How does an industry that prides itself on free speech and healthy debate navigate the traumas of war? These last few months, I've been reporting a story on the Israel-Hamas war and its impact on the film and TV world. Here it is for Broadcastnow: broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcast-maga…

Wash-up or bust for the important Media Bill covering many issues including protection for public service broadcasters,which returns to the House of Commons for final vote but is competing for time before Parliament is dissolved on May 30.

broadcastnow.co.uk/broadcasters/w…

No ‘identikit’ estates in Labour’s new towns promises Rayner, in attempt to win over opponents of new housing estates by far better designs. Suggest planners study examples of community housing schemes in the USA, with trees, green spaces etc,open to all.

thetimes.co.uk/article/e6dfa2…

'For all his previous fine deeds he was always a projection of people’s dreams and the time of heroic narratives has passed.' My essay on Cyril Ramaphosa draws on 30 years' reporting & the sense he is now as much prisoner as president of the ANC ft.com/content/cabeae… via @ft

South Africa’s ‘lost leader’ faces the end game
Recommend this excellent article,free to read, full of colour, about impending election, disappointment of the ANC under its evasive President.By a veteran witness, Financial Times foreign editor. ft.com/content/cabeae…

Look what just arrived! Out September 5th from Quercus Books #1938 #espionage #thriller #WW2 #Vienna

So moving to see Baroness Benjamin accepting this fellowship, giving primacy to diversity and thanks to husband Keith Taylor and her children. A wonderful event.

The Sunday Times: Michael Crick, former political editor celebrates the creation, highlights, charts its decline and imminent end.
I lived Newsnight’s glory days. Now it’s being reduced to a chat show. thetimes.co.uk/article/4edff3…

#Diversity - Yesterday amendments to the Media Bill to strengthen broadcasting diversity requirements and reporting were tabled by
Lib Dems Jane Bonham-Carter🔸 with support from Floella Benjamin + Lord Ed Vaizey. Despite persuasive speeches the Government rejected them and they fell.

If you know, you know. RIP Bernard Hill.

Unexpectedly wonderful Antiques Roadshow on BBC1 tonight starting with historic role of nurses, Florence Nightingale, bravery in war, Edith Caville - midwives, nurses in founding role setting up hospices, in 1980s the care for AIDS patients. BBC. Public service broadcasting.

Memorial plan to honour war reporters killed in line of duty
At last, bravery in the pursuit of the truth, reporting on behalf of all those who cannot be present.
thetimes.co.uk/article/23b0cf…

Forget PR... does the media need to get better at PR? Matt Deegan is joined by Maggie Brown and Jake Kanter to discuss the four BBC presenters taking their case to an employment tribunal and LBC's handling of Sangita Myska's departure.

Listen now! pod.fo/e/2381b7

Millions spent on infrastructure lobbied by cycling campaign groups because #LondonLovesCycling however the reality is an unfriendly pedestrian area, and tailbacks causing excess pollution to community main roads. #JustForBalance

Freeport with tax breaks brings hope of revival to Anglesey, the rural island off North Wales, whose port town of Holyhead, departure place for Dublin, reports the FT.
It omits a key issue, roads across Wales and bridge access over the Menai Straits need serious attention too.

FT opens the door to ChatGPT
The interesting AI deal allows access to the FT archive, earning it revenue. Next?

thetimes.co.uk/article/c7f7f5…