The BBC’s Razia Iqbal visits Katar, the official cultural village of Doha, and talks to members of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, many of whom have been imported from Europe. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01gng58 The BBC’s reverse cultural imperialism is slapped down in this programme about the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Razia Iqbal has been in the country two days but she has made up her mind about the evils of ‘Westernisation’ being imposed upon … Continue reading →

I know I shouldn’t but I DO watch Nicky Campbell’s “The Big Questions”. Do you? It’s a grim programme but bang on all BBC memes. This morning saw Peter Hitchens being howled down because he spoke up in favour of capital punishment, meanwhile Islamophobia was detected in those who object to Halal meat. It’s truly grotesque in the bias.

This is a serious blog but as a light-hearted interlude, some brilliant bits of the 1956 edition of ‘The BBC Field Producers’ Handbook’ and the chapter called ‘Getting the best from your correspondent‘ On arrival, you may shake a correspondent’s hand. But never address him by his Christian name. Over-familiarity makes for poor broadcasting “If your correspondent stumbles or is hesitant on air, offer him some brandy from your ration. … Continue reading →

Wonder does anyone ever listen to Saturday Live on BBC Radio 4? It’s the most cringing little leftist indulgence and I thought I might share this morning’s offering with you! “Anita Anand with “The Idler” editor Tom Hodgkinson, gay dads Barrie and Tony Drewitt-Barlow talk about their decision to have a sixth child by a surrogate mother, Emma Gray on her life as a shepherdess, poetry from Matt Harvey, Caroline … Continue reading →