The Spectator

Which TV interviews have attracted bigger audiences than Harry and Meghan’s?

[Getty Images] 
issue 13 March 2021

Good for the goose

The government indicated that it will ban foie gras, out of animal welfare concerns. While it is often thought of as a French product, its origins have been traced back to Egypt in 2500 bc — thanks to a bas-relief at the Necropolis of Saqqara outside the ancient city of Memphis. The painting depicts workers holding geese around the necks and feeding them — although there is no great sign of force being used.

Viewer discretion

ITV reported an audience of 11 million for Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey. In the US 17 million were said to have watched. What are the previously most-viewed TV interviews (combined US and UK audiences)?

Michael Jackson, interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, 1993 | 90m

Monica Lewinsky, interviewed by Barbara Walters, 1999 | 70m

Richard Nixon, interviewed by David Frost, 1977 | 45m

Diana, Princess of Wales, interviewed by Martin Bashir, 1995 | 23m

Barack Obama, interviewed by Matt Lauer, 2009 | 22m

He who hesitates

Who is ‘vaccine hesitant’?

9% of all adults, according to the ONS.

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