Magazine of the Chartered Institute of Journalists Spring/Summer 2016 TheJServingournal professional journalism since 1912 Televising the courts must be “more than a media gimmick”

he Chartered Institute of Journalists said: “This is progress, but the bigger regional press has faced enormous welcomes television coverage of issue is the failure of the media to maintain financial challenges in that time, some Tcriminal sentencing in England & proper day-to-day coverage of the legal have responded with skill and enterprise Wales but warns it will be “just a media system at all levels. to maintain readership. Too many haven’t. gimmick” unless something is done to They have abandoned news gathering halt the disastrous decline of courtroom Collapse despite clear evidence that people want reporting and coverage. “Over the last 20 years there has been a news. This is where the industry has failed Television cameras are set to be allowed dangerous collapse in commissioning and to support democracy. into sentencing hearings at English and retaining court reporting journalists and “In November I visited the Lord Chief Welsh Crown Courts for the first time in resources in local, regional and national Justice’s court in the Strand and observed a pilot scheme following the live coverage media. By my calculation, in the last thirty several significant hearings that should of proceedings at the Court of Appeal and years nine tenths of court reporting has have been reported by the national media, Supreme Court. been liquidated.” but were not. The failure to staff these The project is being funded by the BBC, Professor Crook was the UK’s first important events and report them to Sky, ITN and the Press Association at no specialist broadcast legal affairs the public means that a vital part of our cost to the public purse. correspondent, working for IRN/LBC constitution and the operation of justice Professor Tim Crook, Chairman of the during the 1980s and ’90s. will remain in the dark. Institute’s Professional Practices Board, He added: “Although the local and “This cannot be good for democracy.” Congratulations, Mark and Janice! ur Institute has a new President. Mark some criticism of OCroucher, a freelance journalist and the Institute’s new former head of communications at the UK President in Press Independence Party, has been appointed Gazette and on various to succeed Paul Leighton as President, blog sites, citing having been elected Vice-President by the Croucher’s political photo: © Ken Brookes membership of the Institute in 2014. Janice background. In Shillum Bhend, also a freelance, has been response, CIoJ Journal elected unopposed as Vice-President, and Editor Andy Smith will automatically succeed Croucher in clarified the Institute’s two years’ time. non-political stance The Presidential Handover took place at and said that “as an Europe House, headquarters ofthe opean organisation we have Office in London on March 4. Our guest no party political speaker on this occasion was Ukip deputy axe to grind” and leader Paul Nuttall MEP. In his acceptance that “we have had New president, Mark Croucher, welcomes Janice Shillum Bhend speech, Croucher said it was time for the in the leadership of as Vice-President. industry to start fighting back against the Institute over recent those who have spent the last few years years members and supporters of the silence him because of his past role with attacking it: “We are seeing an alarming Conservative, Liberal Democrat and UKIP is the type of censorship of which mis-use of government power as various Labour parties, but mostly people of no Hacked Off would be proud.” organisations find that a free press is not party-political allegiance whatsoever. We congratulate the Institute’s new to their liking,” he said, “the Institute will Mark has been selected for his journalistic President and Vice-President on their continue to oppose these measures and to and communications skills and his new roles and look forward to what will stand up for the freedom of the press.” longstanding service to the CIoJ, not for undoubtedly be a busy and active two Following the Handover there was his past political affiliations. Attempting to years for the CIoJ. Andy Smith Editor’s Comment Editor Hacked off with Hacked Off egular readers of the Journal will in its determination to impose full-blown not be surprised to learn that I have State regulation of the press. In defending Rnever been a big fan of Hacked Off. its actions, Hacked Off tries to point the From the moment this group of would-be finger of suspicion at the Culture Secretary, media censors started to bring its weight to suggesting that he has an ulterior motive bear on the Leveson Inquiry it has behaved for his opposition to press regulation. The like a bully, deploying highly unethical fact is, as we in the Institute know, that practices to advance its cause – namely John Whittingdale has been a defender Assistant Editor: Stuart Millson achieving State regulation of the press and of press freedom throughout his political Production Editor: Dominic Cooper preventing journalists from investigating career, as his speech to the Institute six the activities of the rich and powerful. But years ago, when he was guest of honour at even I was shocked by the group’s latest our Presidential Handover at the National In this issue: tactic, which was to instigate a vicious Liberal Club, amply demonstrated. Hacked vendetta and smear campaign against Off wants people to assume that everyone A word from the President p.3 Culture Secretary John Whittingdale. opposed to State regulation of the press Media Crackdown in Turkey p.4 Whilst claiming to be opposed to “media must have some hidden vested interest for intrusion” Hacked Off was instrumental so doing. In Mr Whittingdale’s case it is Egyptian Knowledge Bank p.5 in revealing aspects of Mr Whittingdale’s purely that he doesn’t share Hacked Off’s private life. The group had embarked upon vision of tightly regulated newspapers. Fifty Years of BBC Outlook p.6 this hypocritical course of action purely Hacked Off is currently trying to get Women in the Media p.7 because the Culture Secretary had stood official recognition for its own press up for the freedom of the press and had regulator, IMPRESS. Thankfully, it is not A Glimpse of History pp.8-9 resisted Hacked Off bullying and was thus getting very far. So, knowing what Hacked considered a “legitimate target” in Hacked Off is like, we can probably expect yet more Press Awards pp.10-11 Off’s war against journalism. bullying and demonising of journalists Halting the stampede p.12 What twisted morality is this? To target and of those politicians who oppose a Minister and to rake through his private State regulation of newspapers. In these Bookshelf p.13 life without the slightest shred of evidence circumstances it is all the more important of any political or other wrong-doing is an that our Institute stands firm in defence Obituaries p.14-15 utterly vile tactic, even by Hacked Off’s of Britain’s free press. We look to our new That referendum thing p.16 warped standards. It shows how desperate President, Mark Croucher, to lead the next this anti-press lobby group is becoming phase of our campaign. The views contained in The Journal are those of the Andy Smith Editor and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the Chartered Institute of Journalists. EDITORSHIP OF THE JOURNAL All rights reserved. © CIoJ 2016 Andy Smith, who has served as Editor of the Institute’s Journal for the past 13 years, has indicated that he wishes to retire from this post by the end of 2016. The Institute is therefore seeking a volunteer from within the membership to take on this key role, which carries a small honorarium. Is this something that could interest you? If so, for a preliminary chat about what is involved, please call the CIoJ Chief Executive, Dominic Cooper, on email [email protected]. TheJournal STOP PRESS ISSN 1361-7656 CIoJ Council and PPB Concerns over BBC he Chartered Institute of Journalists Your Council members are: Thas expressed concern over “the trend News or views intended for publication Norman Bartlett towards State control” demonstrated by the should be sent to: Andy Smith Government’s White Paper on the future of the BBC. The CIoJ’s new President, Mark The Chartered Institute of Journalists Keith Lockwood 2 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays Road, Michael Evans Croucher, said: “It is unfortunate that while London SE16 2XU the Secretary of State rightly opposes the extension of State interference in the printed E-mail: [email protected] The Ex Officio members of Council are: Mark Croucher, President press he seems less interested in safeguarding Tel: +44 (0)20 7252 1187 Michael Hardware, Honorary Treasurer the independence of the nation’s public service Fax: +44 (0)20 7232 2302 broadcaster. We do not want to see a BBC in Janice Shillum Bhend, Vice-President Web: www.cioj.co.uk which journalists always have to look over Paul Leighton, Immediate Past President Twitter: @CIoJournalist their shoulder and where their reports may be Tim Crook, Chairman, PPB influenced by the political colour of the BBC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Board.” pages/Chartered-Institute-of- Your PPB members are: He added: “We understand Ministers’ Journalists/108017897514 Tim Crook, Chairman concerns that the BBC is not always politically LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/ Campbell Thomas, Vice-Chairman impartial, but creating a BBC Board that could groups/Chartered-Institute- Amanda Brodie veer editorially from the Guardian to the Daily Journalists-63500 Janice Shillum Bhend Telegraph and back with every change of Norman Bartlett government is hardly a practical solution. These Printed by Cool grey display & print Ltd Jim Filbin proposals appear to sacrifice the goal of long- Tel: +44 (0) 1444 474646 Andrew Kelly term impartiality in the interests of short-term 2 political gain.” The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition Institute slates A word from the President NUJ over press By Mark Croucher would like to begin by offering my regulator Iheartfelt thanks to our Immediate Past he National Union of Journalist’s President, Paul Leighton. Paul assumed

