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 [...]
No orchids for Mr Brand
Published in October 29th, 2008
No question the hottest story of the week has been Brandgate, pushing Robert Peston and the recession off the front pages and onto the backburner. Things moved fast today when the BBC announced first the suspension of Brand and co-broadcaster Jonathan Ross, then Brand’s resignation. The fate of Ross remains unknown but Brand was always [...]
When hacks get sacked for blogging
Published in September 25th, 2008
Freelance journalist Nick Clayton got the boot last week for blogging. His firing has attracted a lot of media attention and he’s written up his experience on his own blog. Read and learn what a storm in a teacup it is - not for him but for The Scotsman.
No doubt Nick will be keeping the [...]
MEN behaving radically
Published in September 18th, 2008
It’s not often bloggers are offered the opportunity to have a look round a modern newsroom at a major regional paper, so when the Manchester Evening News announced it would host the latest meeting for Manchester’s blogging community it didn’t take long for the limited number of spaces available to be filled. The MEN recently [...]
Blogging the bloggers
Published in September 16th, 2008
Tomorrow sees me heading off to the nearby metropolis of Manchester for the Manchester Bloggers meeting. I’m not strictly a Manchester blogger but I might soon be, if all goes according to plan. I’ve been invited to about 3 of these over the last few years - each time I cancelled at the last minute [...]
Tomorrow’s hacks right here, right now
Published in August 18th, 2008
My favourite student journalist (although, strictly speaking, he’s now graduated with top marks) is Dave Lee. Dave has wasted no time in setting up a blog ring for young journalists - TNTJ. This has all the makings of a great venture, knowing Dave. So here’s a quick toast to their future success. Chin chin!
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How reporting can endanger the disabled
Published in August 2nd, 2008
Following Barry George’s acquittal for the murder of Jill Dando, today’s papers are awash with lengthy analysis of the case and profiles of George himself. My own opinion is that I think it highly unlikely that George “did it”, based on reports of his low IQ and other mental and physical problems. Why on earth [...]
Tips - no more waiting for change
Published in July 31st, 2008
The BBC reported this morning that the government is finally to close the loophole on tipping in the service industries. This is long overdue and good news for hard-working staff who have been literally short-changed by their employers. It has also happened fairly quickly following a recent campaign started by the Guardian then taken up [...]
Why red-top sleaze should be kept out of the bedroom
Published in July 25th, 2008
Like many journalists, I’ve been following Max Mosley’s privacy case with enormous interest. Unlike many of my colleagues, I hoped he would win and I’m pleased he did. I say unlike, because I dislike kiss and tell stories and the often appalling pain and damage they leave in their wake. I’ve never worked as a [...]
