People get really worked up out perceived bias by the BBC - simply because it's funded by what is a compulsory tax for everybody who owns a television. You pay for commercial television as well, almost everytime you make a purchase of goods (and some services), but it's the BBC that takes most of the flak.
An example at the moment is Orla Guerin.
Guerin has been reporting from Lebanon and comparisons have been made on various websites and blogs about her perceived 'pro-Lebanon' stance. One site, owned by Conservative politician Iain Dale even calls from her resignation after comparing a report by her with one by Channel 4's Alex Thompson from the same town, Bint Jbeil, in southern Lebanon.
Dale has devoted a great deal of effort to listing what he perceives as BBC bias - he even contributes to a site which lists everybody who appears on the BBC who writes what he feels is unbiased (i.e anti-American, anti-Jewish, left wing...you know the list of the usual suspects - anybody who doesn't tug their forlocks at the great George Dubya).
Now don't get me wrong I'm not in favour of partisan broadcasts per se but the overwhelming irony of the complaints against Orla Guerin is the use of another broadcaster as a measuring device. As I said on the 5Live messageboard this week, this type of argument stoops to the level of 'My Dad is bigger than your Dad' - it serves no purpose. If you have access to multi-channel news coverage you are going to get annoyed by one that doesn't fit your personal remit.
What about coverage by the US Television networks? It shames the BBC bias by its pro-Israel coverage. The fact that virtually every news agency in Britain, including the right-wing newspapers, but excluding Channel 4, has described the Israel reaction to Hezbollah's original kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers as being over the top matters not because it's all about showing the BBC bias.
The outpourings on the 5Live boards have been the usual drivel, nobody can provide a balanced argument without being accused of a left-wing, commie, traitor etc. Barney McGrew, who is at the opposite end of the political spectrum to me on almost all matters, did at least agree with my argument about alternative sources being required these days.
Dale comes across as Mr Smugpants, despite the fact that he supports West Ham I still think he's a first class wanker.
5 comments:
I couldn't agree more. I would rather have the BBC, warts and all, than only media with agendas dictated by their owners who have business or political interests. I feel rather uncomfortable with the level of pro-Israel spammers on 5live and elsewhere who seek to discredit any media or poster that doesnt toe their line.
"I would rather have the BBC, warts and all, than only media with agendas dictated by their owners who have business or political interests"...eh? Isn't taht the point? I disagree, I concur that on the whole it is worth having but if it is to be a public service and people are obliged to pay or go to gaol then the least that one can expect is bias free reporting - no matter whta complexion you put on her reports there is a definite bias. You say that to use othe rmedia isn't right...I agree...they were using the other media's FILM...of the same area but unedited (or not restricted to the bad bits). That is totally wrong and totally against what the BBc should be doing.
Iain Dale strikes me as being OK and is now linked from my blog :-)...he was before via the long list of 'Witanagemot Club' blogs but now i've added a direct solo link.
P.S. it worries me that Alan mentions pro Israeli spammers on R5L...I would say there are equal amounts of "both sides" but that if there is an imbalance the Iron Tonies/Alberts/Wendys/Naz etc are in the majority!
I don't dispute the claims of bias what I object to is the vitriol directed against one journalist. Asking for Orla Guerin to be sacked because she doesn't fit the demands of a right-wing politician smacks of Stalinism.
Why the constant beating of heads against the wall because the BBC refuses to be objective? I pay for right-wing newspapers via buying products that are advertised in them - but I don't actually purchase them direct or subscribe to their views. I agree that the BBC is funded by a tax with no get out of jail free card but using that as a defence for demanding bias free reporting is a case of shooting the messenger and his message.
I can't believe that people buy their news from one source in the same way that they only shop at Tescos etc.
On the subject of Iain Dale I called him a wanker with a small penis at the height of my pique - as my creative writing teacher once told me say what you think and consider it later. He makes me laugh more than makes me mad but that's probably because my political enthusiasm and protectionism has been worn down over the years.
Well I can agree with that. It becomes a bit desperate but I fear that is teh ME Israel/Plal/ whoeevr saga all over - no compromise.
I agree also that no-one should rely on one source or even 2 or 3.
My english teacher said the same - get in down on paper before you forget.
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