My notes from a fascinating but worrying talk between Emily Maitlis and my colleague Dr Ayala Panievsky about how populist politicians manipulate media to shift the conversation in their direction – and what journalists can do about it.

Worrying stuff, but with some hope.

Two women are engaged in conversation at a seated event, with books titled The New Censorship on a table between them.

Another rat ogre done and dusted, yesyes.

Basing time.

#warhammer

A detailed miniature figure of a fearsome, armored rat-like creature wielding a futuristic weapon stands on a painted base.A detailed miniature model of a mechanical, rat-like creature with intricate steampunk elements and a green cloak is mounted on a circular base.A detailed model of a mutant creature with mechanical elements and a large weapon stands in a dynamic pose against a blurred background.


IT BEGINS

A collection of small evergreen trees is arranged outdoors near a brick building, with various potted plants and gardening supplies in the background.

Weekend treat.

A plate containing poached eggs, sausages, bacon, and a toasted bagel.

Meanwhile, my eldest is raiding my badge collection from the 70s/80s.

A collection of vintage pins and badges featuring various designs and logos is displayed on a wooden surface.

Doing some half-term Hallowe’en crafts…

A painted wooden cauldron with a grinning face and a wooden pumpkin are displayed on a table with paint supplies.

Emily Maitlis is somewhere in this scrum…

A group of people is gathered in an auditorium, engaging in conversations and taking photos.

Packed house for this discussion between Emily Maitlis and Dr Ayala Panievsky, despite a long day of teaching/learning…

A large lecture hall is filled with people attending a talk between Emily Maitlis and Ayala Panievsky, with a screen displaying the title “Journalism under attack”.

Listening to Emily Maitlis interviewing my colleague Ayala Panievsky about her new book The New Censorship.

Two people are sitting at a table with books titled The New Censorship, engaging in a discussion while someone takes a photo.

I thought we had autumnal mist forming outside the swimming pool, but as soon as I went outside, the smell told me it was someone burning something. And it’s still two weeks from bonfire night!

A pathway curves around a lush forested area with trees displaying autumn foliage under a cloudy sky.A cloudy sky looms over a landscape filled with trees, some showing hints of autumn foliage.