I agree, we get the press (and many other things) that we deserve.
Yet my beef is with a public broadcaster, not a private institution. I expect Sky News, ITN and others to study the innards of every story ad nauseum, but the BBC is funded from the public purse, and whilst certainly under pressure to compete is expected to set the standards in sobriety.
I defend with a willing heart Andy's need to feed on the scraps of a story; I also have a voracious appetite for news detail. My dander was raised merely by the subject matter. Not the death of Dr Evil, or even the potential effect on the people of Iraq, but rather the detailed dissection of what other media agencies were and were not broadcasting at the time. Undisguised, unashamed naval-gazing; interviewing media pundits to sensationalise a story that, for Petes sake, just hadnt whipped up the apocalyptic frenzie wed all expected. There were desperate attempts to link a car bomb atrocity with the hanging, yet even the most ostrich-like listener will be aware these are a (sadly) daily occurrence in Iraq. News agencies, the Beeb included, have forgotten their principal duty - to report the news. They seem intent upon trying to make it these days.
Five Live is worthy of closer scrutiny.
This is supposed to be a news and sports channel, boasting some excellent presenters skilled in balancing light-hearted items with the gravest issues. Yet it seems to me the station prides itself on the rudeness of its' star newsmen and women. I'm all for probing questions, especially to the answer-dodging villains who call themselves politicians, yet it seems de rigueur to ask the next questions before the interviewee has drawn breath to answer the first. It's as if there's a panel of judges to impress -
Strictly Come Presenting if you like.
Űberhacks like Nikki Campbell and Victoria Derbyshire need to take a week off and listen to John Humphries grill a victim. Makes the Spanish Inquisition seem like Richard Whitely, and not a trace of bad manners in sight.
I'll get me grumpy old raincoat, and, like the man said, go for a run.
Up the Snake.
In a storm
