The Explanation - The Media Show: The death of Jason Arday

The Media Show: The death of Jason Arday

Download The Media Show: The death of Jason Arday

The death of Cambridge academic Jason Arday has prompted intense debate about media conduct, following weeks of reporting on allegations of plagiarism and questions about aspects of his life story. Critics have accused journalists of contributing to an atmosphere of relentless scrutiny, while others argue that legitimate public interest questions were being pursued. Nick Clark, a childhood friend of Jason Arday, reflects on his experience of speaking to reporters. Charles Moore, columnist at The Telegraph and The Spectator, Seun Matiluko, freelance journalist, Sarah Ditum, Times Columnist and Stephen Bush, columnist at the Financial Times, consider questions of proportionality, public interest and journalistic responsibility.

Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content producer: Lucy Wai
Researcher: Ruth Waites
Technical coordinator: Mark Dickins
Sound: Allyson Purcell-Davis

Published on Thursday, 20th August 2026.

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