Hardeep Matharu
@hardeepmatharu.bsky.social
Journalist. Speaker. Writer. Interviewer
Curious explorer of the forces that shape us. Identities. Politics. Media. Culture
Editor-in-Chief of the independent UK publication Byline Times
[email protected] / hardeepmatharu.wordpress.com
Curious explorer of the forces that shape us. Identities. Politics. Media. Culture
Editor-in-Chief of the independent UK publication Byline Times
[email protected] / hardeepmatharu.wordpress.com
I edited my first newspaper when I was 26 in 2014. 11 years on, a lovely surprise to be nominated for the 2025 Editors' Editor Award by The British Society of Magazine Editors for my work at Byline Times. A testament to the entire brilliant team @bylinetimes.bsky.social
www.bsme.com/editors-edit...
www.bsme.com/editors-edit...
October 24, 2025 at 4:12 PM
I edited my first newspaper when I was 26 in 2014. 11 years on, a lovely surprise to be nominated for the 2025 Editors' Editor Award by The British Society of Magazine Editors for my work at Byline Times. A testament to the entire brilliant team @bylinetimes.bsky.social
www.bsme.com/editors-edit...
www.bsme.com/editors-edit...
Given how much the China spy case has dominated headlines, it really does beg the question: why is our political-media class so uninterested in Nathan Gill, his Russian bribes, his once close associate Nigel Farage, and Reform UK?
Our new Byline Times edition investigates what the media won't 👇
Our new Byline Times edition investigates what the media won't 👇
October 17, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Given how much the China spy case has dominated headlines, it really does beg the question: why is our political-media class so uninterested in Nathan Gill, his Russian bribes, his once close associate Nigel Farage, and Reform UK?
Our new Byline Times edition investigates what the media won't 👇
Our new Byline Times edition investigates what the media won't 👇
FROM MAGGIE TO MAGA
The new Byline Times print edition has gone to press – exploring how the radical-right are the true heirs to Thatcher. When politicians can no longer offer tangible solutions to people's lives, a constant carousel of scapegoats is required 👇
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
The new Byline Times print edition has gone to press – exploring how the radical-right are the true heirs to Thatcher. When politicians can no longer offer tangible solutions to people's lives, a constant carousel of scapegoats is required 👇
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
September 12, 2025 at 11:47 AM
FROM MAGGIE TO MAGA
The new Byline Times print edition has gone to press – exploring how the radical-right are the true heirs to Thatcher. When politicians can no longer offer tangible solutions to people's lives, a constant carousel of scapegoats is required 👇
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
The new Byline Times print edition has gone to press – exploring how the radical-right are the true heirs to Thatcher. When politicians can no longer offer tangible solutions to people's lives, a constant carousel of scapegoats is required 👇
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
LAWLESS BRITAIN?
New Byline Times has gone to press on the authoritarian forces – here & abroad – driving this narrative 👇
"Anti-Britain propaganda is clearly working... Where is Starmer's vision of this green, pleasant & multicultural land?" (Sonia Purnell)
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
New Byline Times has gone to press on the authoritarian forces – here & abroad – driving this narrative 👇
"Anti-Britain propaganda is clearly working... Where is Starmer's vision of this green, pleasant & multicultural land?" (Sonia Purnell)
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
August 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM
LAWLESS BRITAIN?
New Byline Times has gone to press on the authoritarian forces – here & abroad – driving this narrative 👇
"Anti-Britain propaganda is clearly working... Where is Starmer's vision of this green, pleasant & multicultural land?" (Sonia Purnell)
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
New Byline Times has gone to press on the authoritarian forces – here & abroad – driving this narrative 👇
"Anti-Britain propaganda is clearly working... Where is Starmer's vision of this green, pleasant & multicultural land?" (Sonia Purnell)
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
Back in April, Byline Times raised the issue that no lessons seem to have been learned after last summer's riots. The Government did not say an inquiry was underway.
As agitation & discussion begins again, why didn't Westminster's media-political class keep this on the agenda? The water we swim in.
