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The News Meeting

The News Meeting

Written by: The Observer
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About this listen

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 newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.com


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


Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore


Producer: Casey Magloire


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Tortoise Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Is this the worst hay fever season yet?

    Is this the worst hay fever season yet?
    Apr 23 2026

    What do the latest revelations about Peter Mandelson’s appointment tell us about Keir Starmer’s leadership? What are the long term implications of Iran and the US blocking the Strait of Hormuz? And is climate change’s impact on pollen the source of our hay fever problems?


    Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer reporter James Tapper, producer and reporter Poppy Bullard and sports reporter Jessy Parker Humphreys, to decide the top story of the day.


    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk


    Follow us on Social Media:

    • @ObserverUK on X
    • @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
    • @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky


    Host: Giles Whittell


    Producer: Casey Magloire


    Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett


    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

    Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Why are Trump and the Pope feuding?

    Why are Trump and the Pope feuding?
    Apr 16 2026

    Pope Leo has publicly criticised President Trump’s actions in Iran, but what does this mean for the Christian MAGA followers caught in the middle? Is the UK government divided over defence spending? And how consequential is the end of Victor Orban’s grip on Hungary, following his sweeping election defeat?


    Jeevan Vasagar is joined by The Observer’s Cat Neilan, John Simpson and Stephen Armstrong as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.


    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk


    Follow us on Social Media:

    • @ObserverUK on X
    • @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
    • @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky


    Host: Jeevan Vasagar


    Producer: Casey Magloire


    Executive Producer: Matt Russell and Jasper Corbett


    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

    Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • How dangerous is Anthropic’s new AI?

    How dangerous is Anthropic’s new AI?
    Apr 9 2026

    Why does the Artemis II mission around the moon matter? Are concerns around Anthropic’s new AI model Mythos justified? And who has the upper hand in the ceasefire agreement between the US-Israel and Iran?


    Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer’s technology reporter, Patricia Clarke, reporter Phoebe Davis and Deputy Comment Editor, Erica Wagner, to decide the top story of the day.


    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk


    Follow us on Social Media:

    • @ObserverUK on X
    • @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok
    • @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky


    Host: Giles Whittell


    Producer: Amalie Sortland


    Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett


    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

    Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
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