I am cross. Much as I admire John Sergeant as a journalist and broadcaster, he has made a mockery of Strictly Come Dancing. Before I say anything further, I must declare a vested interest – I love the show. I knew almost nothing about ballroom and Latin dance before SCD, which has taught me a [...]
Baby P – some random thoughts
Published in November 18th, 2008
Not much to say, really. The papers are awash with news, views, op-eds and outrage. Ten days of coverage, more details unfolding daily on the catalogue of inaction. I couldn’t face watching Panorama tonight after reading today’s news. It would have been like getting an abuse-porn fix.
Like the rest of the nation, I feel angry, [...]
Dacre – out of touch, out of order
Published in November 10th, 2008
Early this morning I read the transcript of Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre’s speech to the annual conference of the Society of Editors. What has captured my attention is his views on privacy. On his own admission, Dacre knows that “sensation sells papers”. That has clearly been the basis for his particular brand of journalism [...]
Election? What election?
Published in November 4th, 2008
I hate elections. And I particularly hate the US presidential election. Try as I might, I just cannot work up the slightest enthusiasm for it. Or even the vaguest smidgeon of interest. I ought to feel guilty about that but I don’t. Try as I might to ignore the saturation coverage, it’s unavoidable, and irritating [...]
