violent clashes between israeli troops and palestinians have spread across much of the occupied west bank. israel's prime minister has warned that israel's biggest offensive against hamas in gaza in years is not over yet. it's estimated ten thousand palestinians have had to leave their homes to flee the bombardment. the head of the who says the second year of the coronavirus pandemic will be deadlier than the first. dr tedros ghebreyesus urged wealthier countries to donate vaccines surplus to low income countries instead of vaccinating children. there have been more than a hundred—and—sixty case of covid worldwide. the united nations is warning of a sharp rise in the number of people dying as they try to reach europe by sea. with warm weather and falling covid rates — more migrants are attempting the journey across the mediterranean.

now on bbc news... social media, anti—social media, breaking news, faking news, this is the programme about a revolution in media, with mobeen azhar. hello. the news cycle, the news agenda, why is the news told in the way it is? i'm thinking about the way the media covered the recent election. new mayors, new counters, new mps, all i could think about was the giant inflatable borisjohnson. you must�*ve seen it. i'm talking about this 30 foot blow—up version of the prime minister that appeared outside hartlepool forum and then magically repaired at the marina when he came to meet the winnie candidate. that became their narrative. a gigantic triumph

for borisjohnson and then the next day the west ministerjournalists were gone and it moved on to the next. today i am asking why does the media fall for these gimmicks? why is the news cycle so fast and so fickle? ive got rilliant bunch of guest to help me answer these questions. thomas cook and stephen bush is political editor of the new statesman. katie boss is deputy political editor at the spectator and michael freeburg is also here, he's president of reuters, the global news agency. now michael, were going to talk to you a little bit later on in the show. the first of all i just want to hear a little bit about this story of reuters, a little bit of history. once upon a time if i'm not mistaken there was a mr reuters, wasn't there?— reuters, wasn't there? that's riuht.

reuters, wasn't there? that's right. absolutely, _ reuters, wasn't there? that's right. absolutely, the - reuters, wasn't there? that's right. absolutely, the baron. | right. absolutely, the baron. reuters is i70—year—old media company. we've gone from producing news via carrier pigeon to today's feature of producing news in artificial intelligence for that the entire gamut from carrier pitches the ai. 170 year history, very proud of 25 hundred journalists in over 200 locations. m . hundred journalists in over 200 locations. a ., , locations. michael, people think of reuters _ locations. michael, people think of reuters and - locations. michael, people think of reuters and they. locations. michael, people - think of reuters and they think of it in a kind of traditional telegram, messages kinda way. they think about breaking news. but you do a lot more than that is what well don't you? we but you do a lot more than that is what well don't you?- is what well don't you? we do. i think we _ is what well don't you? we do. i think we take _ is what well don't you? we do. i think we take great _ is what well don't you? we do. i think we take great pride - is what well don't you? we do. i think we take great pride in i i think we take great pride in producing objective unbiased news that brings together global and local coverage. and it's really at the intersection of general news, public service journalism as well as market moving news. you look at storiesjust moving news. you look at stories just recently, the passing of prince philip. what's taking place right now at the gaza strip, the european super soccer league debacle,

these are all stories that have global interest and cut across all general news and market moving news capabilities. michael, we will chat you a little bit more in a second. i want to start by talking about the idea of the news cycle was on it something that gets spoken about a lot. we usually think about it in terms of how long a story hold our attention before we want to move onto something else. stephen, you are from the new statesman. how would you the news cycle in terms of the british media today? terms of the british media toda ? ,., ., terms of the british media toda ? , ., ,, today? good question. i guess for me i think _ today? good question. i guess for me i think of _ today? good question. i guess for me i think of the _ today? good question. i guess for me i think of the news - for me i think of the news cycle _ for me i think of the news cycle primarily in terms of our daily— cycle primarily in terms of our daily morning e—mail. which is a daily— daily morning e—mail. which is a daily guide on what the biggest story in british politics is with small items thrown _ politics is with small items thrown around the world for the world — thrown around the world for the world. project there are really here's— world. project there are really here's the _ world. project there are really here's the stuff you need to know — here's the stuff you need to know about, the civil war in ethiopia. _ know about, the civil war in ethiopia, here's the stuff you need — ethiopia, here's the stuff you need to— ethiopia, here's the stuff you need to know about potential break—out of war on the gaza

strip — break—out of war on the gaza strip. right? that type of thing _ strip. right? that type of thing i_ strip. right? that type of thing. i tend to think of the new— thing. i tend to think of the new cycle is a kind of monday through— new cycle is a kind of monday through friday thing. monday it emerges— through friday thing. monday it emerges the prime minister has in unpaid — emerges the prime minister has in unpaid debt against him was out tuesday the government response to it, wednesday the labour— response to it, wednesday the labour party does something to try and — labour party does something to try and extend the news story, thursday— try and extend the news story, thursday i_ try and extend the news story, thursday i of the story is moving _ thursday i of the story is moving to a point of crisis for the prime _ moving to a point of crisis for the prime minister or has nowhere _ the prime minister or has nowhere new to go. friday something will happen in the sunday— something will happen in the sunday and acts as a fire break for the — sunday and acts as a fire break for the political news was that that tends to be howl for the political news was that that tends to be how i think atrout— that tends to be how i think about it _ that tends to be how i think about it. that is a very parochial definition based around _ parochial definition based around my specific thing. thate— around my specific thing. that's probably a good way of thinking — that's probably a good way of thinking about the new cycle as realty _ thinking about the new cycle as really the — thinking about the new cycle as really the workflow cycle for story — really the workflow cycle for story. it's beginning, its metal, _ story. it's beginning, its metal, its end and the publication cycle, the whatever you news— publication cycle, the whatever you news product is. of course. katie, you _ you news product is. of course. katie. you also _ you news product is. of course. katie, you also work— you news product is. of course. katie, you also work for- you news product is. of course. katie, you also work for a - katie, you also work for a weekly publication. you work for the spectator. do you think

