Matthew Kilburn
@matthewkilburn.bsky.social
Freelance writer, editor and consulting historian - Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Doctor Who Magazine - and Alzheimer's carer. Ex-History of Parliament, also liable to write about North-East England and Oxford as well as television.
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
DMGT Chairman Lord Rothermere said: 'I have long admired the Daily Telegraph. My family and I have an enduring love of money...er, newspapers and for the journalists who make them. But not for much longer, obviously".
Owner of the Daily Mail strikes £500 million deal to buy The Telegraph
The owner of the Daily Mail has struck a £500 million deal to buy The Daily Telegraph, with the aim of securing the future of one of the world's most prestigious media brands.
www.dailymail.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 3:54 PM
DMGT Chairman Lord Rothermere said: 'I have long admired the Daily Telegraph. My family and I have an enduring love of money...er, newspapers and for the journalists who make them. But not for much longer, obviously".
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
Symmetry at Colindale tube station.
November 22, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Symmetry at Colindale tube station.
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
This is an exciting find: the remains of the building used by the House of Commons as its temporary chamber between 1835 and 1851. If you want to know what that building looked like, see our short article: historyofparliament.com/2025/09/25/t...
November 21, 2025 at 6:19 PM
This is an exciting find: the remains of the building used by the House of Commons as its temporary chamber between 1835 and 1851. If you want to know what that building looked like, see our short article: historyofparliament.com/2025/09/25/t...
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
I apologise for this, but I need everyone to join me in a rousing internal chorus of Where's the money from? to the tune of chirpy chirpy cheep cheep.
Because I shouldn't suffer alone and the Mail's last bid for the telegraph was funded by Qatar and Abu Dhabi I think
Because I shouldn't suffer alone and the Mail's last bid for the telegraph was funded by Qatar and Abu Dhabi I think
Daily Mail's parent company agrees a deal to buy Telegraph for £500m! Media consolidation, let's go, ya gonna blink and stop this competition regulators? Over to you, Nandy? Strong potential everyone just waves the sale through to STOP HAVING TO READ OR THINK ABOUT IT. www.ft.com/content/cd8e...
Daily Mail owner strikes £500mn deal for Telegraph
Tie-up would create one of the most powerful right-leaning media groups in Britain
www.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:33 AM
I apologise for this, but I need everyone to join me in a rousing internal chorus of Where's the money from? to the tune of chirpy chirpy cheep cheep.
Because I shouldn't suffer alone and the Mail's last bid for the telegraph was funded by Qatar and Abu Dhabi I think
Because I shouldn't suffer alone and the Mail's last bid for the telegraph was funded by Qatar and Abu Dhabi I think
A welcome defence of universal public service broadcasting via a BBC with a permanent charter (though with a curious side 'agreement'). www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The BBC is under threat like never before. This is how to save it | Pat Younge
A moment of peril demands a new approach – on everything from funding to the BBC charter, says Pat Younge, former chief creative officer of BBC Television
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
A welcome defence of universal public service broadcasting via a BBC with a permanent charter (though with a curious side 'agreement'). www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
Daily Mail owner DMGT has just signed a deal to buy the Telegraph, which would unite the UK’s two strongest right-wing papers under one owner.
It will almost certainly trigger a competition probe. Another major moment coming for Lisa Nandy as culture secretary.
It will almost certainly trigger a competition probe. Another major moment coming for Lisa Nandy as culture secretary.
Daily Mail owner strikes £500mn deal for Telegraph on.ft.com/3JSdIFj
Daily Mail owner strikes £500mn deal for Telegraph
Tie-up would create one of the most powerful right-leaning media groups in Britain
on.ft.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Daily Mail owner DMGT has just signed a deal to buy the Telegraph, which would unite the UK’s two strongest right-wing papers under one owner.
It will almost certainly trigger a competition probe. Another major moment coming for Lisa Nandy as culture secretary.
It will almost certainly trigger a competition probe. Another major moment coming for Lisa Nandy as culture secretary.
I feel, perhaps wrongly, that neither of the replacements for the BBC board of governors have been as effective as it was.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
BBC board member resigns and criticises 'governance issues' at top of corporation
Shumeet Banerji leaves his position on the BBC board.
www.bbc.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:03 PM
I feel, perhaps wrongly, that neither of the replacements for the BBC board of governors have been as effective as it was.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
This just speaks to me of the profound relief and joy of the Tolkiens that all their children had survived the war.