T(NUJ) decision to back the proposed his presidency much earlier than expected photo: © Ken Brookes press regulator IMPRESS has been due to the sad death of Charlie Harris described as “a betrayal of democracy during his term of office and under difficult and journalism” by the Chartered circumstances has steered the Institute Institute of Journalists (CIoJ). through a tough couple of years for The CIoJ condemns the NUJ’s journalism. I am sure you will join me in decision for giving credibility to a state extending your thanks for his service. backed system of punitive regulation We have many challenges ahead of us over unwanted by virtually all of the the coming years as our industry evolves professional media in UK. with the emergence of new technology, CIoJ Chief Executive Dominic Cooper and I see one of my tasks as positioning says: “Not one sizeable mainstream the Institute to ensure that it remains both news publisher has yet signed up to relevant and at the forefront of journalism. be regulated by IMPRESS. We believe The first of these is to address the issue that’s the genuine position of the vast of online journalism. We have seen the years of hard work. I am sure you will join majority of professional journalists Independent move to an on-line only me in hoping she can make a rapid return in the press and associated online format, and only time will tell whether to Institute affairs. Her replacement on the publishers.” this will prove to be a model others follow. PPB Professor Tim Crook is carrying on Cooper says: “It’s the job of a Certainly the online press is growing, and with her good work in the most sterling journalists’ trade union to hold the Institute should move to embrace our fashion. regulators to account, to scrutinise and digital brothers. I would hope to see a new Recent news in the wider world criticise – not join in and participate in a class of membership created, the eMCIJ, to of journalism is not heartening. The media freedom killing regime.” recognise the growth of online news, and government continues to press for the The NUJ’s folly is yet another nail proposals for this will be forthcoming over introduction of its “Snooper’s Charter” in the coffin of freedom expression in the next month or so. and journalists ignore the progress of Britain, which is very sad when our Then there is the issue of our own government interference at their peril. It world press freedom index ranking membership, and our need to sustain is difficult to imagine a more Orwellian has just dropped by four places to 38- membership growth. The Hon. Treasurer piece of legislation, particularly as we have between Tonga and South Africa.” and Chief Executive will with myself already seen existing legislation mis-used Cooper added: “There’s nothing form the core of a new membership and to uncover journalistic sources. The guest constructive in the NUJ helping conjure marketing committee, but of course this is a speaker at our Presidential handover - Paul up a landscape of IPSO regulation task which cannot be successful without the Nuttall MEP – touched on the subject as he for the majority of newspapers and participation of the entire membership. You called for more impartiality in the press, IMPRESS regulation only for NUJ all have colleagues and friends within the specifically in regard to the ongoing EU members and a few minor local/online industry, and I would ask that each of you referendum, but more widely as something publications. It’s the least joined-up become an advocate for what the Institute to be desired. The thrust of his speech system you could get and does little to can offer from the professional cachet was that the job of the media is to serve boost public confidence.” associated with the “MCIJ” after your information, not opinion dressed as fact. IMPRESS Royal Charter regulation name through to the benefits of our pension Meanwhile, the post-Leveson fallout will mean exemplary damages for news and benevolent funds for journalists who continues with the NUJ backing the publishers who do not believe this encounter difficulties during and at the end attempt by IMPRESS to be appointed as system is independent of government of their working life. press regulator. One can only stare open- control and influence. It could also mouthed as the NUJ assists in nailing the mean news publishers refusing to be Training coffin lid shut on a free press. There appears regulated by IMPRESS paying both Many of you will know Janice Shillum little likelihood that IMPRESS will prove sides’ legal costs even if they win media Bhend, our new Vice-President, who will successful in its attempt, but it would be law disputes. succeed me in 2018 and I offer hearty foolish to be complacent and the Institute The CIoJ has been pressing for congratulations on her election. Janice has will with your support continue to oppose consensus among all mainstream many years of experience of both journalism such efforts. publishers to run an independent and journalistic training, and has kindly There is much to be done. Ever onwards! system of self-regulation that has the agreed – with the minimum of arm twisting confidence of working journalists, – to head a new committee organising “NEW DAY” – BLINK AND YOU professional publishers and their ongoing training that the Institute can offer MISSED IT readership. to its members from the basic through to (to the tune of the famous John Keble hymn Continuous Preofessional Development. ‘Morning’ of 1827) Did you know? Elsewhere, I am very pleased to announce that the former President of our Professional New every morning is the Day, Your annual subscription to the Chartered Practices Board Amanda Brodie is making A venture, though, that failed to pay. Institute of Journalists is tax-deductible? This good progress in her recovery from illness, Trinity Mirror therefore chose applies to any Institute member who is a UK and I am delighted to announce that To bring it swiftly to a close. taxpayer, whether you are a staff journalist or Council has advanced her to a Fellowship a freelance. of the Institute in recognition of her many Roger

3 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition Rory Peck Trust launches new resource for Libyan freelance journalists he Rory Peck Trust has launched a new resource for Libyan freelance Tjournalists, as part of a two-year project supported by the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF). “Freelancing In Libya” contains practical tools, information and guides to help Libyan journalists operate safely and professionally in an increasingly insecure and volatile environment. With chapters on “The Business of Being Freelance”, “Safety and Ethics on Assignment” and “How to Grow Professional and Protection Networks”, the aim of the resource is to help Libyan freelances produce high quality, non- partisan news and current affairs coverage in a safe and sustainable way. freelances in 2015 revealed that 80% had workshop in Amman. “This is the first “Today’s generation of Libyan freelances been threatened during the course of their time I’ve been provided with training or emerged during the 2011 revolution where work. Nearly all of the independent media resources that are focused on producing they were able to report freely and openly outlets that sprang up after the revolution stories safely. It’s something that’s missing for the first time,” explains Sarah Giaziri, have been threatened into closure or exile, in countries such as Libya, but it’s really Programme Officer for the Middle East and the fear of attack amongst Libyan vital.” and North Africa at the Rory Peck Trust. journalists is leading to self-censorship. Annika Savill, Executive Head of the UN “But most have found it hard to sustain Democracy Fund describes the project as their careers because of the deterioration Mentoring scheme “a milestone initiative” for the Fund. “The of independent media outlets and the This is the first resource to help Libyan deplorable rise of extremism, deteriorating growing security challenges. There are freelances tackle professional and safety security situation and growing restrictions still important and compelling stories to be issues. It forms part of a two-year project on media in a range of countries, make told from Libya and we hope this resource funded by UNDEF aimed at strengthening even more relevant and important the will provide its freelances with the skills to independent journalism in Libya, which work, courage and safety of independent bring us these stories safely and ethically.” includes in-depth workshops for freelances, journalists worldwide. The Rory Peck Attacks, threats and abductions of the establishment of a mentoring scheme Trust is uniquely equipped to carry out this journalists are commonplace in today’s and access to international protection project in an environment such as Libya, Libya as both governments and militia mechanisms. where the need is acute and the challenges attempt to control the flow of information. In “It is really important that freelance in operating are just as acute.” 2014 alone, 29 journalists were kidnapped, journalists working every day in Libya “Freelancing in Libya” is available in both according to Reporters Sans Frontieres – have access to the right information,” Arabic and English. more than in both Syria and Iraq – and the says Ahmed el-Hadel, a Libyan freelance For social media, RPT suggests using the Rory Peck Trust’s own survey of 34 Libyan journalist who attended a recent RPT hashtag #freelancinginlibya

