Blair Attacks the BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4257190.stm

Deja-vu anyone? It is the job of the current prime minister and the current leader of the opposition (no matter who they are and when they are in or out of office) to perpetually blast the BBC for something.

So it won't be long before ITN is granted another special audience with Tony Blair, presented by the grovelling Sir Trevor............

Wouldn't surprise me

But look who leaked the story. Mr Money himself. Anyway we all know what Downing St thinks of the BBC (and others). Just look at Campbells diaries...

Though I've not seen much of the BBC coverage, I think the BBC are far more in touch with the general public in being "anti-American" than Blair's pro-USA stance!

In fact, I think Tony Blair is probably the only person in the country who actually likes America!

I have to agree Brekkie Boy. I thought the BBC's coverage was quite good and, although maybe not way out in front of CNNI or Sky, it certainly was neck and neck! It was consistent and accurate, with a good mix of on the spot anchoring.

I can see where Tony is coming from, if he in fact did say it. Remember that live link on the 6 O'Clock News and the reporter on the other end was really angry with the American Government.

But the reporter was right, the US Government was very slow but thats a different issue...

A Charles Wheeler, one of the best correspondents ever, said, it's good to have some passion in reports. Off course Matt Frei was angry. It was a disgrace. Is there anyone who thinks that having dead bodies lying around a city for a week is a good thing?

We now live in a blame culture and the media have to find someone to pin something on. It's part of society now, and the one question journalists love to ask is: "Who is to blame?". Therefore, you can forget any chance of rational debate about the fact that this was one of the largest natural disasters to hit the western world in the last 50 years. Let's not forget it covered an area the size of the whole of Britain, so any response is bound to take time to reach every area.

I do agree though that George W comes across extremely badly in these situations. He seems about to break into a smirk at any moment.

It wasn't the disaster that was the object of derision. It was the appalling response to it.

news woman - welcome to the Boards! Hope to read more of your level headed posts in the days and weeks to come.

James

It was hardly just BBC correspondents who were critical of the American government. I remember watching the ITV News one night and being amazed by quite how scathing their correspondents were about the way the relief effort had been carried out. I'm quite sure Sky have had a few gos as well.

Who says it was appalling? Ah yes, the media - who are able at will to make a judgement on absolutely anything without having to take any of the responsibility! The media , who are such experts at handling responses to natural disasters...not. The media , who are desperate for new angles to keep the story going.

My point is that the overwhelming scale meant the response would take time and wouldn't happen overnight. This is an area the size of Britain for crying out loud! Remember too that at first they thought the damage wasn't too bad, until the river level rose and huge areas were flooded.

In society now we seem to have these unrealistic expectations that mistakes shouldn't be made and we can prevent or avoid anything. But leaders are only human, the same as the rest of us.