I'm absolutely shocked, and just a little scared. This will have huge
ramifications.
Listening to Peter Mandleson on the World at One, and the several
interviews with Alistair Campbell, including his comprehensive
domination of Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight on Wednesday evening, I felt
a shiver down my spine. Hutton notwithstanding, I trust such men (and
their political master) not a jot. A free and fearless press, even
encumbered by Gilliganesque sloppiness seems preferable to the cowed
version which men such as these now have the power to impose.
For a guide to the future of the BBC's relationship with government,
review Richard Ryder's statement on behalf of the governors and his
demeanour. His words had been pre-approved by No 10 overnight, and the
PM was ready to go on camera with a response within minutes. The BBC
has prostrated itself, and with charter renewal approaching is now
dependent upon the mercy of an antipathetic ruling class.*
Which BBC journalist will have the courage to break a
government-adverse scoop now? Do we expect all reports of
whistle-blowing by authoritative sources to be first corroborated as
true? If so, our masters are going to be getting away with an awful
lot.
Mark
*I dare say that the BBC needs reform, but the chances of the right
reforms emerging from this crisis seem remote.
On Fri, 30 Jan 2004 00:34:07 -0000, Declan Fox wrote:
> I take it from the silence on Hutton that most of you are as
> gobsmacked as I by the honourable's "conclusions" and the reactions
> of HMG and BBC to them.
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