I am the newest episode of delightfully acerbic Charlie Brooker's Newswipe. Readers of my twitterfeed (@ newsbrooke) may know that I am a big fan of caustic humour style of Brooker and insightful, so it was a real pleasure to be interviewed for the second series of his show on the news.
You can watch the entire episode on BBC iplayer rubbishy for a limited time (appear in 15 minutes) or in perpetuity on YouTube (5 minute).I speak here how journalists grant civil servants anonymity for no good reason For the very definition of their role, official spokesperson did not absolutely no reason to be anonymous once more dubious practices in the British press is how reporters colluding with officials by granting anonymity.
Sources should be granted anonymity only in very limited circumstances, where the name is likely to cause damage specific (for example, a complainant who could lose his job). There's no reason to private persons or police spokesman, for example, should be granted anonymity, but I had many arguments with those people who insist on it as their "right".
The reason for which these people insist on anonymity is, simply, to exercise the power without liability. Anonymity = deniability.
I think it's a fundamental role of the journalist to officials to push to stand behind what they say.If these officials do not agree, then don't print their statements or give their air time.Is it really that simple.If journalists pasted on just this one point they overnight could force a change in the culture of the European Parliament, the civil service and many public services.
This entry was published on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 5: 08 pm and is filed under freedom of information. you can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. you can skip to the end and leave a response. Ping is not currently allowed.
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