As agitation & discussion begins again, why didn't Westminster's media-political class keep this on the agenda? The water we swim in.
July 23, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Back in April, Byline Times raised the issue that no lessons seem to have been learned after last summer's riots. The Government did not say an inquiry was underway.
As agitation & discussion begins again, why didn't Westminster's media-political class keep this on the agenda? The water we swim in.
As agitation & discussion begins again, why didn't Westminster's media-political class keep this on the agenda? The water we swim in.
EUROPE IN AN AGE OF CHAOS
New Byline Times has now gone to press - featuring interviews with Michael Heseltine & Ed Davey; special reports on Reform UK in local power; and culture with Stephen Unwin, Bonnie Greer & Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Pick up a copy in shops / subscribe: subscribe.bylinetimes.com
New Byline Times has now gone to press - featuring interviews with Michael Heseltine & Ed Davey; special reports on Reform UK in local power; and culture with Stephen Unwin, Bonnie Greer & Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Pick up a copy in shops / subscribe: subscribe.bylinetimes.com
July 17, 2025 at 12:43 PM
EUROPE IN AN AGE OF CHAOS
New Byline Times has now gone to press - featuring interviews with Michael Heseltine & Ed Davey; special reports on Reform UK in local power; and culture with Stephen Unwin, Bonnie Greer & Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Pick up a copy in shops / subscribe: subscribe.bylinetimes.com
New Byline Times has now gone to press - featuring interviews with Michael Heseltine & Ed Davey; special reports on Reform UK in local power; and culture with Stephen Unwin, Bonnie Greer & Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Pick up a copy in shops / subscribe: subscribe.bylinetimes.com
ALIEN-NATION
The new Byline Times has now gone to press:
A thought-provoking exploration of how the tech bros created the (social media) world in their own estranged image & why Starmer was right to warn of an "island of strangers" for the wrong reasons.
subscribe.bylinetimes.com / buy in shops 👇
The new Byline Times has now gone to press:
A thought-provoking exploration of how the tech bros created the (social media) world in their own estranged image & why Starmer was right to warn of an "island of strangers" for the wrong reasons.
subscribe.bylinetimes.com / buy in shops 👇
June 19, 2025 at 3:58 PM
ALIEN-NATION
The new Byline Times has now gone to press:
A thought-provoking exploration of how the tech bros created the (social media) world in their own estranged image & why Starmer was right to warn of an "island of strangers" for the wrong reasons.
subscribe.bylinetimes.com / buy in shops 👇
The new Byline Times has now gone to press:
A thought-provoking exploration of how the tech bros created the (social media) world in their own estranged image & why Starmer was right to warn of an "island of strangers" for the wrong reasons.
subscribe.bylinetimes.com / buy in shops 👇
Byline Times was at Compass' energising 'Change: How?' event today in London. Great closing speech by Labour's Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham
I urged him to speak about the need for media reform, because someone in power has to. He said he agreed and that he would do when he can. Let's hope!
I urged him to speak about the need for media reform, because someone in power has to. He said he agreed and that he would do when he can. Let's hope!
May 31, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Byline Times was at Compass' energising 'Change: How?' event today in London. Great closing speech by Labour's Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham
I urged him to speak about the need for media reform, because someone in power has to. He said he agreed and that he would do when he can. Let's hope!
I urged him to speak about the need for media reform, because someone in power has to. He said he agreed and that he would do when he can. Let's hope!
Who owns the media? I'll be discussing this on Saturday as part of the 2025 Media Democracy Festival in London.
There are still free tickets available if you are interested in learning more – and also hearing from Peter Oborne, Sangita Myska & many more 👇
www.mediareform.org.uk/media-democr...
There are still free tickets available if you are interested in learning more – and also hearing from Peter Oborne, Sangita Myska & many more 👇
www.mediareform.org.uk/media-democr...
May 29, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Who owns the media? I'll be discussing this on Saturday as part of the 2025 Media Democracy Festival in London.
