Pacifico
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:16
I wouldnt support censorship of the media - a free press is essential for democracy
richp007
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:17
Neither does anyone I imagine. He has a good point about it being re-examined.
They have a responsibility, something they appear to be increasingly forgetting about.
krish
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:18
They appear to find Markle's family relationships of great importance, while happy to bury Airmiles Andy's dubious associations with paedophiles and dictators
richp007
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:19
That's getting buried mate. There's barely even a mention of Epstein either now.
richp007
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:20
And the Markle's have just made it onto Question Time.
Pacifico
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:21
What do you mean by 're-examined'? - who is going to do this re-examining?
Why not just call it what it is.
krish
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:22
Don't tell me they're mentioning Markle more than Merkel
richp007
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:23
Markle trumps Merkel and Marvel.
Derek S-H
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:24
We frequently discuss transparency and accountability when it comes to all kinds of bodies and organisations, why should the press/media be any different?
We already have internal investigations for MP's and the Police conduct and standards, neither of which are truly independent and are frequently just cover ups. The press are even worse because they can basically print lies and ruin lives, and there's no comeback other than the legal route.
I do believe in a free press, but I also believe in responsibility, accountability and a decent set of minimum standards. What good purpose does running a story about Ben Stokes' family history serve? Or calling Remain-supporting MP's "Traitors"?
We're very good at setting up bodies who examine other bodies in this country (with fairly mixed results, it must be said). I'm sure we can find a way to create another body to oversee media behaviour that's truly independent, though I'm sure the press would kick up a fuss about it and start bleating about censorship.
As they say on "Star Trek": "With great power comes great responsibility" (or maybe they stole that from somewhere else); the press seem to want the power but abdicate responsibility and hide behind arguments about freedom.
Pacifico
Publish time 25-11-2019 21:55:25
Well Singapore are doing exactly what you suggest with regards to social media (they already have restrictions on the press). The fact is that if you give such powers to politicians then of course politicians are going to use them. Why do you think people go into government if it’s not to have power over people and society?
'Chilling': Singapore's 'fake news’ law comes into effect