Leaving Millbank
This week I leave Millbank (the 大象传媒's political news HQ) after nearly 10 years, to take over as UK news editor at . There was a time when I thought I might depart before Tony Blair, but in the end he managed to slip out of SW1 a few months ahead of me.
When I arrived at the beginning of 1998, Prime Minister Blair had just declared himself a 鈥減retty straight sort of guy,鈥 after getting caught up in the row over a million pound donation to Labour from the Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.
I leave as Prime Minister Brown battles to limit the damage from big donations given to Labour through intermediaries by the property developer David Abrahams.
Plus 莽a change?
Actually a whole lot has changed. Not only has Downing St welcomed a new PM, the Tories - under William Hague in 1998 - are on to their fourth leader (the others being Howard, IDS, and Cameron, of course); and the Lib Dems - firmly in the grip of Paddy Ashdown when I started - are also soon to choose their fourth leader (the others, of course, Kennedy, Campbell, and from just before Christmas, either Clegg or Huhne). So a touch of the Steve McLarens in Tory and Lib Dem circles...
Westminster has seen two general elections (and nearly a third this autumn); the government has sent British forces into action five times; devolved government has taken shape in different forms across the UK; and there have been countless scandals and resignations.
But what haven鈥檛 changed much are the editorial issues that cross my desk. So I thought as a parting shot, I鈥檇 leave you a Christmas quiz on the kind of knotty problems that people have asked about, complained about, and that I鈥檝e found myself writing blogs about in the past months. Unlike most yuletide quizzes, I'm afraid there are no handy answers upside down at the bottom of the page! Here goes:
- 鈥 When is it ok to turn up at 0630 with a camera outside a politician鈥檚 home?
- 鈥 When is it legitimate to investigate a politician鈥檚 private life? For example is it right to broadcast a story about a Labour Cabinet minister sending his or her child to a private school?
- 鈥 On short TV reports on policy matters should we always include clips from all three main parties?
- 鈥 Why do the best political stories tend to break in the newspapers?
- 鈥 Is pre-briefing on government or party announcements a good or bad thing?
- 鈥 When the 大象传媒 uncovered a story from good sources that a senior politician had a serious drink problem - but the politician鈥檚 spokesperson totally denied it - should we have gone ahead and run the story?
- 鈥 Should political correspondents get out of London more, or is their job to report on what鈥檚 happening at Westminster?
- 鈥 How do you tell a political correspondent they need to brush their hair, or wear a better coat?
All these and more, I leave to my successor and to you!
Comments
"When the 大象传媒 uncovered a story from good sources that a senior politician had a serious drink problem...should we have gone ahead and run the story?"
My response - no, you shouldn't. If the person's private issues are impeding his or her ability to perform the job, then that should be dealt with head-on by that person's colleagues, friends and family - and by the electorate through their ability to see the results of that person's choices - as reported through the media.
So, by all means report that someone appears to be incapable of running a press conference for some reason, or clearly isn't on top of their own policy brief - but leave their private lives out of it.
"Is pre-briefing on government or party announcements a good or bad thing?"
Well, increasingly just as "News" has become "News and Comment", and is now better described as "News, Comment and Speculation", it's only a matter of time before it's relabeled "Comment and Speculation", as that's most of what is now broadcast.
One other question:
When should the editor put 'a good story that will get noticed' ahead of 'an important story that people need to know about'?
Another question for the ed:
"Just how bad can I let the spelling, writing and grammar of the team get before sending them back to school?"
In answer to your questions:
1. It seems to be OK for anybody else. Why not politicuans ?
2. If a politician is telling us something's good for us commoners, but doing another ... (when aren't they ?) ....... they should always be exposed.
3. If possible ..... the Govt often "don't have anybody available" these days on embarrassing issues. Let the others have their say.
