Further to an earlier post...
DB at Biased BBC has followed up his spotting of a particularly biased tweet from a BBC journalist with the self-same journalist's apology:
I sincerely apologised for making partisan comments on the situation in #Gaza - it was against my employer's guidelines. Lessons learned!
— Naziru Mikail (@nazirumikailu) July 23, 2014
(He probably meant "I sincerely apologise" rather than "I sincerely apologised").
On previous occasions, DB's catches have resulted in the Head of BBC News, whether it be Helen Boaden or Mary Hockaday, sending out emails to BBC staff reminding them that they shouldn't compromise the BBC's reputation for impartiality by sounding off on social media:
Helen Boaden (2010):
Dear All,
We have had some occasions recently of BBC News staff using social networking sites to share with the world their somewhat controversial opinions on matters of public policy and the future of the BBC. Unsurprisingly, these have been picked up by the wider web and used to discredit the BBC and its impartiality. We have Editorial Guidelines which cover the personal use of the internet …which everyone should observe. We also have brains and judgement which I suggest people fully engage before rushing to communicate. Hx
Mary Hockaday (2014):
Social media is now a vital part of our work, allowing us to get our journalism to new audiences, connect with people, and gather news as it happens.
But the guidance is clear when it comes to personal activity: 'As a BBC member of staff – and especially as someone who works in News – there are particular considerations to bear in mind. They can all be summarised as: 'Don't do anything stupid.'
"I'd also specifically draw your attention to the following section: 'You shouldn't state your political preferences or say anything that compromises your impartiality. Don't sound off about things in an openly partisan way. Don't be seduced by the informality of social media into bringing the BBC into disrepute.'
The last time this happened, I wrote, "I rather suspect that DB will have many more scoops, thanks to the 'rush to communicate' without 'brains' or 'judgement' of so many incautious BBC tweeters." And, indeed, here we are again.
Will Mary Hockaday be re-sending that email out now?
But the miserabilis is still yet another highly partisan Beeboid whose personal ideology influences his work. The fact that this idiot tweets his partisan bile even after years of BBC memos and online training courses and Social Media Away Days and public spectacles shows just how prevalent his mindset is there. He felt perfectly comfortable expressing his opinion, because they're all at it, and it simply didn't occur to him there might be a problem. It happens over and over again with these people.
ReplyDeleteTwitter truly is the gift that keeps on giving, and DB is like Santa Claus.
He is indeed, and Beeboids would do well to remember that old song about Santa, "He knows if you've been bad or good/So be good for goodness sake".
DeleteIt's wonderful to hear from you, David. So glad you've escaped from Mark Mardell's secret underground dungeon!
Best wishes,
Craig
Life has intruded somewhat, but it was more about my contributions becoming surplus to requirements. It's a shame that the Tweets page isn't being updated, as there have been plenty of gems to add. For example, the disgusting Donnison's recent ones essentially explaining that Israel's actions only increase his support for Hamas, and that idiot BBC producer tweeting anti-UKIP venom.
DeleteI have been checking out your excellent blog from time to time, but locusts generally consume my day before I'm able to think of anything to say.
BTW, are you aware of Rod Liddle's recent statements about just how biased the BBC is, and how the place is 90% Lefties?
Yes, I'd like to add it's nice to see you in print again. I've missed your excellent contributions to Biased BBC.
DeleteCraig and Sue I really appreciate your postings and at times like this in Israel/Gaza I am so pleased to think it isn't just me who sees the BBC bias and your analytical taking apart of the BBC pieces.
DeleteBut DavidP you are wrong to think your postings at the Other Place were becoming superfluous. There were times when things were happening in the US when I really missed your take on things.
The Jasmine Lawrence affair was a particular triumph for DB, prompting Mary Hockaday's email to BBC staff. That was only a couple of months ago. They never learn.
DeleteRod Liddle is very good on the BBC. If you didn't hear his recent run-in with the BBC on 'Start the Week', it's still available online and well worth listening to:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0457rml
Yes, I knew about DB's excellent sharpshooting there. It's too bad nobody else has bothered to update the Tweets of Shame page.
DeleteI hadn't seen Liddle on Start the Week (no time to right now as Thielmann's Dutchman live from Bayreuth is currently blasting through the speakers - it's as much fun as last year), but I did see the C4 woman call him a racist, which was very amusing. Liddle may be a rather nasty piece of work in general, but he was a professional by comparison to today's political activists with bylines, and knows more than all the rest of us put together about just how Leftoid the BBC really is.
The kind words are appreciated. But really only a fraction of people there had any interest, and the majority no longer care about exposing the BBC's bias and holding them to account so much as being a place where they could express their own opinions on certain issues of the day without criticism. I put in a significant amount of effort of the years, and it was difficult to concede defeat. It's a shame, as the blog used to have real attention and effect. DB is still the man, though.
ReplyDelete