The Trojan Horse Affair

By: Serial Productions & The New York Times
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  • Summary

  • A strange letter appears on a city councillor’s desk in Birmingham, England, laying out an elaborate plot by Islamic extremists to infiltrate the city’s schools. The plot has a code name: Operation Trojan Horse. The story soon explodes in the news and kicks off a national panic. By the time it all dies down, the government has launched multiple investigations, beefed up the country’s counterterrorism policy, revamped schools and banned people from education for the rest of their lives. To Hamza Syed, who is watching the scandal unfold in his city, the whole thing seemed … off. Because through all the official inquiries and heated speeches in Parliament, no one has ever bothered to answer a basic question: Who wrote the letter? And why? The night before Hamza is to start journalism school, he has a chance meeting in Birmingham with the reporter Brian Reed, the host of the hit podcast S-Town. Together they team up to investigate: Who wrote the Trojan Horse letter? They quickly discover that it’s a question people in power do not want them asking. From Serial Productions and The New York Times comes The Trojan Horse Affair: a mystery in eight parts. To get full access to this show, and to other Serial Productions and New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts. To find out about new shows from Serial Productions, and get a look behind the scenes, sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter. Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com
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Politics & Government Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Trailer

    Trailer
    Jan 27 2022
    A mysterious letter detailing a supposed Islamist plot to take over schools shocked Britain in 2014. But who wrote it? From Serial Productions and The New York Times, “The Trojan Horse Affair,” an investigation that became bigger than we ever imagined. All eight parts are coming next Thursday, February 3rd. To get full access to this show, and to other Serial Productions and New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts. To find out about new shows from Serial Productions, and get a look behind the scenes, sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter. Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com
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    3 mins
  • Part 1: The Letter in the Brown Paper Envelope

    Part 1: The Letter in the Brown Paper Envelope
    Feb 3 2022
    A strange letter appears outlining a plot by Islamic extremists to infiltrate Birmingham schools. Hamza and Brian visit the supposed mastermind of the plot, and he tells them he did take over a bunch of schools – just not for the reasons in the letter.To get full access to this show, and to other Serial Productions and New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts. To find out about new shows from Serial Productions, and get a look behind the scenes, sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter. Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com
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    1 hr
  • Part 2: The Case of the Four Resignations

    Part 2: The Case of the Four Resignations
    Feb 3 2022
    Hamza and Brian think the source of the Trojan Horse letter might be hiding in plain sight. After learning about the petty personnel dispute that probably gave rise to the letter, they’re even more bewildered about how it ever could have been taken seriously. To get full access to this show, and to other Serial Productions and New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts. To find out about new shows from Serial Productions, and get a look behind the scenes, sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter. Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on our shows? Email us at serialshows@nytimes.com
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    55 mins

What listeners say about The Trojan Horse Affair

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Profile Image for Colleen

Impressive Journalism

I found this podcast riveting and finished it over several days, thinking about it as I fell asleep and when I woke up. If only the standards followed by these journalists were practiced by more people in their profession. I was impressed by their dogged determination in pursuing the many threads, relooking at the evidence in light of new revelations. But it wasn't easy observing all the closed doors, and disinterest which they came up against.
This podcast shines a light on the bigotry, racism and Islamaphobia which permeates the dominant white culture in Birmingham and Britain. The media and politicians seem more interested in making headlines than in searching for truth.
I'm saddened to see that Britain struggles with white supremacy and oppression of people of color just as we do in the US, but I think this in-depth, nitty gritty reporting is a necessary part of increasing awareness.


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Profile Image for Dawn 0livera

Excellent.

I am very glad Hamza and Brian found each other for this story. Thank you both.

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Profile Image for Mia

Excellent Podcast

I binged and finished this in one day. Wonderful job by all! When I heard Sarah Koenig's name I knew this would be gold, and it did not disappoint. Well done, Brian and Hamza. You guys are absolutely fantastic, honest, and you make a great pair of reporters. The last episode had me on the edge of my seat nearly screaming! Googling more of your work now!

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Profile Image for itsprobablyme

Good reporting

loved the reporting and the way story unfolds. Was hopeful on reaching a resolution, still worth listening.

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Profile Image for Tim Herron

Excellent and addictive!

Fascinating reporting. Listened to one episode after another after another. I want more podcasts like this one! Highly recommend.

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Best Podcast since S-town

Love the combo of these two journalists, the calming expertise of Brian and the raw unapologetic honesty of Hamza work beautiful together.
Please do more together!

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Profile Image for Necole Zeigler

Fantastic Reporting!

Loved it! Each episode left me excited for more! So glad they kept pushing for truth.

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Profile Image for William Robinson

Good but biased

great journalism, but definitely on a mission to prove preconceived notions. they definitely underplayed LGBT and women's rights considerations, which to those affected is concerning.

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Profile Image for Rick

good story

dragged out . could be 4 instead of 8 hours long. but real view of our world of conspiracy

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