Word On The Square

About Word On The Square

The official podcast of City St George’s, University of London's Podcasting Department. Based in the heart of London, our team of audio obsessives from around the world brings you industry insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and our own original audio creations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

City Podcasting

Category

business · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Mar 2024

Latest episode

3 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

49 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Nov 2026

   CITY JOURNALISM AT 50 - Reporting Lockerbie

   In Part 2 of our mini series on the legacy of City Journalism, we investigate how the reporting of disasters has evolved since the Lockerbie tragedy. We hear from some of the first reporters at the scene, including one who had only recently graduated from his newspaper degree. In the decades that have followed, much has changed in the technology and ways of working, but also in our understanding of how reporting such tragedies affects the journalists involved. The series is part of the 50 year anniversary of the journalism department and has been produced by students of the MA in Podcasting. Presented by Lotte Micklethwaite (MA International Journalism) and Nancy Sangare (BA Journalism) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   3 Nov 2026

   CITY JOURNALISM AT 50 - a half century of making and breaking the news.

   Journalism is under fire - with the combined threats of AI and media manipulation causing many to question who and what they should believe. There's arguably never been a moment when quality reporting mattered more. One of the world's leading journalism schools is marking 50 years of producing editors, researchers and reporters who continue to be front and centre of that debate and this mini series matches some of our journalists in training with former students to examine the big stories of our time. In this Episode Pippa Crerar and George Parker explain how the 'Partygate' story developed. Produced by students on the MA Podcasting course. Presented by Guy Seagars (MA International Journalism) and Ianthe Whiteley (BA Journalism) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   20 Apr 2026

   The Pilot Series: Unspoken Rules

   In this episode of Unspoken Rules, we dive into one of the most overused—and misunderstood—words in everyday life: sorry. Sparked by a listener’s voicemail, the team unpacks the many meanings behind this seemingly simple word, from polite reflex to genuine expression of remorse. Host Lizzy reflects on her own habit of over-apologising—something many of us can relate to—whether it’s saying sorry for sneezing, asking someone to move their bag, or even when someone else bumps into you. But why do we do this? Is it cultural, gendered, or simply ingrained social behaviour? To explore this, the episode features insights from Dr. Eva Ogiermann, a linguistics expert specialising in apologies across cultures. She explains how apologies have evolved from serious, religious acts of seeking forgiveness into everyday social tools—especially in English, where “sorry” can be used casually and often without deep intent. Mediator, Stephen Wildblood KC, adds another layer, sharing how apologies function in conflict resolution. He highlights the importance of sincerity, tone, and body language, noting that words alone don’t determine whether an apology feels genuine. The episode also examines cultural differences. Research shows that British people apologise far more frequently than others—often automatically—while in countries like Germany, apologies are less frequent but more deliberate and meaningful. Through listener stories, including a failed grand romantic gesture involving graffiti, the episode reveals how complicated apologies can be. Ultimately, it asks: has “sorry” lost its meaning, or has it simply evolved? Producers: Jake Preston, Lizzy Leach, Michael Ellis Editors: Michael Ellis, Jake Preston Sound Designer: Michael Ellis With special thanks to Stephen Wildblood and Dr. Eva Ogiermann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

82

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

27

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.