I bet that there are more households that pay for TV licences then pay income tax.

Refresh:

I second that Refresh. It is a disgrace that we have to pay their salaries.

And the BBC for placing their investment in the pair above common decency?

“What I am not really sure Rumbold, and perhaps you would be kind enough to elaborate, is what you suggest. Some sort of blanket protection for all hacks? A totally unrestricted market? Presumably you want a lightening of libel laws? Privacy too? Press not made to pay court costs?”

Whilst I would not go that far, libel laws are too restrictive in this country, as the burden of proof rests on the defendent to prove that he/she hasn’t libelled the other person. Switch that burden around, and that would provide an enormous shot in the arm to freedom of expression.

“With all respect, the Murdoch press does not strike me as a timid beast cowed by an overmighty state.”

But does Murdoch really contribute to press freedom in that way? Yes, he cannot be bullied, but he also exercises control over a number of titles. I personally have no problem with that, but one can see why the list compilers would.

BenSix:

“Surely we can agree that Bush and Blair are worthy of infinitely greater contempt?”

Yes, in that they have done far more damage to Britain and the world then George Galloway ever could. But I suspect that there is room for all three.

Roger:

Just because they don’t call it a tax doesn’t mean that it isn’t one. Yes, you don’t have to own a TV. But you don’t have to work either, so on that basis income tax isn’t a tax.

My local rag, the Watford Observer went from an outstanding broadsheet to a dreadful rag that barely reports any substantive news.

Whilst I see where Rumbold is going with this, press freedom has to mean more than freedom to dumb down.

“Anyway, since when have you liked George Galloway? Even though I disagree with you sometimes, your arguments always come across as well made and heartfelt. Mr. Galloway is a clown, and not worthy of your respect.”

Surely we can agree that Bush and Blair are worthy of infinitely greater contempt?

(Not that contempt is particularly useful…)

(Admittedly, in another life I spent far too much time wittering about George Galloway…)

Whilst I see the point being made here, this is all a bit self-indulgent isn’t it? Whatever subtext there is here, I rather struggle with the idea that somehow the UK press operates under massive restrictions. The stark reality is that the UK media is very much defined by quantity rather than quality and there is no newspaper in the UK market currently able to hold a candle to the best the US produces. Not something I am proud to say.

What I am not really sure Rumbold, and perhaps you would be kind enough to elaborate, is what you suggest. Some sort of blanket protection for all hacks? A totally unrestricted market? Presumably you want a lightening of libel laws? Privacy too? Press not made to pay court costs?

With all respect, the Murdoch press does not strike me as a timid beast cowed by an overmighty state.

On a separate point incicentally, Iceland deserves everything it gets. That country has fitted perfectly the term ‘Rogue State,’ for the best part of four decades. Brown was probably damned either way, but he got it right.

Refresh:

Every now and then I need to release the right winger in me. It is part of the healing process.

Anyway, since when have you liked George Galloway? Even though I disagree with you sometimes, your arguments always come across as well made and heartfelt. Mr. Galloway is a clown, and not worthy of your respect.

the jury is still out.

‘inbred media’

Absolute genius!

We should be told.

Would this also be the same itinerary Bush and Blair call the Enduring Freedom Tour?

Fair enough. It was sloppily put. Some laws are needed.

Rumbold, I know what you mean by that (I may not agree, but I know what you mean) but as a bald criticism being ‘pro-laws’ does sound a bit odd. I’m pro-laws myself, rather imperfect laws than none at all.

The US press is a bit more willing to shake things up by comparison.

Having read foreign newspapers from a young age I have found arab English press quite surprisingly free in one aspect their coverage of foreign affairs. the Indian English press is quite similar to Britain..with exceptions like outlook and the late tehleka the press is quite pro state. Pakistan’s english press is almost viciously anti government and introspective on the state itself.