HeadNun

If the cyclist wasn't wearing lights and hi viz, did it really happen..........?

I don't think anyone here is claiming the Torygraph is the paragon of good reporting, or impartiality. But the BBC should be

I agree with this, I'm afraid. It's funny that certain people are up in arms about Rockets posting 'misinformation' in the Traffic threads, but seem OK with it in broadcast, as long as it aligns with their views. You have to ask yourselves, what is it that you really want? If it's an echo chamber then just watch Fox News or CNN, however you lean. But then what's the point of it all?

No, it's not completely analogous. But no one in their right minds doubts that he's a villain who incited the storming of the capital, it goes without saying. But I see what you mean about re-examining the events, of course. As I said, a less-than-one-second flash frame would have meant we'd never even be having this discussion. He's also a litigious tyrant who's suing a US Network, which has directly led to a loss of income for me and many colleagues. I hate the guy. That's why broadcasters can't give him any ammunition and must keep their noses clean. Yes, I'm all up for less aggy, I don't like it one bit.

But THE STORY is about a BBC edit, and its impartiality issues, not about the storming of the capital. And it's not the first time deceitful editing has been a story - there was the whole Queen scandal too. I love the BBC and hate seeing the corporation frankly unable to remain impartial anymore. It breaks my heart, because we do have a higher standard in this country and that's what keeps us on the right side of history - not people like Trump. You have to leave your politics at the door if you want to be a good documentarian.

But I have never, once mentioned the storming of the capital, or said Trump is in any way not morally reprehensible. You put all those words into my mouth. For me, this isn't about Trump - they could have made that edit about Gaddafi, or Hussein, or Johnson... it doesn't matter. What matters is that the producers' unconscious bias affected their editorial decision-making.. That is the only point I have ever made on this thread. It was you who decided that I'm a raving Trump supporter. Yes, David Peckham. Please, for the love of God, stop making flippant remarks all the time that frankly only ever serve to bring a tiny bit of light relief, humour and sunshine to this forum. How dare you.

Don't be ridiculous, he's not a troll! But he is proving himself to be a bully, who's incapable of debating without resorting to angry outbursts, personal insults and name-calling.

Firstly, the Panorama DID go through proper clearance - nothing is aired without legal and editorial policy review. The whole point about the edit is that it was designed to go under the radar, which is why no one realised at the time what was going on. Any honest producer would have put a flash frame or a fade in, to show that two pieces of sync were spliced together. That isn't an opinion, it's a code of conduct. So Trump does have a case, whether you like it or not. Secondly, the BBC isn't meant to be centrist - it's meant to be impartial, there's a difference. The fact that you don't seem to know the difference says it all, really. And finally, the reason this whole thing is such a tragedy is precisely because the BBC is an amazing global resource and soft power, which is held to a higher standard than any other broadcaster in the world. That's why what the producers did was morally reprehensible - because they are giving ammunition to the people who want to see it disbanded (not because Trump's feelings are hurt). If you want to protect the BBC, you make sure you are above reproach and don't make editorial judgements that will bring the walls crashing down around you and ruin thousands of colleagues' livelihoods.

Nope. I don’t have this wrong. I’ve tried to put my point across respectfully, without resorting to personal, angry insults. All you see is confirmation bias. If you don’t realise that, then you’re part of the problem.

And this is why many people are discouraged from posting on this forum anymore.

You don't know what you're talking about, Sephiroth, and your anger is clouding your judgement. It's all about context. And the BBC mis-represented what Trump said with that edit, plain and simple.

From the BBC: "The conclusion of that deliberation is that we accept that the way the speech was edited did give the impression of a direct call for violent action. The BBC would like to apologise for that error of judgement."

It doesn't matter what channel it was on, how pernicious the subject is and when it happened. Mis-representing the truth in broadcast is not only morally wrong, it's against the OFCOM code of ethics. Everyone in the industry is trained in how not to do it, most are made to take the BBC's own 'Safeguarding the Trust' course, even if they aren't making BBC programmes. There wasn't much fuss at the time, because no one knew about it. "Unless you hate Britain, hate liberals, hate the BBC, want a divided country, support the most powerful person in the world despite his many failings". What the programme makers personally think or feel should never affect how they tell a story; to do so is deeply unprofessional and a sackable offence. It's the job of the BBC and of all programming to inform viewers of the facts and let them make up their own minds. Even in campaigning documentaries.

And don't forget 'racist', though that was deleted and time was served.

Yes, these are all good points. I agree with you, that division has led us down dangerous paths in the past. And I deplore any kind of racism (as I think you probably know). But I feel that a lot of the current wave of xenophobia we're witnessing is actually more about a general malaise and discontent. I know non-white people around here who are surprisingly vocal about immigrants - legal or otherwise. I think this feeling transcends skin colour for a lot of people and isn't as simple as, say, the Jew hatred of the 1930s or the Irish and Black racism that we saw laterally. I think people feel ignored and looked down upon. What you don't realise, Sephiroth, is that I actually agree with a lot of what you're saying. I just think that looking down on people because of their voting history and opinions is self-defeating. And that's where Labour's getting it wrong and Reform is reaping the rewards.