of the new cycle in a similar way then?— of the new cycle in a similar way then? yes and i think in terms of _ way then? yes and i think in terms of the _ way then? yes and i think in terms of the political - way then? yes and i think in terms of the political cycle. | terms of the political cycle. covering _ terms of the political cycle. covering politics _ terms of the political cycle. covering politics and - terms of the political cycle. covering politics and the i covering politics and the spectator _ covering politics and the spectator we _ covering politics and the spectator we have - covering politics and the spectator we have the l covering politics and the - spectator we have the website and that — spectator we have the website and that will— spectator we have the website and that will dominate. - spectator we have the website and that will dominate. we . spectator we have the website . and that will dominate. we have and that will dominate. we have a weekly— and that will dominate. we have a weekty issue _ and that will dominate. we have a weekly issue and _ and that will dominate. we have a weekly issue and work- and that will dominate. we have a weekly issue and work on - a weekly issue and work on what's _ a weekly issue and work on what's relative _ a weekly issue and work on what's relative and - a weekly issue and work onl what's relative and saturday a weekly issue and work on . what's relative and saturday in terms — what's relative and saturday in terms of — what's relative and saturday in terms of the _ what's relative and saturday in terms of the bit _ what's relative and saturday in terms of the bit doing - what's relative and saturday in terms of the bit doing a - terms of the bit doing a political— terms of the bit doing a political picture. - terms of the bit doing a political picture. see i terms of the bit doing a . political picture. see what terms of the bit doing a - political picture. see what the story— political picture. see what the story is— political picture. see what the story is at— political picture. see what the story is at the _ political picture. see what the story is at the beginning - political picture. see what the story is at the beginning of. story is at the beginning of the day— story is at the beginning of the day and _ story is at the beginning of the day and how— story is at the beginning of the day and how it - story is at the beginning of - the day and how it transforms. ithink— the day and how it transforms. i think it's _ the day and how it transforms. i think it's those _ the day and how it transforms. i think it's those people - the day and how it transforms. i think it's those people who i i think it's those people who are political— i think it's those people who are political peaks _ i think it's those people who are political peaks or- i think it's those people who are political peaks or have . are political peaks or have their— are political peaks or have theirioh _ are political peaks or have theirioh is _ are political peaks or have theirjob is it— are political peaks or have theirjob is it and - are political peaks or have theirjob is it and they'll. are political peaks or have | theirjob is it and they'll be following _ theirjob is it and they'll be following it _ theirjob is it and they'll be following it minute - theirjob is it and they'll be following it minute by- theirjob is it and they'll be - following it minute by minute, hour— following it minute by minute, hour by— following it minute by minute, hour by hour _ following it minute by minute, hour by hour. but _ following it minute by minute, hour by hour. but i— following it minute by minute, hour by hour. but i think- following it minute by minute, hour by hour. but i think that. hour by hour. but i think that both— hour by hour. but i think that both of— hour by hour. but i think that both of our— hour by hour. but i think that both of our readers _ hour by hour. but i think that both of our readers we - hour by hour. but i think that both of our readers we wantl hour by hour. but i think that. both of our readers we want to pass— both of our readers we want to pass notes— both of our readers we want to pass notes happening - both of our readers we want to pass notes happening in- both of our readers we want to pass notes happening in the i pass notes happening in the morning _ pass notes happening in the morning and _ pass notes happening in the morning and know - pass notes happening in the morning and know it's - pass notes happening in the - morning and know it's happening in the _ morning and know it's happening in the evening _ morning and know it's happening in the evening. at— morning and know it's happening in the evening. at your— morning and know it's happening in the evening. at yourjob - morning and know it's happening in the evening. at yourjob to - in the evening. at yourjob to cut through _ in the evening. at yourjob to cut through the _ in the evening. at yourjob to cut through the bluster - in the evening. at yourjob to cut through the bluster and l in the evening. at yourjob to l cut through the bluster and the noise _ cut through the bluster and the noise in— cut through the bluster and the noise in that _ cut through the bluster and the noise in that space _ cut through the bluster and the noise in that space of— cut through the bluster and the noise in that space of time - cut through the bluster and the noise in that space of time to l noise in that space of time to work— noise in that space of time to work out _ noise in that space of time to work out what _ noise in that space of time to work out what we _ noise in that space of time to work out what we actually - work out what we actually learned _ work out what we actually learned that _ work out what we actually learned that day- work out what we actually learned that day and - work out what we actually learned that day and what actually _ learned that day and what actually change. - learned that day and what actually change. of- learned that day and what actually change. of course there's a _ actually change. of course there's a lot _ actually change. of course there's a lot about - actually change. of course there's a lot about in - there's a lot about in appetite. stephen, iwant there's a lot about in appetite. stephen, i want to know from you, how easy do you think it is to sway the news agenda? there is an argument thatjournalists are agenda? there is an argument that journalists are just very fickle and have very short attention spans. how is your

difficulty do you think it is to change the news agenda? i think one of the things that is interesting about politics is that the advantage of the government party has. whether are you with the english conservative party, the welsh labour party of the scotish national party, the governing party can change the news agenda. to get to do stuff which it passes legislation, changes peoples lives. i think partly after being a good journalist is being distracted. it's being interested in things. it's being a bit like the dog grown old, squirrel. at the dog grown old, squirrel. at the advantage of the governing party it can produce squirrels on demand. the problem and the opposition parties have in this is the interesting thing into political comeback and how they deal with it. the governing party often wants the spotlight to go away and can't make it do so. the opposition often desperately wants the spotlight and it struggles to drag attention to it. and said that i think is the effort to eat my essence. we often often easily distracted. i think that is

something that has benefits as well as drawbacks. i something that has benefits as well as drawbacks.— well as drawbacks. i mention this because _ well as drawbacks. i mention this because i _ well as drawbacks. i mention this because i referenced - this because i referenced earlier the blow—up boris johnson dall. which was huge and made a huge impact. it has all the hallmarks —— boris johnson dall. i want to know from you is there anything to suggest that boris johnson from you is there anything to suggest that borisjohnson team knew about this in advance? everything where here is that they— everything where here is that they did _ everything where here is that they did it. it's i think the prime _ they did it. it's i think the prime minister quickly turned it to — prime minister quickly turned it to his— prime minister quickly turned it to his advantage. the result that it became _ it to his advantage. the result that it became almost - it to his advantage. the result that it became almost a - that it became almost a metaphor _ that it became almost a metaphor. and - that it became almost a metaphor. and because that it became almost a . metaphor. and because of that it became almost a - metaphor. and because of the tory— metaphor. and because of the tory gains _ metaphor. and because of the tory gains in _ metaphor. and because of the tory gains in seeds _ metaphor. and because of the tory gains in seeds like - tory gains in seeds like hartlepool— tory gains in seeds like hartlepool and - tory gains in seeds like hartlepool and the - tory gains in seeds like hartlepool and the bye| tory gains in seeds like - hartlepool and the bye election and the — hartlepool and the bye election and the herd _ hartlepool and the bye election and the herd the _ hartlepool and the bye election and the herd the right - hartlepool and the bye election and the herd the right ministerl and the herd the right minister offered — and the herd the right minister offered to— and the herd the right minister offered to buy _ and the herd the right minister offered to buy it _ and the herd the right minister offered to buy it for— and the herd the right minister offered to buy it for his - offered to buy it for his personal— offered to buy it for his personal collection. - offered to buy it for his personal collection. it. offered to buy it for his - personal collection. it does feel— personal collection. it does feel as _ personal collection. it does feel as though— personal collection. it does feel as though it _ personal collection. it does feel as though it was - personal collection. it does feel as though it was a - personal collection. it doesl feel as though it was a fairly coincidental. _ feel as though it was a fairly coincidental. i— feel as though it was a fairly coincidental. i think- feel as though it was a fairly coincidental. i think it's - feel as though it was a fairly coincidental. i think it's an l coincidental. i think it's an interesting _ coincidental. i think it's an interesting one _ coincidental. i think it's an interesting one because i coincidental. i think it's anl interesting one because it's coincidental. i think it's an - interesting one because it's oh was it— interesting one because it's oh was it an — interesting one because it's oh was it an important _ interesting one because it's oh was it an important thing? - interesting one because it's oh was it an important thing? i. was it an important thing? i think— was it an important thing? i think what— was it an important thing? i think what he _ was it an important thing? i think what he did _ was it an important thing? i think what he did was - was it an important thing? i think what he did was it- was it an important thing? i. think what he did was it almost summed — think what he did was it almost summed up _ think what he did was it almost summed up in _ think what he did was it almost summed up in a _ think what he did was it almost

