Levenson Inquiry
Discussion
It would apear that Rupe Murdoch has resigned from, amongst others, the directorships of all the NI papers in this country. It is probably just another attempt to defelct blame but it could be the precursor to them going up for sale. He's up for a bit of a roasting at the News Corp AGM although there's little doubt he'll maintain his position.
The news just gets worse and worse. It is running now on the general bad behaviour of the press, with Grnat's testimony particularly damning without there being any real news about him.
McCanns this afternoon. One would hope, and assume, they are not just treating this as more press coverage and will have something new to say.
The news just gets worse and worse. It is running now on the general bad behaviour of the press, with Grnat's testimony particularly damning without there being any real news about him.
McCanns this afternoon. One would hope, and assume, they are not just treating this as more press coverage and will have something new to say.
I'm on record here as saying that people are not interested in the hacking stuff anymore. I think I was probably wrong to make such a statement. The Dowlers attracted plenty of attention and I suspect the McCans will.
It has turned into a bizarre circus of celebrities and high profile victims. I'm not sure what will come out of it. The Hugh Grant stuff last week sounded like a bitter man moaning at the press, with general agreement in the room.
I would like to know who did the hacking, who paid for it, and who in the police colluded (people not organisations) and see them punished. Instead I think we're going to have a "Tabloids are bad mkay" conclusion that doesn't change anything.
Can we actually deal with this instead of convening another session to hear everyone say how terrible it all is?
It has turned into a bizarre circus of celebrities and high profile victims. I'm not sure what will come out of it. The Hugh Grant stuff last week sounded like a bitter man moaning at the press, with general agreement in the room.
I would like to know who did the hacking, who paid for it, and who in the police colluded (people not organisations) and see them punished. Instead I think we're going to have a "Tabloids are bad mkay" conclusion that doesn't change anything.
Can we actually deal with this instead of convening another session to hear everyone say how terrible it all is?
I'd suggest the wider public have little interest in a huge variety of subjects. That is different to a suggestion that subjects of little interest to the wider public are not in the public interest. Indeed the two threads that have run this week in response to evidence to this commission from Hugh Grant and Steve Coogan seemed more interested in the celebrity status of the two witnesses and the annoyance/beauty of a female court official.
I sincerely hope the wider public do not find themselves in the cross hairs of the tabloid media. Maybe if they did, the wider public would be more interested in investigating the illegal, unethical and immoral tactics employed by the media and efforts to produce a framework for regulation.
They'd probably rather hear about the saucy secrets of a footballer, however.
I sincerely hope the wider public do not find themselves in the cross hairs of the tabloid media. Maybe if they did, the wider public would be more interested in investigating the illegal, unethical and immoral tactics employed by the media and efforts to produce a framework for regulation.
They'd probably rather hear about the saucy secrets of a footballer, however.
I'd agree that there is a public interest argument here. Watching the enquiry I wonder whether this will be served at all. Grant was complaining about a story he thought could have only been written through hacking. Can we not prosecute those responsible for illegal activity rather than having a room of chatter?
As I posted above I think we need to identify those who have broken laws and prosecute.
I do wonder what will be achieved through this process as it is now. I suspect little.
I also think the millions of people who purchased the NOTW, and who purchase other tabloids should question their need for such gossip, and should ask where 'exclusives' come from. They show disgust now, but as consumers of a product they helped fund this industry.
As I posted above I think we need to identify those who have broken laws and prosecute.
I do wonder what will be achieved through this process as it is now. I suspect little.
I also think the millions of people who purchased the NOTW, and who purchase other tabloids should question their need for such gossip, and should ask where 'exclusives' come from. They show disgust now, but as consumers of a product they helped fund this industry.
Edited by 0a on Wednesday 23 November 15:36
I'm not seeing what your problem is with the inquiry. The tabloids are little more than gossip mags now, real gutter press of the worth kind full of total crap on every single subject from shagging footballers, to things of importance like murder cases. Look what has been written and presented as fact in the McCann's case, complete joke all done under the ' a friend said ' without backing anything up at all. While you may not care for actors and footballers, the power of the government should at least be a worry.
