The Spy Who Leaked Me

The Spy Who Leaked Me

Author: BBC Radio 4 May 14, 2025 Duration: 23:46

Spying tends to be a fairly secretive game, for obvious reasons. So eyebrows have been quizzically raised (a bit like Roger Moore's 007) following the naming of the woman apparently favourite to become the new chief of MI6.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis explore the murky world of leaks. Who benefits from them, why are they done and just how damaging can they be?

They'll explain why leaking is far from victimless and reveal their own experiences of turning on the news and realising someone is out to get you.

And in the extended episode on BBC Sounds, have the Beckham's lost control of their PR? With pages of newspaper coverage devoted to their supposed family rift, David and Simon look at when two PR tribes go to war.

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: William Miller Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4


Tune in to When It Hits the Fan for a masterclass in reputation management, hosted by two insiders who have lived through the pressure of the headlines. David Yelland, former editor of The Sun, and communications expert Simon Lewis, bring their unparalleled experience to this BBC Radio 4 podcast. Each week, they dissect the most spectacular public relations meltdowns making news, offering a rare glimpse into the frantic world of crisis managers and spin doctors. You’ll hear them trace the origins of a scandal, pinpointing the exact moment strategies began to unravel and public perception shifted. This isn't just commentary; it's a forensic breakdown of how modern media storms are weathered or worsened by those in charge. The analysis is grounded in real-world stakes, exploring the political and personal consequences of every misstep and recovery attempt. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of media, power, and human error, this podcast provides an essential and gripping narrative. Listening feels like being in the room for a candid, post-mortem between two veterans who understand the game better than most. Their conversations reveal the mechanics behind the news cycle, making sense of how stories explode and what happens when control is lost.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

When It Hits the Fan
Podcast Episodes
Why the Macrons are willing to bare all [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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We are living in troubling times when Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, feel they have to go to court to prove she is a woman. The couple's lawyer says 'a line has been crossed' by an online influencer who has repe…
Prince Harry's PR Comeback [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:20
It was only a few months ago that Prince Harry was being roundly criticised pretty much everywhere. An ill-judged and hot-headed BBC interview where he discussed the King's health did him few favours. And yet, this week,…
Alas WH Smith and Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
Rebrands, name changes, financial black holes. Just what is going on with WH Smith?This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the reputation of a high street institution. With stores up and down the country now bei…
7. Be Honest With Yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:02
'PRs hold up the mirror and sometimes people don't like what they see.'So say David Yelland and Simon Lewis in their final episode on golden rules.This week, it's all about self-awareness and the ability to ask, 'Are we…
6. Never Over Promise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:08
If you say you're going to hit a target, make sure you hit it.Managing expectations is one of the most important golden rules of PR, according to David Yelland and Simon Lewis.In this episode, they look at the pitfalls o…
5. Know How To Go Off the Record [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:42
Non attributable, authorised leaks, Chatham House rules. Briefing the media can be a baffling minefield.In this episode on golden rules, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the art of going on and off the record.They e…
4. Prepare For A Crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:50
'Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.'An excellent nugget of wisdom from boxing legend Mike Tyson. But you don't need to be heavyweight champion to understand where he's coming from.In this episode o…
3. The Media is Not Your Friend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:02
It's not quite two tribes going to war but it can feel like that.In this episode, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the complicated relationship between PR and the media. You know what story you want to tell but a jo…
2. Start Networking Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:18
Just the word 'networking' can conjure up images of high-powered people in suits who all seem to be part of the same club - and you have no idea how to get in.But it doesn't have to be like that.In this episode on golden…
1. Reputation is Everything [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:47
Loads of money, success and power - great. But what do people actually think of you?In this new, short series, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at some of the golden rules that they come back to time and again on When…