Episode 79: Does fiction do journalists an injustice? - with Sarah Sultoon and Holly Watt

One half of the Hobcast presentation team has spent half his life in journalism, and Adrian has lost count of the number of times he's sworn at the TV over the depiction of his former trade. But do journalists get a bad rap in fiction? Isn't it fair enough that writers use their creative licence to depict journalists in a way that suits their own stories? Or should writers work harder to get the details right and better reflect the reality of what it's like to chase down stories, often in harsh environments? In this episode of The Hobcast Book Show we speak to two leading UK journalists and crime authors, Sarah Sultoon and Holly Watt. Sarah worked as an international news executive and producer for CNN, a role that placed in some of the world's most challenging war zones. Holly has also faced similar challenges working for The Sunday Times and The Telegraph, and drew widespread acclaim for her work on the MP expenses scandal.

Also this week, Adrian and Rebecca reflect on a big proposed change to the UK book distribution scene, and bemoan the decision to end the coveted Blue Peter book awards after 22 years.