Off Topic Politics Thread

Not really a good example in the way you think it is, but actually a good example of how the BBC ties itself in knots trying to be fair to everyone. The policy on naming Derry is to, in the first instance of a report name it as Londonderry, then it can be referred to as Derry in subsequent mentions. It’s not a sign of bias, and is actually quite the opposite in trying to be “fair” to both sides.

 

We’ll, NI is part of the UK and it’s official name is Londonderry. If it becomes a part of a unified Ireland then I’m sure it will be known as Derry. Until then the BBC is clearly obliged to stick to its current official name

 

Odd one to pick because they have an arrangement for Derry/Londonderry where they refer to it as Londonderry at first mention and then Derry after.

 

This is a prime example of the BBC attempting to be impartial and people are criticizing them for it, whilst simultaneously complaining that they aren't impartial enough.

Shows the scale of their challenge.

 

It's been mentioned before of course but the inordinate air time given to reform needs addressing, question time in particular.

 

I really agree with this but i would reiterate that there is a generational divide too and the BBC is trying to attract back the younger demographic it is losing. This is gender issues are being pushed and why si much of the BBC website content feels juvenile. I can therefore appeeciate the sentiment , to a degree , when IOAG types away at his computer, sitting in his corduroy trousers. I do not agree in the least and feel that the consequences of foreign interference aee as bad if coming frim America or China. Just feel that Trump's actions hsve broader consequences in shutting down journalism.

 

You've got that wrong Ides. Longstanding BBC guidelines are that Londonderry is used for first reference, and Derry thereafter.

A classic example, one might say, of the BBC working to be impartial, while inadvertently offending anyone who wants to be offended.

 

Beat me to it.

 

The BBC is a long, long, long way from being perfect, and it's going through a really bad period in it's history right now (much of it self-inflicted idiocy), but as always a lot of the criticisms levelled at it (not least on here) revolve around "they don't do/see things exactly how I'd like them to and how I do/see things".

In a normal, healthy society that would be seen as a good thing, but...yeah...

As has been said, the fact that half the people think they're some right wing led mouthpiece for Farage and co, and the other half think they've been taken over by lefty trans-activists actually shows they have something right.

 

I cut and pasted the following from the BBC's Mission Statement https://www.bbc.com/aboutthebbc/governance/mission. They may fall well short of these values at times, but at least they aspire to them;

1. To provide impartial news and information to help people understand and engage with the world around them

The BBC should provide duly accurate and impartial news, current affairs and factual programming to build people’s understanding of all parts of the United Kingdom and of the wider world. Its content should be provided to the highest editorial standards. It should offer a range and depth of analysis and content not widely available from other United Kingdom news providers, using the highest calibre presenters and journalists, and championing freedom of expression, so that all audiences can engage fully with major local, regional, national, United Kingdom and global issues and participate in the democratic process, at all levels, as active and informed citizens.

 

It’s been said many times by people far wiser than me, but the fact that the BBC is consistently and continually accused of bias by the whole range of the political spectrum is an indication of its success in maintaining its balance.

On the other hand, Emily Maitlis left the BBC for pretty much that exact reason. As she points out, during the Brexit debate, even though 99% of economic analysts believed that leaving the EU would be disastrous, panel discussions always had to have 50/50 balance. An example of the BBC tying itself in knots to please everybody.