Fellowships CPJ responds to media he Council of the Chartered TInstitute of Journalists has awarded two fellowships. crackdown in Turkey Amanda Brodie has been honoured in recognition of her hard work n response to the recent rapid growth in government, and coverage is impeded and dedication on behalf of the Iviolations of press freedom in Turkey, or censored. Turkey must reverse this membership over a period of several the New York-based Committee to Protect offensive and uphold its international years as chairman of the Professional Journalists (CPJ) has launched the Turkey commitments to freedom of the press.” Practices Board and in recognition of Crackdown Chronicle, a real-time diary The Turkey Crackdown Chronicle is her continual efforts to promote the of attacks on journalists and other media updated daily, with events grouped by Institute. freedom abuses. week. It features an interactive timeline The second award was given to our “The drastic deterioration of media giving an overview of developments in Chief Executive, Dominic Cooper, for freedom in Turkey in recent weeks Turkey’s press freedom climate over the services dedication that goes beyond necessitates rapid response and thorough past two years. the call of duty during his 25 years documentation,” said the CPJ’s Nina At the end of 2015 there were 14 journalists service to the Institute. Ognianova. “Journalists are being jailed, imprisoned in Turkey, according to CPJ’s Our congratulations to both of our harassed, and expelled, news outlets are most recent annual prison census. “jolly good fellows”! being shut down or taken over by the

4 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition New online “treasure house” of information on Egypt ambridge University Press has signed an historic agreement Cwith the Egyptian Government to provide online access to a “treasure house” of information about Egypt and the Middle East gathered by Cambridge authors over the past three decades. Ten distinguished collections from Cambridge University Press – published under the Cambridge Archive Editions imprint – are included in the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, one of the Middle East’s most ambitious digital educational projects. The ten meticulously researched volumes bring together more than 52,000 pages of primary source materials from British government and other diplomatic sources concerning the history, politics and geography of Egypt and the Middle East region. than 20 of the world’s leading educational universities and research institutions These collections – including Arab publishers. in Egypt. One of the most ambitious Dissident Movements 1905–1955, Israel: Launched in January 2016, the Egyptian educational projects in the Middle East, the Boundary Disputes with Arab Neighbours Knowledge Bank will supply online Knowledge Bank was launched in January 1946–1964, Palestine Boundaries 1833–1947, educational materials to all major this year and contains thousands of the Records of Syria 1918–1973 and Turkey and universities and research institutes in latest educational and scientific articles, her Arab Neighbours 1953–1958 – contain Egypt and is designed to improve Egypt’s journals and multimedia materials, as well a wealth of information covering different English language skills and enhance as extensive archive material. periods of history across Egypt and the Egypt’s position as a centre of excellence for The partnership between Cambridge Middle East. teaching and learning in the Middle East. University Press and the Egyptian The Cambridge University Press Government was agreed in November collections are now available through the Extensive archives 2015 in a ceremony held at the Presidential Egyptian Knowledge Bank free of charge The Egyptian Knowledge Bank has Palace of Egypt and attended by the to all Egyptians alongside thousands of brought together more than 20 major Egyptian President. educational and scientific articles, journals international publishers, including and multimedia materials – as well as Cambridge University Press, to supply For more information: www.ekb.eg/ extensive archive material from more online educational material to all major web/guest/home

The Chartered Institute of Journalists have or wine Press trip been offered two dates for member visits, on tourism. each of which a maximum of 12 members will It would English Wine Producer Denbies in Dorking, has be invited to tour the vineyard, meet the owner therefore been producing wine for more than 30 years in and principal winemaker, sample wines and be very the Surrey Hills, and welcome 350000 visitors view the film, with a lunch provided. helpful if to their estate each year. you would Should this event be oversubscribed, please advise of any directly-relevant potential preference will be given to those members who The pioneers of wine tourism have launched media opportunities you intend to approach in can demonstrate a professional interest in wine a new addition to their guided tours, in the relation to a feature relating to this form of a film illustrating life on the visit. 265-acre estate. The film captures the vineyard’s transformation from bud- The first event has been planned burst to harvest. Visitors will be able to for Tuesday May 24 and will start at catch a glimpse of what happens behind 11.00am. It is free, and open to all the scenes all year round in Denbies members but you must book your vineyard. place with Diane at Head Office.

5 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition BBC World Service’s Outlook celebrates half-century with 50 inspirational stories utlook, one of BBC World Service’s longest-running radio Oprogrammes, turns 50 this summer, celebrating half a century on air on July 4, 2016. To mark this milestone BBC World Service has launched Outlook Inspirations – a celebration of extraordinary people whose stories have inspired others around the world. Over the years, Outlook has featured courageous individuals who have overcome adversity, followed their dreams and above all inspired those around them. The BBC is inviting nominations from the public for people they would like to suggest for Outlook Inspirations. (Nominations close on May 1, so you’ll need to be quick!) The search is on for people with extraordinary personal stories: people who have shown incredible resilience through An international judging panel, headed from all corners of the world with a curious difficult times, changed the fortunes of up by the BBC’s Chief International global audience. Outlook Inspirations their local community or demonstrated Correspondent Lyse Doucet, will later shines a spotlight on the achievements of remarkable courage or compassion. Above select three winners from a final shortlist of some of these unsung heroes, as we invite all, stories that leave fellow human beings 15. The three winners will be announced on our listeners to look back - and ahead - in in awe. Monday July 4, 2016 – the day of Outlook’s celebration of Outlook’s 50th anniversary At the same time the Outlook team will be 50th birthday – during a live BBC World year.” going through the back catalogue to seek Service broadcast from the Radio Theatre More information, including the out some of the most inspirational people in London. remaining judges, will be revealed shortly. who have appeared on the programme to add to the list of nominees. To launch the Global audience To stay up to date with Outlook awards, several people have already been Mary Hockaday, Controller, World Inspirations, and for full terms and nominated by Outlook on the Outlook Service English, says: “Outlook is at the very conditions for nominating, please go Inspirations website, and the complete heart of what the BBC World Service does to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ longlist of 50 will be revealed in May. each day: sharing fascinating human stories p03m0fd6 Newspapers axed Nalytics – The new research he Chartered Institute of TJournalists has expressed “shock tool for journalists and disappointment” at the decision in March to cease production of the ournalists and news organisations have of your information store from emails print editions of The Independent Jnever been under so much pressure to and attachments to Dropbox data, and the and The Independent on Sunday, and find information quickly as the public’s application does not have to be launched the subsequent closure of the short- appetite for content across all channels to view and review the data. There is lived New Day newspaper. CIoJ Chief explodes. However, sometimes finding no such thing as unstructured data. All Executive Dominic Cooper said: “The the right information for a story can be data has an inherent structure; using our Independent has been a great champion like looking for a needle in a haystack. Not technology anything held in a digital of non-partisan journalism for 30 any longer, says Nalanda Technology, a format can be simply processed to create years and its move to an online-only new company that has developed the next data sets. These can be used to locate and publication is extremely disappointing generation precision search and discovery discover information and meaningful for everyone, not least those journalists tool which it says can access and cross- content within its context and structure.” - staff and freelance - who are directly reference information across an infinite affected by the ending of the print number of digital sources at the click of For further information please visit website edition. Just as shocking is the closure, a button. www.nalandatechnology.com or email after barely two months, of the New Peter O’Hara, chief executive, Nalanda [email protected] or call 0208 Day newspaper, which lasted from the Technology, explains: “Nalytics picks 973 1100. CIoJ members are invited to end of February to the beginning of up where Google finishes. Most people apply to the company for a free two-week May. Both the Independent and New are familiar with the Google search trial of the software. Please email info@ Day were non politically aligned and engine but its search capabilities are nalandatechnology.com with the header that is something the CIoJ applauds. really quite basic and typically present “Journalist Trial” and include your name, The Institute has great concerns for too many results for users to be able to Institute membership number, and details of press plurality in Britain after the loss of decipher. Our platform covers the whole who you write or broadcast for. these newspapers.”

