If it's on BBC, it's not necessarily the news

Robin Grant criticises the BBC bashers because they complain about BBC World News coverage, citing “Panorama” as an example of BBC excellence in “the interests of balance and fairness”. 

This phrase is what the BBC preaches but does not practice in its World News.

I am old enough to remember when Lord Reith’s ethics dictated that the BBC radio news be read by men in dinner jackets. I expect the news to be the truth as far as any reasonable person could expect. 

I woke in the night (3 am, November 18) and viewed a “News” programme starring Zenaib Bedawi (oft criticised by the Bashers for “Hardtalk”.)

There was an article about a theatrical performance where many people were very angry because of alleged blasphemy. ZB interviewed a theatre critic and they were both rolling around laughing at the end of the interview. She carried this jollity into the next phase of the programme. This is not her fault. It is how she is and she may be very loveable. I do not need loveable, I need believable.

Presumably this is some ploy by BBC to get people friendly with their “human” presenters so they are watched for their views on the news (and the advertising revenue). The NEWS it ain’t.

“Panorama” is made by a different species.

Richard Bowler

Bangkok