summed up in a moment- think what he did was it almostj summed up in a moment which think what he did was it almost. summed up in a moment which is lots of— summed up in a moment which is lots of ministers, _ summed up in a moment which is lots of ministers, tory _ summed up in a moment which is lots of ministers, tory mps - lots of ministers, tory mps looking _ lots of ministers, tory mps looking at— lots of ministers, tory mps looking at the _ lots of ministers, tory mps looking at the results - lots of ministers, tory mps looking at the results and i looking at the results and saying _ looking at the results and saying another— looking at the results and saying another ten - looking at the results and saying another ten years i looking at the results and i saying another ten years of tory — saying another ten years of tory ruie~ _ saying another ten years of tory rule i_ saying another ten years of tory rule. i think— saying another ten years of tory rule. i think that's - saying another ten years of| tory rule. i think that's very much — tory rule. i think that's very much getting _ tory rule. i think that's very much getting ahead - tory rule. i think that's very much getting ahead of - much getting ahead of themselves. _ much getting ahead of themselves. but - much getting ahead of themselves. but that. much getting ahead of - themselves. but that image of bin, themselves. but that image of big, huge _ themselves. but that image of big, huge inflatable _ themselves. but that image of big, huge inflatable boris - big, huge inflatable boris johnson _ big, huge inflatable boris johnson i _ big, huge inflatable boris johnson i think— big, huge inflatable boris johnson i think it - big, huge inflatable boris johnson i think it show. big, huge inflatable boris. johnson i think it show you whether— johnson i think it show you whether it's _ johnson i think it show you whether it's hot _ johnson i think it show you whether it's hot air- johnson i think it show you whether it's hot air or- johnson i think it show you whether it's hot air orjustl whether it's hot air orjust the — whether it's hot air orjust the domination— whether it's hot air orjust the domination of- whether it's hot air orjust the domination of the - whether it's hot air orjust i the domination of the taurus party— the domination of the taurus party in — the domination of the taurus party in certain— the domination of the taurus party in certain parts- the domination of the taurus party in certain parts of- party in certain parts of england _ party in certain parts of england now. - party in certain parts of england now. it- party in certain parts of england now. it did - party in certain parts ofl england now. it did land party in certain parts of. england now. it did land a hammering _ england now. it did land a hammering the— england now. it did land a hammering the image - england now. it did land a i hammering the image home. stephen. _ hammering the image home. stephen. if— hammering the image home. stephen. iff— hammering the image home. stephen, if i can— hammering the image home. stephen, if i can ask- hammering the image home. stephen, if i can ask you, - hammering the image home. stephen, if i can ask you, i. stephen, if i can ask you, i know you actually use the image in your early election right up. there was obviously a taste for that image. do you think it just spread like wildfire because it was a great image or do you think there's actually it issue here with journalists and the press having a kind of groupthink? ida and the press having a kind of groupthink?— groupthink? no i think to be honest it — groupthink? no i think to be honest it was _ groupthink? no i think to be honest it was a _ groupthink? no i think to be honest it was a good - groupthink? no i think to be honest it was a good image. groupthink? no i think to be - honest it was a good image. one of the _ honest it was a good image. one of the things we always struggle within journalism of the things we always struggle withinjournalism is probably most of them look alike — probably most of them look alike. that is actually one of boris — alike. that is actually one of borisjohnson's big political assets _ borisjohnson's big political assets. he doesn't look as much

like the — assets. he doesn't look as much like the default politician as much — like the default politician as much of— like the default politician as much of the rest of them do. most— much of the rest of them do. most of— much of the rest of them do. most of them look alike. it's hard — most of them look alike. it's hard to— most of them look alike. it's hard to illustrate political stories _ hard to illustrate political stories. in the case i want to write — stories. in the case i want to write about the fact that it was — write about the fact that it was maybe over sentimental eyes and the _ was maybe over sentimental eyes and the voters losing and had a slightly— and the voters losing and had a slightly naive approach. it was slightly— slightly naive approach. it was slightly out was of the usual narrative. that huge inflatable. that thing is let's imagine _ inflatable. that thing is let's imagine the conservatives have lost, _ imagine the conservatives have lost, i— imagine the conservatives have lost, i suspect in that huge inflatable would also become the image of the bye election. be it— the image of the bye election. be it in— the image of the bye election. be it in the way of the conservative party would not apply — conservative party would not apply. i_ conservative party would not apply. i think the interesting question is was the focus of these — question is was the focus of these elections far too much on england — these elections far too much on england in in off year election and the — england in in off year election and the height of the biggest public— and the height of the biggest public policy success any government is ever known basically since the war? and not on — basically since the war? and not on the future of the united kingdom — not on the future of the united kingdom was like i think that is a more _ kingdom was like i think that is a more difficult question for the _ is a more difficult question for the media to answer. do you think there _ for the media to answer. do you think there has _ for the media to answer. do you think there has been _ for the media to answer. do you think there has been in - for the media to answer. do you think there has been in terms i think there has been in terms of their reporting too much of a narrow focus in this election?—

