Ben Fenton
@benfenton.bsky.social
Media/politics(Washington Corr covered 2 US presidential elections); Fairness - Author of TO BE FAIR https://menschpublishing.com/books/to-be-fair/ Formerly: Chair, Orwell Journalism Prize; FT chief media corr; Telegraph Senior Reporter & DC correspondent
Pinned
Ben Fenton
@benfenton.bsky.social
· Dec 16
Luigi Mangione, folk hero
The man suspected of murdering the CEO of America’s largest healthcare company has been lionised because of a yearning for fairness
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
I wrote a thing about how the folk-hero-worship of Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of a health-insurance CEO, is a result of our profound instincts of fairness and unfairness.
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/united...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/united...
It is not possible to play golf on the Falklands, they don't have rare earths and nobody has the technology to find and recover oil from its territorial waters, so I think they are safe. Not sure about the others.
So, if Trump’s line that “it’s our hemisphere” means he objects to Greenland being Danish, is he also going to object to the Falklands being British, Guyane being French and Curacao being Dutch?
January 6, 2026 at 10:33 PM
It is not possible to play golf on the Falklands, they don't have rare earths and nobody has the technology to find and recover oil from its territorial waters, so I think they are safe. Not sure about the others.
Reposted by Ben Fenton
So, if Trump’s line that “it’s our hemisphere” means he objects to Greenland being Danish, is he also going to object to the Falklands being British, Guyane being French and Curacao being Dutch?
January 6, 2026 at 10:21 PM
So, if Trump’s line that “it’s our hemisphere” means he objects to Greenland being Danish, is he also going to object to the Falklands being British, Guyane being French and Curacao being Dutch?
To repeat my earlier point, no other publisher would be able to get away with the crime that Musk's platform is committing each time its agent distributes an indecent image of a child.
None.
The law does not "hope" publishers conform to obscenity and child-protection legislation, it enforces.
None.
The law does not "hope" publishers conform to obscenity and child-protection legislation, it enforces.
Keir Starmer's spokesman asked if Government will still use X now it posts indecent images of children, replies "we always keep communication channels under review to reach public in most appropriate way possible”
"Operators are under obligation to act appropriately. We always hope they would do"
"Operators are under obligation to act appropriately. We always hope they would do"
January 5, 2026 at 3:22 PM
To repeat my earlier point, no other publisher would be able to get away with the crime that Musk's platform is committing each time its agent distributes an indecent image of a child.
None.
The law does not "hope" publishers conform to obscenity and child-protection legislation, it enforces.
None.
The law does not "hope" publishers conform to obscenity and child-protection legislation, it enforces.
Reposted by Ben Fenton
Keir Starmer's spokesman asked if Government will still use X now it posts indecent images of children, replies "we always keep communication channels under review to reach public in most appropriate way possible”
"Operators are under obligation to act appropriately. We always hope they would do"
"Operators are under obligation to act appropriately. We always hope they would do"
January 5, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Keir Starmer's spokesman asked if Government will still use X now it posts indecent images of children, replies "we always keep communication channels under review to reach public in most appropriate way possible”
"Operators are under obligation to act appropriately. We always hope they would do"
"Operators are under obligation to act appropriately. We always hope they would do"
US actions in Venezuela are a destructively refined form of the baleful triumph of thinking "Can We?" rather than "Should We?".
The 'should' is subordinated to the 'can". It's the dominant also in technology companies and we are all, not just Venezuelans, suffering the effects of that.
The 'should' is subordinated to the 'can". It's the dominant also in technology companies and we are all, not just Venezuelans, suffering the effects of that.
January 5, 2026 at 3:17 PM
US actions in Venezuela are a destructively refined form of the baleful triumph of thinking "Can We?" rather than "Should We?".
The 'should' is subordinated to the 'can". It's the dominant also in technology companies and we are all, not just Venezuelans, suffering the effects of that.
The 'should' is subordinated to the 'can". It's the dominant also in technology companies and we are all, not just Venezuelans, suffering the effects of that.
Trump is practising domino theory in the "Western Hemisphere" (which includes anyone west of Greenwich, of course).
Except now, the concept is not a theoretical construct of Beijing's intentions, it is the "say the secret bit out loud" construct of Washington.
nypost.com/2026/01/04/w...
Except now, the concept is not a theoretical construct of Beijing's intentions, it is the "say the secret bit out loud" construct of Washington.
nypost.com/2026/01/04/w...
Trump renews calls to take over Greenland — as admin warns Cuba ‘is in a lot of trouble’ — after Maduro capture
“It’s so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” Trump told reporters Sunday.
nypost.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:52 AM
Trump is practising domino theory in the "Western Hemisphere" (which includes anyone west of Greenwich, of course).
Except now, the concept is not a theoretical construct of Beijing's intentions, it is the "say the secret bit out loud" construct of Washington.
nypost.com/2026/01/04/w...
Except now, the concept is not a theoretical construct of Beijing's intentions, it is the "say the secret bit out loud" construct of Washington.
nypost.com/2026/01/04/w...
Would any other publisher get away with this excuse for not only publishing but facilitating creation of child sexual abuse images?
