Hot Air on the Air

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Sat, 27 Jul 2019
  • 2212 reads
10 comments
 
I am, on the whole,
a peaceful bloke,
one who, normally,
is hard to provoke.
 
But now I sense
that I am about
to feel indignant
and wanting to shout.
 
More often than not
the Beeb is a medium
that offers nothing
but endless tedium.
 
Although supposed
to be impartial
it comes across
as a court martial.
 
Investigative journos
to make their mark
cower their target
with a loud bark.
 
Is it an interview
or an inquisition?
there doesn't seem
to be a distinction.
 
They keep repeating
“Answer the question”
but to accept the answer
they have no intention.
 
They listen to what
the politicos spew
than ask Laura
for her point of view.

 

© Luigi Pagano 2019
Certificate U
Poem
Are you being versed?
Rant
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

This is very neatly written, Luigi!

Listening, reading carefully, and careful argument seem to be disappearing, with so many trying to make a quick attractive sounding point or condemnation that will appeal without encouraging thought, and possibly easily deceive? And maybe raise their own reputation and praise. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Rhiannon, I am relieved to hear that I am not the only one who has noticed certain members of the BBC being rather brusque in their interviewing technique which at times can become heated with everyone sticking to their guns and trying to have the last word. 

Best, Luigi x

 

Submitted by airyfairy on

I'm quite a fan of the Beeb, actually, but it isn't without its faults.  I also get annoyed with the 'barking' at interviewees sometimes - quite often I think that given enough rope, politicians will do quite a good job of verbally hanging themselves, whereas the interruptions just make people exasperated with the interviewer.  Good rant!

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Jane, there are many things that the BBC tv does very well: excellent nature programmes, good documentaries and excellent dramas. I am not too enamoured of their coverage of politics and current affairs. Although I understand the frustration of the interviewers vis-a-vis the reluctance of the interviewees in giving a straight answer, what should be a dialogue seems to escalate into an argument with the viewers being none the wiser. Being of the older generation, I remember Robin Day who was like a cuddly teddy bear compared to some contemporary broadcasters.

Thanks for the exchange of views and for the cherries.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by mickleinapickle on

I agree. The interviewers try to outdo each other in having the most combative interviewing technique. Crazy old world. Enjoyed your piece, Luigi.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks for your vote of confidence, Mick. wink

Cheers, Luigi

 

Submitted by Ed Crane on

The likes of Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Niel  turned me off long ago. It seems from the above it is getting worse. However, so are the politicians and not just in the UK. They deserve a good verbal beatng. Morals and decency seem to have gone out the window with politicians pretty much all over the World. 

I tend to watch BBC World to peruse the news and I believe the BBC offers the most neutral coverage. If you compare them to CNN (fiercly biased against Republicans) or FOX (the opposite) Aljazeera. RT etc The BBC is like a shining light of impartiality and honest reporting (perhaps that's why Herr Trump hates it so much)

I can't receive ITV ar Channel 4 here so I can't make a comparison with the BBC, but from what I have seen during visits "home" I have the feeling the Beeb come out on top.

The debacle of what is happening in the UK is an embarrassment, sometime I feel the politicians on all sides deserve more the just a verbal beating.

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Ed. I only watch UK news channels so I cannot give my views on foreign ones like CNN or Fox News. There was a time when I could get Aljazeera which didn't seem biased (or had a hidden agenda which I failed to spot). 
I find that the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are much of a muchness all vying with each other to be top dog. Whereas once we had newsreaders, nowadays we have 'journalists' who tell us what to believe instead of letting us make up our own mind. Politicians, likewise, expect the electorate to follow party lines. No wonder that the Fourth Estate and the political Establishment frequently collide.
At the moment we have an annoying surfeit of discussions on Brexit.

Patiently waiting for a lull.

Best wishes, Luigi.

 

 

Submitted by Ed Crane on

and they cover stuff the big boys seem to ignore. They certainly seem unbiased in their coverage of Middle East events, and that must be tough for them.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Can't get it in UK on terrestrial television any longer. angry