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Topsy turvy world of BBC Newsnight

By John Hirst

Topsy turvy world of BBC Newsnight

I couldn't believe it last night when Newsnight's lead story was Russell Brand had resigned from his Radio 2 show. Apparently, a stunt backfired. When it was aired, there was 2 complaints from listeners. Following the gutter press making a mountain out of a mole hill, 27,000 people who had not heard it then complained to the BBC. My only complaint is why the BBC thought Jonathan Ross is worth £6M per year. And, Russell Brand £200,000 per year just for presenting one show per week on Radio 2. It is being said that these stars reach the younger generation. Times must have changed because Radio 2 used to be for the Golden Oldies.

Whoever is responsible for letting the offensive material be broadcast needs to justify the decision given that Andrew Sachs requested it not be aired because he found it offensive. Although I have seen it in the blogosphere that nobody has the right not to be offended.

By the same token, whoever took the decision at the BBC to make this the lead story on Newsnight should be taken out and shot. Later in the programme it was reported that in the Congo another Rwanda was taking place, and that the UN was supporting the troops who had carried out the genocide in Rwanda and were now doing the same in the Congo.

UN joins battle with Congo rebels

Perhaps, I am too cynical but it does seem rather convenient with the world economy collapsing that 2 scapegoats have emerged...

Full post as published by prisonlawinsideout on October 30, 2008 (boomark / email).