Jon Sopel

Should we defund – or defend – the BBC? Live from London, the Spectator hosted a debate on the future of this iconic British institution, compered by associate editor Isabel Hardman. The Spectator ’s chairman – and long-time Beeb-critic – Charles Moore, and the Telegraph ’s Allison Pearson went head-to-head with the Spectator ’s editor – and former Tory cabinet minister – Michael Gove and the former BBC correspondent – now-podcaster with The Newsagents – Jon Sopel. Defund: do you agree with Lord Moore that the BBC is constantly breaking impartiality? That this issue ‘more profound than just about balance’ – that this is a systemic issue which hampers the British public’s opportunity to learn. And for Allison Pearson, the BBC that the country feels 'sentimental attachment to’ is gone, replaced today by a corporation that is ‘institutionally antisemitic’. Defend: Jon Sopel argues that the soft power of the BBC cannot be underestimated and, while guilty of many mistakes, destroying the BBC would be ‘an act of cultural vandalism akin to ISIS blowing up Palmyra’. Lord Gove argues that the BBC reflects the best of us, declaring that he backs the organisation 'not in spite of being a conservative – but because I am a conservative’. Subscribers can watch the full discussion on Spectator TV and for more events from the Spectator, go to events.spectator.co.uk . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should we defund – or defend – the BBC? Live from London, the Spectator hosted a debate on the future of this iconic British institution, compered by associate editor Isabel Hardman. The Spectator ’s chairman – and long-time Beeb-critic – Charles Moore, and the Telegraph ’s Allison Pearson went head-to-head with the Spectator ’s editor – and former Tory cabinet minister – Michael Gove and the former BBC correspondent – now-podcaster with The Newsagents – Jon Sopel. Defund: do you agree with Lord Moore that the BBC is constantly breaking impartiality? That this issue ‘more profound than just about balance’ – that this is a systemic issue which hampers the British public’s opportunity to learn. And for Allison Pearson, the BBC that the country feels 'sentimental attachment to’ is gone, replaced today by a corporation that is ‘institutionally antisemitic’. Defend: Jon Sopel argues that the soft power of the BBC cannot be underestimated and, while guilty of many mistakes, destroying the BBC would be ‘an act of cultural vandalism akin to ISIS blowing up Palmyra’. Lord Gove argues that the BBC reflects the best of us, declaring that he backs the organisation 'not in spite of being a conservative – but because I am a conservative’. Subscribers can watch the full discussion on Spectator TV and for more events from the Spectator, go to events.spectator.co.uk . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the very first episode of Vintage Politics, broadcaster Jon Sopel—best known for The News Agents and his time as the BBC’s North America Editor—looks back on a career spent at the heart of global power. From covering the chaos of Trump-era Washington, including his own headline-making clash with the former president, to reporting across Europe, Jon shares what it’s really like to navigate politics on the world stage. But this isn’t just a story about politics—it’s also about passion. Jon’s love of wine, shaped during his time as Paris Correspondent and refined through the vineyards of Napa Valley, offers a more personal lens on a life lived between pressure-filled press briefings and carefully chosen bottles. Sharp, insightful, and unexpectedly intimate—this is Jon Sopel uncorked.

A big week in US politics has been capped off by Donald Trump sharing a racist post about the Obamas. Katty Kay and Jon Sopel join Nick Bryant to talk through it all. And crossing the Atlantic, could the Epstein scandal bring down UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer?

Some BIG questions are on the table this week. What’s the most iconic song in musical theatre? How smelly was Henry VIII? And what exactly did Jordan nearly do with Jon Sopel? All will be revealed! The boys also dive into your correspondence, tackling dream jobs, correct tie lengths and more. If you want to get involved you can email us , and for more Sexted fun sign up to our VIG&Diva newsletter here . You can follow on Instagram and TikTok , and watch episodes every Tuesday and Friday on YouTube . Help I Sexted My Boss is presented by William Hanson and Jordan North. It is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jon Sopel from the award-winning podcast The News Agents delivers a chilling warning: when leaders go unchallenged, authoritarianism follows. In the wake of President Trump’s UK state visit and the furore over tv host Jimmy Kimmel’s removal from air after comments about the assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Jon Sopel joins Nick Bryant to discuss the week in US and UK politics.

