WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WEEK MAKES

…OK, I know I have focused on the BBC coverage of the RNC a lot this week but that’s because I think it has shown BBC bias in all its repulsive glory. So I wanted to finish this week with the coverage of John McCain’s speech last night on Today this morning and contrast it with that of Obama last week on the same programme. You’ll not be surprised to … Continue reading

A change of heart?

“Her speech to the Republican Convention was a Roman triumph: there’s no doubt about that,” says the Today’s Jim Naughtie on his blog this morning. And there’s more: “It reminded me of Norman Tebbit or Michael Heseltine or Tony Benn at their height…” he goes on. Surely there can be no greater praise than to be compared to Tony Benn? There was some doubt yesterday, though, when Naughtie didn’t seem … 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

The wrong target?

I’ve hesitated to write about this, because I actually quite like Evan Davis. It has attracted a fair amount of comment and criticism, though. And I don’t think it’s entirely unfair. Davis says he was just attacking the reporting, not defending Darling, but since the reports were attacking the Chancellor it amounts to the same thing. More to the point, as the Guardian mentions, the BBC has clamped down on … Continue reading

THE PAIN FOR PALIN.

Sarah Palin(Did I mention she has a pregnant unmarried 17 year old daughter?) has given a wonderful speech at the RNC and the BBC are most unhappy about it. I caught James Naughtie being interviewed about it at 6.35am this morning on Today and all he could observe was that by Palin (Did I mention she has a pregnant unmarried 17 year old daughter?) going for Obama – the Chosen … Continue reading

More Palin

Sorry to mine this again, but Frei’s contribution is possibly the best yet. As far as I can tell, his job is to make Webb look impartial. As Frei says, it’s impossible to know where to start – so how about with the kids (that’s worked for us so far): “Her five children? Unusual names: Track – apparently named because his mother is a keen runner – Willow, Bristol, Piper … Continue reading

Other people’s money

£29 million. That is a lot, isn’t it? You know you’re in trouble when even the Lib Dems are giving you a hard time. It’s also worth noting this bit: “…it does not include transport costs paid for by staff and claimed back through expenses”. Presumably that will include a lot of taxi fares. And all this is before the bill for the Olympics… Click through to read and contribute … Continue reading

FOR RUSSIA, WITH LOVE.

The EU’s gutless response to the Russian invasion of Georgia gets the sanitised treatment by the BBC here. Nothing new there. But if you check out Mark Mardell’s blog here you will discover that he reckons the EU has been astoundingly tough on Russia.“I reported on TV last night that the EU summit was “surprisingly tough” mainly because of the suspension of talks on a partnership with Russia, but also … Continue reading

No pregnant pause

If you suspected the BBC would never give the Republicans as much coverage as they gave the Democrats last week, shame on you. Since the Palin story broke, they been assiduous in keeping it on the front page, cooking up this feature on US teen pregnancies to do so. “There is,” we are told, “a debate state-side as to the reason for this high pregnancy rate.” I’ve no idea what … Continue reading