4. Because Rupert Murdoch / Paul Dacre, etc. actually run this country.
5. Not a problem. Gordon Brown is going to stop pre-briefing. He said so !
6. Would you have "exposed" Winston Churchill ? I believe he was partial to a tipple.
7. Yes
8. You don't.
Best regards,
Myles Seeds
I don't think you should be telling Nick Robinson to brush his hair
Just to agree absolutely with Chris Wheeler, except that I would add 'innuendo' to his 'comment and speculation'. It is particularly unfortunate when done by a raised eyebrow or voice inflection. Please just give us the factual news for which the journalist in question has evidence - and of course that might include reporting other people's comments.
鈥 When is it ok to turn up at 0630 with a camera outside a politician鈥檚 home?
Until there are restrictions on cameras in public places (yes CCTV, looking at you!), always.
鈥 When is it legitimate to investigate a politician鈥檚 private life? For example is it right to broadcast a story about a Labour Cabinet minister sending his or her child to a private school?
When the story directly relates to the actions or interests of that politician. Ministers for Education should expect it. Backbenchers who never mention the subject should not.
鈥 On short TV reports on policy matters should we always include clips from all three main parties?
NO! The determination to ensure that each of the parties get a say at every opportunity limits the depth and contributes significantly to the dumbing down of TV political coverage. Let politicians speak at length. Let the those opposing them speak at length another day. Political debate should not be constrained to a couple of soundbites.
And NO again! Where there are no clear policy differences between the parties, or there are active campaign groups on the subject, opposition politicians are often not the best people to make the case against the government.
Put the Environment Secretary up against Greenpeace. Put the Home Secretary up against NO2ID. Put the Foreign Secretary up against Amnesty International. Get some real debate going.
鈥 Why do the best political stories tend to break in the newspapers?
Because newspapers allow input from people other than politicians and because they allow more views to be expressed in greater depth.
Soundbite politics interests no one except politicians and the media.
鈥 Is pre-briefing on government or party announcements a good or bad thing?
A bad thing. Why waste time telling us what you will tell us again later? Why not use the opportunity to go into greater depth about yesterday's news (allowing opponents to reply to the government) until the announcement is made?
鈥 When the 大象传媒 uncovered a story from good sources that a senior politician had a serious drink problem - but the politician鈥檚 spokesperson totally denied it - should we have gone ahead and run the story?
It depends. If it is a government minister who is consequently failing to run a department of state appropriately, then it should be run. If it is just tattle and gossip about a lowly backbencher, no.
鈥 Should political correspondents get out of London more, or is their job to report on what鈥檚 happening at Westminster?
Yes. Get out of Westminster and encourage the politicians to follow you.
鈥 How do you tell a political correspondent they need to brush their hair, or wear a better coat?
Why bother? There are more important things to worry about.
鈥 When is it ok to turn up at 0630 with a camera outside a politician鈥檚 home?
NEVER. Other than to "get a picture" I can't see the need.
鈥 When is it legitimate to investigate a politician鈥檚 private life? For example is it right to broadcast a story about a Labour Cabinet minister sending his or her child to a private school?
Yes. Report it but don't go on and on about it.
鈥 On short TV reports on policy matters should we always include clips from all three main parties?
Yes, and the full response not edited.
鈥 Why do the best political stories tend to break in the newspapers?
Maybe the people who give the story get paid, or maybe the establishment is involved.
鈥 Is pre-briefing on government or party announcements a good or bad thing?
Bad because you say AM what it may be and then PM report fact. But if the AM is wrong you don't correct it.
鈥 When the 大象传媒 uncovered a story from good sources that a senior politician had a serious drink problem - but the politician鈥檚 spokesperson totally denied it - should we have gone ahead and run the story?
What the hell has it got to do with us. Jounalists are renouned for drinking, report them as well.
鈥 Should political correspondents get out of London more, or is their job to report on what鈥檚 happening at Westminster?
Get out of London more, unlike the 大象传媒 News helecopter.
鈥 How do you tell a political correspondent they need to brush their hair, or wear a better coat?
Dress Code, which should include ties for boys, and well fitting tops for the girls. May require a cloths allowance, but the tax man would want to know.
In reaction to Chris Wheeler:
'real news' becomes more and more a brand value and even a USP--no way increasingly critical news consumers will take 'comments and speculations' for granted.
鈥 When is it ok to turn up at 0630 with a camera outside a politician鈥檚 home?
A. When your news editor has nowhere better to send you.
鈥 When is it legitimate to investigate a politician鈥檚 private life? For example is it right to broadcast a story about a Labour Cabinet minister sending his or her child to a private school?
A. This question is erroneous since in the Media "Private Life" does not appear in the dictionary
鈥 On short TV reports on policy matters should we always include clips from all three main parties?
A. Short TV reports are the problem in the first place. Make them longer and any arguments might actually make sense.
鈥 Why do the best political stories tend to break in the newspapers?
A. Since the definition of "best" seems to be scandalous, misreported, invented, planted, bribed or bought, then the newspapers are where they belong. Though a shredder might be better. It is a pity the 大象传媒 now plays along with that mucky little game.
鈥 Is pre-briefing on government or party announcements a good or bad thing?
A. It is a direct result of ex journalists working for politicians. Therefore it is not based on any judgement of good or bad.
鈥 When the 大象传媒 uncovered a story from good sources that a senior politician had a serious drink problem - but the politician鈥檚 spokesperson totally denied it - should we have gone ahead and run the story?
A. When you cannot name your source (which seems to be all the time) you have no right to expect the public to swallow the story. Wait until the politician falls over in public and then gloat.
鈥 Should political correspondents get out of London more, or is their job to report on what鈥檚 happening at Westminster?
A. Political Reporters should just get out more. Period. Politics in this country would run much smoother without them.
鈥 How do you tell a political correspondent they need to brush their hair, or wear a better coat?
A. With a loud hailer. Why should it only the rest of us who are shown up in public.
This was Joss, in the rain, 4 kids, mortgage ....
"When is it ok to turn up at 0630 with a camera outside a politician鈥檚 home?"
At all times. There should be cameras pointing at all politicians every minute they are in public.
They expect the public to live under the unblinking gaze of their state CCTV cameras, email trackers and internet monitors.
So they should accept a life under the ceaseless spotlight of the public's media.
"When is it ok to turn up at 0630 with a camera outside a politician鈥檚 home?"
When they're expected to make a statement? When has camping outside someone's house ever achieved anything worth reading/watching? Never in my memory.
"When is it legitimate to investigate a politician鈥檚 private life?"
When it directly relates to an official stance they personally (not by association) have expressed.
"On short TV reports on policy matters should we always include clips from all three main parties?"
No. Impartiality doesn't mean giving a voice to someone with nothing new to say - even if they wear a different rosette. Most major political differences are now within, rather than between, parties.
"Is pre-briefing on government or party announcements a good or bad thing?"
It's a bit pointless. Why does it matter that we hear it a few hours earlier?
"Should political correspondents get out of London more"
All journalists should get out of their offices more, let alone London. Political journalists are some of the few that have any justification for focusing on the capital so exclusively.
鈥 When is it ok to turn up at 0630 with a camera outside a politician鈥檚 home?
Only when asked. Otherwise it can wait.
鈥 When is it legitimate to investigate a politician鈥檚 private life? For example is it right to broadcast a story about a Labour Cabinet minister sending his or her child to a private school?
If it's an Education minister or the Prime Minister, then yes. If it's anyone else, then no.
鈥 On short TV reports on policy matters should we always include clips from all three main parties?
Yes. And better still - ditch the short reports and explain the issues properly.
鈥 Why do the best political stories tend to break in the newspapers?
Because the newspapers have the time to investigate them properly and write everything up. There's not the rush to be first as there is between 大象传媒 and Sky - and from a politician's point of view, the response from his opponent isn't as immediate, allowing him to rebut the rebuttals.