Today’s guest is a titan of political journalism - someone whose calm, incisive reporting helped us make sense of the madness during one of the most dramatic chapters in American political history. It’s Jon Sopel, the former BBC North America Editor, who spent eight rollercoaster years covering the United States, through Trump, through Covid, through history being made in real time.He’s interviewed presidents, grilled press secretaries, and yes - even been shouted at by Donald Trump himself. Now, Jon’s back on home turf - though the country he’s returned to isn’t quite the Britain he left behind. In his brilliant new book Strangeland , Jon turns his razor-sharp eye on post-Brexit Britain, peeling back the layers of a nation that feels unfamiliar even to someone who grew up here. It’s part political memoir, part social commentary, and entirely unputdownable. These days, you’ll know Jon as one-third of the brilliant trio behind The News Agents , one of the UK’s most popular news podcasts, which he co-hosts with Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall. It’s completely redefined how many people consume the news - and it’s an absolute must-listen if you don’t already. In this episode, we dive into the shifting political landscapes of both the UK and the US and of course, we set off on Jon’s Travel Diaries - from his long stint in Washington D.C. to the sun-drenched Riviera, the energy of Rio, and the beauty of Sydney. Holly’s Destination Recap: Puente Romano Hotel , Marbella, Spain Jon’s Destination Recap: New York City, USA French Riviera, France St Paul de Vence, France La Colombe D’or, St Paul de Vence, France Paris, France Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris, France Jardin du Ranelagh, Paris, France Andia (formerly Restaurant La Gare), Paris, France Afghanistan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Tokyo, Japan Sydney, Australia Noosa, Queensland, Australia Blackberry Farm, Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA Maine, USA Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA Shelter Island, New York, USA Costa Rica The Galapagos Rwanda Strangeland: Is This Britain’s New Normal? By Jon Sopel is out in paperback on 29th May (Penguin £10.99). With thanks to my sponsors - UPPAbaby -The new UPPAbaby Minu V3 is available to pre order at all UK stockists nationwide now. Airbnb - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What’s My Place Worth Tool . Saily - Download the SAILY app and use our code TRAVELDIARIES at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Thanks so much for listening If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram, I’m @hollyrubenstein , and you’ll also find me on TikTok . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor

"It’s the economy, stupid." You may recognise the slogan which won Bill Clinton the presidency in 1992. It was the creation of James Carville, the brilliant campaign strategist who has gone on to become a key voice in American politics as a consultant, commentator and author. Now, James is here at The River Cafe to share memories of growing up in the Deep South, stories about his mother, and his new film, Carville: Winning is Everything, Stupid. And in a special crossover ahead of the inauguration, we are joined halfway by Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel of The News Agents podcast, to talk politics, presidents, and the importance of charm. Ruthie's Table 4, made in partnership with Moncler. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The News Agents Jon Sopel swung by JOETowers to chat to Ed ahead of the US election to chat why men could be the deciding factor in its outcome. Jon's new book Strangeland is out now. Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former BBC North America Editor, Jon Sopel spent eight years in Washington, D.C. covering the Obama administration, to Trump, and far too many mass shootings. He now hosts The News Agents podcast and I must admit, I was a little nervous to speak to Jon, as he’s such an experienced broadcaster and commentator, but the conversation was fantastic - he was warm, insightful and a great guide through some complex topics. We discussed the gun crisis in the states where there are, on average, 700x more deaths by guns than here in the UK. Jon shared the surprising truth of what it’s like to travel inside Air Force One with the president, and what it feels like to be reporting on the front line in a war zone. We chat about the changing cultural landscape in the UK, and the need for open-mindedness between sides. And of course, we briefly talk about the upcoming American election and what it was really like in Washington on 6th January with the attack on the US Capitol. This conversation highlights the threat of misinformation and importance of seeking truth in our news If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow - we have so many great guests like this one, you won't want to miss out! You can also follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @greatcompanypodcast or email us at greatcompany@jampotproductions.co.uk And if you want to read Jon's latest book, Strangeland: How Britain Stopped Making Sense: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strangeland-Britain-Stopped-Making-Sense/dp/1529938406 -- THE CREDITS Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer: Gurlina Heer Video: Jake Ji Social Media: Laura Coughlan Great Company is an original podcast from JamPot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts spend some quality time with fellow podcaster Jon Sopel … reflecting on the state of Britain as described in his hit book Strangeland. And they tap into his deep Washington insight for a long view of American politics - and just how scared should we be about the prospect of a second Trump presidency. Also - podcasts! Are they the future of journalism? Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsay Nicholson, who, after studying astrophysics, chose journalism as a career, became Good Housekeeping’s editor for two decades and is now a grief counsellor, equestrian coach and writer... none of which are rocket science. She talks about the loss of her husband and daughter to cancer, and the car accident that led to her life’s third act. Skiing and climbing up and down mountains are Alpinist Fay Manners’ life. But, recently in the Himalayas she experienced the indiscriminate power of Mother Nature and was stranded for three days. Thankfully she survived and lives to tell the tale. Jon Sopel, formerly the BBC’s North America Editor, now a co-presenter of The News Agents, discusses the familial sacrifices that allowed him to further his career and reveals what he took from Air Force One. All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of the comedy power couple and podcasters, Chris and Rosie Ramsey. Presenters: Nikki Bedi and Jon Kay Producer: Ben Mitchell