a narrow focus in this election? ~ ., ~' a narrow focus in this election? ~ ., ,, ., election? well, i do think that for us in bristol _ election? well, i do think that for us in bristol and _ election? well, i do think that for us in bristol and our - election? well, i do think that for us in bristol and our focus| for us in bristol and our focus has _ for us in bristol and our focus has been _ for us in bristol and our focus has been a _ for us in bristol and our focus has been a way from the big nationai— has been a way from the big national story.— has been a way from the big national story. which was the labour failing _ national story. which was the labour failing to _ national story. which was the labour failing to make - national story. which was the i labour failing to make progress and being — labour failing to make progress and being plunged— labour failing to make progress and being plunged into- labour failing to make progress and being plunged into a - labour failing to make progress and being plunged into a bit. labour failing to make progress and being plunged into a bit of| and being plunged into a bit of and being plunged into a bit of a crisis — and being plunged into a bit of a crisis over— and being plunged into a bit of a crisis over the _ and being plunged into a bit of a crisis over the weekend. - and being plunged into a bit of a crisis over the weekend. and the spectacular— a crisis over the weekend. and the spectacular conservative . the spectacular conservative wing — the spectacular conservative wing in _ the spectacular conservative wing in hartlepool. - the spectacular conservative wing in hartlepool. we - the spectacular conservative wing in hartlepool. we had. the spectacular conservative | wing in hartlepool. we had a four— wing in hartlepool. we had a four day— wing in hartlepool. we had a four day period _ wing in hartlepool. we had a four day period from - wing in hartlepool. we had a four day period from the - four day period from the election— four day period from the election going _ four day period from the election going through l four day period from the i election going through with four day period from the - election going through with the results — election going through with the resuits of— election going through with the results of four— election going through with the results of four separate - election going through with the results of four separate local. results of four separate local elections _ results of four separate local elections spread _ results of four separate local elections spread out - results of four separate local elections spread out over- results of four separate local. elections spread out over three days _ elections spread out over three days we — elections spread out over three days. we had _ elections spread out over three days. we had a _ elections spread out over three days. we had a real— elections spread out over three days. we had a real marathon. days. we had a real marathon telling — days. we had a real marathon telling the _ days. we had a real marathon telling the story— days. we had a real marathon telling the story of— days. we had a real marathon telling the story of the - telling the story of the results _ telling the story of the results. and _ telling the story of the results. and the - telling the story of the results. and the first i telling the story of the - results. and the first result was — results. and the first result was the _ results. and the first result was the conservatives - results. and the first result i was the conservatives winning the police _ was the conservatives winning the police and _ was the conservatives winning the police and crime - was the conservatives winning . the police and crime commission or election _ the police and crime commission or election. and _ the police and crime commission or election. and of— the police and crime commission or election. and of course - or election. and of course nationally— or election. and of course nationally we _ or election. and of course nationally we were - or election. and of coursel nationally we were looking or election. and of course i nationally we were looking at what — nationally we were looking at what was _ nationally we were looking at what was happening - nationally we were looking at what was happening in - what was happening in hartlepool. _ what was happening in hartlepool. so - what was happening in hartlepool. so we - what was happening ini hartlepool. so we were beginning _ hartlepool. so we were beginning to _ hartlepool. so we were beginning to wonder. hartlepool. so we were . beginning to wonder what hartlepool. so we were - beginning to wonder what that really— beginning to wonder what that really meant _ beginning to wonder what that really meant for— beginning to wonder what that really meant for labour- beginning to wonder what that really meant for labour in - really meant for labour in bristol~ _ really meant for labour in bristol. but _ really meant for labour in bristol. but actually-

really meant for labour in . bristol. but actually drilling into — bristol. but actually drilling into the _ bristol. but actually drilling into the figures, _ bristol. but actually drilling into the figures, the - bristol. but actually drilling into the figures, the story i bristol. but actually drilling. into the figures, the story and bristol— into the figures, the story and bristol was _ into the figures, the story and bristol was different— into the figures, the story and bristol was different to - into the figures, the story and bristol was different to the . bristol was different to the story — bristol was different to the story that _ bristol was different to the story that was _ bristol was different to the story that was being - bristol was different to the j story that was being talked about — story that was being talked about nationally _ story that was being talked about nationally and - story that was being talked| about nationally and bristol story that was being talked . about nationally and bristol it was very— about nationally and bristol it was very much _ about nationally and bristol it was very much about - about nationally and bristol it was very much about what i about nationally and bristol itl was very much about what will happen— was very much about what will happen to _ was very much about what will happen to labour? _ was very much about what will happen to labour? and - was very much about what will happen to labour? and i- was very much about what will happen to labour? and i think| happen to labour? and i think when — happen to labour? and i think when dan _ happen to labour? and i think when dan norris _ happen to labour? and i think when dan norris actually - happen to labour? and i think when dan norris actually onei happen to labour? and i think. when dan norris actually one 80 regional— when dan norris actually one 80 regional mayor _ when dan norris actually one 80 regional mayor election - when dan norris actually one 80 regional mayor election and - when dan norris actually one 80 regional mayor election and it i regional mayor election and it went— regional mayor election and it went from _ regional mayor election and it went from conservative - regional mayor election and it went from conservative to - went from conservative to labour— went from conservative to labour we _ went from conservative to labour we knew _ went from conservative to labour we knew that - went from conservative toi labour we knew that labour went from conservative to - labour we knew that labour was sound _ labour we knew that labour was sound in — labour we knew that labour was sound in bristol. _ labour we knew that labour was sound in bristol. i'll— labour we knew that labour was sound in bristol. i'll be - labour we knew that labour was sound in bristol. i'll be it - sound in bristol. i'll be it under— sound in bristol. i'll be it under quite _ sound in bristol. i'll be it under quite a _ sound in bristol. i'll be it under quite a big - sound in bristol. i'll be it . under quite a big challenge from — under quite a big challenge from the _ under quite a big challenge from the green _ under quite a big challenge from the green party- under quite a big challenge from the green party and l from the green party and bristol— from the green party and bristol city— from the green party and bristol city council. - from the green party and bristol city council. a - from the green party and | bristol city council. a very different _ bristol city council. a very different local _ bristol city council. a very different local picture - bristol city council. a very different local picture to l bristol city council. a very. different local picture to the national— different local picture to the national story. _ different local picture to the national story. i— different local picture to the national story. i think- different local picture to the national story. i think all. different local picture to the| national story. i think all the talk— national story. i think all the talk about— national story. i think all the talk about keir— national story. i think all the talk about keir starmer- national story. i think all the talk about keir starmer is i talk about keir starmer is reshuffle _ talk about keir starmer is reshuffle and _ talk about keir starmer is reshuffle and that - talk about keir starmer is reshuffle and that kind i talk about keir starmer is reshuffle and that kind of| reshuffle and that kind of thing _ reshuffle and that kind of thing probably— reshuffle and that kind of thing probably quite - reshuffle and that kind of thing probably quite lost| reshuffle and that kind of. thing probably quite lost on our audience _ thing probably quite lost on our audience which - thing probably quite lost on our audience which was - thing probably quite lost on| our audience which was very concerned _ our audience which was very concerned about— our audience which was very concerned about the - our audience which was very concerned about the local. concerned about the local issues _ concerned about the local issues i— concerned about the local issues. , l, concerned about the local issues. , ., ., concerned about the local issues. , ., issues. i 'ust want to stick with the — issues. i just want to stick with the issue _ issues. i just want to stick with the issue of - issues. i just want to stick| with the issue of gimmicks issues. i just want to stick - with the issue of gimmicks and photo opportunities. you mentioned there norris who won the metropolitan mayor seat. he

had a kind of winners picture when he posed with his pet dog. i think the dog was called angel. it is a very photogenic dog, it has to be said for some is that the kind of stuff that readers and people visiting the website get behind? does it get eyeballs on a?— eyeballs on a? yeah. no question- _ eyeballs on a? yeah. no question. i, _ eyeballs on a? yeah. no question. i, we - eyeballs on a? yeah. no question. i, we are - eyeballs on a? yeah. no question. i, we are able| eyeballs on a? yeah. no l question. i, we are able to collect _ question. i, we are able to collect some _ question. i, we are able to collect some data - question. i, we are able to collect some data on - question. i, we are able to collect some data on that. question. i, we are able to i collect some data on that on sort — collect some data on that on sort of— collect some data on that on sort of what _ collect some data on that on sort of what people - collect some data on that on sort of what people want - collect some data on that on sort of what people want toi sort of what people want to see — sort of what people want to see but _ sort of what people want to see. but yes, _ sort of what people want to see. but yes, clearly- sort of what people want to see. but yes, clearly that l sort of what people want toi see. but yes, clearly that is very— see. but yes, clearly that is very eye—catching. - see. but yes, clearly that is very eye—catching. and - see. but yes, clearly that is very eye—catching. and fori see. but yes, clearly that is i very eye—catching. and for the regional— very eye—catching. and for the regional mayor _ very eye—catching. and for the regional mayor in _ very eye—catching. and for the regional mayor in bristol - very eye—catching. and for the regional mayor in bristol who. regional mayor in bristol who is in — regional mayor in bristol who is in many— regional mayor in bristol who is in many ways— regional mayor in bristol who is in many ways a _ regional mayor in bristol who is in many ways a more - is in many ways a more significant _ is in many ways a more significant figure - is in many ways a more significant figure in - is in many ways a more significant figure in a l is in many ways a more . significant figure in a more powerful— significant figure in a more powerful figures _ significant figure in a more powerful figures certainlyi powerful figures certainly access _ powerful figures certainly access to _ powerful figures certainly access to a _ powerful figures certainly access to a lot _ powerful figures certainly access to a lot more - powerful figures certainly i access to a lot more money, powerful figures certainly - access to a lot more money, he had suffered _ access to a lot more money, he had suffered from _ access to a lot more money, he had suffered from a _ access to a lot more money, he had suffered from a bit - access to a lot more money, he had suffered from a bit of- access to a lot more money, he had suffered from a bit of an i had suffered from a bit of an identity— had suffered from a bit of an identity problem. _ had suffered from a bit of an identity problem. so - had suffered from a bit of an identity problem. so the - identity problem. so the previous— identity problem. so the previous regional- identity problem. so the previous regional mail. identity problem. so the . previous regional mail boris johnson _ previous regional mail boris johnson famously— previous regional mail boris johnson famously wasn't . previous regional mail boris i johnson famously wasn't able previous regional mail boris - johnson famously wasn't able to name _ johnson famously wasn't able to name hinf — johnson famously wasn't able to name him. even— johnson famously wasn't able to name him. even though - johnson famously wasn't able to name him. even though he - johnson famously wasn't able to name him. even though he was| johnson famously wasn't able to | name him. even though he was a conservative _ name him. even though he was a conservative. that _ name him. even though he was a conservative. that was _ name him. even though he was a conservative. that was tim - conservative. that was tim bowles _

conservative. that was tim bowles. there _ conservative. that was tim bowles. there was - conservative. that was tim bowles. there was a - conservative. that was tim bowles. there was a bit. conservative. that was tim bowles. there was a bit of| conservative. that was tim i bowles. there was a bit of a boris — bowles. there was a bit of a boris moment— bowles. there was a bit of a boris moment when - bowles. there was a bit of a boris moment when he - bowles. there was a bit of al boris moment when he came bowles. there was a bit of a - boris moment when he came to visit _ boris moment when he came to visit gloucester— boris moment when he came to visit gloucester share _ boris moment when he came to visit gloucester share in - boris moment when he came to visit gloucester share in the - visit gloucester share in the election— visit gloucester share in the election campaign. - visit gloucester share in the election campaign. but - visit gloucester share in the election campaign. but the i election campaign. but the labour— election campaign. but the labour there _ election campaign. but the labour there norris - election campaign. but the labour there norris seemsl election campaign. but the i labour there norris seems to election campaign. but the - labour there norris seems to be taking _ labour there norris seems to be taking a — labour there norris seems to be taking a different _ labour there norris seems to be taking a different tact _ labour there norris seems to be taking a different tact is - labour there norris seems to be taking a different tact is a - taking a different tact is a lot more _ taking a different tact is a lot more prominent- taking a different tact is a lot more prominent and l taking a different tact is a | lot more prominent and in taking a different tact is a - lot more prominent and in fact we are — lot more prominent and in fact we are hearing _ lot more prominent and in fact we are hearing a _ lot more prominent and in fact we are hearing a lot _ lot more prominent and in fact we are hearing a lot more - lot more prominent and in fact| we are hearing a lot more from him _ we are hearing a lot more from him straight _ we are hearing a lot more from him straight from _ we are hearing a lot more from him straight from the - we are hearing a lot more from him straight from the outset. l him straight from the outset. so yeah. _ him straight from the outset. so yeah, clearly— him straight from the outset. so yeah, clearly that - him straight from the outset. so yeah, clearly that photo . so yeah, clearly that photo again. _ so yeah, clearly that photo again. we _ so yeah, clearly that photo again, we don't— so yeah, clearly that photo again, we don't know- so yeah, clearly that photo again, we don't know howl again, we don't know how contrived _ again, we don't know how contrived that— again, we don't know how contrived that was. - again, we don't know how contrived that was. we i again, we don't know how. contrived that was. we know that — contrived that was. we know that his _ contrived that was. we know that his dog _ contrived that was. we know that his dog does— contrived that was. we know that his dog does feature - contrived that was. we know. that his dog does feature quite heavilv — that his dog does feature quite heavilv his _ that his dog does feature quite heavily. his dog _ that his dog does feature quite heavily. his dog has— that his dog does feature quite heavily. his dog has been- that his dog does feature quite heavily. his dog has been on. heavily. his dog has been on many— heavily. his dog has been on nranv callsm _ heavily. his dog has been on many calls- - -_ many calls... sure. it seems overworked _ many calls... sure. it seems overworked anyway. - many calls... sure. it seems| overworked anyway. whether many calls... sure. it seems - overworked anyway. whether it's pictures of dogs are inflatable as putting out statements, we are of course talking about tools that politicians had to set the news agenda. of course one of the big stores are broken at the beacon was about keir starmer wielding in acts and this kind of proposed reshuffle i'm talking about angela rayner in particular here. stephen, do you think that was an attempt to try to

