Alexi Mostrous: The Investigative Journalist and Podcast Host Who Shaped Digital Media
Alexi Mostrous is a well-respected name in the world of investigative journalism. With a career spanning over 15 years, Mostrous has earned numerous accolades for his contributions to journalism, particularly in the areas of business, technology, and digital media. He is best known as the host of the widely acclaimed podcast Sweet Bobby, a deep dive into the world of online deception and its real-world consequences. Along with his groundbreaking work at Tortoise Media, Alexi Mostrous continues to challenge the status quo with his compelling investigations.
In this article, we will explore Alexi Mostrous’ illustrious career, his achievements, and the impact he has made on both journalism and podcasting. We will also delve into his personal background, education, and the podcasts that have made him a household name.
Early Life and Education
Academic Journey at University of Cambridge
Alexi Mostrous’ path to becoming a distinguished journalist began with a strong academic foundation. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Cambridge, where he graduated with first-class honors. During his time at Cambridge, Mostrous focused on the implications of the Tiananmen Square massacre on English literature, a topic that likely sparked his interest in uncovering hidden truths.
Training as a Barrister
After completing his studies at Cambridge, Mostrous pursued a career in law. He attended ICSL Bar School and City University, where he completed a Law Conversion Course from 2002 to 2004. Despite this legal training, Mostrous eventually transitioned to journalism, where his keen analytical skills and investigative mindset would serve him well.
Career Journey in Journalism
Early Days at The Guardian
Mostrous began his career as a freelance reporter for The Guardian, working from September 2006 to August 2007. During this time, he produced news reports and video podcasts, quickly developing a reputation for his sharp eye for detail and thorough investigative work. His time at The Guardian helped him build the foundation for his future career in journalism.
The Times: A Step Toward Investigative Journalism
In 2007, Mostrous took a significant step in his career by joining The Times, where he worked for over 11 years. His career at The Times was marked by several key positions, including media editor, special correspondent, and head of investigations.
Special Correspondent and Investigative Work
As a Special Correspondent from 2011 to 2016, Alexi Mostrous earned recognition for his long-form investigative pieces. His in-depth tax avoidance investigation, which exposed celebrities such as Jimmy Carr and Take That, garnered him national attention. This story, in particular, contributed to shifting public discourse around tax and earned him two major awards—Reporter of the Year and Scoop of the Year—at the National Press Awards in 2013.
Head of Investigations at The Times
From 2016 to 2017, Mostrous served as the Head of Investigations at The Times. In this role, he led several high-profile investigations, including a multi-part series examining the roles of tech giants like Google and Facebook. His reporting on these companies prompted major changes, including brand-safety measures and boycotts of YouTube by hundreds of companies. His investigative efforts also made him a prominent figure in debates around the future of digital news.
Tortoise Media: A New Era in Digital Journalism
In September 2019, Alexi Mostrous joined Tortoise Media, a digital start-up focused on slow journalism and deep investigations. At Tortoise, Mostrous continues to push the boundaries of investigative reporting, particularly in the realms of business and technology. He holds the role of Partner and Editor, where he oversees key projects and investigative content.
His work at Tortoise has not only cemented his status as a leading investigative journalist but has also contributed to the growing prominence of digital-first news outlets. His podcast Sweet Bobby, which has become a major hit, is an example of how Tortoise is reshaping the future of journalism.
Alexi Mostrous’ Podcasts
Sweet Bobby: Uncovering Online Deception
One of Mostrous’ most successful endeavors in recent years has been the creation and hosting of Sweet Bobby, a podcast that explores the world of online deception and manipulation. The podcast tells the story of Kirat Assi, a woman who was tricked into believing she was in a relationship with a man who was, in fact, a catfish. The series reveals how easily people can fall victim to online fraud and the profound emotional toll it can take on individuals.
Sweet Bobby has become a massive success, gaining a loyal following of listeners and being adapted into a Netflix documentary. The podcast is hailed for its ability to address the intersection of digital and real-world relationships, making it a significant piece of contemporary investigative journalism.
Hoaxed: The Hampstead Hoax
In addition to Sweet Bobby, Mostrous has hosted another podcast titled Hoaxed, which investigates the 2014 Hampstead hoax. This hoax involved a fabricated story that spiraled out of control, with false accusations of child abuse. Through Hoaxed, Mostrous examines how misinformation can spread like wildfire and the consequences it has on individuals and communities.
Who Trolled Amber?: Investigating Online Harassment
Another one of Mostrous’ significant podcasts is Who Trolled Amber?, which looks into the online harassment faced by actress Amber Heard during her legal battles. This series takes a deep dive into the world of social media abuse and highlights the impact that online bullying can have on public figures and ordinary individuals alike.
Awards and Recognition
Alexi Mostrous’ career has been defined by numerous prestigious awards, highlighting his exceptional work in investigative journalism. Mostrous was named the National Press Awards’ Tech Journalist of the Year in 2020 for his work at Tortoise Media. He also won Reporter of the Year and Scoop of the Year in 2013 for his groundbreaking tax avoidance investigation. His work continues to influence public discourse, particularly regarding tech companies and their role in shaping society.
The Future of Alexi Mostrous
As a Partner and Editor at Tortoise Media, Alexi Mostrous is likely to continue shaping the future of digital journalism. His focus on investigative reporting in the fields of technology, business, and online behavior makes him one of the most influential figures in contemporary media. With the success of his podcasts, he is also setting new standards for how storytelling and investigative journalism can intersect in the podcasting world.
In conclusion, Alexi Mostrous is not just a journalist; he is a trailblazer in the world of investigative reporting and digital media. His career, which spans across national newspapers and digital platforms, reflects his dedication to uncovering hidden truths and holding powerful entities accountable. As a podcast host, he has captured the attention of millions, demonstrating that investigative journalism has a place in the modern era of storytelling.
Conclusion
From his early days at The Guardian to his leadership at Tortoise Media, Alexi Mostrous has proven time and again that investigative journalism remains as vital as ever. His podcasts, particularly Sweet Bobby, have expanded the scope of journalism into the podcasting world, allowing for deeper dives into stories that matter. With his vast experience and unwavering commitment to truth, Alexi Mostrous is poised to continue making waves in the media industry for years to come.
