Celebrity has its uses
At first glance the similarities between John Humphrys and, say, Jade Goody aren't all that obvious (the swearing, the aggression - Jade would never do that) and I certainly didn't expect John to be the first to point them out.
But after John's acceptance speech at last night's we now know that John and Jade are brother and sister in the undeserving family of Celebrity.
John's was this: that reporters in the field - correspondents like Alan Johnston who take real risks - are far more deserving of awards than 'personality' presenters who fly in to nasty places for a day or two and then disappear off home again. He's right, of course - up to a point.
The correspondents John listed, and plenty of others besides, are the eyes and the ears and the brain of the ´óÏó´«Ã½. It's almost ridiculous to have to point out how vital they are and how much recognition they deserve. But in the world as it is, and not as we might like it to be, celebrity has its uses too.
The journalistic puritan in us might want to think that words are just words whoever speaks them but the truth is that a certain sort of celebrity - one that's built on experience, achievements, reputation - can transform the power of any script.
That's not a symptom of some modern disease, it's a reflection of human relationships down the centuries. We don't dish out our attention in a dispassionate way, we give it out lopsidedly to the voice that's familiar, to the name that we trust. Celebrity can amplify. It would be daft not to use it.
Comments
I can still recall the expression on Mr Humphrys face while presenting Junior Mastermind as a young lad indicated that his ambition was to become like John when he grew up. I think John asked 'Really ?' expecting the boy to say that he wanted to be a journalist. The lad actually said words to the effect that 'Yes, I want to be a celebrity..'
Absolutely priceless...
If John Humphrys felt is was necessary to name the unsung heroes - why dont you agree with him and report the names. Or is it only because he is a celebrity that you are reporting this.
Living in France, I have still not tired of seeing or hearing the french word for 'celebrity' - 'people' (or the 'pipole' as it is increasingly being spelt.) It is so wonderfully mundane!
I agree, it is a position of great trust, great power, and even greater responsibility. The early briefing on the Today programme shapes the way news is reported for the rest of the day.
I sincerely hope that the words 'responsibility' and 'trust' are echoing in the heads of all the Today editors/producers, rather than 'power', as they put words into the mouths of the nation's trusted talking heads.
Hmm.. I'm still not convinced about how you are making the distinction of a 'celebrity'.
Jon Snow is an excellent news anchor for Channel 4, but that is because he has spent years building up experience of reporting from foreign lands, and acquiring a reserve of trust and credibility to act as a foundation to his role now.
Alan Johnson did not seek to be a 'celebrity' - he was doing his job without seeking such a tag. If, as we hope and pray, he is able to continue to do that role will he think he is doing it any better because he's seen by some sections of the media as now having some form of 'celebrity' foisted upon him by some rather evil kidnappers ? I would have thought that is something he could well do without, but I live in the hope that we will be able to ask him to give his views for himself. And soon.
Hi! I am from India. When the Big Brother row broke out I wanted to post a comment, but I was too late. I searched for Jade Goody's website, email etc. but could not reach any. Today I saw her photo in these columns and I thought I should comment.
I was very happy when Shilpa Shetty won, but at the same time I was distressed to see Jade being victimized. She is too young and her mistake should have been overlooked. Young people make mistakes. Older ones should correct the young, support them, and bring them up. Please give my message to Jade. All the best Jade!