Monday 15 October 2012

How Thick Are 'Journalists'?

If you are like me, then you often find yourself dissatisfied by the level of reporting in the press. After reading a story, or watching a TV news item, you have a vague feeling that you need to know more. Then, when you think about it, you realise that the report didn't really tell you anything. It is why the British public have absolutely no idea what is going on in Afghanistan, yet our soldiers are being killed and maimed there.

But, you might say that is a complicated subject and would require risk taking to get the real details out. Yes, I would reply and that is what journalism was once about. The war reporting during the Crimean campaign is said to have had a devastating effect on the British public, who demanded change. In today's world of instant communication and 24 hour 'news' we are lucky I suppose, to even know we have troops in Afghanistan.

But on more local, straightforward ground, the press still insist on guessing their way through a story. Santander pulling out of buying 316 RBS branches was not because they didn't like what they saw, no it was 'probably' something to do with the problems in the Spanish economy. The BBC in particular, confused issues with their made up reports before with Santander, asking as Spain sought bailouts, if your money was safe here.

Well, Santander UK is a stand alone entity, owned ultimately by the Spanish parent, but operating independently and doing quite nicely. Possibly because they had greater reserves and didn't get involved with stupid, get rich quick schemes that so easily beguiled the monumentally ignorant, but highly paid, bank CEO's at other, more 'established' firms.

So no, unless Britney buys a new handbag, there will be no news from the 9 to 9.30 'journalists.

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