6 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition Institute impartiality

By Liam Gallimore-Wells describes it as ‘a form of attitudinal, affective In a troubled world where more original, nacceptable” is one word that and behavioural prejudice’. Amercian pan-representative thinking is required, has been used to describe the ethnologist Verena Stolcke prefers the perhaps it is the Archbishop of Canterbury “UInstitute’s recent appointment words ‘hostility towards strangers’. South Justin Welby’s clarion call for a more of former UKIP head of communications African politics of belonging academic imaginative European Union Referendum Mark Croucher as its president. Francis Nyamnjoh’s choice of an ‘intense debate that strikes the right note. His words Since 1884 the Institute has championed dislike, hatred or fear of others’ is similarly may also be interpreted as guidance to broadcast media and press impartiality. So multi-layered. All three of these terms anyone questioning the legitimacy of the why is Croucher’s persona viewed by some could be used to describe pre-judgemental Institute’s newly-elected president: “There as incongruous? comments that have been circulating about is no fixed Christian view on this [the EU One answer might be today’s strangely the Institute’s newly-elected leader. referendum]. Those who want to leave the politicised global news media environment. Whatever our ethnicity, gender, EU should set out what Britain would be Mass proliferation of so-called citizen background or profession, one of Britain’s like after leaving in a variety of respects, journalists via social media has started to internationally respected strengths is her including its international attitude and its blur boundaries that once distinguished commitment to balanced, facts-driven values.” publishable from unpublishable authorship. print and broadcast media output. For Though proponents of this new influx may years millions of Britons have felt privately or may not be in denial about the Institute’s repulsed by insufficiently representative role as standard bearer for the industry, its party political machine-driven Recruitment status as guardian of media practitioners’ campaigning. This reversible contemporary The Institute is offering a referal fee to any professional interests is a reality that very malaise is fast becoming synonymous member who can help recruit new members. few feel the need to publicly repudiate. with the ideological toothlessness that is Every Full Member you sign up will earn producing a largely self-serving political you £50. The new member will need to be Xenophobia class. sponsored by you and will have to satisfy Other answers are evident in definitions Our longest serving constitutional our accreditation proceedures. of xenophobia expressed by leading monarch Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy of scholars in postcolonial thought, new political neutrality as head of our uniquely Contact our Chief Executive for more details nation building and transcultural identity. international Commonwealth of Nations - [email protected] . Educational psychologist Oksana Yakushko serves as an important point of reference. Every day is a good day to hear more women in the media By Farhana Haque Rahman Two-thirds of more than 900 women pinch, reducing resources available for n International Women’s Day journalists surveyed by the International reporters to provide their watchdog Onewspapers and radio shows are Women’s Media Foundation said they had function. On top of that, there is a sense of filled with women’s voices. Yet too often experienced some kind of threat or abuse growing censorship, taking different forms the media’s attention is fleeting. These – often by male colleagues. We all should in different parts of the world. are the best of times, but without a doubt take a deep breath. Press freedom isn’t threatened only by also the worst of times, for journalism and violence. Journalists are being intimidated journalists – especially women in the media. Physical violence in countries across the globe and many According to the Global Media More than one in five of the women media deliberately avoid reporting on their Monitoring Project, women still account for professionals asked said that they had nemeses. And the ill winds aren’t only only 24 percent of the people “heard or read experienced physical violence in relation to blowing in developing countries. A U.S. about in print, radio and television news their work – the majority of these described presidential candidate fanned the flame of across the world.” Or as women’s media it as sexual in nature – and government our concern recently when he suggested organisation Foreign Policy Interrupted officials, police and apparently random changing libel laws to make it easier to “win have put it: “a woman over 65 is less likely people in crowds were cited as frequent money” from journalists by suing them. to be cited as an expert in the media (than) a perpetrators. boy in the 13 to 18 age group.” Irina Bokova, Director-General of Controversial Hearing women in the media is not just UNESCO, and Christiane Amanpour, the Free speech is widely believed to be a about who is holding the notebook and high-profile CNN correspondent who public good. But it is also “the most complex voice recorder. Journalists also need to is now serving as UNESCO’s Goodwill and controversial right,” in the recent words think about who they quote in their articles. Ambassador on freedom of Expression and of Irene Khan, head of the International IPS is proud to have an editorial policy of Journalist Safety, are to be commended Development Law Organization. It may deliberately seeking quotes from women for their campaigns to stamp out the most not be an absolute right but it is one that on all topics, not just on topics that have existential threats to female journalists. But is intimately tied up with what Khan called traditionally been considered “women’s any gains made in bringing women’s voices “the right to hear.” issues”. to the fore in the media are threatened We have a right to hear diverse voices and For those women who are journalists, when the news industry itself is put under particularly women’s voices in the media many face violence and harassment pressure. every day. We – including journalists – also even as they go about their daily work. The sector is already in a commercial have a responsibility to listen.

7 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition A GLIMPSE OF HISTORY