Of course not. Criminal prosecution, heavy fines, even jail would follow conviction.
Our governments just shrug: "It's too hard".
www.cnbc.com/2026/01/02/m...
Of course not. Criminal prosecution, heavy fines, even jail would follow conviction.
Our governments just shrug: "It's too hard".
www.cnbc.com/2026/01/02/m...
Musk's xAI faces backlash after Grok generates sexualized images of children on X
Users on X raised concerns over explicit content of minors being generated using Musk's Grok tool.
www.cnbc.com
January 5, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Would any other publisher get away with this excuse for not only publishing but facilitating creation of child sexual abuse images?
Of course not. Criminal prosecution, heavy fines, even jail would follow conviction.
Our governments just shrug: "It's too hard".
www.cnbc.com/2026/01/02/m...
Of course not. Criminal prosecution, heavy fines, even jail would follow conviction.
Our governments just shrug: "It's too hard".
www.cnbc.com/2026/01/02/m...
Five tears hence, PM-for-life Nigel Farage sends the SAS in to kidnap French President Bardella for failing to stop the small boats and illegal croissant trade. But Operation Absolute Frog Grasp fails when the SAS get stuck on the Eurostar.
January 4, 2026 at 8:08 AM
Five tears hence, PM-for-life Nigel Farage sends the SAS in to kidnap French President Bardella for failing to stop the small boats and illegal croissant trade. But Operation Absolute Frog Grasp fails when the SAS get stuck on the Eurostar.
I should have added this to the list of reasons why Trump has staged a proxy coup in a foreign country.
(PS until we know what military force was used, calling it a ‘war’ may be premature)
(PS until we know what military force was used, calling it a ‘war’ may be premature)
Trump's policies mean "about 16 million people become uninsured — about half Medicaid and half marketplace.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/o...
Opinion | The MAHA Pipe Dream Is Going to Hurt MAGA the Most
www.nytimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 10:19 AM
I should have added this to the list of reasons why Trump has staged a proxy coup in a foreign country.
(PS until we know what military force was used, calling it a ‘war’ may be premature)
(PS until we know what military force was used, calling it a ‘war’ may be premature)
Reposted by Ben Fenton
Trump's policies mean "about 16 million people become uninsured — about half Medicaid and half marketplace.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/o...
Opinion | The MAHA Pipe Dream Is Going to Hurt MAGA the Most
www.nytimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 10:12 AM
Trump's policies mean "about 16 million people become uninsured — about half Medicaid and half marketplace.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/o...
The big question I’m asking myself this morning is:
“Is the King somewhere safe?”
“Is the King somewhere safe?”
January 3, 2026 at 10:14 AM
The big question I’m asking myself this morning is:
“Is the King somewhere safe?”
“Is the King somewhere safe?”
Who could have guessed that, when we finally realised how much we screwed ourselves by slashing and burning our military, that it would be America that made us regret it?
January 3, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Who could have guessed that, when we finally realised how much we screwed ourselves by slashing and burning our military, that it would be America that made us regret it?
Venezuela Pros and Cons for Trump? Pros: Propaganda win at home - strong leader, demonises Latinos, fulfils promises, distracts from Epstein; sends horrifying message to strongmen leaders in LatAm and makes them cooperate in deportations; oil.
January 3, 2026 at 9:51 AM
Venezuela Pros and Cons for Trump? Pros: Propaganda win at home - strong leader, demonises Latinos, fulfils promises, distracts from Epstein; sends horrifying message to strongmen leaders in LatAm and makes them cooperate in deportations; oil.
Can someone please check in on @janinegibson.ft.com - thinking of her at this exciting and yet truly horrifying time.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Major incident declared over giant hole at Shropshire canal
Two boats have been left at the bottom of the cavity, where water has drained away.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Can someone please check in on @janinegibson.ft.com - thinking of her at this exciting and yet truly horrifying time.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Two weeks ago, the UK Government trumpeted a major global partnership with TAE Technologies, a US nuclear fusion firm.
Today, TAE Technologies announces it is merging with Trump Media.
So does that now mean Britain is partnering with Trump's Media company? Did HMG know in advance?
Today, TAE Technologies announces it is merging with Trump Media.
So does that now mean Britain is partnering with Trump's Media company? Did HMG know in advance?
December 18, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Two weeks ago, the UK Government trumpeted a major global partnership with TAE Technologies, a US nuclear fusion firm.
Today, TAE Technologies announces it is merging with Trump Media.
So does that now mean Britain is partnering with Trump's Media company? Did HMG know in advance?
Today, TAE Technologies announces it is merging with Trump Media.
So does that now mean Britain is partnering with Trump's Media company? Did HMG know in advance?
The most important part of this photograph is the signpost pointing to "Rail Drive", a much-missed part of the British travelling experience which allowed you to drive your car onto a train (Eurotunnel style), go to your couchette for 12 hours and then drive off again in Fort William or Inverness.
December 18, 2025 at 11:45 AM
The most important part of this photograph is the signpost pointing to "Rail Drive", a much-missed part of the British travelling experience which allowed you to drive your car onto a train (Eurotunnel style), go to your couchette for 12 hours and then drive off again in Fort William or Inverness.
Umm, this company that is getting into bed with Trump's media business is already in bed with...the British government and its nuclear energy group UKAEA.
How is that going to work? Has someone misread a US stock market filing?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
How is that going to work? Has someone misread a US stock market filing?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
December 18, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Umm, this company that is getting into bed with Trump's media business is already in bed with...the British government and its nuclear energy group UKAEA.
How is that going to work? Has someone misread a US stock market filing?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
How is that going to work? Has someone misread a US stock market filing?
www.gov.uk/government/n...
If ChatGPT is so brilliant at everything, how come OpenAI used Grok as a headhunter?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Former chancellor George Osborne joins OpenAI
Osborne said it was a privilege to become managing director of OpenAI for Countries based in London.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 9:23 AM
If ChatGPT is so brilliant at everything, how come OpenAI used Grok as a headhunter?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Open Ai Bigwig: 'Hi ChatGPT, We're looking to hire a big-brained Brit with a reputation for getting things done and is really popular everywhere he goes. Ideas?"
Bot: "Hi and thanks for asking. How about this list? 1. George Osborne. 2. Liz Truss. 3. Nick Clegg?"
Bigwig: Wow, great! No. 1 it is!"
Bot: "Hi and thanks for asking. How about this list? 1. George Osborne. 2. Liz Truss. 3. Nick Clegg?"
Bigwig: Wow, great! No. 1 it is!"
December 17, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Open Ai Bigwig: 'Hi ChatGPT, We're looking to hire a big-brained Brit with a reputation for getting things done and is really popular everywhere he goes. Ideas?"
Bot: "Hi and thanks for asking. How about this list? 1. George Osborne. 2. Liz Truss. 3. Nick Clegg?"
Bigwig: Wow, great! No. 1 it is!"
Bot: "Hi and thanks for asking. How about this list? 1. George Osborne. 2. Liz Truss. 3. Nick Clegg?"
Bigwig: Wow, great! No. 1 it is!"
This seems to me to be a case of prejudice based on the fact that he was wearing a mask.
It seems the raccoon might have a problem — and it’s not just drinking.
The raccoon, famously known for its Nov. 29 drunken spree at a Virginia liquor store, is suspected of sneaking into multiple businesses in the same shopping center.
The raccoon, famously known for its Nov. 29 drunken spree at a Virginia liquor store, is suspected of sneaking into multiple businesses in the same shopping center.
Drunk raccoon found in liquor store is a repeat offender, officials say
Virginia animal protection officials say the furry bandit is suspected in break-ins at a martial arts studio and Department of Motor Vehicles office.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 14, 2025 at 5:04 PM
This seems to me to be a case of prejudice based on the fact that he was wearing a mask.
For anyone old enough to remember the 1994 World Cup in the USA and all the fuss about how US media couldn't love a game that didn't have "four quarters", because 'ad breaks', it has taken 31 years for this shoe to drop, but drop it finally has...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
2026 World Cup to feature three-minute hydration breaks in every half throughout tournament
Every game will pause for three minutes in the middle of each half, which will essentially split the match into quarters.
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:57 PM
For anyone old enough to remember the 1994 World Cup in the USA and all the fuss about how US media couldn't love a game that didn't have "four quarters", because 'ad breaks', it has taken 31 years for this shoe to drop, but drop it finally has...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Reposted by Ben Fenton
Axios says Jared Kushner is part of this Paramount effort to undo Netflix's agreed bid for WBD.
If so, is this when corporate America realises what it has bought with its support for a Trump presidency?
Oct/Nov 24, a friend told me all big US media wanted Trump to win. Now, maybe not all of them.
If so, is this when corporate America realises what it has bought with its support for a Trump presidency?
Oct/Nov 24, a friend told me all big US media wanted Trump to win. Now, maybe not all of them.
Breaking news: Paramount has launched a $108bn hostile bid to buy Warner Bros Discovery, in an attempt to outmanoeuvre Netflix after the streaming giant won an auction for the media company last week. on.ft.com/3MmkV1c
December 8, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Axios says Jared Kushner is part of this Paramount effort to undo Netflix's agreed bid for WBD.
If so, is this when corporate America realises what it has bought with its support for a Trump presidency?
Oct/Nov 24, a friend told me all big US media wanted Trump to win. Now, maybe not all of them.
If so, is this when corporate America realises what it has bought with its support for a Trump presidency?
Oct/Nov 24, a friend told me all big US media wanted Trump to win. Now, maybe not all of them.
Reposted by Ben Fenton
Breaking news: Paramount has launched a $108bn hostile bid to buy Warner Bros Discovery, in an attempt to outmanoeuvre Netflix after the streaming giant won an auction for the media company last week. on.ft.com/3MmkV1c
December 8, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Breaking news: Paramount has launched a $108bn hostile bid to buy Warner Bros Discovery, in an attempt to outmanoeuvre Netflix after the streaming giant won an auction for the media company last week. on.ft.com/3MmkV1c