Media Confidential

Why the US treasury secretary thinks the FT has become ‘tabloid trash’

As Scott Bessent takes aim at the paper, former FT editor Lionel responds

April 02, 2026
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Alan and Lionel discuss the Observer after investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr, the paper’s former features writer, suggests that some of its new funders may not be who they seem.

And as Scott Bessent, US secretary to the Treasury, takes aim at the Financial Times—claiming that a story about him was “manufactured”—former FT editor Lionel gives a considered reply.

The editors also examine the selection process for the new head of Ofcom. What’s taking so long?

And they discuss the BBC’s sacking of Scott Mills, following new information about abuse allegations.