Stop The Press!
The podcast where journalism, politics and the media industry collide.Listen to Bill Martin, Nick Copson, and Rob Chadwick as they go from current affairs to investigative storytelling, from where news and media came from, to where it's heading, we explore the forces shaping how information is reported, consumed, and manipulated in today's fast-paced digital age.
#35: Has Sports Journalism Changed Forever? Special Guest Episode with Chris Errington
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On this episode of Stop The Press!, Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick and Bill Martin are joined by one of the South West's most respected sports journalists, Chris Errington, for a fascinating look behind the scenes of modern sports reporting.
With decades of experience covering football and major sporting events, Chris shares how sports journalism has evolved from the days of local newspaper deadlines and match reports to today's 24/7 digital news cycle, live blogs, podcasts, social media and instant fan reaction.
The conversation explores what really goes into covering professional...
#34: Can England finally bring it home? | World Cup 2026 Preview Special with Chris Errington
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The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on.
On this special football edition of Stop the Press!, Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick and Bill Martin are joined by respected Devon sports journalist Chris Errington to preview what could be one of the most intriguing World Cups in modern history.
With the tournament heading to North America and England once again carrying the hopes, expectations and inevitable emotional baggage of a football-mad nation, the team asks the big question:
Can England finally bring football home?
<...#33: Is Journalism Still Alive? Special Guest Episode with Adam Tinworth
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On the latest episode of Stop the Press!, Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick and Bill Martin sit down with media veteran, blogger and digital media lecturer, Adam Tinworth, for a brutally honest conversation about the future of journalism in the age of TikTok, YouTubers, creators and collapsing public trust.
We explore whether traditional journalism still matters when millions now get their “news” from influencers, viral clips and personalised social feeds - often without ever visiting a news website or watching a bulletin.
We discuss:
Why trust in mainstream media has...
#32: Britain’s political circus: Can any party actually govern anymore? With Special Guest: Tess Tucker
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This week on Stop The Press!, Rob, Nick and Bill are joined by Tessa Tucker, former Conservative Party candidate for Exeter, to ask a question that increasingly feels unavoidable:
Is Britain becoming ungovernable?
As Westminster descends further into personality politics, support or not support a by-election, and the potential for not only a leadership challenge but a general election, the country faces mounting pressure on almost every front. Stagnant growth, overstretched public services, collapsing trust in institutions, rising immigration tensions, and a public that appears angrier and...
#31: Is social media dead?
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A landmark ruling in Los Angeles has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, with tech giants like Meta and Google found liable for contributing to the worsening mental health of a young woman who argued their platforms were deliberately designed to be addictive.
In this episode of Stop The Press!, the boys unpack what this case really means. Is this the beginning of meaningful accountability for Big Tech, or a legal overreach that could fundamentally reshape the internet?
They explore whether this ruling could become a bellwether moment, opening the...
#30: Special Guest Episode with Pete Holdgate - War, Newsrooms, and the Power of the Image
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This week on Stop The Press!, the team sit down with Falklands War veteran and former Western Morning News and Plymouth Herald photographer Pete Holdgate for a powerful conversation about the craft and courage behind photojournalism. From his early days in the Marines to capturing defining moments in the newsroom, Pete shares what it really takes to tell stories through a single frame. The discussion explores what makes a truly great news photograph, the instinct and timing behind the shot, and why photography remains one of the most important tools in shaping how...
#29: The Blair Years - His legacy and his leadership
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In this episode of Stop The Press!, Nick, Bill, and Rob discuss the recent Channel 4 documentary series The Blair Years and revisit the political era shaped by former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. From the landslide victory of 1997 to three consecutive terms in office, Blair’s premiership transformed the political centre ground and redefined Labour’s place in British politics.
The team examine the achievements and controversies that continue to define Blair’s legacy - economic growth, public service reform, and the shadow of the Iraq War - while asking whethe...
#28: Iran invasion: War, Restraint, and the Media’s Reckoning
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The Middle East is once again at war. Following the joint Israeli and American strikes on Iran, the geopolitical consequences are unfolding at speed - from retaliation across the region to rising tensions between allies and growing uncertainty about what comes next.
In this episode of Stop The Press!, Nick, Bill and Rob examine how the media has responded to the most significant military escalation in the region for years. They look at the cautious, sometimes conflicted reaction from the British government, and whether Sir Keir Starmer’s attempt to balance al...
#27: Hacked Off! Will it mean more press regulation?
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In this episode of Stop The Press!, Nick, Bill and Rob unpack a week where media accountability, political influence and public broadcasting all collide.
First, the team examines the latest developments in the Hacked Off trial - what it means for press regulation, whether the ghosts of Leveson still haunt Fleet Street, and why this story refuses to die.
They then turn to the growing noise around the Labour Together investigation, asking hard questions about transparency, political operations behind the scenes, and what journalists — and th...
#26: Epstein Fallout: Andrew under arrest, the monarchy and the battle for the truth.
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In this episode of Stop The Press!, Nick Copson, Bill Martin and Rob Chadwick dig into the latest developments surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case and the continuing ripple effects across the media and the monarchy.
With fresh documents and renewed online speculation driving headlines (oh and the small matter of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's arrest), the trio examine how news organisations are navigating one of the most legally and scandelous stories of years. They explore the fine line between legitimate public interest and unverified claims, and why responsible reporting matters more than...
#25: A round-up of the news and how it affects the media! And there's lots of it.
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In this week's episode of Stop The Press! Bill, Nick and Rob discuss what's been happening in the news, (or rather what's been happening in Trump-land) because that's the only show in town at the moment, and there's lots to discuss.
The guys also discuss Starmer, Epstein, and who the heck owns Greenland now, oh... and is Warner Brother's sale to Netflix another nail in the coffin for old media?
It’s irreverent, light-hearted and very very cynical.
#24: Expose or Entrap? Sven, Big Sam, and the limits of the press
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In Part 2 of the press and England sport pod, Bill, Rob, and Nick take on one of the biggest ethical questions in journalism: does the press go too far in pursuit of a headline?
Using the historic but high-profile sting operations involving Sven-Göran Eriksson and Sam Allardyce as flashpoints, the trio explore where the line sits between exposing wrongdoing and manufacturing a scandal. When reporters set the trap, steer the conversation, and shape the narrative, are they uncovering the truth - or creating a s...
#23: From tabloids to Bazball - England sport’s never-ending media battle
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England’s Ashes tour of Australia didn’t just take place on the pitch - it played out in headlines, columns, and outrage too. From stories about drinking culture to fierce criticism of Bazball tactics, the coverage often felt less like analysis and more like a prosecution - in the UK and Australia.
In this episode of Stop The Press!, Rob, Bill, and Nick ask a blunt question: have the media and press overstepped the mark with England’s sporting teams - and do...
22: Our wildly fanciful, slightly irreverent, almost certainly wrong... predictions for 2026
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What’s going to happen in 2026? Almost certainly not what we predict… which makes this episode perfect Stop The Press! territory. Bill, Nick and Rob each bring three predictions for the year ahead across news, media, politics and culture - and they range from the vaguely plausible to the gloriously unhinged.
Expect bold calls, wilful speculation, media trends taken to their illogical conclusion, and a healthy dose of self-awareness that most of this will age terribly. From the future of journalism and political chaos to cultural moments that definitely won’t pan ou...
21: 2025 - A Year in Review – Winners, Losers and the Wild Ride of 2025
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In this special year-in-review episode of Stop The Press!, Bill, Nick and Rob take a deep breath and dive into the whirlwind that was 2025. From Trump’s escalating tariff battles to the latest round of turmoil inside the Labour Party, the trio unpack the stories that dominated headlines - and the ones that shaped the world in quieter but equally important ways.
Who came out on top this year, and who stumbled spectacularly? The team breaks down the political players, media moments, surprise successes and high-profile missteps that defined the global ne...
20: From Thatcher to Boris: How Britain’s Leaders Handle the Media
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This week, Rob, Bill and Nick, look back at 30 years of crossing paths with every British Prime Minister from Margaret Thatcher to Boris Johnson. Bill, especially shares what they were really like when the cameras stopped rolling, how they dealt with the media - and how the media dealt with them. From cool operators to total chaos merchants, it’s a lively tour through three decades of political personalities and press showdowns.
