The day before launching a new TV Channel may not be the best time to question the appointment of Ed Richards as the new chief executive of OfCom, but there you go. I am sure Mr Richards is a supremely talented individual, but shouldn't this particular job be filled by someone without party political bias? Richards was a key adviser to Tony Blair and as a special adviser at the DCMS drafted the legislation which set OfCom up in the first place. In other spheres he'd stand accused God knows what.
Still, as long as keeps OfCom away from blogs and internet TV I suppose I shouldn't complain too much.
It is a lazy and disgraceful appointment.
ReplyDeleteLet's just hope he is competent. I don't rate his predecessor, Carter, who was responsib;e for the mess that is NTL and may now try and take down ITV too!
Can't wait for his first bit of impartial advice on media bias.
ReplyDeleteI imagine Blogs and Internet TV are exactly what he will be aiming at, after all the rest of the MSM is in full retreat. (The BBC will now doubt point him that way.) Blair has been shameless in apppointing supporters or fellow travellers to office, at its not just the house of Lords I'm talking about.
ReplyDeleteI hope 18 Doughty St will be quick to download like webcameron. I find Tory radio takes a long time to download.
ReplyDeleteTapestry (trouble with ID on beta.blogger)
I agree with Man in a Shed. The old media will be pulling every string they can to preserve their cosy oligopoly.
ReplyDeleteThey will wait for the blogs to grow a bit so that they become easier targets and then the regulations will start trickling in. Just you wait.
I hope the Tories remember all this and make sure that they have their people appointed whenever possible, when they win the next General Election.
ReplyDeleteThere is a day of blogging taking place today against one area of the internet in which the government is already trying to legislate.
ReplyDeleteBlogging for Backlash
More info here...
Backlash Site
I wonder if the dear leader would have avoided an OFCOM reprimand (below) if his man was in place 18 months ago, 5 days before the General Election.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/obb/ocsc_adjud/bloomberg.pdf#search=%22bloomberg%20ofcom%22
Have a look - I really do believe that it is the only time a UK TV station has been held in breach of UK political bias rules.
Iain may not make it a "proper" link so make a cup of tea, cut and paste and be amazed.