In this article, taken from a speech by CIoJ Past-President, Michael Moriarty, the golden age of the industry is fondly remembered – One, if he had taken up the other option but there is a warning for today’s journalists and editors. and closed down The Sun after the Herald, 2,000 people would have been thrown out hen I retired 15 years ago I made the life out of me. His head would be into of work in Long Acre so he wasn’t going to two pledges. One, I shall never his shoulders – he used to stand there like do that. No way at all. And the other option Wbecome a Press pundit (sorry, this and he would crowd you, when he was was even worse. He would have to sell it to Roy Greenslade!) and secondly, I will never in a bad temper - which was quite often, and Robert Maxwell who was sniffing around. rubbish today’s editors – my successors – he saw everything. I remember he came Rupert bought the Odham’s Sun and he because it is tough enough and hot enough to our wedding in Arundel in 1988 and I bought the News of the World because of out there without old buzzards – old has- persuaded him to say a few words. He had Maxwell. beens – like myself taking a pot at them. So, us all in stitches. He said: “When I came in I I’m breaking both of those pledges tonight. saw all these eminent and powerful people. The Apple Orchard… It is a strange place here, The Freedom I thought I was at a gangster’s funeral. Then The Mirror had become too serious. He Forum. Most of my life in Reuters and YOB I saw that the police were smiling so I knew had always said that journalists and editors we always avoided The Freedom Forum it must be a wedding.” That was Cudlipp. should never take themselves too seriously. because we were convinced it was a front I describe my first meeting in my He did on that occasion. He had already lost for the CIA. Indeed, when I arrived, having biography that Dennis Griffiths mentioned. the trend and among the astonishing things chased my wife up and down Oxford He was in his office and he beckoned me we remember is – who was the first man Street, she having decided it was a good inside. He handed me the ‘phone and said: to put a nude into a national newspaper? opportunity to do a bit of shopping, I was “See who this is, he talks so bloody posh I Hugh Cudlipp on the Sunday Pictorial in bursting for a pee and went straight into the can’t understand a word he‘s saying.” the 30s! It was called The Apple Orchard loo and in there, as some of you may have Baron Cudlipp, KBE, OBE, born August by a society photographer called Roy and seen, there is a Russian air-freshener! What 23, 1913, died May 17, 1998 aged 84. In 1963 there was a little girl topless in an apple does that mean? he married the distinguished magazine orchard and she was like this. And she Now then, Hugh Cudlipp. Where do you editor, Jodie Highland and I am delighted was so skinny you couldn’t tell if she was begin? It is most embarrassing because to say Jodie is with us tonight. They had 35 a boy or a girl. Cudlipp went to Cecil King looking round the audience here tonight, happy years together and all of us who met who told him he couldn’t do it. No way, he there are many more old colleagues a them several times after his retirement saw would never get away with it so he went to hundred times more qualified to talk about what a wonderful couple they made. He the then chairman, John Cowley, who was Hugh Kinsman Cudlipp than myself. retired in 1973 at the age of 60. He said – and rather staid, although he had a mistress in Especially Tony Miles sitting there (he was quoted several times – that it was an France, nevertheless he was relatively old- pointed) as his successor and associate unpardonable vanity on the part of anyone fashioned and a bit of a Puritan. He was so who worked with him for years. Nobody over 60 to go on running newspapers and clever, Hugh. He got Cowley talking about here knows him better as a professional telling the young what to do. He recanted apple orchards in Kent. Apparently this journalist than Tony. All the others have that later but he certainly believed it when bloke was a pig farmer and had a couple of passed on. And of course, we’re next – after he retired. apple trees. So Hugh said to him: “Is this a you, Tony! true representation of the apple orchards at Cudlipp was a character – the journalists’ Wonderful person – genius! this time of year, John?” Cowley looked at journalist. Never again will we meet He was 24 when he was made editor of it and said, “Yes, I’ve got trees like that in anybody like him; he was out of this the Sunday Pictorial. He was editor of the my orchard.” world. He was down to earth, emotional, Sunday Pic three times before it became “Well, I believe I’ll run that,” said Cudlipp supercharged, a political animal, a genius the Sunday Mirror. He was Editor-in-Chief and off he went and told them on the Stone at newspaper presentation. It is significant of Mirror papers, editorial director, vice that the picture had been given the OK that Keith Waterhouse said he learnt all chairman, chairman. A wonderful person – by the chairman. So it is astonishing that his skills of newspaper presentation from a genius. He made mistakes in plenty but Cudlipp sadly read it wrong when he took Hugh Cudlipp and that says it all. His the biggest cross he had to bear was the the view – I remember him telling us, God secret, of course, was his simplicity. He charge that he had given away the Odham’s forbid, I shouldn’t be saying this but you’ve was a man of the people; he believed in the Sun to Rupert Murdoch who immediately got to be objective – he said that The Sun was ordinary people. He learnt about life going turned it into a tabloid and clobbered the a comic for Irish navvies. That was within round with his old man on a vehicle – there Daily Mirror with it. weeks of being taken over. Of course, if it was an apocryphal story that it was a horse Rupert got it for £75,000 down and a was read by Irish Navvies, it was read by a and cart. It wasn’t a horse and cart, it was maximum of £700,000 on HP over six years. lot of other people as well. But the ultimate a hired van. It is true, though, his father Of course, these days, it makes that in six irritant was Maxwell. delivered groceries and Hugh went around days. At this point I must now confess that with him through the Welsh valleys and Murdoch told me that the most I was working for Robert Maxwell and learnt so much about life - which he always astonishing thing to him was that the IPC the NSPCC and between us we raised quoted ever after as his schooling because, and Cudlipp team played down that it £14 million and saved the NSPCC. In the remember, like most of us in Fleet Street of mustn’t go tabloid. He couldn’t believe that course of that, when we were working in our generation, we left school at 14. he got the Odham’s Sun at a knock-down Maxwell House at the back of Liverpool He described himself as a reporter, price and he could turn it into a tabloid. Street station I heard that the wicked old observer, listener and raconteur and. of But of course the reasons for that deal have sod was trying to get the Daily Express and course, he never missed a trick. But that was never had a proper airing. There were two I said: “You’ll never get the Express – buy what he was. Oh dear, he used to frighten very good reasons why Cudlipp did it. the Daily Mirror.”

8 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition

Lessons to learn Contempt display row upon row of minus signs. Sales So what would he have made of today’s In my day the over-riding problem was are less than half were they stood in my papers, bearing in mind what we have just how to get the ship into the bottle. Our hay-day. There is a grave danger that the read there and the fact that he had stepped papers were a marvel of compression; our printed word as produced by the popular aside for the younger generation? As I say, sub-editors admired the world over. Today Press will give way to the Internet and he was having second thoughts at the end. the bottle has become a 10-gallon jar. Bigger become redundant in the first half of the He wrote in Dennis Griffiths’ Newspaper and bigger papers, more and more chaff in 21st century. Yearbook, 1997: ‘There are lessons editors a frantic effort to fill them. The Press has Why else do you think that Rupert of newspapers need to learn by observing become self-obsessed and flabby. Today’s Murdoch has diverted his millions to if they are dim enough not to know by ruling philosophy is fat newspapers with satellite television and Kelvin Mackenzie instinct. a high cover-price and fat advertising runs a radio station? I find it curious that in the 1990s young revenue. The profession, generally, is held journalists of both sexes are able to edit in contempt by almost everyone outside the Saviour needed national newspapers, even for short industry. There are few worthy exceptions – The time has come for a newspaper periods, with little more street wisdom much of what we read is marshmallow pap. revolution to restore the mass-appeal than can be acquired by writing a pop Those of jumped-up pop stars with limited that came in waves through much of this column or working on women’s magazines shelf-life; lots of likely stories from telly century. The new millennium must find or supplements. I wish them the luck they persons desperate for publicity – nobody’s something new, exciting and different. surely need. Is Piers Morgan here? posing as somebody. We need a saviour, perhaps, a pathfinder He noted that “Publish and Damned” his These days the men in suits, accountants, like Cudlipp or Christiansen before things own testament was the credo that made business school graduates and so on go from bad to worse. Standards have the Mirror so successful in the war years have taken over from the proprietors and fallen, despite the talk of self-regulation. and beyond and he added: “ In some of editorial directors of yesteryear who are just Production values make the toes curl. the current British tabloids publish and as passionate about producing powerful The key thing – vital on every newspaper – damned is the hypocritical alibi for the newspapers at low prices as the journalists was that the night editor, features and news excretion of sleaze, intrusion and kiss-and- they employ. For all the feeble crowing editors, knew the right story for the front tell. Investigative journalism has become about putting a handful of copies here and page, for their readers. Not every paper but keyhole prying.” there the circulation charts continue to for their paper. What has happened to that?

World Leaders of the 1970s: A Decade of Turmoil rundells, a very fine townhouse in • Chairman Mao Zedong – People’s Athe heart of Salisbury, Wiltshire, was Republic of China the home for many years of Sir Edward • Willy Brandt – Chancellor of the Heath. The former Prime Minister wanted Federal Republic of Germany his house, garden and art collection to be • Indira Gandhi – Prime Minister of retained and made available for members India of the public to visit and enjoy following • President Georges Pompidou – his death. Now, thanks to The Sir Edward President of France Heath Memorial Foundation, Arundells is • Kakuei Tanaka – Prime Minister of preserved for posterity and incorporates Japan a fascinating museum of Ted Heath’s life • Pierre Trudeau – Prime Minister of Willy Brandt and Edward Heath about the and political career (as well as his musical Canada outcome of the 1975 European Referendum and sailing interests). This year it is also • Henry Kissinger – Secretary of State, and, in 1972, a commitment from Germany staging a major exhibition entitled “World United States of America to take a share of the influx of Ugandan Leaders of the 1970s: A Decade of Turmoil.” “World Leaders of the 1970s” comprises Asian refugees to the UK. Other events The exhibition, says the Foundation’s a unique collection of over 70 iconic documented include the deterioration of spokesman David Felton, “will explore the photographs, as well as documents from relations between Britain and the US over personal histories, careers, achievements the turbulent period together with artefacts the Middle East in 1973 to the extent that and errors of nine of the most important and memorabilia from the Arundells papers were commissioned for Secretary of political leaders of the decade and their collection including photographs of State Kissinger on potential US sanctions relationship with Britain.” As such, it Edward Heath with H.M. The Queen and against Britain. should be of great interest to all journalists! President and Mrs Nixon at Chequers; An account is also included of the occasion During the decade of turmoil, President Gerald Ford, Henry Kissinger when Brezhnev took Nixon for a spin international relations were conducted and Leonid Brezhnev decked out in furs around Camp David in a dark blue Lincoln against a backdrop of Cold War tensions, oil at the Vladivostock nuclear arms control Continent, which had been presented to price shocks and a number of high profile summit; the infamous kiss between Leonid him by the Ford Motor Company before the acts of terrorism including the 1972 Munich Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Secret Service could stop him. Olympics, the Iranian Hostage Crisis and Honecker lampooned on the Berlin Wall; The exhibition has been made possible numerous hijackings. The exhibition runs and a photograph given to Ted Heath by through the assistance of the Friedrich until mid-August. Richard Nixon inscribed: “In our line of Ebert Foundation, the Foreign Ministry of The featured leaders are: work it’s always good to have a second Japan, the Archive and Libraries Service of • President Richard Nixon – President of skill! Smooth sailing in your new boat.” Canada and the Nixon Presidential Library. the United States of America Among the controversies and insights • Leonid Brezhnev – General Secretary explored in the exhibition, with echoes of For more details please visit the Communist Party of the Soviet Union today’s debates, is correspondence between website www.arundells.org