In highly important news from history today, it’s the 80th anniversary of the 21st birthday of Christopher Tolkien, notable now for the wording (especially the small print) of the invitation to the party
November 21, 2025 at 10:37 AM
This just speaks to me of the profound relief and joy of the Tolkiens that all their children had survived the war.
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
For paid subscribers* but with a taster and a link to a free piece for the interested but uncommitted: "Where's your head at?" New @ Psychic Paper.
buttondown.com/cooray_smith...
* Why not become one and get full access to the archive?
buttondown.com/cooray_smith...
* Why not become one and get full access to the archive?
The Brain of Morbius
“Where’s your head at? Where’s your head at? Where’s your head at? Where’s your heeeeeead at? Where’s your head at? Where’s your head at?” Doctor Who...
buttondown.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:27 AM
For paid subscribers* but with a taster and a link to a free piece for the interested but uncommitted: "Where's your head at?" New @ Psychic Paper.
buttondown.com/cooray_smith...
* Why not become one and get full access to the archive?
buttondown.com/cooray_smith...
* Why not become one and get full access to the archive?
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
ON THIS DAY... 50 years ago, The Doctor Who Monster Book by Terrance Dicks was first published in large sized paperback by Target Books. Cover art by Chris Achilleos.
#DoctorWho
#DoctorWho
November 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
ON THIS DAY... 50 years ago, The Doctor Who Monster Book by Terrance Dicks was first published in large sized paperback by Target Books. Cover art by Chris Achilleos.
#DoctorWho
#DoctorWho
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
Wait, there are college dogs?!
We need more details. Also we do not discriminate between cat people and dog people. It’s fine if you like both. Or neither.
#WearealltheClarion
We need more details. Also we do not discriminate between cat people and dog people. It’s fine if you like both. Or neither.
#WearealltheClarion
I'm sure that we would all appreciate a run down of the college dogs. Surely there's space for @reubencollege.bsky.social's beloved Scrumble!
November 20, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Wait, there are college dogs?!
We need more details. Also we do not discriminate between cat people and dog people. It’s fine if you like both. Or neither.
#WearealltheClarion
We need more details. Also we do not discriminate between cat people and dog people. It’s fine if you like both. Or neither.
#WearealltheClarion
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
Trans-exclusionary and “gender critical” takes are extremely prevalent in the British media. So I wrote this with the assumption that many readers might not realise that such views are seen as fringe and extreme by the vast majority of feminists outside the UK (and by many within the UK too).
This piece was greenlit and then killed by a British newspaper, so I’ve decided to publish myself instead.
Trans People Deserve Better.
"Gender critical" feminism doesn't help women but it does help the far right
open.substack.com/pub/wellread...
Trans People Deserve Better.
"Gender critical" feminism doesn't help women but it does help the far right
open.substack.com/pub/wellread...
Trans People Deserve Better
"Gender critical" feminism doesn't help women but it does help the far right
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Trans-exclusionary and “gender critical” takes are extremely prevalent in the British media. So I wrote this with the assumption that many readers might not realise that such views are seen as fringe and extreme by the vast majority of feminists outside the UK (and by many within the UK too).
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
Andrew Wood, the man who devised the iconic gameshow Bullseye, has died, his daughter Laura has confirmed.
November 19, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Andrew Wood, the man who devised the iconic gameshow Bullseye, has died, his daughter Laura has confirmed.
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
The UK isn’t a “soft touch” on asylum.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
November 19, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The UK isn’t a “soft touch” on asylum.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
'Screenplay by Alfred Shaughnessy and Norman Hudis' - an intriguing combination.
A dark tangled trail to nightmare tension!
📽️ HIGH TERRACE (1956) 9:05am #DaleRobertson #LoisMaxwell #DerekBond Mystery thriller #TPTVsubtitles
📽️ HIGH TERRACE (1956) 9:05am #DaleRobertson #LoisMaxwell #DerekBond Mystery thriller #TPTVsubtitles
November 19, 2025 at 7:09 AM
'Screenplay by Alfred Shaughnessy and Norman Hudis' - an intriguing combination.
