Mehdi Hasan makes case for independent journalism amid democracy worries
The Zeteo editor-in-chief spoke on The Take about UK and US politics as Al Jazeera framed both democracies as under strain.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Mehdi Hasan has argued for a stronger role for independent journalism as Al Jazeera described democracy as weakening in both the United Kingdom and the United States. The broadcaster published a 19-minute, 40-second episode of its programme The Take on June 29, 2026, featuring Hasan’s assessment of the political moment in both countries.
Al Jazeera identified Hasan as the editor-in-chief of Zeteo and said he has observed US and UK politics closely for decades. The episode was hosted by Malika Bilal and presented as a discussion about how journalism should respond as democratic systems face pressure.
Focus on Britain and the United States
The programme framed the conversation around political uncertainty in Britain and the next US vote. Al Jazeera said the United Kingdom was facing another change in prime minister a decade after Brexit, while the United States was looking toward midterm elections in November.
Hasan’s appearance centred on his view of the state of democracy and the need for journalism outside traditional power structures, according to Al Jazeera. The broadcaster said the episode asks for his take on the current moment in US and UK politics and why independent reporting is needed.
The episode did not list additional guests. Al Jazeera’s page for the programme directed audiences to Hasan’s social media account and identified him through his role at Zeteo.
Production details
Al Jazeera credited Sonia Bhagat and Alexandra Locke as producers of the episode, with Tamara Khandaker, Spencer Cline, Jana Dabliz and host Malika Bilal also listed in the production credits. Alexandra Locke was named as executive producer of The Take.
The broadcaster said Alex Roldan handled sound design. Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem were credited as video editors.
Al Jazeera promoted the episode through its podcast and video channels, including AJ Podcasts accounts on X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The episode was offered with audio and video playback on the broadcaster’s site.
The programme appears as part of The Take’s continuing coverage of politics and international affairs. In this installment, Al Jazeera presented Hasan’s argument as a response to democratic decline in two countries whose politics he has covered for years.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.