17-06-2025
Listen Up! Tim Cohen, Mark Barnes bring unfiltered weekly podcast to News24
They can't say they won't offend, but they promise never to hold back. Barnes and Cohen are bringing their wit, honesty, and unfiltered perspectives to Listen Up!, a new weekly podcast available exclusively on News24.
Described as an easygoing, opinionated news review, this unscripted and informal pair revels in the bold, unpredictable nature of each podcast episode.
'We take great pride in the fact that we don't prepare,' says Cohen, a former Financial Mail, Business Day and Business Maverick editor.
'We don't want it rehearsed, we don't want it produced. We just want to talk,' adds Barnes, an investment banker, columnist and former Post Office CEO.
Each week, Cohen and Barnes sit down to dive into a wide array of topics, from the world of business and geopolitics, to the latest in sports and entertainment.
Listeners can expect conversations that are straight, honest, and devoid of pretence.
'There's no topic off limits,' Cohen explains. 'We try to present a point of view which might be entertaining, might be critical, or might just be fun.'
News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson says ListenUp! is an exciting addition to the publication's audiovisual offering, delivering raw and engaging perspectives from the respected co-hosts.
'We're thrilled to have Mark Barnes and Tim Cohen bring their spirited debates and candid insights to News24. Our audience is in for a treat each week, with the kind of refreshing banter that feels like you're part of a lively dinner table conversation.'
Episodes will be released on News24 every Tuesday, and can be found on News24's Spotify, Iono, Apple Podcasts and YouTube channels.