Mr B I think we broadly agree.
My problem with this enquiry is that what looks like a witch hunt and a moan (again, Grant yesterday, a rich happy man complaining) will achieve nothing. It is an excuse to take no action and make no change, a "we've had an enquiry" response.
Can you not see how far from the issues having a comedian and an multi-millionaire actor making unfounded accusations is from the issues you raise above?
A waste of a good opportunity to change the industry in my opinion.
The McCans are complaining about translations and the media in Spain (alongside the serious issues in the UK). Nothing will change with our tabloids from this. Prosecute under numerous laws (ie harassment ) and actually deal with the issues.
My problem with this enquiry is that what looks like a witch hunt and a moan (again, Grant yesterday, a rich happy man complaining) will achieve nothing. It is an excuse to take no action and make no change, a "we've had an enquiry" response.
Can you not see how far from the issues having a comedian and an multi-millionaire actor making unfounded accusations is from the issues you raise above?
A waste of a good opportunity to change the industry in my opinion.
The McCans are complaining about translations and the media in Spain (alongside the serious issues in the UK). Nothing will change with our tabloids from this. Prosecute under numerous laws (ie harassment ) and actually deal with the issues.
Edited by 0a on Wednesday 23 November 15:59
Sure, the irony is the press is covering the famous actor moaning about ....the press. Rich and happy he may be, but he still has exactly the same rights and the inquiry is dealing with anyone who can prove they have suffered in some way at the hands of the press. Given they are just gossip mags now, it will of course be Grant and the like who are the focus of the gutter end of the press.
I'm quite enjoying hearing just how much power they've had/have over everyone from Mr Average in the street the the Prime Minister, and it's not like they haven't bought it upon themseleves, is it ?
I'm quite enjoying hearing just how much power they've had/have over everyone from Mr Average in the street the the Prime Minister, and it's not like they haven't bought it upon themseleves, is it ?
How do you know nothing will come from the Inquiry? It's been sitting for only a few hours. It will report to parliament. Parliament may choose to legislate susbsequent to the findings of this report and susbsequent to other investigations currently gowing through the courts.
Who says the accusations (given by a comedian and a multi millionaire actor) were unfounded? You?
Are millionaires not allowed to complain? Better not let the rest of PH know as it is seemingly overendowed with well built multi-directorship top 1% types.
Are the McCanns not allowed to criticise the invasion of their privacy and the distortions of fact by the media when compelled to?
This is a public enquiry. These juicy bits are being carried by Sky News because of the celebrity status of the witnesses thus far. Be sure, it will be out of your sight soon enough when the dreary media law professors give their evidence.
I'm not seeing this as a "witch hunt" at all. In my opinion the wider media have not presented the case against the media anywhere near as profoundly as they did against, for example, politicians during the expenses scandals.
I do not think it is sufficient to rely upon libel and harrassment laws.
I'm fairly sure the McCanns have an issue with the Portuguese media, incidentally.
Who says the accusations (given by a comedian and a multi millionaire actor) were unfounded? You?
Are millionaires not allowed to complain? Better not let the rest of PH know as it is seemingly overendowed with well built multi-directorship top 1% types.
Are the McCanns not allowed to criticise the invasion of their privacy and the distortions of fact by the media when compelled to?
This is a public enquiry. These juicy bits are being carried by Sky News because of the celebrity status of the witnesses thus far. Be sure, it will be out of your sight soon enough when the dreary media law professors give their evidence.
I'm not seeing this as a "witch hunt" at all. In my opinion the wider media have not presented the case against the media anywhere near as profoundly as they did against, for example, politicians during the expenses scandals.
I do not think it is sufficient to rely upon libel and harrassment laws.
I'm fairly sure the McCanns have an issue with the Portuguese media, incidentally.
CatJ said:
It's not Rupert that's resigned is it? I thought it was James.
Yep, James Murdoch is doing the directorship downsizing.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15859029
Sadly unless you can watch this live, you can't really get a feel for it as the press are doing what they do best picking and choosing what gets reported.
