It takes a German to call it like it is. I refer to the comments made by Germany’s finance minister’s on the government’s plans to combat the economic downturn. Peer Steinbruck had criticised the UK’s decision to cut VAT and raise the national debt to record levels. He said Britain’s switch from financial prudence to heavy borrowing was both “crass” and “breathtaking”. The BBC was quick off the proverbial (Deutsch) … Continue reading
You know what angers me? The way in which the BBC seems institutionally incapable of reporting on current Labour woes without referencing things back to the period when the Conservatives were in power. We saw it yesterday when Gordon told us that he had “saved the world”. Bang on cue a clip of Mrs Thatcher declaring “We are a grandmother.” Today we seek the Pound sink to an alarmingly low … Continue reading
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
Looks like the BBC has found itself a new political hero in the unlikely shape of George Papakonstantinou, who speaks for opposition party the Panhellenic Socialist Movement. George was given a generous airing on PM last night and he is back again on Today this morning. I’m sure you notice how gently the BBC treats those such as George who advocate the ongoing ..ahem ..”peaceful resistance” to the government, along … Continue reading
Imagine it’s December 2000, and that Texas Republicans stand accused of auctioning off newly elected President George Bush’s recently-vacated governorship to the highest bidder. I can’t help thinking that would be the number one BBC news story for days if not weeks. There’s no way it would be squeezed out of the headlines by more euthanasia plugs or the government’s latest series of welfare reforms. Of course, during the campaign, … Continue reading
The Head of Acquisitions at the BBC outlined the Corporation’s policy in a recent radio programme. She told us: “The children of today are more used to the up-market, faster-moving things” and that “in today’s hugely competitive schedule we are up against about another twelve to fourteen children’s channels and we have got to stand out.” As a policy that is, in my considered view, almost criminally preposterous. Some accuse … Continue reading
Has anybody read Justin Webb’s latest piece of Obama-love? Can anyone explain what he means when he waffles about “future productivity gains”? Click through to read and contribute comments on this post.
Hey – who would have guessed but the recession is over! Well, maybe not quite but the BBC has been busy this morning assiduously pushing the line that retail sales are only marginally down year on year, that employers are simply “holding off” on recruitment for a few months, and, of course, that more and more people are putting their trust in the Great Leader. Amazing Alice in wonderland stuff, … Continue reading
Listening to the BBC “Today” this morning was quite the experience. It was a full-on left-wing fest with many of their shibboleths on full display disguised as “news” It kicked off just after 7am with an item on the EU’s current attempts to broker “a deal” with the Eastern European nations on reducing carbon emissions. BBC “Analyst” and climate change cheer-leader Roger Harrabin was almost breathless in his excitement that … Continue reading
I happened to tune in to Radio 5 just after 9pm and caught John Piennar interviewing some liberal US journalist on just how wonderful a job President-Elect Obama is doing. It was a five minute tribute to Obama with Piennar joining in the adoration of The One. Honestly, now the BBC have their man in the White House the very notion of criticising the US President will desist. Makes a … Continue reading
