New uploads in the Media Downloads > Discussion section about last weeks big ‘Trafigura’ story, but here’s a few other stories to get you going…
First up we have Charlie Brooker’s full-on teeth, fang and claw attack on a Jan Moir article in the Daily Mail last week (includes a link to the original story) -
It generated a massive response and brought the PCC’s (Press Complaints Commission) website down for most of the day. It subsequently also brought a response from advertisers in the Mail -
I have to say, having watched the way the Mail has orchestrated a succession of attacks against the BBC it’s wonderful to see it on the receiving end. The Mail’s Editor, Paul Dacre, also happens to be Chairman of the PCC so it will be interesting to see whether the complaints that one of his columnists has blatantly contravened at least three of its guidelines will be upheld…
Just as a little background here’s another little piece on how much the Mail is loved by someone who knows what it’s like to be in the public eye -
Don’t forget to read the Comments on all these stories as well. It all adds to the story. Interesting one on the above suggesting that the Mail could be charged under the new Scottish Hate Crime legislation… Where does that take us, I wonder?
While this is all good, shouty, polarising stuff what is it doing for journalism? I think Charlie Brooker is great, Roy Greenslade is a hugely respected figure and the Guardian is the epitomy of integrity and yet you get the sense that everyone is just loving the chance to give the Mail a good kicking. Do we lower ourselves to their level by using their own tactics? It is a bit mob-handed, after all…
Mind you, what’s not to like!
Lest we get too carried-away, however, this Thursday sees the next major media event when Nick Griffin, leader of the BNP, appears on Question Time. This raises fundamentally serious ethical and moral issues for all of us. It will be very interesting to watch how it gets covered and the comment it generates.
BBC 1 Thursday 10.35pm. Don’t miss it!
Dave