The interview with Diana Watson's parents yesterday was heartbreaking, their son was driven to suicide and was found dead holding press cuttings about his sister's murder.
Also I would recommend reading the actual witness statements - which can be found on line - to get a true picture of what the press are submitting people to and not just the famous ones. You might not have much time for Hugh Grant, but does that mean that his child's grandmother should be chased and bullied by the press - that's not the type of free press I want
The interview with Diana Watson's parents yesterday was heartbreaking, their son was driven to suicide and was found dead holding press cuttings about his sister's murder.
Also I would recommend reading the actual witness statements - which can be found on line - to get a true picture of what the press are submitting people to and not just the famous ones. You might not have much time for Hugh Grant, but does that mean that his child's grandmother should be chased and bullied by the press - that's not the type of free press I want
Blue Cat said:
Sadly unless you can watch this live, you can't really get a feel for it as the press are doing what they do best picking and choosing what gets reported.
The interview with Diana Watson's parents yesterday was heartbreaking, their son was driven to suicide and was found dead holding press cuttings about his sister's murder.
Also I would recommend reading the actual witness statements - which can be found on line - to get a true picture of what the press are submitting people to and not just the famous ones. You might not have much time for Hugh Grant, but does that mean that his child's grandmother should be chased and bullied by the press - that's not the type of free press I want
Well said.The interview with Diana Watson's parents yesterday was heartbreaking, their son was driven to suicide and was found dead holding press cuttings about his sister's murder.
Also I would recommend reading the actual witness statements - which can be found on line - to get a true picture of what the press are submitting people to and not just the famous ones. You might not have much time for Hugh Grant, but does that mean that his child's grandmother should be chased and bullied by the press - that's not the type of free press I want
Blue Cat said:
Sadly unless you can watch this live, you can't really get a feel for it as the press are doing what they do best picking and choosing what gets reported.
The interview with Diana Watson's parents yesterday was heartbreaking, their son was driven to suicide and was found dead holding press cuttings about his sister's murder.
Also I would recommend reading the actual witness statements - which can be found on line - to get a true picture of what the press are submitting people to and not just the famous ones. You might not have much time for Hugh Grant, but does that mean that his child's grandmother should be chased and bullied by the press - that's not the type of free press I want
For the record I'm listening live. You may dislike it but all sources concentrate on Grant etc, as you state. The stars.The interview with Diana Watson's parents yesterday was heartbreaking, their son was driven to suicide and was found dead holding press cuttings about his sister's murder.
Also I would recommend reading the actual witness statements - which can be found on line - to get a true picture of what the press are submitting people to and not just the famous ones. You might not have much time for Hugh Grant, but does that mean that his child's grandmother should be chased and bullied by the press - that's not the type of free press I want
"Heartbreaking" as some testimony is we need decisions to be made about the UK media. I don't think this will happen.
You ask how I know nothing will come from this enquiry. Well, alas in the real world to make change we need to pass laws. To pass laws we need motivation from our dear politicians. Motivation means constituents care, it means votes. Do you think what we've seen so far is any motivation to care outside of you guys on this thread?
Of course I think millionaires have a right to represent themselves. However, standing on the same podium complaining with parents who have lost a daughter? How do I put this- it looks appalling and self serving. It only detracts from the issues. I am happy for Grant and the like to pursue the press under every law.
It's not good enough to say the press won't deal with this properly as you state, and then create another media circus. Prosecute under the full reach of the law and then debate this in parliament.
It's pathetic at the moment, in my opinion, and turning people off an important issue.
Derek Smith said:
Well said.
Derek I suspect if we met we'd agree, aside from you belief in 'the system', ie confidence in the Levenson inquiry. I think it will achieve the oposite of what we'd agree on (change is needed) and entrench the status quo.Edited by 0a on Wednesday 23 November 17:29
bbc said:
The parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann have told a judge-led inquiry into UK media practices they were left distraught by press suggestions they were responsible for Madeleine's death.
Meanwhile, hundreds of responsible parents were left distraught by the complete lack of attention given to the borderline neglectful treatment of their children meted out by the McCanns.Gassing Station | News, Politics & Economics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff