Most of the criticism of the Beeb comes from the right, but not all of it. Nick Cohen’s piece in Standpoint is a good critique of its drama and particularly the appalling Bonekickers: “As a matter of course, BBC writers have blamed crimes against humanity perpetrated by the enemies of the West on the “root cause” of Western provocation. Occasionally, but more frequently than the casual viewer might appreciate, they … 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
Yes, I know I said I was finished with the US election for the week but the BBC were at their work again this morning and I will not let it pass. Just after 7.15am, Ed Stourton and Sarah Montague were doing a quick review of the papers. They mentioned the unfortunate fact (for them) that the Palin bounce had moved McCain equal to the Chosen One in the polls … Continue reading
I found this interesting. Go here and review the BBC’s take on the US economy – in a glance. Pretty dire stuff, eh? And no hint of bias, right? Well, then again if you go here you might want to think twice about that. Click through to read and contribute comments on this post.
…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
“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
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
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
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
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