19: Trump vs BBC: What this could mean for the future of the beeb
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In this week’s Stop the Press!, hosts Rob Chadwick, Nick Copson and Bill Martin break down the latest developments in Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the BBC for defamation. The team explores why the lawsuit has escalated now, the likely legal outcomes, and what this unprecedented clash means for the BBC’s future, especially with the Royal Charter renewal just over 2 years away.
Expect sharp analysis on media independence, political pressure, newsroom accountability, and how this case c...
18: Prince Andrew and Rachel Reeves scandals - British media prove there's nowhere to hide
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In this week’s episode of Stop the Press!, hosts Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick, and Bill Martin unpack two of the biggest stories shaking the UK media landscape — the latest developments in the Prince Andrew scandal and the property licence avoidance controversy surrounding Rachel Reeves. How have Britain’s leading outlets handled these sensitive and politically charged stories? The hosts debate questions of press bias, editorial responsibility, and whether the public is getting the full picture or just a...
17: Journalism on film - How media in pop culture has shaped views of the news
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In this episode of Stop the Press!, hosts Nick Copson, Rob Chadwick, and Bill Martin explore how journalism in film and media in pop culture have shaped the public’s view of the news. From the iconic All the President’s Men and the Oscar-winning The Post to the modern digital-era drama The Hack, the team dissects how reporters in movies and TV news dramas capture — or distort — the real-world challenges of investigative journalism and press freedom<...
16: Silly season 2025... or was it? What happened in the news this summer
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While the rest of Britain was busy incinerating sausages and arguing over who forgot the sun cream, Westminster went one better and set itself on fire.
What’s usually the media’s quiet season — when journos are forced to turn “seagull steals chip” into a front-page exclusive — turned into a summer blockbuster of political scandals, power plays and panic stations.
In this episode of Stop The Press!, we look back at the UK’s summer of 2025: the non-stories that filled the airwaves, the headlines that refused to die, and the p...
Silly Season 2025... or was it? What happened in the news this summer
While most of the country was barbecuing sausages and trying to avoid the sunburn, Westminster was busy setting itself on fire.
In what is traditionally a quiet time for UK news publishers, where journos and editors are trying to fill columns and chase clicks, summer 2025 was anything but.... certainly if you were Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner or Peter Mandelson.
In this episode of Stop The Press!, we look back at the UK’s summer of 2025: from the non-stories that filled the airwaves, to the political scandals that dominated the headlines.
15: Gen Z and the News: Are They Even Listening?
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In this episode of Stop The Press!, Rob, Nick and Bill dive into the shifting habits of Gen Z when it comes to consuming news. With headlines losing ground to TikToks and traditional media struggling to keep up with scroll culture, what does journalism mean to a younger audience? Joining the discussion is special guest Katie Martin - an actual real life young person - who brings insight, honesty and a few home truths about how her generation engages with current affairs. From social media algorithms to trust in legacy outlets, it's a...
14: How podcasts revived long-form journalism
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In this episode of Stop The Press!, we explore how the podcast boom has breathed new life into long-form journalism. From deep-dive investigative series to immersive narrative storytelling, podcasts have created space for nuance and depth in a fast-twitch media world. We chat about what makes audio such a compelling format, and how traditional media outlets are adapting to the new soundscape. Tune in to hear how journalism is evolving - one episode at a time.
13: Why don't we care about the news anymore?
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In this episode of Stop The Press!, we delve into a pressing question: Why does the public seem to care less about the news today than they did 30 years ago? From the rise of digital overload to growing distrust in media, we explore the shifting habits, attitudes, and platforms that have reshaped how (and whether) people engage with current affairs.
Has the 24-hour news cycle left audiences fatigued? Has social media replaced journalism with algorithms and opinion? Or are people simply overwhelmed, anxious, or disengaged by a world that feels increasingly...
12: Reform UK: Media Bias and the Rise of a Disruptor
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In this episode of Stop The Press!, we dive into the media coverage surrounding Reform UK - the most disruptive force in British politics today. As the party gains traction in the polls, we examine how outlets on both the left and right are reporting on its progress, policies, and leadership.
Is the traditionally partisan press adapting to Reform UK’s rise - or doubling down on familiar narratives? What does this say about longstanding media biases and the shifting political landscape? Join us as we unpack headlines, analyse editorial tone, an...
11: The BBC Unscripted: Past, Present & Future - Part 2
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In this special two-part edition of Stop The Press!, Rob, Bill and Nick turn the spotlight on the BBC - Britain’s most iconic media institution. Part One charts the broadcaster’s historic role in shaping journalism, culture, and public trust, from its founding principles to its golden moments and controversies. Part Two dives into the present-day challenges facing the BBC: political pressure, funding dilemmas, digital disruption, and shifting audience expectations. We also explore what the future might hold for the Beeb in an age of streaming, social media, and global competition. Featuring insi...
10: The BBC Unscripted: Past, Present & Future - Part 1
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In this special two-part edition of Stop The Press!, Rob, Bill and Nick turn the spotlight on the BBC - Britain’s most iconic media institution. Part One charts the broadcaster’s historic role in shaping journalism, culture, and public trust, from its founding principles to its golden moments and controversies. Part Two dives into the present-day challenges facing the BBC: political pressure, funding dilemmas, digital disruption, and shifting audience expectations. We also explore what the future might hold for the Beeb in an age of streaming, social media, and global competition. Featuring insi...
9: With Mike Baker: Is there still a career in Journalism?
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In this episode of Stop The Press!, hosts Rob Chadwick, Nick Copson, and Bill Martin sit down with special guest Mike Baker to tackle a question weighing on the minds of aspiring reporters: Is there still a career in journalism?
With the industry facing challenges like dwindling print circulation, AI-generated content, and the rise of social media as a news source, is there still a viable path for those who dream of breaking stories and holding power to account? Mike Baker, a seasoned journalist with years of...
8: Henry Winter, Claire Balding, and Chris Sutton's 606 - the best of sports media according to us.
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In this episode of Stop The Press!, hosts Rob, Nick, and Bill dive into the world of sports journalism, sharing their all-time favourite pieces, writers, and moments that shaped the industry. From legendary columnists to groundbreaking investigative reports, they explore what makes great sports journalism stand out. Whether it's the poetic storytelling of classic game recaps, hard-hitting exposés on corruption in sports, or the rise of digital media changing the landscape, this episode celebrates the best of the best.
Tune in as the trio debates which stories left a lasting i...
7: Is WhatsApp a legitimate news source... surely these messages are private?
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In the wake of the sacking of Labour MPs Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan, who were dismissed from their positions and suspended from the Labour Party over offensive WhatsApp messages. These messages, leaked from a group chat named "Trigger Me Timbers," contained racist, sexist, and antisemitic remarks, including Gwynne expressing hope for a constituent's death and making derogatory comments about fellow MPs.
Rob, Nick, and Bill explore the content of these messages, the context in which they were shared, and the implications of private communications becoming public. Additionally, we examine the br...
6: News & Media Predictions for 2025
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The news and media landscape is evolving faster than ever. From the rise of AI-generated content to the shifting tides of social media platforms, what trends will shape how we consume information in the coming year? In this episode, we break down our media predictions — from the impact of deepfake technology to the future of independent journalism and the ongoing battle against misinformation. Join us as we explore what’s next for news, who’s leading the charge, and how these changes will affect the way we stay informed.
5: How well does the BBC cover its own news?
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In this episode, we dive into the intriguing topic of how the BBC covers its own news, from internal controversies to its role as a global broadcaster. With a reputation for impartiality and credibility, the BBC often finds itself under scrutiny, especially when it is the subject of the story.
We’ll explore key questions:
How transparent is the BBC when reporting on its own decisions, scandals, or criticisms?Does it apply the same editorial rigor to self-reporting as it does to external stories?Are there instances where bias—whether cons...4: News, Journalism and does it work on Social Media?
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Social Media and News have shared the same bed for 20 years, but how much is this space now affecting democracy, freedom of speech, and is it creating more and more division in society?
3: AI and the future of journalism
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We're no AI experts, we're all still learning (everyone is), but we've learnt enough to form opinions, so listen to Bill, Nick, and Rob debate how AI is currently infiltrating our newsrooms and news consumption habits, and where it all could eventually lead.
2: Local Newspapers: Does anyone care?
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Our first ever episode! It's a little rough around the edges but we'll get better and more polished. It's the topics that are most important, right?
On this episode, Bill, Nick, and Rob, discuss the current state of local newspapers (and media in general) and ask the big question, does anyone still care about them, and can they survive?
1: How can local media make money?
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