The reviewer praises the investigative rigour and engaging storytelling of "Gangster: The Story of the Burger Bar Boys", and recommends it despite its familiar narrative. "The Kids of Rutherford County" is lauded for its investigative reporting and pacing, despite the reviewer's initial difficulty with the story and presentation style. The AI experiment on "The Hits Radio Breakfast" is noted for its novelty, but the reviewer finds the real Fleur East to be irreplaceable due to her warmth and charisma.
Key takeaways:
- The fourth series of the podcast "Gangster: The Story of the Burger Bar Boys" from BBC Radio 4 has started, focusing on the drive-by murders of two young women in Birmingham in 2003. The series also explores the history of black people in Birmingham from the 1950s to the 90s.
- "The Kids of Rutherford County" from Serial Productions and the New York Times is a podcast about a 2016 incident in Tennessee where 11 children were arrested and taken to juvenile detention following a trivial fight. The series investigates the system that was putting them away for minor offences.
- Hits Radio Breakfast conducted an experiment on Halloween, replacing regular presenter Fleur East with an AI version. While AI Fleur managed to perform all the hosting jobs, the real Fleur was found to be warmer, less scripted, more varied and more charismatic.
- Both "Gangster: The Story of the Burger Bar Boys" and "The Kids of Rutherford County" are recommended for their investigative reporting, engaging interviews and compelling storytelling.