Some problems currently with BlueSky - unable to sign into neglected other account and all password changes rejected. Advice welcome!
November 18, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Some problems currently with BlueSky - unable to sign into neglected other account and all password changes rejected. Advice welcome!
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
Good to see @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social support #BBC "It is striking that those most eager to discredit it on social media often present themselves as patriots. In truth, few actions are less patriotic than undermining an institution that contributes so profoundly to Britain’s identity."
Defending the BBC when truth is under siege
Since my election, I have been a consistent advocate for the BBC. Not out of sentimentality, but because in an age saturated with disinformation, the BBC remains one of Britain’s strongest defences ag...
commentcentral.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Good to see @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social support #BBC "It is striking that those most eager to discredit it on social media often present themselves as patriots. In truth, few actions are less patriotic than undermining an institution that contributes so profoundly to Britain’s identity."
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
Something I mention in today’s piece is the wider pressure and undervaluing of libraries and archives. Even less well known than the issues facing the British Library are the worrying proposals for the BBC Written Archives Centre. More here observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
November 18, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Something I mention in today’s piece is the wider pressure and undervaluing of libraries and archives. Even less well known than the issues facing the British Library are the worrying proposals for the BBC Written Archives Centre. More here observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
I’ve written a piece on the curious lack of media and political interest in the issues faced by our national @britishlibrary.bsky.social. This is strange given we live in a world where ideas, knowledge and research are a long-term source of innovation and insight
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
The British library is in crisis: why does nobody care?
The widespread indifference to the British Library's crippling cyberattack demonstrates a perilous failure to value the knowledge infrastructure vital for national prosperity
www.cityam.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:27 AM
I’ve written a piece on the curious lack of media and political interest in the issues faced by our national @britishlibrary.bsky.social. This is strange given we live in a world where ideas, knowledge and research are a long-term source of innovation and insight
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
www.cityam.com/the-british-...
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
"No, Malcolm. You've misheard. Jenna Stannis is a Space *Pirate*..." 🤣
November 17, 2025 at 10:27 PM
"No, Malcolm. You've misheard. Jenna Stannis is a Space *Pirate*..." 🤣
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
And a couple of rather nice Blake's 7 Blu-ray Collection subtitling goofs for Series 2 that we caught along the way...
November 17, 2025 at 10:27 PM
And a couple of rather nice Blake's 7 Blu-ray Collection subtitling goofs for Series 2 that we caught along the way...
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
"The Home Office has re-assessed Peru and finds that it is no longer the deepest, or the darkest on our list. It is therefore safe for you to return, and we will compel you to do so within 1 week of receipt of this letter. Your marmalade sandwiches have been confiscated in lieu of your costs."
November 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
"The Home Office has re-assessed Peru and finds that it is no longer the deepest, or the darkest on our list. It is therefore safe for you to return, and we will compel you to do so within 1 week of receipt of this letter. Your marmalade sandwiches have been confiscated in lieu of your costs."
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
According to all polling ever, the British public has never been more in favour of immigration than now.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
But the British political class are determined to change that.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
But the British political class are determined to change that.
November 17, 2025 at 1:16 PM
According to all polling ever, the British public has never been more in favour of immigration than now.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
But the British political class are determined to change that.
migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/resources/br...
But the British political class are determined to change that.
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
November 1736 - report in the press that Mr Duill, who keeps the German coffee house in St James's St, is to be made a page of the backstairs to the Princess of Wales.
The report is only slightly wrong, as Duill was actually made a page of the presence chamber.
@amyjanieh.bsky.social
The report is only slightly wrong, as Duill was actually made a page of the presence chamber.
@amyjanieh.bsky.social
November 17, 2025 at 1:57 PM
November 1736 - report in the press that Mr Duill, who keeps the German coffee house in St James's St, is to be made a page of the backstairs to the Princess of Wales.
The report is only slightly wrong, as Duill was actually made a page of the presence chamber.
@amyjanieh.bsky.social
The report is only slightly wrong, as Duill was actually made a page of the presence chamber.
@amyjanieh.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Kilburn
How can you tell if your Christmas Tree was originally bought from Woolworths? There’s no branches left 😞
November 17, 2025 at 6:47 PM
How can you tell if your Christmas Tree was originally bought from Woolworths? There’s no branches left 😞