9 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition London Press Club Awards 2016 he Daily Mail was crowned Daily Silverton said: Newspaper of the Year for the fourth “Scoop after Ttime at the recent London Press Club breathtaking scoop Awards. The Times took the newly-created furnished by the Weekend Newspaper of the Year title. Political Editor of Journalists from ITV, Sky, BuzzFeed, The the MoS makes the Spectator, The London Evening Standard paper unmissable and the Mail on Sunday were among those for those inside honoured. and outside the The glittering awards ceremony, held Westminster at the Corinthia Hotel, was packed with bubble.” editors, journalists and presenters from Digital Journalist the world of print, broadcast and digital of the Year award media. The compere, BBC News presenter went to Heidi Blake Kate Silverton, started by thanking the of BuzzFeed. “In assembled audience of news gatherers - joining Buzzfeed L-R Kate Silverton, David Cohen and Bill Hagerty. on what was her first day back at work over the last year, PICTURE BY: NIGEL HOWARD/EVENING STANDARD © - for “keeping me sane” during two years Heidi Blake has maternity leave. continued to grow Quoting the judging panel, she said that her reputation as a highly formidable work has already seen him win the Paul the Daily Mail’s “vigorous campaigns” and investigative journalist and helped the Foot Award, for spearheading the paper’s “star-studded roster of columnists” made platform on its journey towards being Frontline London campaign on gangs, and the paper stand out among its competitors regarded as a serious news site. Her work receive two Orwell Prize nominations, as “the one not to be missed”. The judges on breaking the tennis scandal last year for series on The Dispossessed and also praised its sports section and “strong not only was a global story, but a powerful disadvantaged young Londoners. opinion that makes grown men quake”. indication in how future online media can “What Cohen has achieved should “If it’s not in this paper, it probably didn’t use data to break huge stories,” Silverton provide inspiration for all journalism happen,” said one member of the judging told the audience. students and those considering working panel. across the news media platforms.” Accepting the award, the newspaper’s Hotly contested Earlier Sir Alan Moses, chair of IPSO, fourth in 11 years, editor-in-chief Paul Julie Etchingham of ITV picked up the rejected the idea of “a defensive press” and Dacre paid tribute to the high quality of Broadcast Journalist of the Year award for championed the cause of robust, “edited journalism in Britain, declaring that, at its her work as one of the solo presenters of journalism” over “the unedited flatulence best, it is “better today than it ever was”. News at Ten. of the troll online” in his keynote speech “Our industry is populated by incredibly “A news-making interviewer in her own at this year’s London Press Club Awards dedicated and hard-working people, many right on ‘Tonight’ and as the moderator of lunch. in the regions working on a pittance,” said the only election debate in which all the Was “all fair and dandy in the world Dacre. “Indeed, at the risk of blowing our political leaders took part” was what made of press behaviour?” he asked several own trumpet, I would like to say that no one her stand out to the judging panel. hundred editors and senior journalists works harder than the Mail’s journalists. I In the hotly contested Scoop of the Year gathered at the five-star luxury Corinthia am constantly humbled at their selflessness, category, Miles Goslett, won for his expose Hotel in London for the annual Awards brilliance and passion for getting it right. I of Kids Company which was published by lunch. “Oh good lord, I sincerely hope not,” accept this award on their behalf.” The Spectator. he said. Of The Times Saturday edition, Silverton The judges said of Goslett’s work: “The thought of a well-behaved press told the audience: “In a field crowded “In taking on Kids Company and its tiptoeing daintily in the park for fear of with excellent writing and comprehensive two prominent mouthpieces, Camilla treading on the pretty flowers in so many coverage of everything from politics to sport Batmanghelidjh and Alan Yentob, Miles illicit beds gives this regulator cold gruel and finance to lifestyle, the judges thought Goslett was effectively tackling much indeed”, said Sir Alan, a former Lord Justice the winner’s roster of suburb columnists of the British establishment. This was a of Appeal and Court of Appeal judge, who gave the edge over weekend competitors.” charity beloved by so many in positions of became IPSO’s first chair in 2014. power, not least the Prime Minister’s wife And a thinly-disguised dig at IMPRESS, Breathtaking scoop and some fairly powerful BBC top brass, the self-appointed charity claiming to rival The awards winners were announced by so doggedness - and accuracy - were to be IPSO which was set up with the backing category, starting with Business Journalist crucial.” of the majority of UK newspapers, he of the year, which was taken by Sky’s Mark The Edgar Wallace Trophy, in honour announced a new category of award – for Kleinman. of one of Fleet Street’s most famous Regulator of the Year – with IPSO coming Silverton told the audience: “Sometimes journalists, was awarded to David Cohen, second, but “highly commended”. called ‘the scourge of the City’, Sky campaigns editor and chief feature writer of “The winner is IMPRESS – what regulator Business Editor Kleinman breaks news like the London Evening Standard. could hope to rise to the eminence of no other broadcaster on a regular basis and Chairman of the judges, Bill Hagerty, a regulator of the Ferret and the Bit of surprises his competitors with his ability to said: “There was no argument this year Stone….where few if any complain and dig out stories many City people wish he when the panel debated whose name where those worthy blogs do what you all wouldn’t.” should be added to previous inductees of ought to learn to do…behave yourselves. Print Journalist of the Year, was won by one of journalism’s most exclusive clubs. What fun it must be a theoretical regulator. the Political Editor of the Mail on Sunday, The career to date of David Cohen made The triumph of theory over practice needs Simon Walters. him the outstanding candidate, one whose does it not our admiration,” said Sir Alan.

10 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition Whicker’s World Foundation Awards

