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Hardeep Matharu

@hardeepmatharu.bsky.social
47K followers 1.1K following 580 posts

Journalist. Speaker. Writer. Commentator. Curious explorer of the forces that shape us. Society. Identities. Politics. Media. Culture. The personal. The structural. Editor in Chief, Byline Times. hardeep@bylinetimes.com / hardeepmatharu.wordpress.com

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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A new era for Byline Times goes to press! @peterjukes.bsky.social & I are proud to have worked on a print redesign with our new art director Sonny Dhamu. With your support, we continue to grow. This issue marks a story no one else can/will. Two Cambridge professors. Two very different narratives...
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Now James Orr has stepped down as Reform UK's Head of Policy after C4's report, questions remain for Cambridge – where he is Associate Professor. Byline Times revealed serious concerns about his activities there months ago. We all know there won't now be 200+ articles on him and his life don't we?
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
With unprecedent El Niño announced, the fossil fuel age is burning itself alive. And yet... The new edition of Byline Times has gone to press, exploring the ultimate existential crisis of our times We also examine the story dominating our media in recent weeks instead of this crisis: Jason Arday 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Count Binface was a surprise guest at Byline Times' event exploring parallels in US and UK politics with @lincolnproject.us and @quietriotpod.bsky.social in Leicester Square. His message to Clacton and beyond? Vote! And value a (flawed) democracy where he can take on – and laugh at – Nigel Farage.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Another new PM, another edition of Byline Times goes to press... Read our exclusive investigation on James Orr, head of policy at Reform & Cambridge professor in print - what's happening at the world-renowned university refusing to answer any of our questions? In shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Byline Times has always existed as an independent check on power – recognising the established media is itself a power bloc shaping our democracy, society, the ideas we think with. You can support those dedicated to digging no matter which way the wind blows: subscribe.bylinetimes.com. It matters.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Andy Burnham won in Makerfield by focusing on the 'politics of place'. A decade on from the Brexit referendum, and abandoned by both Thatcherite Conservatism and New Labour, constituencies like Makerfield *finally* need some action. New edition of Byline Times packed with reports and analysis 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
On 23 June, I'll be part of the company of actors – including Joanna Scanlan – bringing to life @peterjukes.bsky.social's new play 'Trojan Horses' in a rehearsed reading at The Cockpit theatre. Hugh Grant says it's "brilliant & terrifying". Info/tickets: tickets.thecockpit.org.uk/sales/shows/...
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
"I was full of anger but thought 'Seamus, you can't kick your shit out of somebody else'. Where I've shown most courage is actually facing up to my fear and insecurity" I spoke to Seamus Doherty on his real-life speech on masculinity in new play 'Our Public House' 👇 bylinetimes.com/2026/06/02/w...
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
In 2019, Republican strategist @therickwilson.bsky.social co-founded the Lincoln Project of moderate conservatives and former GOP members to oppose Trumpism. He warns Britain is further along the curve to "your Trump" than the US was. But the trajectory can be halted... New Byline Times out now 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
"Loneliness is bad for the body politic… conspires to create the impression that the minds of others are frightening" Jay Griffiths "Do we risk automating our search for love so much so that love will no longer be felt at all?" Iain Overton New Byline Times print edition has gone to press 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
"The cradle of civilisation is turned into a fireball wasteland to resemble the arid deserts our aggressors have in their own hearts and minds" – Kamin Mohammadi "Trump is a master of chaos. It's where he finds meaning and strength" – Peter Jukes The new Byline Times print edition out now 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
The Epstein Files tell a horrific and heavy story of abuse and corruption. But power protects itself through the expectation that we will feel paralysed by the sense of powerlessness. Their release is a seminal moment. That's why our new Byline Times print edition delves into the deeper story 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
"I'm one of the few frontline politicians who can say I've never taken money from private healthcare, oil & gas, gambling firms, arms trade. It gives you a different way to be a politician & freedom to speak" We meet Green Leader @zackpolanski.bsky.social in the new Byline Times magazine out now 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
"Fun & joy are very powerful political forces & not ones the left are terribly used to dealing with" The final print edition of Byline Times may be my favourite of the year. What is the 'politics of feeling' & why does it matter? Plus 'A Red Top Christmas Carol' with a Mr Murdoch & his 3 Spirits 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
When politics can provide no real solutions for people's lives, welcome to 'The Carousel of Scapegoats': distracting, psychological projection to make them feel 'better' – because the lives of 'others' can be made worse New Byline Times print edition available in shops / subscribe.bylinetimes.com 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
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...
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
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 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
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
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
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
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
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.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
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
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
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 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
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!
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
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...
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
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 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
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
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
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
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
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
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
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"
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
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
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
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
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
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
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
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?
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
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.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
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.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
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)
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
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 👇
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
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.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
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.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 22/12/2024
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!
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Nigel Farage & Nick Candy meet Elon Musk at Mar-A-Lago "We only have one more chance left to save the West & we can do great things together" We're sleepwalking into this & I cannot understand how 'liberal democratic' politicians/journalists just seem to be watching www.gbnews.com/politics/nig...
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
Last 2024 print edition of @bylinetimes.bsky.social has gone to press. As well as analysing the Farage warning signs, we take a deep dive into fame's evolution, and why tech makes us all complicit in a performative vortex... In shops soon or subscribe now: subscribe.bylinetimes.com #BuyARealPaper
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
It already did...
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
Both Putin and Boris Johnson made an appearance in this year's Koestler Exhibition - challenging another stereotype: that those in prison are not creatively and politically engaged.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
"It can be more than black/white" Visited the always thought-provoking annual Koestler Exhibition at London's Southbank Centre - 200 pieces of art by those in custodial settings 👇 Not telling people what to think, but enabling interesting discussions to arise within visitors. Recommend it.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
How it started... How it's going 👇 More than 5 years on, it feels like @bylinetimes.bsky.social has come of age, thanks to a much valued small, but talented, team - and all our subscribers. I'm not a fan of comparisons. But reflecting on how far we've come can serve as a useful reminder at times.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Lovely to be back at Cambridge to speak to student newspaper Varsity about @bylinetimes.bsky.social. Surreal, as I found even the idea of getting involved with it while a law student there intimidating. My final point to them: tuly living your values & doing what's comfortable are different choices.
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
Thank you for reading and sharing. A culmination of a lot of thinking about this over time. This essay is the centre-piece of the latest monthly @bylinetimes.bsky.social print edition 👇 SUBSCRIBE: subscribe.bylinetimes.com
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Hardeep Matharu @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
That we don't think 'it can happen here' is *exactly* why it could. There are many lessons the UK needs to learn from the chill crossing the Atlantic. Really proud of my 68th edition of Byline Times 👇 Available soon in the shops or subscribe now & join us: subscribe.bylinetimes.com #BuyARealPaper
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