Britannia Radio

Biased BBC

Thursday, September 11, 2008 Hugh # 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 it wisely. Comments: 8 (unread) - Biased BBC Home Hugh # What to think? What on earth are we to make of this pig and lipstick comment? Was it a jibe at Palin or an innocent remark? It's times like this when, to be honest, I actually wish the BBC could take sides. Unfortunately, impartial as ever, its original report - of, erm, Obama's denial - is no help, only noting that "Republicans may well try to keep the controversy going, although one difficulty for them is that John McCain has himself used the offending phrase". And, as one might expect, neither is Matt Frei. He can only tell us that Palin's "campaign advisers and those blushing violets around the uber-sensitive John McCain are more offended than nuns in a nudist romp... And the Republicans are getting away with it." Oh well, perhaps Webb will be more help - he sometimes stretches the rules to help his readers out... "All of this hugely interesting for another area of scientific enquiry: the psychology of voting behaviour. Do facts matter?" No, no help there either. I'm confused as ever. Comments: 4 (unread) - Biased BBC Home Wednesday, September 10, 2008 David Vance # THE JUSTIN WEBB EXPERIENCE I think that Justin Webb provides a valuable public service by showing us just how necessary it is to take the axe to the BBC. How does he perform this wonder? Well, reading his blog is essential reading for any student of bias. Today he blogs the story concerning the list of books that "people" are claiming Sarah Palin wanted banned. He states this list is a fake. He then goes on to print it!!! He concludes by telling us that no doubt Palin would laugh it all off and be charming about it. Do you think he is on medication perhaps or has he driven mediocrity to a whole new level? Comments: 18 (unread) - Biased BBC Home David Vance # THE BIG WHIMPER. Is it just me or does anyone else think that the BBC's coverage of the Large Hadron Collider has been .....well, astronomically over the top today? All the BBC news stories have been leading with this as if it were the single most important story happening in the world today but I don't believe that it was. Do you? Why do you think that the BBC is so excited about this? Wonder if their drooling enthusiasm is in any way linked to the idea than mankind can re-create those moments after the alleged Big Bang? Is it a subtle refutation of the Creation that they are praying for? Just wondering... Comments: 38 (unread) - Biased BBC Home Laban # Unequal Life-Chances ... Nick Robinson reports on Harriet Harman's new National Equality Panel : She spoke instead of "investigating how "people's life chances" are impacted by "where they were born, what kind of family they were born into, where they live and their wealth" as well as their gender, race, disability and age. It does seem so wrong that a child's life chances are so dependent on who their dad is : James Naughtie was out covering the Republican National Convention in Minnesota for the Today programme last week. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but notice that the name of a certain Andrew Naughtie appeared at the end credits of Newsnight's coverage of the same event. Was this a coincidence, I wondered, or could they by any chance be related? "Ah yes, that is Jim's son," says a BBC spokesman when I call. "He's one of a number of students we've got on work experience at the moment. "They are all helping out with our election coverage – though I'm not certain how many of them were actually sent to the convention." (The Indie piece is by Henry Deedes, grandson of the late William Deedes, former Telegraph editor and newspaper veteran. Can't say the BBC aren't conforming to generally accepted industry standards.) Hat-tip - Peter in the comments. UPDATE - via DB in the comments, young Master Naughtie reviews the film 'Rendition' in the Bristol University paper : Rendition is a major foreign policy issue for the US since the extent and implications of its use were uncovered in 2002; the torture and human rights abuses that rendition involves have severely tainted the USA's international reputation ... In these dark times, we need mainstream Hollywood films that will tackle uncomfortable subjects like this head-on and dare to show us that those acting in American interests may not be good people ... the shocking truth of Rendition just isn't enough. Comments: 5 (unread) - Biased BBC Home