Media Training Update w/c 14th September

Edition 545

Good morning. It’s Monday 14th September.

There are a couple of broadcasters out there who I regularly watch or listen to, despite having zero interest in the subject they are talking about.

Steve Bunce is one, the BBC’s Boxing correspondent. I loathe that sport but I could listen to him talk about it for hours.

Another is Monty Don. His authenticity, his pace and his intimacy of delivery is unparalleled. Nobody comes close.

He announced last week he is leaving Gardener’s World. It’s amazing how often I tune into that programme, despite having absolutely no interest whatsoever in gardening. Monty is the reason.

To Mock Or Not To Mock…

Monday: Commons debate on Israel and Palestine following UK sanctions announcement.

Paul Nowak addresses the Trades Union Congress.


Tuesday: Thirlwall Inquiry into Lucy Letby publishes final report.


Wednesday: NATS preliminary report on air traffic control outage due.


Thursday: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers speech to European Parliament.

London Fashion Week begins.

Friday: New album of unheard David Bowie music released.


Saturday: Scottish Labour announces new leader.

Liberal Democrats autumn conference begins.


Sunday: Legislative elections in Russia.

Number 2/20: 



“In theory presenters should always check the pronunciation of concepts or titles. However, in the heat of a live sequence we do get stuff wrong. If something – including your name – is mispronounced, you should make a call based on two factors. Is a correction going to help the audience – or it it going to bother you if you remain quiet? If the answer to either is yes, the correction should be friendly and brief. One of our delegates spent two thirds of an interview putting me right!”

“The current charter will expire on 31 December 2027, and its replacement is now the subject of lobbying, scaremongering and dealmaking as its contents are debated, tugged apart and rewritten.”

Barbara Speed in the Guardian on charter renewal – and whether it will secure the BBC’s long-term future.

“As Andy Burnham plans to devolve powers and tax revenues from Westminster to England’s regional mayors, something is missing from his vision: a robust local media sector that can hold local officials to account for their decisions and spending.”

A strong editorial from the FT (and atow free to read) on the urgent need to revive regional journalism.

On This Day… Moscow retaliated two days after Britain expelled 25 Soviet spies following the defection of KGB chief Oleg Gordievsky on this day in 1985.



Our Week: London and Wigan for us this week.

The Mutts …All the way from Vancouver…very special guest mutt Theo makes a welcome return to the MMB. Thanks to reader Jonny for the smoking post-salon pic:

Be part of the MMB. Thoughts on this week’s content, or interviews you’ve seen, heard, or (best of all) done, please let us know.

Back on Monday. Have a brilliant week.



All at Inside Edge