There are still free tickets available if you are interested in learning more – and also hearing from Peter Oborne, Sangita Myska & many more 👇
www.mediareform.org.uk/media-democr...
There are still free tickets available if you are interested in learning more – and also hearing from Peter Oborne, Sangita Myska & many more 👇
www.mediareform.org.uk/media-democr...
FALLING FOR FARAGE
As the media-political class (of all stripes) continues not to scrutinise the Reform Leader's politics, this month's Byline Times explores how & why Nigel Farage has been brought into the mainstream
Support us by subscribing at subscribe.bylinetimes.com or buy a copy in shops 👇
As the media-political class (of all stripes) continues not to scrutinise the Reform Leader's politics, this month's Byline Times explores how & why Nigel Farage has been brought into the mainstream
Support us by subscribing at subscribe.bylinetimes.com or buy a copy in shops 👇
May 15, 2025 at 3:15 PM
FALLING FOR FARAGE
As the media-political class (of all stripes) continues not to scrutinise the Reform Leader's politics, this month's Byline Times explores how & why Nigel Farage has been brought into the mainstream
Support us by subscribing at subscribe.bylinetimes.com or buy a copy in shops 👇
As the media-political class (of all stripes) continues not to scrutinise the Reform Leader's politics, this month's Byline Times explores how & why Nigel Farage has been brought into the mainstream
Support us by subscribing at subscribe.bylinetimes.com or buy a copy in shops 👇
Last summer's riots long ago left the political & media agenda so I wanted this month's Byline Times to investigate how the underlying causes remain & how that keeps the UK vulnerable to extreme forces, esp. amid economic uncertainty
New edition gone to press 👇
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
New edition gone to press 👇
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
April 15, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Last summer's riots long ago left the political & media agenda so I wanted this month's Byline Times to investigate how the underlying causes remain & how that keeps the UK vulnerable to extreme forces, esp. amid economic uncertainty
New edition gone to press 👇
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
New edition gone to press 👇
In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com
On my way to Oxford University to give a lecture on why we need to think critically about the news media, so good to see the latest @bylinetimes.bsky.social in the news stands at London Paddington 👇
We need to do things differently if we want things to go differently...
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
We need to do things differently if we want things to go differently...
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
April 5, 2025 at 11:27 AM
On my way to Oxford University to give a lecture on why we need to think critically about the news media, so good to see the latest @bylinetimes.bsky.social in the news stands at London Paddington 👇
We need to do things differently if we want things to go differently...
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
We need to do things differently if we want things to go differently...
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
Trump's chaos means events change by the hour, but the underlying forces he channels & may well become undone by don't.
So in the new edition of @bylinetimes.bsky.social, we do a deep dive into why the President's 'mob rule' has been both inevitable and damaging to him 👇
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
So in the new edition of @bylinetimes.bsky.social, we do a deep dive into why the President's 'mob rule' has been both inevitable and damaging to him 👇
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
March 13, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Trump's chaos means events change by the hour, but the underlying forces he channels & may well become undone by don't.
So in the new edition of @bylinetimes.bsky.social, we do a deep dive into why the President's 'mob rule' has been both inevitable and damaging to him 👇
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
So in the new edition of @bylinetimes.bsky.social, we do a deep dive into why the President's 'mob rule' has been both inevitable and damaging to him 👇
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
At a screening this evening for @asifkapadia.bsky.social's powerful film '2073', the visionary journalist of our time @carolecadwalla.bsky.social told @peterjukes.bsky.social that we will remember being here on the day America sided with Putin.
"Musk's promise is to make the future great again"
"Musk's promise is to make the future great again"
February 19, 2025 at 9:29 PM
At a screening this evening for @asifkapadia.bsky.social's powerful film '2073', the visionary journalist of our time @carolecadwalla.bsky.social told @peterjukes.bsky.social that we will remember being here on the day America sided with Putin.
