Opinion – Reality TV is a breeding-ground for exploitation
X Factor star Lucy Spraggan has spoken publicly about her experience on the reality show, describing it as an ‘abusive relationship.’ Reality TV has been divisive for about as long as it's been on air. Whether you love it or hate it, these shows continue to pull in ratings, luring hordes...
Current in Media
How Okutoyi and Jabeur are popularising African tennis
Hailing from Africa, tennis players Okutoyi and Jabeur have become an inspiration for young women, showcasing the power of dedication, talent, and resilience in pursuit of one's dreams. In sport, few narratives are as captivating and inspiring as the rise of young athletes breaking barriers and defying odds. Such individuals...
San Diego Comic-Con goes ahead without Hollywood star power
The pinnacle of geek fandom, the San Diego Comic-Con, has finally gotten back underway after a two-year Covid hiatus. Due to ongoing actor strikes, however, star power will not be a key draw at this convention. Seriously, no A-list actors at the San Diego Comic-Con! [flips table covered in POP!...
Is celebrity investment in grassroot change a good thing?
Stormzy and Beyonce are some of the latest public figures to use their wealth for social good. But are these endeavours just token gestures? In the past year, celebrities have been more open in sharing financial investments – specifically those aimed at supporting grassroots communities. Stars have been leveraging their wealth...
The nine-dash crayon line that got Barbie banned in Vietnam
The upcoming Barbie movie has generated worldwide excitement. Unfortunately, citizens in Vietnam won’t have the opportunity to enjoy it as its government has banned the film. Scheduled for release on July 21st, the highly anticipated Barbie movie, featuring a stellar cast, has faced a setback as the Vietnamese government has...
Why ‘beige flags’ have entered the Internet’s dating vocabulary
It’s not a red flag and it’s not a green flag. What does the newly popular term ‘beige flag’ mean regarding our personal relationships and why is it causing an online debate? Red flags and green flags have been discussed in dating spheres, friendship groups, and even the workplace for...
Opinion – Colleen Ballinger’s apology is a grim blur of comedy and consent
The former YouTube star Colleen Ballinger has faced allegations of grooming and abuse. Her bizarre response to these claims highlights the morbid meme-fication of almost everything. Colleen Ballinger isn’t a name many will recognise. Perhaps the character that made her famous, Miranda Sings, will stir memories for those in their early-to-mid-twenties. Ballinger rode the wave of huge success that YouTube made possible in the early 2010s. She was one of multiple...
Opinion – U-turn on festival drug testing is a step backward
Young people are facing higher risks at UK festivals, as the government makes organisers jump through hoops to provide basic on-site drug testing. The Loop, a UK drug-testing charity, has been a mainstay of British festivals in recent years. Parklife festival, in Manchester, has provided drug-testing to attendees via The Loop since 2014. But this year organisers were told they needed a special licence, just days before the festival started. Parklife ultimately...
Hollywood shuts down for the first time in six decades
A mega-strike involving writers and performers demanding better pay and increased safeguarding around AI rights is likely to grind to a halt the production of most movies and many popular television shows. Swapping the red carpet for the picket lines, Hollywood actors are going on strike after negotiations between studio representatives and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and SAG-AFTRA (the...
Why is the return of classic Smosh a big deal?
Last week, Smosh’s co-founders Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla purchased the company from owners Rhett and Link. It’s the first time the two have had complete creative control since 2011. Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla have announced their acquisition of Smosh, a comedy YouTube channel and brand they first founded in 2005. After six years working independently on scripted sketches and vlogs, the duo sold Smosh to a larger digital media...