control the news cycle? yeah. sliuhtl control the news cycle? yeah. slightly self-defeating - control the news cycle? yeah. slightly self-defeating way, . control the news cycle? yeah. slightly self-defeating way, it| slightly self—defeating way, it worked — slightly self—defeating way, it worked. he literally wielded the acts exactly as dan norris was _ the acts exactly as dan norris was standing up and go and i like to— was standing up and go and i like to thank keir starmer and keir— like to thank keir starmer and keirstarmer like to thank keir starmer and keir starmer his response was i like to— keir starmer his response was i like to thank dan norris by making _ like to thank dan norris by making sure that no one outside of bristol— making sure that no one outside of bristol or indeed outside of the bristol metro area ever writes _ the bristol metro area ever writes about his quite impressive result. but that was an attempt to control the news agenda~ — an attempt to control the news agenda. go look were using this terrible — agenda. go look were using this terrible result to catalyst for change _ terrible result to catalyst for change was outward, and wielding the acts, i'm a strong leader. — wielding the acts, i'm a strong leader, hear me roar. of course the problem was he succeeded in moving _ the problem was he succeeded in moving the story on from the result — moving the story on from the result. and demonstrating he is not a _ result. and demonstrating he is not a strong leader any more but a — not a strong leader any more but a leader who is struggling to manage the interest groups of his— to manage the interest groups of his party. to manage the interest groups of his party-— of his party. katrina, tell us about strategies _ of his party. katrina, tell us about strategies for - of his party. katrina, tell us about strategies for the - of his party. katrina, tell us l about strategies for the smp. what was their broad strategy during the election to control

the news cycle and do you think they were successful? i the news cycle and do you think they were successful?— they were successful? i think nicola sturgeon _ they were successful? i think nicola sturgeon is _ they were successful? i think nicola sturgeon is such - they were successful? i think nicola sturgeon is such a - they were successful? i think l nicola sturgeon is such a savvy media operator. i think she actually benefited to stand against her in her glass goes to constituency because this was the first time that we had to party leaders standing in one place. and she was very personable throughout the election. obviously there were lots of coronavirus constraints but she did a really good job of being out about in the community. as i say, up against ——. initially when alex salmond with his party where concerns that the election was just going to become a ongoing row between nicola sturgeon and alex salmond but that didn't actually emerge. so she benefited also from the fact that alex salmond didn't really manage to gain a lot of

coverage for his campaign. specifically you can talk about the idea that there was a lot of talk about the smp getting a majority. the smp themselves downplayed that really. was at strategic and what was the benefit of that?— strategic and what was the benefit of that? well, it's not strategic _ benefit of that? well, it's not strategic l— benefit of that? well, it's not strategic. i think _ benefit of that? well, it's not strategic. i think this - benefit of that? well, it's not strategic. i think this is - benefit of that? well, it's not strategic. i think this is one l strategic. i think this is one of the main frustrations of the coverage. particularly in scotland watching coverage. this framing that the smp failed to win the majority and it's just become this mantra someone will say that someone else sticks up to correct it. the parliamentary system stays up the parliamentary system stays up to having a majority government so when the majority previously under alex salmond that was a freak event. it was not supposed to happen. and so when nicola sturgeon was saying she wasn't expecting to win the majority, she wasn't because parliament was not designed that way. 50

parliament was not designed thatwa . ., v that way. so that's the political _ that way. so that's the political news - that way. so that's the political news cycle. i. that way. so that's the - political news cycle. i want to zoom out for a second and talk about the forces that shape what we call news today. michael friedberg president of reuters, let me bring you in here. this is your specialist area. your company is in the business of feeding the news cycle, essentially. you're supplying news outlets on a daily, minute by minute, hour by hour basis. give us a sense of the scale of that operation. sure. we have 2500 journalists across— sure. we have 2500 journalists across the _ sure. we have 2500 journalists across the globe in 200 locations. and we are partnering with close to 3000 media — partnering with close to 3000 media companies and broadcasters to what you say providing them news that they didn't— providing them news that they didn't distribute out to the rest — didn't distribute out to the rest of— didn't distribute out to the rest of their outlets. and on our— rest of their outlets. and on our bbc_ rest of their outlets. and on our bbc side we reach 81 million _ our bbc side we reach 81 million people a day on a platform, our platform be or through— platform, our platform be or through various channels. so we

are reaching billions of people each _ are reaching billions of people each and _ are reaching billions of people each and every day. somehow some — each and every day. somehow some way— each and every day. somehow some way they are touching reuters— some way they are touching reuters news in some manner. how— reuters news in some manner. how do _ reuters news in some manner. how do you make money? what is the business model of reuters? is it as simple as people just paying for the content that they use?— they use? we have three customer _ they use? we have three customer bases - they use? we have three customer bases first - they use? we have three customer bases first and | they use? we have three i customer bases first and is they use? we have three - customer bases first and is we serve — customer bases first and is we serve for— customer bases first and is we serve for fitted of which was recently _ serve for fitted of which was recently acquired by el sig. and — recently acquired by el sig. and exclusive market moving news~ — and exclusive market moving news. they compete against others — news. they compete against others in _ news. they compete against others in the market moving data. — others in the market moving data, financial world. on the bzb — data, financial world. on the bzb side _ data, financial world. on the b2b side we supply close to 3000 — b2b side we supply close to 3000 media companies and broadcasters with news from across — broadcasters with news from across the globe. and then on the 52c— across the globe. and then on the b2c side we have our reuters— the b2c side we have our reuters .com events as well as content — reuters .com events as well as content marketing arm. they are primarily — content marketing arm. they are primarily the three areas business that we do. of course, we talked _ business that we do. of course, we talked a _ business that we do. of course, we talked a lot _ business that we do. of course, we talked a lot and _ business that we do. of course, we talked a lot and have - business that we do. of course, we talked a lot and have been l we talked a lot and have been talking a lot about the recent election. one of the defining images or video clips from the election was when i'm sure you

