Sam McAlister: A New Chapter After BBC Newsnight
Former BBC Newsnight journalist Sam McAlister, who gained global recognition for securing an infamous interview with Prince Andrew, has left the broadcasting corporation and embarked on a new path.
Departure from the BBC
McAlister, a trained criminal barrister, has taken voluntary redundancy from the BBC after nearly two decades with the organization. Her departure follows a period of upheaval within the Newsnight team, which has seen a number of high-profile resignations.
Current Endeavors
McAlister is now a Visiting Senior Fellow in Practice at the London School of Economics (LSE). In this role, she will share her experiences and insights on investigative journalism and the role of the media in society.
McAlister’s appointment to the LSE is seen as a recognition of her expertise and her commitment to fostering a better understanding of the media landscape.
Legacy at Newsnight
During her time at Newsnight, McAlister established herself as one of the most respected investigative journalists in the UK. She played a pivotal role in securing the interview with Prince Andrew, which became one of the most watched and talked-about television moments of 2019.
McAlister’s interview with Andrew, which focused on his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was widely praised for its incisive questioning and its impact on public opinion.
The Aftermath
The interview had a profound impact on Andrew’s life, leading to him losing his military titles and being stripped of his right to use the title “His Royal Highness.” It also sparked a broader conversation about the conduct of the Royal Family and the issue of sexual abuse.
The Netflix film “Scoop,” which premiered in early 2023, dramatizes the events surrounding the interview and its aftermath. The film, which stars Rufus Sewell as Andrew and Gillian Anderson as McAlister, has received mixed reviews.
Future Prospects
McAlister’s move to the LSE marks a new chapter in her career. She is expected to continue to make significant contributions to the understanding of media and its role in society.
Her experience as an investigative journalist and her expertise in the law will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the LSE community and to the wider public debate on the vital role of the media in a democratic society.
Priyanka 
Mehek