Impact Podcasts
By DC Thomson
Impact podcasts create narrative investigative podcasts that shine a light on major crimes or scandals in communities covered by DC Thomson brands such as The Courier and The Press and Journal.
New Series: “Who Killed Annalise?”
In 2018, 22-year-old Annalise Johnstone was murdered near a Witch’s grave in Perthshire, Scotland. Nearly seven years later, her case remains unsolved. In Who Killed Annalise?, a new true crime podcast from The Courier, investigative journalist Brendan Duggan reopens the case, speaking with key figures to uncover why justice has never been served.
Impact’s first season, Hunting Mr X, centred on the story of former North Sea oil diver Julian Chisholm who orchestrated a £100m cocaine deal with the Cali cartel. It was shortlisted for best podcast at the UK Society of Editors’ Media Freedom Awards in 2023.
Season two - ’Vanished: The Arlene Fraser Murder’ - is also now available.
Follow investigative journalist Dale Haslam as he uncovers what really happened in Scotland’s biggest ever missing persons case.
In 1998, 33-year-old mum of two Arlene Fraser was at her home one minute - and gone the next.
New Series: “Who Killed Annalise?”
In 2018, 22-year-old Annalise Johnstone was murdered near a Witch’s grave in Perthshire, Scotland. Nearly seven years later, her case remains unsolved. In Who Killed Annalise?, a new true crime podcast from The Courier, investigative journalist Brendan Duggan reopens the case, speaking with key figures to uncover why justice has never been served.
Impact’s first season, Hunting Mr X, centred on the story of former North Sea oil diver Julian Chisholm who orchestrated a £100m cocaine deal with the Cali cartel. It was shortlisted for best podcast at the UK Society of Editors’ Media Freedom Awards in 2023.
Season two - ’Vanished: The Arlene Fraser Murder’ - is also now available.
Follow investigative journalist Dale Haslam as he uncovers what really happened in Scotland’s biggest ever missing persons case.
In 1998, 33-year-old mum of two Arlene Fraser was at her home one minute - and gone the next.
Latest episode
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S3 EP5: Not Proven
After a stunning verdict, Brendan tracks down Annalise’s brother Jordan and investigates where the case stands today. -
S3 EP4: The Trial
Two suspects stand trial for Annalise’s murder. In the courtroom, shocking accusations, revelations, and contradictions emerge. A trial is supposed to bring closure. But in this case, it only raises more questions. -
S3 EP3: The Brother
As their investigation deepens, police begin to focus on Jordan Johnstone. He was the last known person to see Annalise alive. The evidence begins to mount. -
S3 EP2: My Life by Annalise
Through Annalise’s own personal writings, Investigative Journalist Brendan Duggan uncovers details of her troubled childhood. He travels to her childhood home to speak with her family. But will they reveal the full story of Annalise’s life before he… -
S3 EP1: A Murder in Perthshire
Two hikers stumble upon a body in a wooded area off a country road in Perthshire. Police quickly determine this isn’t the murder scene—Annalise Johnstone was killed elsewhere. Meanwhile, her brother, Jordan Johnstone, walks into a Dundee police stat… -
Who Killed Annalise? Trailer
Introducing “Who Killed Annalise?” a five-part true crime podcast series from The Courier and DC Thomson. In 2023, Police Scotland claimed they had solved every homicide since 2013. But for the family of Annalise Johnstone, one question remains: Who … -
S2 EP6: The body
25 years have passed since Arlene Fraser went missing and her killer could be out of jail soon. But Arlene's family still don't know where she is. Arlene's sister explains how she is campaigning for a change in the law to ensure Arlene's killer can n… -
S2 EP5: Released
As doubts emerge about some of the evidence used to jail the killer, the courts are left with no choice but to let him go. As he returns home, all hell breaks loose, with bar brawls and bouncers getting between warring factions. Will Arlene’s killer … -
Q & A with host Dale Haslam
Investigative journalist Dale Haslam, who spoke to Arlene's friends, family, and those who brought her killer to justice, will be answering your questions about the case. Submit your questions here. -
S2 EP4: The lipreader
Frustrated by a lack of progress, detectives turn to a lipreader in an attempt to build evidence - and strike gold. It is enough to build a case against a key suspect, convince his friends to testify against him - all leading up to a dramatic court s…
