New BBC Sounds podcast feed for Marianna Spring’s investigative series

All of Marianna Spring’s investigative series for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds is to be available in a new podcast feed on BBC Sounds called Marianna in Conspiracyland.

Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent Marianna is heading to the USA for her second series of Why Do You Hate Me.

In the new series, she investigates the social media backdrop to the US presidential election, interrogating different online phenomena and cases of hate – looking at how they could potentially influence the way people vote.

Marianna travels from Colorado to Baltimore and New York, tracking down both those harmed and causing harm on social media. She investigates everything from extreme hate targeting officials and students, to online fandoms, deepfakes and corrosive conspiracy theories.

Marianna says: “In this huge election year, I’ve come to realise elections don’t simply unfold online. Instead, social media plays an important role in how we live our lives and therefore vote. In other words: It’s social media’s world – and the election’s just living in it.

“I think it’s important to track down and meet the real people behind the online profiles accused of spreading conspiracy theories, hate and disinformation – and those affected by that.”

Rhian Roberts, Commissioner for Podcasts and Formats adds: “It’s always exciting when Marianna brings a new investigation to Radio 4.

“She’s been all over the US for this one as it’s important to hear from the voters themselves about why they believe what they do and where those influences have come from. Stand by for another fascinating trip down some disturbing social media rabbit holes.”

The first two episodes of Why Do You Hate Me will be available on BBC Sounds on Monday 23 September. Episodes will air on BBC Radio 4 weekly at 4.30pm, and then on BBC Sounds.