[Misc] The BBC- Is there such a thing as independent media anymore ?

Eeyore · Apr 9, 2018

Having long been an ardent supporter of the BBC, I find myself saddened that what I believed to be the bastion of independent media seems to be cowering to the government narrative in foreign affairs.

The glaring omissions in the reporting of the alleged chemical attack in Douma this weekend, and the lack of question over the perpetrators, has tipped the balance for me. Reading independent reports, especially Tom Duggan’s Vlog from Damascus (Do the BBC actually have anyone on the ground there ?), there seems to be more to this than meets the eye.

I left thinking that, whilst the BBC still serves a great purpose, no media outlet can be trusted to present an unadulterated view of things.

Is there such a thing as independent media anymore ?

Titanic · Apr 9, 2018

You are Lord Adonis and I claim my £5.

Titanic · Apr 9, 2018

You could always try Russia Today?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmFudc6MT9g

Eeyore · Apr 9, 2018

Titanic said:
You could always try Russia Today?

Missing the point. I know that Russia Today is likely far worse. My point is that the BBC is not reliable.

Perfidious Albion · Apr 9, 2018

I quite agree.. Everybody is influenced by someone ( or in their pocket) . I cannot trust independent bloggers . All I do is try to watch a variety of International news sources , available on the net or Sky..

beorhthelm · Apr 9, 2018

Titanic said:
You could always try Russia Today?

i think he already has, its about the only outlet claiming there was no chemical attack/fake news what ever.

Wrong-Direction · Apr 9, 2018

Welcome to the real world, we're lied to day in day out

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk

Blue Valkyrie · Apr 9, 2018

Titanic said:
You could always try Russia Today?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmFudc6MT9g

The less I see of Jeremir Corbynski, the better.

Eeyore · Apr 9, 2018

beorhthelm said:
i think he already has, its about the only outlet claiming there was no chemical attack/fake news what ever.

The issue isn't whether or not the attack took place, the issue is the instant assumption that it was the Syrian government. If you read into the situation in Douma you'll find yourself asking questions as to why Assad would have felt the need to do this when a deal had already been struck for the rebels (presented as the 'goodies' by the west yet in fact hardline Islamic militants in this case ) to leave and Syrian forces to take over.

From what I can see, given that the militants wanted to take the 3,000 hostages with them (not reported yet by the BBC but they have now acknowledged them) there was a real fear many could be executed.

It is also known that some rebel groups have access to chemical weapons.

So, in short, the attack's origin is not known.

But the BBC run with the narrative.

Giraffe · Apr 9, 2018

The BBC has always been biased, however I do think it depends on how you look at. I know they have been accused of being pro labour and conservative, pro Brexit and anti Brexit.

They wind me up as I think they are very much anti Brexit but then I see others moan the other way.

Fundamentally it is very hard to be unbiased. They try very hard with regards to domestic politics but always seem to pedal an agenda overseas where presumably they don't have to justify anything to anyone?

wellquickwoody · Apr 9, 2018

Brighton Lines said:
Having long been an ardent supporter of the BBC, I find myself saddened that what I believed to be the bastion of independent media seems to be cowering to the government narrative in foreign affairs.

The glaring omissions in the reporting of the alleged chemical attack in Douma this weekend, and the lack of question over the perpetrators, has tipped the balance for me. Reading independent reports, especially Tom Duggan’s Vlog from Damascus (Do the BBC actually have anyone on the ground there ?), there seems to be more to this than meets the eye.

I left thinking that, whilst the BBC still serves a great purpose, no media outlet can be trusted to present an unadulterated view of things.

Is there such a thing as independent media anymore ?

Whereas I see the Beeb as a bastion for left wing thinking. Most of their staff earn well, but many have very strong views that they and others (who earn considerably less) should support all kinds of causes that less 'liberal' thinkers would see as wasteful spending. Not a direct pop from me about 'their' individual views, but just highlighting how different an interpretation can be.

happypig · Apr 9, 2018

I think they are terribly biased as they have never referred to Boris Johnson or Diane Abbot as "Useless Twats"*

Eeyore · Apr 9, 2018

wellquickwoody said:
Whereas I see the Beeb as a bastion for left wing thinking. Most of their staff earn well, but many have very strong views that they and others (who earn considerably less) should support all kinds of causes that less 'liberal' thinkers would see as wasteful spending. Not a direct pop from me about 'their' individual views, but just highlighting how different an interpretation can be.

I agree. Although many on the left see them as anti-Corbyn. For me it shows that there is some salvation for them here. That being they are attacked on all sides.

Domestically they seem more willing to challenge but fearful on foreign affairs.

Ultimately, they still have the government as their pay master. This says much.

Goldstone1976 · Apr 9, 2018

happypig said:
I think they are terribly biased as they have never referred to Boris Johnson or Diane Abbot as "Useless Twats"*

beorhthelm · Apr 9, 2018

Brighton Lines said:
The issue isn't whether or not the attack took place, the issue is the instant assumption that it was the Syrian government. [blah, blah ...]

So, in short, the attack's origin is not known.

But the BBC run with the narrative.

from here the issue is you highlighting a single news source when pretty much everyone is saying the same story. i agree there might be something else going on and another agenda in Syria, trouble is its quite apparent that your agenda is some anti-BBC slant.

wellquickwoody · Apr 9, 2018

Brighton Lines said:
I agree. Although many on the left see them as anti-Corbyn. For me it shows that there is some salvation for them here. That being they are attacked on all sides.

Domestically they seem more willing to challenge but fearful on foreign affairs.

Ultimately, they still have the government as their pay master. This says much.

But governments change, and not in unison with the leadership of the BBC. I think the staff will always be overall left leaning, but the leadership will ebb and flow with the political flavour of the day, albeit 3 years behind the polls.

Eeyore · Apr 9, 2018

beorhthelm said:
from here the issue is you highlighting a single news source when pretty much everyone is saying the same story. i agree there might be something else going on and another agenda in Syria, trouble is its quite apparent that your agenda is some anti-BBC slant.

It's the politicians who are all saying the same thing.

News sources haven't verified the source of the attack. It hasn't been proved. And given the complexities there are questions to be asked.

Yet the BBC and other western outlets don't seem to be asking them.

Tom Hark Preston Park · Apr 9, 2018

I find myself turning to Sky News for breaking news and Channel 4 News for in-depth coverage and analysis of current issues . BBC News seems to be trying to be all things to all people, spreads itself very thin, and just seems to end up being a bit lacking in substance. Maybe if they hacked back their website, might be more money for the things that count. Do we REALLY need their Recipe Section or their Quiz Of The Week? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Titanic · Apr 9, 2018

Current headline on BBC News website: Russia: 'No evidence of chemical attack'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said no evidence has been found of a chemical weapons attack in Syria's formerly rebel-held town of Douma.

He said Russian specialists and aid workers had visited the area. Rebel fighters have started leaving the town under a surrender deal.

Eeyore · Apr 9, 2018

Tom Hark said:
I find myself turning to Sky News for breaking news and Channel 4 News for in-depth coverage and analysis of current issues . BBC News seems to be trying to be all things to all people, spreads itself very thin, and just seems to end up being a bit lacking in substance. Maybe if they hacked back their website, might be more money for the things that count. Do we REALLY need their Recipe Section or their Quiz Of The Week? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Can't disagree with that. My worry is that they have dumbed down to lowest common denominator.

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[Misc] The BBC- Is there such a thing as independent media anymore ?

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