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11 tweets,
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1/ Small thread:
Theres a problem with the BBC & other media that isnt often discussed directly: the "Americanisation of public knowledge".
The BBC is often critizised for inviting Farage on so often - but theres actually a worse problem - who invites guests & experts on?
Theres a problem with the BBC & other media that isnt often discussed directly: the "Americanisation of public knowledge".
The BBC is often critizised for inviting Farage on so often - but theres actually a worse problem - who invites guests & experts on?
2/
Traditional format is politicians plus "impartial experts" like academics or commentators. To keep a statutory balance experts can be conservative & left/liberal whatever.
Traditional format is politicians plus "impartial experts" like academics or commentators. To keep a statutory balance experts can be conservative & left/liberal whatever.
3/
Over last few decades think tanks in US have been generously funded providing so called "research fellows" etc. which sound academic but actually a kind of commentary-industrial complex - the purpose is to provide influence debate aid for by interested parties.
Over last few decades think tanks in US have been generously funded providing so called "research fellows" etc. which sound academic but actually a kind of commentary-industrial complex - the purpose is to provide influence debate aid for by interested parties.
4/
As in many things where US starts the UK follows a decade later. balance is more important to UK broadcasting law/practice than US and this is where it gets wierd.
UK media has comentators from the "left" & "right" ("to keep balance") who are financed by the....same people...
As in many things where US starts the UK follows a decade later. balance is more important to UK broadcasting law/practice than US and this is where it gets wierd.
UK media has comentators from the "left" & "right" ("to keep balance") who are financed by the....same people...
5/
On the declared "left", people such as the Spiked group "commentators for hire" are classed as left/liberal people - they are in demand, cheap (they'll turn uo fr anything) but they are US financed (in Spiked case large US corps, Koch Brothers etc).
And conservative exerts?
On the declared "left", people such as the Spiked group "commentators for hire" are classed as left/liberal people - they are in demand, cheap (they'll turn uo fr anything) but they are US financed (in Spiked case large US corps, Koch Brothers etc).
And conservative exerts?
8/
On the right side, groups such as the Tufton street lobbies (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tufton_St…) are US conduits for exactly the same people to finance people from the right such as the "Taxpayer's alliance".
On the right side, groups such as the Tufton street lobbies (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tufton_St…) are US conduits for exactly the same people to finance people from the right such as the "Taxpayer's alliance".
9/
But why did the BBC follow this path?
The answer its just easier.
Rather than search out experts involving research, taking a chance on people not used to public broadcasting - simply phone up a person from Tufton street & Spiked. They're "subsidised, accessible & easy".
But why did the BBC follow this path?
The answer its just easier.
Rather than search out experts involving research, taking a chance on people not used to public broadcasting - simply phone up a person from Tufton street & Spiked. They're "subsidised, accessible & easy".
10/
The problem with this strategy is that superficially theres a balance, but in reality discussion becomes simplistic, & limited to media performers trained/paid to represent the same US corp interest just from slightly different angles.
The problem with this strategy is that superficially theres a balance, but in reality discussion becomes simplistic, & limited to media performers trained/paid to represent the same US corp interest just from slightly different angles.
11/
If you're sceptical consider the times someone from IEA like Kate Andrews or Clare Fox from Spiked is on BBC. How often are serious academics on Question Time?
Rather than add non political colour, someone like Kate Andrews appaeras on QuestTime as part of her lobbying job.
If you're sceptical consider the times someone from IEA like Kate Andrews or Clare Fox from Spiked is on BBC. How often are serious academics on Question Time?
Rather than add non political colour, someone like Kate Andrews appaeras on QuestTime as part of her lobbying job.
12/
IOW, the BBC has colluded in the reduction of public debate.
Kate & Clare London based, will do the job, they'll turn up for anything paid by their lobbies.
Michael Gove memorably said "we've had enough of experts" - the truth is that experts were dropped long ago.
/Ends
IOW, the BBC has colluded in the reduction of public debate.
Kate & Clare London based, will do the job, they'll turn up for anything paid by their lobbies.
Michael Gove memorably said "we've had enough of experts" - the truth is that experts were dropped long ago.
/Ends
PS/
I should add I have some personal exp here. I was involved with a minor think tank (non political) a few years back. The amount required to start one up is peanuts.
An investment of less than 200K a year will get you a good address and media savy "research" directors.
I should add I have some personal exp here. I was involved with a minor think tank (non political) a few years back. The amount required to start one up is peanuts.
An investment of less than 200K a year will get you a good address and media savy "research" directors.
