“the ideas of the ruling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas”

Karl Marx’s dictum sprang to mind as I listened to tonight’s opening episode of Radio Four’s “Call Yourself A Feminist”, the first of ‘three discussions tracing the development of feminist ideas from the 1960s onwards‘. Those ideas have over the last forty years made enormous differences to the way of life – and death – in the western world, and as such are well worth examination. The programme, however, was … Continue reading

Gorgeous?

Something the BBC forgot to mention in its report on G. Galloway’s triumphant arrival in Gaza. Quite fond of getting onto all fours… “Mr. Galloway kissed the ground after crossing into Gaza.” “I have entered Palestine many times but the most emotional of these is after the 22-day genocidal aggression against the Palestinian people,” he told reporters, referring to the Israeli offensive which ended on 18 January which Israeli said … Continue reading

WORLD CLASS HYPOCRISY

Along with the notion that the NHS is “world-class“, the BBC likes to peddle the fantasy that our education system is also cutting edge. Anyone coming up against it will know just how dire it really is – riddled with third rate teachers who cannot be sacked. So when the government comes up with the idea that it might fast-track those being made redundant from the Finance sector into teaching … Continue reading

HUNTING SABOEUTEURS

The BBC report is very prim. ” Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a hunt supporter died when he was hit by a gyrocopter at an airfield.” But why so coy? Oh, NOW I understand, it appears the alleged killers were hunt saboeuteurs. Well, if you go hunting, you deserve all you get, right? Good old Auntie – can’t wait for Red Nose Day. Click through … Continue reading

PEACE, PERFECT PEACE.

I am sorry if my coverage of issues here has suddenly become Northern Ireland-centric but the brutal murder of a Police Officer last night took place just a few miles from where I live and in an area I know well. I listened to an interview on Today this morning with the local IRA/Sinn Fein represent, and Herman Munster look-a-like John O’Dowd. You can catch it here. To be fair … Continue reading

Little Things Mean a Lot

Honest Reporting has noticed how the BBC slants headlines to demonise Israel and excuse Palestinians. Trivial things, some might say, but all part of the drip drip. Antisemitism. My favourite subject, you’ll say. The Sunday programme, radio 4, reports that it’s rearing its ugly head on campus. Two Jewish students describe the serious intimidation they are subjected to at student rallies and ‘Gaza protests.’ Other students, adamantly deny ‘any trace’ … Continue reading

ST GERRY OF ASSISI

You have to hand it to the BBC, they are great at grovelling to terrorists. On Today this morning, in the lead up to the big interview with IRA leader Gerry Adam, there was a helpful contribution in the “Thought for the Day” slot from the Rev Joel Edwards suggesting that the Northern Ireland peace process is Biblical in tradition. ( Blessed are the bombers…?) Leaving aside that little theological … Continue reading

General BBC-related comment thread!

Please use this thread for comments about the BBC’s current programming and activities. This post will remain at or near the top of the blog – scroll down for new topic-specific posts. N.B. This is not an invitation for general off-topic comments, rants or chit-chat. Thoughtful comments are encouraged. Comments may also be moderated. Any suggestions for stories that you might like covered would be appreciated! It’s your space, use … Continue reading

DISINTERESTED?

Isn’t it curious just how disinterested BBC journalists can be on certain issues? Take this; “NI’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, a former IRA member, said nobody should say or do anything which would see Northern Ireland return to its troubles. “I supported the IRA during the conflict, I myself was a member of the IRA but that war is over,” said the Sinn Fein MP.” Well we all know … Continue reading