he finalists for the inaugural The Truth About Aids – Reporter / In addition the Awards Committee will Whicker’s World Foundation Awards Presenter Norman Fowler. Producer also be granting award highly commended Thave been announced. Smita Patel/Editor Hugh Levinson prizes of £250 each to two applicants. The awards were set up in memory of for BBC World Service. In 1987, as The first is Eve Conlon from Tyneside, legendary broadcaster Alan Whicker and Health Secretary in Margaret Thatcher’s UK for “Student Gamblers”- where Eve have attracted entries from across the globe. government, Norman Fowler united investigates just how bad the rising problem Finalists have been whittled down to five forces with Chief medical Officer Sir of student gambling from secondary school entries in each of three different sections: Donald Acheson to create a leaflet to university has become.” The second was the Funding Award, Veteran’s Award and called Don’t Die of Ignorance. Every UK Joel Carnegie from Geelong in Australia Audio Award. household received a copy explaining, in for “From Music into Silence”; the story The top prize is the Funding Award of unusually frank detail for the time, exactly of Australia’s only fully-qualified music- £80,000 which will be awarded to emerging how HIV is spread. Thirty years on Lord thanatologist, who uses his love of the harp talent (under 30 year’s old) who are looking Fowler travels the UK, US, Australia to ease the suffering of the terminally ill. to make their first full-length documentary. and Russia to compare experiences These short reports exemplified sensibility, The five finalists, who will be pitching and find out how far prejudice is still promise and commitment. their ideas at Sheffield Doc/Fest in June, hampering effective policies for AIDS proposed stories from Burma, South Sudan, prevention. In the submitted extract he The Funding Award the Amazon, the USA and Syria. engages with drug addicts on the streets The judges were excited by the number The winners in all three categories will and congressmen in the White House, and the variety of strong stories being be announced at the Award’s Night at The dodging unwanted attention from local proposed from across 5 continents. The full Crucible, Sheffield, also on 14th June. police along the way. proposals will not be published at this stage Founder of the Whicker’s World to safeguard the applicant’s work. Foundation, Valerie Kleeman, Audio Awards photographer, programme consultant and After much soul searching the five Burma’s Lost Royals - Alex Bescoby’s Whicker’s partner for more than 40 years, finalists of Audio Awards were felt by the story centres around a forgotten said: “Alan’s wish was that the Foundation judges to be those that best exemplified monarchy and an intriguing quest that should provide a platform for young the criteria – to coax the human spirit into threatens to tear a family apart. documentary makers. He would be amazed revealing itself, tell us something new and and delighted by so much of what we have unexpected about the world and excite Inga of The Amazon – Jennifer Chui on seen. We looked for surprise and originality wonder. They are: - the trail of a tiny plan with very big ideas. and have not been disappointed- the sheer variety of entries has been overwhelming. Lore’s Story: recorded and presented by Americaville – Adam James Smith on the The spirit of Whicker’s World is alive and Lore Windemuth-Wolfson and Produced pursuit of Life Liberty and the Pursuit flourishing in the most unexpected and by Elizabeth Burke for BBC Radio 4. of Happiness in a Chinese replica of an inaccessible places.” American town, right down to lessons in The Dhammazedi Bell: produced by cooking with Jello. The finalists in detail: Francesca Pancetta for BBC Radio 3. Mukesh – Ricky Norris on the powerful, The Veteran’s Award Shoah in Jerusalem: written and high ranking UN whistleblower who The £4,000 winner of the award for presented by Jonathan Freedland and tried to stop genocide in South Sudan. veteran first-timers over the age of 50 will produced by Sarah Peters. The editor was be a contest between Keith Hoult, a former Iain Chambers for BBC Radio 4. Lessons from My Father – When Safwon IT manager from Witney, and Norman Suleyman’s estranged father, a Syrian Fowler, the former Conservative cabinet Little Volcanoes: recorded, written exile in Turkey, tells his son he is “on minister turned cub reporter at the age of and produced by Catherine Fitzgerald, a personal Jihad to rebuild the Syrian 77. sound mix by Matt Thompson and Mike human being” Safron is at a loss to what a Woolley. A Sky Arts online commission. 60 year old former factory owner can do, Fluechtlinge – Refugee Keith Earnest Made in the UK. but as the father’s free school starts to rise Hoult, a fan of Alan Whicker’s ‘gentle from nothing Safwon is drawn in. approach’ to interviewing was inspired Johnny O: The Pirate’s Story: recorded to create a ten-minute film about Syrians written and produced by Lu Olkowski About Whicker’s World Foundation seeking refuge in a disused airport used edited by Sean Cole, Samara Freemark, Last June the Whicker’s World Foundation, for the Berlin Airlift. When he witnessed Amanda Aronczyk and Brendan whose principal aim is to give a much his friend’s wife Caroline trying to help Baker who also did the sound design. needed fillip to authored documentary refugees against a growing backlash Recorded in the US, funded by KCRW storytelling in the UK, launched three he ‘felt the urge to film it if only for her and broadcast in Australia on RN Radio new documentary awards worth a total of family to reflect on later in life’. Keith Tonic, part of the Australian Broadcast £100,000 for the promotion of curiosity in learnt his film-making skills at the SAE Company. programme making, generously funded Institute after redundancy and divorce by a legacy left by the celebrated broadcast turned his life upside-down. Judges were All finalists will receive Hindenburg journalist Alan Whicker, who died in 2013. impressed that he made this entirely self- editing software. The winner of the £4,000 funded film as ‘a simple tale of ordinary first prize and the £1,000 runner’s up award The deadline for entries closed on February people helping other ordinary people at will be announced at Sheffield Doc/Fest on 14 and the next round opens on June 15. their time of most desperate need’. 14 June. Details at whickersworldfoundation.com

11 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition Halting the stampede By Walter M. Leaf n the last issue of The Journal, than emotion, although he can certainly be fight on several fronts, including terrorism; under the heading “Stampeding the emotional when he reminds his audience of organised Palestinian riots; a UN rather IEstablishment”, Steve Nimmons the truth. Which includes such facts that it is different from what its idealistic founders contributes his views on the 2015 Israeli not Israel that has deserted the peace table. generations ago envisaged and where, in spite elections. Unfortunately, Steve does not like Abbas walked away from it for almost a of horrific wars and oppression worldwide, the results. Having visited and commented year, rather than listen to both sides, and still the majority of hostile resolutions (backed on Israel for over half-a-century, however, refuses to negotiate, even though Israel (which by its Islamic core) incredibly slam the only and being still involved in that work, I’d is menaced by sworn enemies all around and democracy in a region stretching thousands of like, for the sake of awareness and fairness, has had to endure repeated invasions, hi-jacks, miles – Israel. to add something to the other scale pan. suicide bombings, infiltrations by individual First, let me remind readers of what Steve murderers of families in their homes or when Boycott said. If his views are correct, Binyamin travelling, and unending threats) has already Let us not be too ready to think we are above Netanyahu, Israel’s second-longest (and, of yielded territory in exchange for peace all that. There’s not only the largely hostile course, democratically elected) prime minister, with Egypt and Jordan. It now exists on a media. There is also the boycott movement can accurately be described in the following recognised area amounting to a mere 18% of against Israeli products and projects in our terms: “wily,” guilty of electoral “follies,” its ancient land, as legally re-allocated totally country, even though we actually owe that tiny and of a “U-turn on the 2-state solution” by the Balfour Declaration and the League of state better treatment. It is a strong supporter with the Palestinians, in addition to “clumsy Nations. and importer of British visible and invisible utterances,” and “posturing.” We are also told Perhaps the best way to understand Bibi exports. While our TV sets and computers that “seasoned pundits with greater acuity” is via his book, “Fighting Terrorism”. It was embody revolutionary components, born in realised that Netanyahu was “in the death- written twenty years ago, just before he was Israeli brains and laboratories, to transform grip” of “political desperation, inaccurate first elected Premier. I’ve read many bulky our communications, and our hospitals polling information and self-doubt” and “in books on that subject. But this succinct and surgeries rely on remedial advances many ways” had “lost control.” volume, in a bare 150 pages, tells you all. It discovered by Israeli minds and methods. Death grip? How astonishing, then, that – deals masterfully with terrorism against And the barren Third World benefits from when the votes were counted – Netanyahu many countries, including his own, and is as innovative agricultural procedures first had triumphed again. relevant today as when he wrote it. He had, employed by Israelis to make “the desert A clue to how Steve came to be so off-the- after all, first-hand knowledge of enemy bloom like the rose,” as the Bible puts it. mark comes when he tells us that for “days action, in his own family. He himself was Meantime, steadily nuclearizing Iran (with and weeks after the election” he spoke about wounded in warfare, defending his country, eased sanctions) continues to promise Israel’s it to several members of the UK Labour party. and he suffered unutterable grief when his death. They shared his disappointment at the failure elder brother led that heroic rescue flight to All this helps to show why I believe of the “left-wing Zionist Union under Isaac Kenya, to save the crowd of Jewish visitors Israel deserves a fairer glance and better Herzog” and “Britain under Ed Miliband.” that dictator Idi Amin had seized and was understanding. Israelis remain cheerful – Perhaps, if he had also spoken to other parts holding prisoner. As the world held its breath, despite irrational international enmities, like of the electoral spectrum, in both Britain and the plane landed, the guards were overcome, the non co-operation launched by hundreds Israel, his forecasts might have been more the Israeli prisoners freed and the plane of British university lecturers and the Islamic authentic and his disappointments less acute. took off for Israel. There was only one Israeli harassing of Jewish student-groups. Happily, My interest in Steve’s piece arises because casualty: Bibi’s brother sadly died leading the the Council of Christians and Jews and many I first knew Bibi Netanyahu when I was operation. other unprejudiced bodies – and people – reporting from New York City. To say I These days, Israel’s Prime Minister has to safeguard our morality. don’t recognise him from Steve’s assessment would be an understatement, although many would agree that all politicians change their minds when circumstances alter. Don’t we George Alagiah wins Charles Wheeler Award all? He was just coming to the end of his term as Israel’s representative at the United BC reporter and news presenter two major books, A Passage to Africa (Little, Nations, where he made his name as a brilliant George Alagiah has been named Brown, 2001) and A Home from Home defender before a difficult audience. It is not Bwinner of this year’s prestigious (Abacus, 2006). easy for the world’s only Jewish country to Charles Wheeler Award for Outstanding The Charles Wheeler Award, a get a favourable hearing in an organisation Contribution to Broadcast Journalism. The collaboration between British Journalism of 123 countries, of which 22 are members of Award is made each year in honour of one of Review and the University of Westminster, the Arab League and 57 in all belong to the the BBC’s most celebrated correspondents, started in 2009 when the inaugural winner Organisation of Islamic States! the late Sir Charles Wheeler. was Jeremy Paxman. George Alagiah joined the BBC in 1989 It is presented each year by Sir Charles’ Enemies all around and became one of its leading foreign widow Lady Wheeler, accompanied by the Yet, although most of the delegates correspondents, reporting on conflicts Wheeler family. representing Muslim-controlled lands and human tragedies from India, Brazil, The annual award ceremony is hosted by invariably walked out whenever Israel’s Rwanda, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, the University of Westminster and will take delegate was allowed to speak, you’d see South Africa, Kosovo and several other place this year on June 14 at the University’s many of them huddled around the TV countries. He has reported for feature newly restored Regent Street Cinema. monitors in the corridors, hanging on every length documentaries and current affairs Presentation of the Award will be followed word. That could be because, unlike many of programmes, and currently presents the by a keynote speech from distinguished his critics, he does not harangue or holler. He country’s most highly viewed TV bulletin, playwright and former journalist Sir Tom speaks quietly and relies on evidence more the BBC Six O’Clock News. He has written Stoppard.

