Paul Humphreys rambles on....

I am of the opinion that the UK TV news is being dummed down. We tend to watch the early evening news either on BBC, or ITV if we get home late. Last week during the Sinn Fein/IRA behind the bank robbery story the ITV news ran an interview with Martin McGuinness. The question was "Are you a member of the IRA ?" - or something similar. Answer "No." "Is Gerry Adams a member of the IRA ?" Answer "No." In fact McGuinness was slightly more intelligent than the interviewer, he said it would be political suicide for anyone in Sinn Fein to be involved in terrorism or the IRA. So in fact he answered the question that should have been asked "how can you prove or indicate to our viewers that you are not involved in the IRA?"

For me I think if they want to sort this mess out there is only one way. We all know the IRA has influence and knowledge of the criminal underworld. Find the people who really did this robbery. Naive proposal perhaps as people could be fitted up. But at least cooperate with the authorities if you really were not involved.

Comments:

I couldn't agree more with you about the TV news being dumbed-down. I think ITV are the worst for it - especially Nick Owen (who should be old enough to know better).

I find the C4 news at 7pm to give the most intelligent and detailed coverage - especially on topics which the other channels cover in one sentence.

Posted by Trevor Watson on February 25, 2005 at 06:13 AM PST #

Just returned to the US after living in the UK for four years. Only been here for two months now, but I think I can say that the worst news on telvision in the UK is better than the best here in the US. Three recent samples from the local news here in the Bay Area: 1. Police ignore home security alarms because they are short on funds. 2. City to have a one year party to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of incoporation as a City. 3. Bush having trouble selling new Social Security program. The usual gun crimes thrown in to fill the 30 minutes. No world events mentioned.

Posted by Sean O'Dell on March 08, 2005 at 10:03 PM PST #