Press

“Although Press is set in the present and deals with a lot of issues affecting the industry today – the general mood of it, the colour, feels more like newspaper journalism 20 years ago. But if it does not always ring 100% true, hey, it is entertaining.”
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian

“It is one of the better representations I’ve seen of newsrooms, probably because the writer Mike Bartlett and his cast reportedly spent time at several newsrooms, including those of The Sun, Daily Mirror and The Guardian. Thus far, however, it feels slightly underpowered and lacks a character you particularly care about.”
Carol Midgley, The Times

“Although the dialogue creaked like an antique printing press, with exposition clumsily spouting from characters’ mouths, this soapy saga was irresistible. Neat plot twists and sparky exchanges ensured it was an enjoyable romp, populated by bruised-but-noble heroes and amorally sleazy villains.”
Michael Hogan, The Telegraph

“The real travesty of Press is the naked bias and hypocrisy of the BBC. The whole existence of the Corporation is based on its impartiality, yet it uses this star-laden, six-part serial for a sustained attack on what it portrays as commonplace newspaper practice: manipulating grief, blackmailing politicians, covering up secrets. Such gleeful stereotyping of newspapers is not merely dishonest, it’s dangerous.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail

“The Mighty Redcar, a docu-soap about the youth of the unemployment-hit town on the northeast coast, could have been dreadful and patronising, but it was rather wonderful. Yes it was stylised, but the young people’s stories, grim or steeped in disadvantage, were vividly real and so moving that you’re tempted to set up a crowdfunder.”
Carol Midgley, The Times

“This made depressing television. But no one could doubt its authenticity or the depth of its research.”
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail