Comments
Well done BBC Inside Sport. Shame on media for news blackout on Coulson bullying case
2009-11-26 13:59:57
First of all, congratulations to BBC Inside Sport for its film last night on depression in sport.
Gabby Logan's sensitive and revealing interviews with cricketer Marcus Trescothick, boxer Frank Bruno, footballer Neil Lennon and All Black rugby star John Kirwan were not just good TV. They will also help the continuing campaign to break down stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
As the programme explained, 92 per cent of people admit they would be unlikely to reveal a mental health problem in case it affected their prospects at work.
But surely we have to get to a position where people can be as open about mental health as they are about physical health?
Anyway, I suspect Gabby's film is an early favourite for a Mental Health Media award this time next year.
Meanwhile at the other end of the caring, sharing, understanding-other-people employment spectrum, I ask you this question ....
If, while I was working for Tony Blair, it had emerged that whilst a journalist I had been responsible for a dreadful case of bullying, and that my paper had had to shell out more than three quarters of a million pounds in compensation to someone who blamed me personally for the bullying, do you think the papers might have covered it?
Yes, I thought so.
Do you think I might have been chased around by the media to explain myself? Do you think TB would have had to explain himself too? Do you reckon it might have been raised in Parliament by Tory MPs? Yep, so do I.
Or, to put it as the one journalist who seems to be taking an interest in it, The Guardian's Roy Greenslade, says:
'Imagine for a moment that a bank employee in the City of London was awarded £800,000 for unfair dismissal after a lengthy period of bullying by his or her boss. I haven't the slightest doubt that it would be a major news item in every newspaper - from the Financial Times to the Daily Star.
'Or how about this? Imagine The Guardian being required to pay out £800,000 to a journalist because its editor had been exposed as a bully. You can bet that would have made headlines in rival papers.
'So why, I wonder, was The Guardian the only national paper to report on the fact that former News of the World football reporter Matt Driscoll was awarded £792,736 for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination by an employment tribunal?'
It is a very good question. Roy, my former boss at the Mirror, thinks that it is all part of the 'you scratch my back I'll scratch yours' conspiracy of silence between the major newspaper groups, who do not wash each other's dirty linen in public, whilst thinking anyone else is fair game.
But it is also part of the media's growing bias against using stories that might be difficult or embarrassing for David Cameron.
Because the journalist-editor in question is Andy Coulson, ex News of the World, now Cameron's communications director.
Even without the media angle, or the Cameron angle, this case should be big news because it is a record payout, the biggest ever ordered to be made to a media group.
But it is the media angle and the Cameron angle that has led to the virtual news blackout.
This in the week that several of the papers are screaming their indignation that the public inquiry on Iraq is deemed by them not to be open enough.
Not just News International, for which Coulson used to work, but the Mail, Mirror, Telegraph, Independent, Express, FT, the whole lot of them, decided a record payout for bullying and discimination made against someone who is now right-hand man to the man who could be our next Prime Minister, decided it was not worth a single line of copy.
As Roy points out, the Mail and the Telegraph are always reluctant to carry anything critical of Rupert Murdoch's operations. But this one has gone right across the board.
And because the broadcasters tend to allow their agenda to be set by the papers, we have another 'protect Dave' news blackout. If we had a media that was genuinely free and fair, it is what they might term a scandal.
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'No worries' - the new response to thanksPublish date: 2009-09-01 12:25:19
Tremors of Japanese political earthquake will be felt far and widePublish date: 2009-08-30 15:50:54
Pressure on Ed Miliband can help get a climate change dealPublish date: 2009-08-28 13:39:08
Why Tories and media cannot stomach GCSE success storyPublish date: 2009-08-27 16:03:34
Exposing the absurdity of Chris GraylingPublish date: 2009-08-26 13:20:19
Joy and beauty and a night of magicPublish date: 2009-08-20 10:55:11
Twitter NHS backlash good for ObamaPublish date: 2009-08-14 15:44:49
A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
John Valentine
2009-11-27 20:51:53I saw the interview with Mark Kermode where you both watched In the Loop.....AC 1 MK 0. The killer line "look politics is a lot harder than what you do" I saw Kermode shrink....priceless he takes himself far too seriously! No fan of "New Labour", but well done AC...politics is a serious business for serious people. I'm all for farce, but come on get real the questions Kermode was puting to you were embarrasing.
Nige
2009-11-27 17:29:18Alastair, well done for taking up the mental health torch, a group of illnesses still burdened with the stigma of schoolyard jokes, media bias & lack of understanding, even from some in the medical community. My partner is bi-polar & it is heart breaking to watch her self destruct in the "high" phase and then crash into a frightened rabbit during the "low" - those closest often suffer more than the patient, you will understand. Thanks again
crookedmouth
2009-11-27 14:10:00Not being a tiny bit self-righteous and hypocritical then AC? Coulson is no doubt an unpleasant character - it comes with the territory for that kind of job - and I am sure his time will come (once the Tories are in power and it all goes to their head); he is, after all, your Tory mirror image. Guido Fawkes sums it all up rather neatly in his blog today.
Carry on old boy. I'm sure you'll keep up the act at the Chilcot Enquiry - you have a raw hide that a White Rhino would be proud of I'm sure.
Dave Macleod
2009-11-27 13:27:08I really enjoyed Inside Sport too, and agree the light it shone on the issue of mental illness extremely welcome, particularly as it set amongst high achieving athletes as sufferers.
I did however feel slightly frustrated at the lack of any overall context: all the different cases seemed to be thrown together into the same category.
For example - Serena Williams was mentioned for the bereavement she suffered. Mental anguish yes, but illness surely not.
Perhaps time contraints prevented it, but there seemed to be no differentiation made between those who suffer depression as an illness, a 'chemical imbalance' (such as you Alastair, perhaps or John Kirwan) and those who had difficulties adjusting to the ends of their careers - such as Frank Bruno.
Perhaps this was intentional, but I found a little differentiation on the different types or causes of mental illness would have helped.
And - with Marcus Trescothick, having read his book and sympathised greatly with his plight, I am left still wondering why it is that his illness seems only to be triggered by particular events such as foreign travel. Does his illness sit in between those who suffer random attacks and those who suffer only after some difficult life experience?
Perhaps these issues were too difficult to discuss in an hour long program. I would hope that the BBC would return to look at this in some more detail in the future.
But hats off all the same!
simon
2009-11-27 12:28:02I wonder if we did a survey of the voting public who they would name as one of the nastiest operators in public life - coulson or campbell. hhmmm.
Incredible Campbell crying wolf over a bullying culture.
Another thing - at least there is no blood on Coulson’s hands.
David Kingston
2009-11-26 22:14:19I wonder if Coulson's bullying will be allowed on Question Time tonight?
I agree with your comments about Inside Out. I am sure that it is no coincidence that these topics are covered in today's blog. Bullying is often a cause of, or at least a trigger for mental health problems. The effects can be more severe and long lasting that physcal injuries caused by dangerous work place practices. Good employers recognise this. Bad ones can expect such punitive damages as meted out to NoW.
Just sayin'
2009-11-26 21:12:28So, a moan about bullying from the man who wrote the book about it.
As anyone with any knowledge of British politics knows, you ran a Downing Street operation that was prepared to harass, bully, lie and smear to get its own way. As Mo Mowlam, Clare Short, Gordon Brown – among many other victims of it in your own party - would confirm.
As for people outside the party, history records – just to quote two out of many, many examples – your bullying and harassing of the commentator Anthony Howard in 1990 over his, as it turned out, accurate suggestion that you were advising Neil Kinnock while still working for the Daily Mirror and your phone call to the home of the BBC’s Head of News one night in November 1991.
I quote, ““What the fuck’s going on with this Rageh Omaar report?” bellowed Campbell.”
Now, as you prepare to return to action, this time harassing and smearing Gordon Brown’s opponents rather than him, you clamber onto your high horse and expect us be as appalled as you’re pretending to be.
Well, bully for you.
Alan Quinn
2009-11-26 20:56:20Spot on with the bullying story Alastair, so much so that even the non de plume mob haven't been on to argue it.
Dave Macleod
2009-11-26 18:21:42I sent an email to Iain Dale a couple of days ago challenging him to post something on this matter, using exactly the same argument that you have (ie. if it had been you that had been found guilty there would have been a media frenzy.)
Still no reply, unsurprisingly!
Steve Marsh
2009-11-26 17:45:25Just caught up with your last 2 blogs. Congratulations on your MH Media award. I used to attend these when I was full time employed and was a member of the Focus group- a forerunner of the the Time for Change project.The last one I attended was when Jessie Wallace(Kat Slater in East enders) got an award and the playwright who wrote the play with the late Thora Hird and Pete Postlethwaite about Dementia based on his own experiences also got an award.
I also thought the Inside Sport programme was well done and hopefully will encourage sportsman and their coaches/managers to be more open.
Hope to see you at Upton Park on Saturday.
Up the Clarets!
james huntingdon
2009-11-26 16:07:17Alastair, while it's good to see you bringing up the subject of depression and how it should no longer be viewed as a stigma, perhaps it's worth referring back to an incident from one of the early Labour party conferences when Blair was still running the country. I recall the Daily Mirror had a front page story about an actress who was stalking you, with a sensational headline about her being nuts or something. The suggestion at the time was that Blair was having a bad day and you'd leaked the story to your old paper to keep him off the front page. wonder if you recall the incident?
Liam Murray
2009-11-26 15:16:09The apparent news blackout is worrying Alastair and your analysis on why is probably spot on. But I have a quick question which I think I posted here before (or perhaps on Twitter)...
Is there any evidence that media servility to Cameron now (or hostility to the PM) is materially different to the media environment pre-1997? We know from your diaries the truth is more subtle than the Malcolm Tucker characiture but the point remains managing the news environment and Labour's interaction with it WAS a part of your role and one you did very well.
The implication of this post and a few others you've written recently is that the terms of your interaction with the media then were materially different from the way Coulson etc. interacts now. Perhaps that's the case but there's no discussion or evidence of that.
If there is a material difference that has serious implications for democracy and people from left & right would be very angry about it. But by not actually making that case you risk coming across as simply bitter and resentful that the media focus is not where you want it to be and not surprisingly independent apolitical types (like me) will have little sympathy...
Mark
2009-11-26 14:59:24I have to agree with Joanna, having worked for Alastair too. You would be hard pressed to find a more motivating boss.
Joanna
2009-11-26 14:36:13As someone who has worked for Alastair, I can confirm he was the most encouraging, enthusiastic and sensitive "boss" I have had. If only I could say the same about some of the newsrooms I've worked in.
Zelo Street
2009-11-26 14:35:05This is a textbook example of what Nick Davies described in "Flat Earth Newss" as the idea that "Dog doesn't eat dog".
But it is strange that the broadcast media has not covered it more thoroughly. Perhaps the Tory threats made to "tear up the BBC's charter" are having an effect.
Perhaps you could go on C4 News and bang the table a few times?
Em
2009-11-26 14:32:23Much of the media is campaigning for Cameron that's why. They are campaigning for Cameron because after twelve years, they are hard pressed to find new ways of criticising Labour. They want new faces to report on and to profile.
Also, Cameron is the UK's answer to Sarah Palin -- what an easy target! A bit of censorship now and if Cameron wins and it's going to be "this stuff, it just writes itself!"
Trudi
2009-11-26 14:26:04I watched the film. I am not yet ready to be open at work about having depression but it did make me think I might be able to be in the future
Charlie Watson
2009-11-26 14:24:29It always interests me re your own situation that I hear journalists who accuse you of bullying them, but whenever I hear interviews with people who worked for you - there was one such on a Mark Lawson programme the other day - they always speak very fondly of you. I think I would care more about how my staff felt about me than the press. I agree this is a scandal when disability is such an important issue
Colin Harper
2009-11-26 14:21:46Amazing isn't it ... they so believe in freedom of information, but not in the freedom to inform about wrongdoing when it affects their own. For that kind of payout this must have been an appalling case, and it means Cameron is prepared to have appalling people on his inside team
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