RD
You make some very valid points. But I think a bit of perspective is required: it was only one mistake - a single lapse in editorial control concerning one report on a radio programme, then later repeated on Newsnight. It wasn't spread across all BBC bulletins, and it didn't make the mainstream news.
When you make the comparison between the gutter press and the BBC, let's remember that the BBC weren't getting the dirt on a celebrity from their ex-lover, they were trying to bring our government to account for what millions of us thought, and still think, was an illegal war that took place for fictitious reasons.
It is frankly hysterical to see some of the papers suggesting that Hutton has left Blair smelling of roses. People ain't stupid, and the truth will out.
Glorfindel posted:
A tragedy for the BBC and for free speech in this country
Ah, the old "free speech" chestnut...
With the right to free speech comes responsibility. That responsibility is multiplied a thousandfold for a global news organisation like the BBC.
They broadcast an inaccurate report that contained unfounded allegations of the most serious kind. You might expect that from the gutter Press, but not the BBC. I think it's a shame that Dyke's had to go, but as the DG he has the ultimate responsibility for this catastrophic failure of journalistic standards.
Them's the breaks. Sometimes, it's *not* good to be the king.
Ah, the old "free speech" chestnut...
With the right to free speech comes responsibility. That responsibility is multiplied a thousandfold for a global news organisation like the BBC.
They broadcast an inaccurate report that contained unfounded allegations of the most serious kind. You might expect that from the gutter Press, but not the BBC. I think it's a shame that Dyke's had to go, but as the DG he has the ultimate responsibility for this catastrophic failure of journalistic standards.
Them's the breaks. Sometimes, it's *not* good to be the king.
You make some very valid points. But I think a bit of perspective is required: it was only one mistake - a single lapse in editorial control concerning one report on a radio programme, then later repeated on Newsnight. It wasn't spread across all BBC bulletins, and it didn't make the mainstream news.
When you make the comparison between the gutter press and the BBC, let's remember that the BBC weren't getting the dirt on a celebrity from their ex-lover, they were trying to bring our government to account for what millions of us thought, and still think, was an illegal war that took place for fictitious reasons.
It is frankly hysterical to see some of the papers suggesting that Hutton has left Blair smelling of roses. People ain't stupid, and the truth will out.
Last edited by rdobbie on 29 January 2004 5:13pm