remember this, when keir starmer i think went into a pub and was effectively got into a bit of a ding dong. this story broke primarily not a lot on news website but broke on twitter. michael, you'd be aware, increasingly we are seeing everyone has a smartphone, everyone has a camera. so the model of people generating their own content and therefore breaking their own news, is that a threat to the reuters model?- own news, is that a threat to the reuters model? no, i don't see it as a _ the reuters model? no, i don't see it as a threat. _ the reuters model? no, i don't see it as a threat. i _ the reuters model? no, i don't see it as a threat. i think- see it as a threat. i think it's— see it as a threat. i think it's an _ see it as a threat. i think it's an amplification. i think it's an amplification. i think it's something that is of great use for— it's something that is of great use for reuters. as well as i think— use for reuters. as well as i think it's _ use for reuters. as well as i think it's really important that— think it's really important that you think about the supply chain— that you think about the supply chain of— that you think about the supply chain of content be it either creative _ chain of content be it either creative action verification and — creative action verification and distribution. so unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation on social media _ of misinformation on social media platforms. and reuters does _ media platforms. and reuters does a — media platforms. and reuters does a lot of work and making sure _ does a lot of work and making sure that _ does a lot of work and making sure that we are verifying the news — sure that we are verifying the news that is going across those platforms to make sure that everybody feels comfortable that they are able to make the

smartest— that they are able to make the smartest decisions possible with— smartest decisions possible with accurate information. to me i— with accurate information. to me i think— with accurate information. to me i think this is the ecosystem that we are living in right _ ecosystem that we are living in right now _ ecosystem that we are living in right now. we have to become used _ right now. we have to become used to— right now. we have to become used to it _ right now. we have to become used to it and work around it. and _ used to it and work around it. and also— used to it and work around it. and also make sure that it is safe — and also make sure that it is safe and _ and also make sure that it is safe and understanding for everybody to just be able to make — everybody to just be able to make the best decisions possible. make the best decisions possible-— make the best decisions ossible. , ., , ., possible. either personally or professionally. _ possible. either personally or professionally. it _ possible. either personally or professionally. it is _ possible. either personally or professionally. it is a - possible. either personally or professionally. it is a media i possible. either personally or| professionally. it is a media c still one of the us piece of reuters? traditionally people start as a newswire service and it was where many outlets would go to for breaking news. is that still part of the cell? without a doubt. accuracy and speed — without a doubt. accuracy and speed are _ without a doubt. accuracy and speed are absolutely essential. so we — speed are absolutely essential. so we want to make sure that we are accurate but if no one is getting _ are accurate but if no one is getting that in the time that they— getting that in the time that they needed in order to make they needed in order to make the decisions possible then that— the decisions possible then that is— the decisions possible then that is not doing the public service _ that is not doing the public service that we feel we need to be providing. accuracy and speed _ be providing. accuracy and speed are paramount. you mentioned —

speed are paramount. you mentioned those - speed are paramount. you mentioned those two - speed are paramount. gm. mentioned those two things in parallel, accuracy and speed. is there sometimes a pressure to get things out so quickly that accuracy is under pressure and is threatened in some ways and is threatened in some ways and how do you strike the balance?— and how do you strike the balance? ., . , balance? unfortunately, there is. you balance? unfortunately, there is- you see — balance? unfortunately, there is. you see news _ balance? unfortunately, there is. you see news outlets - is. you see news outlets lrattling _ is. you see news outlets battling that each and every day — battling that each and every day. there is an episode just last— day. there is an episode just last week— day. there is an episode just last week in which there was in an inaccurate report within the states— an inaccurate report within the states that proliferated because unfortunately due to that race is getting the news out to— that race is getting the news out to the market as quickly as possible — out to the market as quickly as possible. at reuters we want to make _ possible. at reuters we want to make sure — possible. at reuters we want to make sure that we are accurate first but — make sure that we are accurate first but then absolutely speed is essential. we will pride ourselves on making sure that we are — ourselves on making sure that we are accurate and fast. but we are accurate and fast. but we want _ we are accurate and fast. but we want to make sure that we are accurate. i we want to make sure that we are accurate.— are accurate. i 'ust want to know as h are accurate. i 'ust want to know as well, — are accurate. i just want to know as well, do _ are accurate. i just want to know as well, do you - are accurate. i just want to know as well, do you thinki know as well, do you think there's going to be a shift in there's going to be a shift in the reuters audience? do you think you could end up in a place in a few years where you are selling news directly to members of the public rather than through broadcasters and news agencies? [10 than through broadcasters and news agencies?—

than through broadcasters and news agencies? do you want to ta in? news agencies? do you want to tap in? yes. — news agencies? do you want to tap in? yes. we _ news agencies? do you want to tap in? yes, we are. _ news agencies? do you want to tap in? yes, we are. in - news agencies? do you want to tap in? yes, we are. in fact- news agencies? do you want to tap in? yes, we are. in fact we| tap in? yes, we are. in fact we made— tap in? yes, we are. in fact we made the— tap in? yes, we are. in fact we made the announcement that were going _ made the announcement that were going to _ made the announcement that were going to be launching subscriptions on reuters .com in the — subscriptions on reuters .com in the very— subscriptions on reuters .com in the very near future. so i think— in the very near future. so i think the _ in the very near future. so i think the ways that you get reuters— think the ways that you get reuters news via either other media — reuters news via either other media companies are broadcasters or directly to reuters— broadcasters or directly to reuters .com. 0r broadcasters or directly to reuters .com. or we have 0tt stations— reuters .com. or we have 0tt stations in— reuters .com. or we have 0tt stations in partnership with other— stations in partnership with other companies like roadkill or some _ other companies like roadkill or some 28 samsung. various ways— or some 28 samsung. various ways in— or some 28 samsung. various ways in which you can engage with— ways in which you can engage with reuters content. and i think— with reuters content. and i think that the most important thing — think that the most important thing is — think that the most important thing is making sure that were getting — thing is making sure that were getting unbiased content out into the _ getting unbiased content out into the marketplace of people can make the best decisions possible _ can make the best decisions ossible. , ., can make the best decisions possible-— possible. there is one more story that — possible. there is one more story that l _ possible. there is one more story that i want _ possible. there is one more story that i want to - possible. there is one more story that i want to squeeze i story that i want to squeeze in. it's really about the downing street briefing room which we put not sure you are all aware of us you probably remember it was the planter of a government spokesperson meant to be addressed the media directly giving politicians another way to control the news agenda, really. there was the shiny studio, all kitted out

