HAZEL BLEARS STAND-UP. Who says the Today programme is dumbed down? We have chirpy “Communities Secretary” Hazel Blears and political author Michael Dobbs having a chat as to whether British comedy is anti-politics and whether we may need a British “West Wing”! British comedy, as seen on the BBC, is not anti-politics, it is institutionally anti-conservative. BBC programmes overflow with unfunny comedians with hard left sympathies so the idea that … Continue reading
IT’S TOUGH, UP NORTH, I see that intrepid BBC journalist Andrew North has gone off to Baghdad to gather information to show us that jails their are dangerously overcrowded and living conditions are far from ideal for the residents. (Apparently there are no aromatherapy practitioners on call to relieve the stress of the in-mates.) North repeats allegations of torture and in general paints as bleak a picture of life in … Continue reading
The irony must have escaped the BBC. Earlier this morning they read a news report on the jailing for life of the monster who fathered seven children by his two daughters despite doctors, nurses and social workers remaining oblivious to the abuse going on over decades in front of their very eyes. This then segued into an interview with Margaret Eaton, Chair (sic) of the Local Government Association whose primary … 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! … Continue reading
Hats off to the BBC. It manages to run this item today on the subject of new laws aimed at outlawing forced marriages without ever once mentioning Islam. Well done BBC – consummate skill. Forced marriages, along with “honour murder” is just part of the rich cultural heritage that Islam has been bringing into the UK but you would be hard-pressed to figure that from the BBC’s coverage.
Even as Gordon Brown digs the UK into ever deeper recession, BBC coverageof Obama’s unfolding administration continues to put the fawn into fawning. His newly announced treasury team, replete with Harvard and Berkeley professors, appears to offer little different in substance to the current Bush/Paulson endless bail-out approach – other than they will bail even more out! This is “the jolt” that Obama promises and which the BBC uncritically lets … Continue reading
Had to laugh at BBC1 Morning News today. There was an item on how wonderful Alistair “Spend Spend Spend!” Darling’s pre-meltdown mini-budget was, with a spokesman from accountants Ernest & Young. It all started well but then – gasp horror – the E&Y man pointed out the shocking state of UK public finances prior to the current financial troubles. This was met with a rapid “moving along quickly” response from … Continue reading
Here’s a thread to discuss BBC coverage of the Government’s pre-budget statement. Worth saying I think that it was Labour who introduced the pre-budget statement. This junket that nowadays occurs is in many ways midwife to valuable pro-Government spin. Thanks to Paul S for highlighting Fraser Nelson’s helpful list of Gordon’s spin – how many of these points will the BBC promote in its coverage? Look out for action contrasted … Continue reading
Sunday Matinee: starring Marr, two Labour stooges, and a Tory punchbag. (Courtesy of dodgy reception, using clips from last week’s Marr show. My highlight? John Reid’s incredulous chuckle at Marr’s simply splendid intro for him)
The bias I mean. I’ve just watched Andrew Marr’s interview with David Cameron for his regular Sunday mornng show. The first minute or two of Cameron’s performance were used in correcting Marr’s premise that the Conservative position was just to let the recession “take its course”. Isn’t this so typical? The Conservative always placed on the defensive by the casual distrust of the BBC man? If you listen or watch … Continue reading