"Musk's promise is to make the future great again"
"Musk's promise is to make the future great again"
In the new print edition of Byline Times, we explore how the established press is making the same mistakes again by elevating Nigel Farage's status without properly holding him to account.
Byline Times is independent. Outside the system. Fearless. We will do all we can.
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
Byline Times is independent. Outside the system. Fearless. We will do all we can.
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
February 13, 2025 at 2:39 PM
In the new print edition of Byline Times, we explore how the established press is making the same mistakes again by elevating Nigel Farage's status without properly holding him to account.
Byline Times is independent. Outside the system. Fearless. We will do all we can.
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
Byline Times is independent. Outside the system. Fearless. We will do all we can.
subscribe.bylinetimes.com
Can democracy survive the information revolution we are living through?
New Byline Times print edition has gone to press, in which we track how the use of information as a tool of power has evolved - from Murdoch to Musk...
Grab a copy in shops or join us by subscribing: subscribe.bylinetimes.com
New Byline Times print edition has gone to press, in which we track how the use of information as a tool of power has evolved - from Murdoch to Musk...
Grab a copy in shops or join us by subscribing: subscribe.bylinetimes.com
February 13, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Can democracy survive the information revolution we are living through?
New Byline Times print edition has gone to press, in which we track how the use of information as a tool of power has evolved - from Murdoch to Musk...
Grab a copy in shops or join us by subscribing: subscribe.bylinetimes.com
New Byline Times print edition has gone to press, in which we track how the use of information as a tool of power has evolved - from Murdoch to Musk...
Grab a copy in shops or join us by subscribing: subscribe.bylinetimes.com
Evening Standard profiling Farage as celeb/personality/icon to watch. He told it he's creating a "vetting department" so Reform doesnt "get caught again with lunatics & maniacs"
But didn't answer Byline Times when asked why he was pictured with far-right activists
Established press doesn't learn
But didn't answer Byline Times when asked why he was pictured with far-right activists
Established press doesn't learn
February 6, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Evening Standard profiling Farage as celeb/personality/icon to watch. He told it he's creating a "vetting department" so Reform doesnt "get caught again with lunatics & maniacs"
But didn't answer Byline Times when asked why he was pictured with far-right activists
Established press doesn't learn
But didn't answer Byline Times when asked why he was pictured with far-right activists
Established press doesn't learn
Traditional media wants to tell people what the story is they should subscribe to on our politics/society.
Social media is enabling people to more significantly create their own stories in their heads, which more powerfully shape their instinctive view of the world.
Where is 'truth' in all this?
Social media is enabling people to more significantly create their own stories in their heads, which more powerfully shape their instinctive view of the world.
Where is 'truth' in all this?
January 31, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Traditional media wants to tell people what the story is they should subscribe to on our politics/society.
Social media is enabling people to more significantly create their own stories in their heads, which more powerfully shape their instinctive view of the world.
Where is 'truth' in all this?
Social media is enabling people to more significantly create their own stories in their heads, which more powerfully shape their instinctive view of the world.
Where is 'truth' in all this?
Whereas the influence of newspaper barons like Murdoch was 'in the shadows', through the back door of Downing St & splashed across front pages, the tech media age of Musk allows the algorithm to get directly into people's heads, activating emotional trigger points in a more targeted, insidious way.
January 21, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Whereas the influence of newspaper barons like Murdoch was 'in the shadows', through the back door of Downing St & splashed across front pages, the tech media age of Musk allows the algorithm to get directly into people's heads, activating emotional trigger points in a more targeted, insidious way.
It's not just that we've lost the sense of a shared reality; the notion of truth as a principle/philosophy. But that, in the tech-media-populist age, truth has come to mean/symbolise a highly personalised, emotionally-driven, identity former that can be different for everyone. So it's up for grabs.
January 20, 2025 at 9:53 PM
It's not just that we've lost the sense of a shared reality; the notion of truth as a principle/philosophy. But that, in the tech-media-populist age, truth has come to mean/symbolise a highly personalised, emotionally-driven, identity former that can be different for everyone. So it's up for grabs.