ready to go at the cost of 2.6 million quid. it got cancelled at the last minute during the election. . katie, what happened, what went wrong here? i think there was a combination of factors but ultimately the televised press briefings where their brainchild of lee came their brainchild of lee came the former director of communications that he left because over a row about —— you had a situation where the person would come up with the ideas no longer in the building. and i think from then on there was lots of speculation whether it would happen. i think there was an increased view that for all the controlling of the narrative and setting the front bit of the news agenda it carried a high level of risk. i think stories on tory cds, stories on the number ten flat refurbishment and acts as a reminder of how a televised press briefing may help the government set the tone but it could also go in many damaging directions. , could also go in many damaging directions-— directions. very briefly i want to brina

directions. very briefly i want to bring steven _ directions. very briefly i want to bring steven m. _ directions. very briefly i want to bring steven m. thomas, i directions. very briefly i want i to bring steven m. thomas, do you think people in bristol would've cared? where they have like to see the news come by a briefing room?— briefing room? they are interested _ briefing room? they are interested in _ briefing room? they are interested in the - briefing room? they are i interested in the briefings. and — interested in the briefings. and they— interested in the briefings. and they are _ interested in the briefings. and they are very - interested in the briefings. i and they are very interested interested in the briefings. - and they are very interested to know _ and they are very interested to know when _ and they are very interested to know when we _ and they are very interested to know when we tell _ and they are very interested to know when we tell them - and they are very interested to know when we tell them that l know when we tell them that there's— know when we tell them that there's going _ know when we tell them that there's going to— know when we tell them that there's going to be _ know when we tell them that there's going to be a - know when we tell them thati there's going to be a briefing. i'm there's going to be a briefing. i'm not— there's going to be a briefing. i'm not sure _ there's going to be a briefing. i'm not sure how— there's going to be a briefing. i'm not sure how important. there's going to be a briefing. i'm not sure how important it| i'm not sure how important it is to— i'm not sure how important it is to them, _ i'm not sure how important it is to them, where _ i'm not sure how important it is to them, where that - i'm not sure how important it| is to them, where that comes from — is to them, where that comes from i— is to them, where that comes from ithink— is to them, where that comes from. i think there _ is to them, where that comes from. i think there are - is to them, where that comes from. i think there are bigger| from. i think there are bigger issues — from. i think there are bigger issues for— from. i think there are bigger issues for our— from. i think there are bigger issues for our local— from. i think there are bigger issues for our local audience. stephen. _ issues for our local audience. stephen. what _ issues for our local audience. stephen, what your- issues for our local audience. stephen, what your take - issues for our local audience. stephen, what your take on i issues for our local audience. . stephen, what your take on the briefing room is a shame that is not happening?— is not happening? yeah, it's definitely — is not happening? yeah, it's definitely a _ is not happening? yeah, it's definitely a shame - is not happening? yeah, it's definitely a shame for- is not happening? yeah, it's definitely a shame for us - is not happening? yeah, it's definitely a shame for us in | definitely a shame for us in the media. it's an opportunity to pin — the media. it's an opportunity to pin the _ the media. it's an opportunity to pin the government down on record — to pin the government down on record. when there's video footage, _ record. when there's video footage, right? that sadly of course — footage, right? that sadly of course is _ footage, right? that sadly of course is the reason why i think— course is the reason why i think it _ course is the reason why i think it was a pretty silly idea _ think it was a pretty silly idea from a government perspective and i it ended up getting — perspective and i it ended up getting the water. it would've been — getting the water. it would've been brilliant for accountability. unfortunately part of — accountability. unfortunately part of the game of this is they— part of the game of this is they don't like accountability and we — they don't like accountability and we have to continually drag it out _ and we have to continually drag it out and — and we have to continually drag it out and that is true regardless of the colour the rosette _ regardless of the colour the rosette and which ever bit the

government is.— rosette and which ever bit the government is. katrina, do you think the briefing _ government is. katrina, do you think the briefing room - think the briefing room would've made any impact on scottish politics? i would've made any impact on scottish politics?— scottish politics? i think the cost of it — scottish politics? i think the cost of it is _ scottish politics? i think the cost of it is another - scottish politics? i think the cost of it is another fool - scottish politics? i think the cost of it is another fool for| cost of it is another fool for borisjohnson. he can't seem to do anything right to win the scottish public.— scottish public. that's less than 30 seconds _ scottish public. that's less than 30 seconds but - scottish public. that's less than 30 seconds but i - than 30 seconds but i appreciate your brevity. thank you to all my guest today. katie the political spectator michael freeburg president of reuters news, thomas copped a general editor of the bristol life, katrina stewart from the glasgow times. and stephen bush from the new statesman. i am back with you next week. thank you all if you're listening thank you. take care. hello there. if you're waiting for a prolonged, dry, warm spell of weather you have to keep on waiting because this weekend it is going to stay cool and there will be plenty more

heavy, thundery downpours. on the atlantic satellite picture you can see this big pipeline of cloud just ploughing its way from west to east. you can think of this line of cloud as something of a barrier. it's keeping the warm air away from our shores. that air will lift temperatures across parts of southern spain this weekend into the low to mid 305. for us, we are stuck in cool air and we are stuck under the influence of low pressure. this will bring showers or longer spells of rain through the weekend. a band of cloud with outbreaks of rain drifting northeastward across england and wales, clipping into northern ireland as we head through saturday morning. behind that we revert to that mix of sunshine and showers. some of the showers will be heavy with hail and thunder. not too many showers across scotland. certainly across the northern half of scotland as we go to the day. all for shetland it will stay pretty grey and damp all day long. temperatures struggling

for northeastern areas just 11 degrees. even in the best of the sunshine 15 or 16. that is it. through saturday evening the showers will try to fade but actually i think through the early hours of sunday morning, the showers will pep up again down towards the southwest. that is the first sign of what is going to be quite a turbulent day of weather on sunday. as this area of low pressure moves right on top of the uk. that means the air will be very, very unstable. so while most places will start with some dry weather and some sunshine keep an eye on the skies, you will see big thunder clouds developing. some really intense downpours and frequent lightning, some hail, some very squally, gusty wind was a particularly strong winds towards the channel islands. there will be some sunshine between the showers but temperatures below par to 11 to 15 degrees. as we head to the start of next week low pressure will still be close by.

that means we will see further showers or longer spells of rain through the week ahead. some of the showers always with the potential to be heavy, possibly thundery. some sunshine in between but no sign of anything warm on the horizon.

this is bbc news. i'm maryam moshiri. our top stories: explosion. day five of the fighting. israel intensifies its attack on gaza and palestinian militants continue firing rockets at the israelis. a warning from the world health organization that year two of the covid pandemic is on track to be far deadlier than the first. india continues to suffer more than most, but is the government's own legislation hampering the battle? and as the countdown continues to the tokyo olympics, fresh concerns over whether the games will actually go ahead.