "great deal" or a "fair amount" of confidence in the media to report the news "fully, accurately and…
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Jamie Angus, ex director of BBC World Service discusses the budget announcement on World Service funding and BBC cuts
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31:33Jamie Angus is the former director of the BBC World Service and the former editor of 'Today' and 'Newsnight' who now works in the Middle East. We discuss what the budget announcement means for funding of the World Service, why HardTalk makes the world 'a less stupid place', original journalism, the unintended consequences of commercialisation and U…
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Brian and Substack's T.L. Davis — Election Day odds T.L Davis is a writer, blogger, freelance, novelist, filmmaker for Lies of Omission at 12 Round Productions. Via his bio, “The challenges of a writing career are great and at times necessary to be augmented. I don't always augment, but when I do it is in the oil industry.” Brian Wilson is a nation…
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NFSCD -- Brian Wilson with Don Williams S3 Ep 26
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43:52You won't hear this anywhere else! Brian speaks with Don Williams about free-range election "predictions" and what if...? Don Williams is a conservator, educator, scholar and all-around inquisitive guy, having worked on some of the most interesting objects and historic buildings in our nation's public and private collections. He has developed, mana…
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Braver Angels Election Day Initiative. Elizabeth Doll and Don Goldberg
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22:16Are you fed up with politics and especially the presidential campaign? On How Do We Fix It? we're reporting on the people, projects and ideas of Braver Angels. This nationwide citizen-led movement is a growing coalition of liberals and conservatives working to restore hope and co-operation to our politics. In this episode we speak with a second pai…
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