鈥 Is pre-briefing on government or party announcements a good or bad thing?
Party announcements - that's up to the party, so no problem there. Government announcements should ALWAYS be made to the House of Commons first before the media.
鈥 When the 大象传媒 uncovered a story from good sources that a senior politician had a serious drink problem - but the politician鈥檚 spokesperson totally denied it - should we have gone ahead and run the story?
Only if it's relevant. If the senior politician is still doing a good job and the drink isn't affecting him, then it's up to him to deal with it in whatever way he sees fit. And if it's a problem, then his party should be dealing with it. However, if there's a potential conflict of interests - eg, if the politician is a health minister encouraging a redutcion in alcohol consumption, or is caught drink driving, then it's relevant and should be reported.
鈥 Should political correspondents get out of London more, or is their job to report on what鈥檚 happening at Westminster?
Yes. Political correspondents forget there's a political life further afield than Trafalgar Square. For example, the English media has by and large ignored the Wendy Alexander story this week (Scottish Labour leader who received illegal donations to her campaign fund) when if Ms Alexander had resigned - as she apparently wanted to - there would have been incredible pressure on others in London to follow.
鈥 How do you tell a political correspondent they need to brush their hair, or wear a better coat?
Look at John Cole. How often did he do it?
Please stop asking random people in the street their opinion.
It rarely reflects genuine public opinion and usually doesn't provide a unique angle.
Is pre-briefing... a good or bad thing? How do you deal with it fairly?
One point of view is that when a story is complex or ambiguous, pre-briefing allows news-gatherers to weigh the issues and seek clarification before the story offically breaks. For example, ...but stories about e.g. SAP vs PeopleSoft tend to play over weeks/months rather than hours.
In the fast-moving world of politics, pre-briefing can encourage sloppy journalism and may give a story unfair coverage ('once for the pre-briefing, then again for the announcement', to paraphrase Nick Longworth's post #16 in Gary's original July 10th blog on this subject). On the other hand, there's a real risk that pre-briefing will give opponents extra time to package their objections into pithy sound-bites that might be repeated throughout the day's coverage.
Anyway, pre-briefing is a fact of life so it all comes down to how editors and presenters handle the pre-briefed information. If they examine the story sceptically and transparently (e.g. saying loud and clear 'this is based on an advance briefing by the government') then of course their audience will support them.
This 'knotty problem' is fundamentally a question for publishers and broadcasters to consider; audiences don't need to cast their votes until they see how well the professionals handle it. Instead of asking your readers for their opinion, Gary, maybe you should tell us what you and your fellow editors think is right?
How about when is it ok to broadcast a story which is in fact an ad for a programme to be shown later on the 大象传媒. 'A Panorama report has shown that ... ' Should be never, but happens all the time - grrr.
You ask 'why do the best political stories break in newspapers?'. But should you not be asking 'Why am I not able to call on good, solid, investigative journalism from my TV news correspondents?' Are they just not good at it, is there a budget issue or a cultural one?
Either way, the tools are in your hands...
To answer a couple of your questions:
鈥 On short TV reports on policy matters should we always include clips from all three main parties?
Only if they disagree. Labour and the Tories often say exactly the same thing, so there seems little point in having them both. But I would like to see more of what the other parties, such as the Greens, have to say. They are often the only ones seriously disagreeing with government.
鈥 Why do the best political stories tend to break in the newspapers?
Because newspapers don't like to let the facts get in the way of a good story. I'm pleased that the 大象传媒 prefers accuracy to "a good story" when reporting the news (well, not always, but certainly far better than any newspaper).
BTW, couldn't agree more with Penguin (#17)!
"When is it legitimate to investigate a politician鈥檚 private life? For example is it right to broadcast a story about a Labour Cabinet minister sending his or her child to a private school?"
I think this is quite an easy one, really, and I agree with the person who posted above, that wherever it is directly related to their job, then it's fair game. Education ministers sending their children to public school is in the public interest; if the minister in charge doesn't trust the system enough to send their children there, we have a right to know, whereas it's not so relevant if it's a backbench MP.
Exceptions to this would be if the person in question is very vocal about the subject, even if it's not in their specific remit, or where the event concerns a (potentially) criminal act, as knowing this information is always in the public interest.
A balance has to be struck between the privacy of politicians, and the need to get necessary information to the public. It's not an easy one, and in my opinion, the 大象传媒 has largely been getting it right recently.
6:30 Cameras?
No, politicians and other people mostly have a right to some privacy and freedom from harassment.
Politician's private life?
Politicians and other people mostly have a right to some privacy and freedom from harassment. Report it but don't make an issue of it if it is not having a detrimental affect on the rest of us.
Short TV reports?
I'd like to say that all should have a say if they are not just churning out a predictable party line. However 3 is probably the limit of tolerance, in Scotland and Walse you'd have to go to 4 and who known how many in Northern Ireland.
Best stories from Newspapers?
They have paper to cover with ink so the blast out anything and some happens to be 'good' but much is rubbish, particularly in the less reputable papers.
Pre-briefing?
NO! I'm fed up with hearing nothing but speculation and "Tomorrow Gordon Brown will say". Please report the news on news programs and discuss and comment on it in the loner programs but please end all this News From The Future.
Spokes-person's denial?
Report the facts including the denial but only take it as far as it is in the public interest. Prurience is not.
Get out of London more?
Its probably best if correspondents stay near what they are covering. Too much travelling around and you miss key facts. That is why you have a netwrok of local, national and international correspondents.
Hair & Coat?
You say "You need to brush your hair" or "You need to wear a better coat". I'm not of the shirt and tie brigade but I like to see the correspondents having a reasonable appearance and in keeping with where and when they are reporting from e.g. desert vs Whitehall
Good luck with the new role, you seen to be getting lots of good advice from us all.
I agree totally with chris wheeler. News stopped being the news a long time ago and has become a self-indulgence for journalists and presenters to comment and speculate at will without prejudice and without anyone then having the right to say "hang on a second but that is wrong". Until tv news gets back to reporting the news ie what is ACTUALLY and FACTUALLY happening then your programmes will never be regarded as honest,unbiased and more than just tittle tattle and inuendo.
鈥 When is it ok to turn up at 0630 with a camera outside a politician鈥檚 home?
Always, if there's actually a point.
鈥 When is it legitimate to investigate a politician鈥檚 private life?
Never, it's their PRIVATE life. In particular, turning kids into political capital is disgusting.
鈥 On short TV reports on policy matters should we always include clips from all three main parties?
Obviously yes, why are you even asking?
鈥 Why do the best political stories tend to break in the newspapers?
Because broadsheets still do investigative journalism. They go out and find stories, rather than sitting in the office waiting for the wires.
鈥 Is pre-briefing on government or party announcements a good or bad thing?
Bad, confusing, pointless.
鈥 When the 大象传媒 uncovered a story from good sources that a senior politician... should we have gone ahead and run the story?
Again, obviously not.
鈥 Should political correspondents get out of London more?
Obviously yes.
鈥 How do you tell a political correspondent they need to brush their hair, or wear a better coat?
I know you were trying to be funny, but this isn't actually a laughing matter.
Chris Wheeler (no.2), Jim Brant (no.7) and Trevor Sharkey (no.22) have got it spot on.
大象传媒 speculation takes up air time, preventing facts from being conveyed to the audience. How many other UK organisations can make political comments in this way? Don鈥檛 you see the effect this practice has on our democracy?
Sick and tired of very biased reporting.
I want someone to look at the presentation of news and not journalists views.
I also would like less Labour party promotion,since you are supposed to be impartial, that would be much appreciated here in Scotland.