• September 25.2008

Tony Blair’s criticism of the media sparks a range of reactions.

Posted by Mica Swyers on June 13, 2007 at 3:22 PM
In his last and highly covered speech on domestic issues, Tony Blair called British media “a feral beast, just tearing people and reputation to bits.”  Rebuking the “impact driven” nature of a media that “hunts in a pack,” the British Prime Minister blamed journalists for simultaneously letting quality slide and sapping the confidence of the nation. 

 Blair suggested revisions in regulation of television and newspapers, arguing that current systems of accountability are no longer applicable when trends in multimedia convergence have led to unclear media distinctions.  Singling out The Independent in his critique of commentary-heavy coverage, he posited that the media itself is in the best position to bring about such changes.

In the range of debates sparked by Blair’s remarks, many editors agreed with his imperative for reforms of a media that privileges controversy and attacking people’s motives.  Others criticized Blair for unfairly holding media to an impossible standard of objective reporting, claiming that news commentary is what gives British journalism its vibrant edge.  Still others simply viewed Blair’s remarks as a parting shot to let off steam before he steps down on June 27th.

Source: Reuters and The Independent

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1 Comments

fidle said:

The Prime Minister is right. Such eratic Media Institution such as in britain has given birth to stooges who think reporting is tantamount to watching 'Toy Stories.'

June 13, 2007 5:47 PM

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