Highlights
“Part of trying to entertain people is surprising them..”
In September 2005, as the Pet Shop Boys released their soundtrack for the classic silent film “Battleship Potemkin”, I interviewed Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe for Classic FM about the project, and their (at the time) 20 years in pop.
“It’s the mood music - why is Australia snubbing the King?”
King Charles heads to Australia for his first Commonwealth visit since becoming monarch, but as he arrives a row continues over a controversial republican campaign video, and not a single one of the country’s state premiers will attend a reception for him. Is he being snubbed? A question I was asked on ABC Radio.
“We’re not anarchists, we’re satirists…”
A potted history of Count Binface, and Britain’s glorious tradition of “joke” election candidates, pricking the pomposity of normal politics.
“The Queen was sacrosanct… but the fascination with the royals won’t end..”
In the days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, I spoke to ABC Radio about the reaction in the UK, and my 10-plus years planning coverage of the death, as well as the wider relationship between the royals and the media. I’ve written about the media’s struggles to get the right tone at times like this here.
“The deal is not done yet…”
In the months leading up to the 2024 General Election, Labour gained key target seats in a series of by-elections. But after missing on vital target, I explained to BBC Radio 5 live the party still had work to do to secure the victory they hoped for.
“Politicians are very keen not to say anything that could be seen as disrespectful”
Could Australia abandon the British monarchy, and become a republic with its own head of state? The debate’s been reignited after Queen Elizabeth’s death. The day after her funeral, I talked through current attitudes in an interview with Times Radio.
“It’s hard to see there’s going to be a reconciliation here…”
The reaction to Prince Harry’s TV interviews to promote his memoirs, and what’s likely to happen next. Interview for ABC Radio, Australia
“It’s on a knife-edge…”
Australians must decide whether to change the country’s constitution, and set up an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. It’s already caused huge debate across the country. But why is it happening? From a conversation on Monocle Radio.
“They really need this to go well.”
Australia’s government is to allow non-citizens to join the country’s defence forces, in a bid to boost recruitment. People from New Zealand, the UK, US and Canada will allowed to join, if they are permanent residents of Australia. But why can’t they find enough Australians for the forces? I spoke to Monocle Radio about the plan, and why critics have called it a “dog’s breakfast”