In this context, can I recommend this week's New Statesman piece by Penny Red "Dignity in Life, Dignity in Death" http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/laurie-penny/2011/06/suicide-life-end-lives (though I flinch at her use of words like 'sufferers'....)
Jenny
-----Original Message-----
From: The Disability-Research Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul Swann
Sent: 17 June 2011 11:13
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: BBC Complaint Response CAS-820522-XDYPNV
Thanks Mike. Also writing in a personal capacity, I think the debate sparked by the programme is very healthy and I'm grateful for the opportunity to hear different views.
Whilst the programme itself might would achieved more balance if time had been given to people who oppose assisted dying, I fail to understand why the broadcast is seen as justifying complaints to the BBC. I would like to see more discussion about this issue, not less.
Terry's Pratchett's personal dilemna was clearly presented. I know that if I ever have to face a similar dilemma, I will want as much information as possible as a basis for my decision.
And I would like to have the right to make that decision.
Paul
-----Original Message-----
From: The Disability-Research Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mike Higgins
Sent: 17 June 2011 10:49
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: BBC Complaint Response CAS-820522-XDYPNV
This is (doubtless) the 'standard' response such complaints as that which I
submitted are receiving. It clearly ignores the specific points about bias
and balance I made and is patronising.
It trivialises and misrepresents the complaint. I did not (for example)
complain about them showing suicide. This (presumably) is 'included' in the
"response" to address another strand of complaints they are receiving about
the show.
The fulcrum of my complaint was about the dangerous influence such a
one-sided unbalanced appraisal of the arguments will have on the national
debate in general and upon the life chances of Disabled People (literally)
in particular.
I forward it however for your interest!
Mike Higgins
(in a personal capacity)
----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Mike Higgins" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, June 17, 2011 10:32 AM
Subject: Complaint Response CAS-820522-XDYPNV
Dear Mr Higgins
Thanks for contacting us regarding ‘Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die’
from 13 June on BBC Two.
We acknowledge that there has been considerable discussion about Terry
Pratchett: Choosing to Die and the BBC’s coverage of assisted death. It
was for that reason that the commissioning editor, Charlotte Moore posted a
blog answering some of the questions that have been raised:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/2011/04/terry-pratchett-choosing-to-die.shtml
The BBC is completely impartial on the issue of assisted death. This film
did not promote assisted death, but looked at the individual choices that
people make, including Mick who had chosen to make use of hospice care.
We appreciate that the subject of assisted death or living with a
degenerative condition is a difficult one which is why we constantly look at
the issue in a number of ways. Across all BBC output, we have looked at
these subjects in news debates, religious programmes, documentaries and
dramas. In addition, we broadcast Choosing to Die: Newsnight Debate after
this programme aired which gave different voices the opportunity to share
their thoughts. This is not a simple yes or no issue which is why we believe
it is important to encourage discussion and debate.
We agree that suicide is an extremely difficult issue and should be
portrayed with the utmost sensitivity. We are confident that in this case,
there was clear editorial justification for its inclusion, however we
understand that there are those that would prefer not to watch the
programme.
We hoped that the documentary would spark a constructive national discussion
that engaged people across the spectrum of opinion and it is clear that this
was achieved.
We’d like to assure you we've registered your complaint on our audience
log. This is an internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily
and is available for viewing by all our staff. This includes all programme
makers and commissioning executives, along with our senior management. It
ensures that your points, along with all other comments we receive, are
circulated and considered across the BBC.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.
Kind regards
BBC Audience Services
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints
NB This is sent from an outgoing account only which is not monitored. You
cannot reply to this email address but if necessary please contact us via
our webform quoting any case number we provided.
Kind Regards
BBC Audience Services
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