Friday 21 November 2008

Sachs-Gate

I find myself infront of the television on a friday night, having had an operation yesterday and housebound for the day! After watching hours of MTV to pass the time away, I tune in to ITV news which I never normally watch as I much prefer the BBC set-up and reporters. I was absolutely astonished to see that the Rusell Brand, Jonathan Ross and Andrew Sachs saga is still in the top 3 stories. Not only this, but now ITV are focusing on people who have written in to claim that Jonathan Ross is a victim in the case and that the real culprits are the show's producers and the cameramen for filming the prank calls in the first place. I feel that this case has dragged on far too much. There is a clear generation gap and the general supporters of Andrew Sachs' acting career are those in a completely different generation to Russell Brand in particular. I am in no way condoning the actions of Ross and Brand but feel that the media have made a mountain out of a mole hill. I have generated the opinion, based on the obvious bias held by the ITV in particular, that this case is an excuse to attempt to break down one of the worlds most famous broadcasting companies. Some may argue with me in that my previous comment of favouring BBC news may mean that this post is not entirely two-sided but I am positive that a mutual viewer could see the blatant attack on the BBC and the degree to which this case has been over-hyped. I am not a huge fan of Jonathan Ross but can appreciate how much he contributes to British television and entertainment and certainly feel he should not be stripped of his position in the BBC. Russell Brand, in my opinion, is a quirky, border-line presenter whose intentions are to linger on the boundary of ethical and offensive material but pulls it off more often than not. He adds a certain "spice" to British television and is a clever, opinionated man who I believe would be better specialising in Comedy only. What is our generation coming to if, in a time where Countries all over the world are in some of the worst financial crisis' they have seen for years, the news still concentrates on celebrity culture and a minor story which took place 4 weeks ago?

1 comment:

Sacha van Straten said...

Hi Matt,

First of all may I wish you a speedy recovery. We're looking forward to seeing you back in class soon.

Secondly, may I congratulate you on your lengthy and considered view of the Sachsgate affair.

If you look on the main BBC news website you'll be able to read about the comments that were released today by the BBC Trust, which governs the BBC itself.

The chairman of the Governors, Sir Michael Lyons, has made it clear that Brand/Ross overstepped the mark of taste/decency, but that this outcome was predictable and that the people truly at fault are those in the production and editorial teams who failed to stop it. Interestingly, Brand's show was produced by his own company, and the Trust has also said that the BBC must review its working relationships with presenters who front shows made by their own companies.

Additionally, the Trust recommends tightening up disciplinary procedures against those who fail to follow editorial guidelines.

One final point - the Trust also announced that senior BBC executives would be foregoing their bonuses this year. I was surprised to read that they get bonuses at all. Isn't the BBC supposed to be a Public Service Broadcaster? Since when did market forces capitalism creep into Broadcasting House?

Get well soon,

S