Jeff Bezos, Joe Rogan, Mark Zuckerberg, Rupert Murdoch, Tim Cook, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai all in DC for Trump's return...
(Murdoch seems a bit pissed off, perhaps with the dominance of the tech bro oligarchs around Trump... his time is passing but there he sits)
(Murdoch seems a bit pissed off, perhaps with the dominance of the tech bro oligarchs around Trump... his time is passing but there he sits)
January 20, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Jeff Bezos, Joe Rogan, Mark Zuckerberg, Rupert Murdoch, Tim Cook, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai all in DC for Trump's return...
(Murdoch seems a bit pissed off, perhaps with the dominance of the tech bro oligarchs around Trump... his time is passing but there he sits)
(Murdoch seems a bit pissed off, perhaps with the dominance of the tech bro oligarchs around Trump... his time is passing but there he sits)
For nearly a decade, the alarm has sounded on Russian interference & Big Tech's power to distort politics.
Putin & the Tech oligarchs' big win was to shut down the unbelievable as conspiracy through the force of populism even though it was true. And here we are....
New Byline Times gone to press 👇
Putin & the Tech oligarchs' big win was to shut down the unbelievable as conspiracy through the force of populism even though it was true. And here we are....
New Byline Times gone to press 👇
January 16, 2025 at 2:13 PM
For nearly a decade, the alarm has sounded on Russian interference & Big Tech's power to distort politics.
Putin & the Tech oligarchs' big win was to shut down the unbelievable as conspiracy through the force of populism even though it was true. And here we are....
New Byline Times gone to press 👇
Putin & the Tech oligarchs' big win was to shut down the unbelievable as conspiracy through the force of populism even though it was true. And here we are....
New Byline Times gone to press 👇
The Labour Government 'holding steady' against the forces of Musk/Conservatives/Reform/right-wing press is unlikely to be enough.
Whether the right falls out with itself or not, our headlines have been dominated by Musk's demands. The distraction, division, and diversion in itself is significant.
Whether the right falls out with itself or not, our headlines have been dominated by Musk's demands. The distraction, division, and diversion in itself is significant.
January 10, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The Labour Government 'holding steady' against the forces of Musk/Conservatives/Reform/right-wing press is unlikely to be enough.
Whether the right falls out with itself or not, our headlines have been dominated by Musk's demands. The distraction, division, and diversion in itself is significant.
Whether the right falls out with itself or not, our headlines have been dominated by Musk's demands. The distraction, division, and diversion in itself is significant.
We're living through the revolution nobody voted for: the tech/information whirlwind that now swirls chaotically and dangerously around our politics and democracies.
Musk, Trump... they are players in a much bigger change: an unprecedented change too big to grasp and with no immediate solutions.
Musk, Trump... they are players in a much bigger change: an unprecedented change too big to grasp and with no immediate solutions.
January 9, 2025 at 8:48 PM
We're living through the revolution nobody voted for: the tech/information whirlwind that now swirls chaotically and dangerously around our politics and democracies.
Musk, Trump... they are players in a much bigger change: an unprecedented change too big to grasp and with no immediate solutions.
Musk, Trump... they are players in a much bigger change: an unprecedented change too big to grasp and with no immediate solutions.
I don't have many festive traditions but this is one I started a few years ago: re-reading A Christmas Carol (the Puffin Classics version I bought from WH Smith as a teenager) in the days before Christmas.
All about our inner children & the ghosts haunting us. Dickens' prose a treat to tuck into!
All about our inner children & the ghosts haunting us. Dickens' prose a treat to tuck into!
December 22, 2024 at 1:56 PM
I don't have many festive traditions but this is one I started a few years ago: re-reading A Christmas Carol (the Puffin Classics version I bought from WH Smith as a teenager) in the days before Christmas.
All about our inner children & the ghosts haunting us. Dickens' prose a treat to tuck into!
All about our inner children & the ghosts haunting us. Dickens' prose a treat to tuck into!