12 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition

The Chinese Magus trek – silently surviving what seems like BOOKSHELF By Richard Yeo, Top Hat Books, 310 an impossible expedition. We also meet pages, paperback, £11.99. villagers, nomads, Roman soldiers, and man of Baker Street (and for Tim Symonds) ISBN 978-1-78535-239-3 even a brutal tax-collector – supported by authenticity – and a withering observation a brigade of soldiers – who, on the from Holmes – is everything… n ancient China, return journey, fails to recognise “I awoke next morning to find Holmes IGovernor Xiang Li the once immaculately-dressed changing into the Commander’s uniform contemplates his realm, administrator and ruler. Richard and pulling on his boots. I flung myself into his administration, Yeo provides a very satisfying twist, the Surgeon Lieutenant’s dress uniform… his philosophy – to this and many other episodes – A porter unloaded our luggage and placed and the heavens. as Xiang Li, now changed by his it alongside us in a cab to the harbour. An astronomer, he experience at Bethlehem, sets many Holmes murmured, ‘Watson, I understand regularly escapes from wheels in motion around him. old Army habits die hard but if you are to day-to-day cares via With a clear, beautiful style and pass as a naval officer you must rid yourself an “inner kingdom” shaping of an unusual story of far- of the custom of placing a handkerchief – a rose-scented, off lands and ancient times, Richard in your sleeve. It might well be remarked turret enclave in semi- Yeo’s Chinese Magus is one of the upon by the crew.’” darkness at the end of a best, most intriguing new works to Once in the near-Orient, our heroes are long, spiral staircase. A have appeared on our bookshelves surrounded by the sights and sounds of servant, Kwon Ru, has for a considerable time. this exotic, yet sinister land – and full marks placed food and drink Stuart Millson to the author for his love of scenery and before him, but Xiang Li’s gaze wanders landscape-painting: beyond this earth: “… I looked out of the carriage at the “Putting such thoughts out of his mind he passing sights. Small, clean-eared Arabian moved to the work table where Ru had set in Sherlock Holmes and horses plunged their faces into great deep order his charts of the star mansions. Soon basins, lustily lapping the water. Rows of he was deeply absorbed… Xian Li checked The Sword of Osman fruit-shops offered apricots, cherries and measurements and angles on the charts and By Tim Symonds, MX Publishing, plums from large baskets… A Cypress tree compared them with the position of the 230pp, £8.99, paperback. in the courtyard of a mosque and a stand of Moon in the Mansions. White Tiger of the ISBN 978-1-78092-755-8 Oriental Plane…” East, he thought. The Mansion of Autumn. Having laid out the stage, Tim Symonds He rather thought that the anomaly which he Magus-like figure steers our detective from the had first caught his attention earlier in Tof Sherlock Holmes – dusty streets to the Sultan’s palace the year was somewhere between the the inscrutable detective, – which seems like a vision from Mansion’s ‘Stomach’ and ‘Hairy Head’”… almost superhuman an Arabian fairytale. Despite his The strange presence in the night sky – in his intellect and power, the ruler fears conspiracy “the anomaly” – is a mysterious star in the asceticism – has caught and overthrow from every corner western sky, which draws Xiang Li away the imagination of and shadow, especially as the from his home, his work and his wife – writers, dramatists, film- unique and priceless Sword of beckoning him on a pilgrimage across the makers, and a worldwide Osman – “only one swordsmith Steppes, the Torugot Pass, the Tien Shan readership. The London [says Holmes] on God’s good Mountains, and the Bactrian Plateau to fogs of the Victorian- earth could wield hammer and Samarkand; and from Samarkand, on to Edwardian era, the tongs to fashion so beautiful a the lands of the Middle-Eastern Roman bizarre mysteries which blade” – has disappeared, to be Empire, and to a humble stable at a remote they conceal, Holmes’s replaced by a fake. place near Jerusalem – Bethlehem. extraordinary ability to But who could have struck such The author of this remarkable novel see beyond the range and a blow? As Holmes observes to is Richard Yeo, a former Royal Naval vision of mere mortals – all the bewildered Sultan: “You are officer who has now turned to the genre provide an unending source of inspiration. the best-guarded sovereign in the world. of the historical novel – or perhaps a new It is as if we cannot leave this world: as if High walls surround you. Every inch of this invention: the historical novel that unites each tale of Holmes and his assistant, Dr. vast palace is under supervision… The only past events with a thirst for the esoteric – Watson, is never enough. Thankfully, passage of entry to the sword was through for the mysteries and epiphanies of life. writer and Institute member Tim Symonds two consecutive pairs of doors, one of brass The Chinese Magus is the story of one is on hand to ensure that the casebook of and one of iron… Each night the keys are man’s quest; his response to the irresistible the great detective continues. handed to the Chief Black Eunuch. Given pull of the mysterious star that heralds the Re-imagining Holmes is a great art, and the Head Gardener’s extra two thousand birth of Christ; his journeying through the it must be said that Tim Symonds has, in pairs of eyes, it’s impossible for an outsider snowstorms and emptiness of vast trackless his latest work – The Sword of Osman – to remove the sword.” lands – the caravan procession in which he taken the formula to new levels and to a And so, take your seat for a superb travels dwindling with each great obstacle new geography entirely. We are just eight mystery, which goes to the very heart of or tempest. years away from the outbreak of the Great the Sultan’s realm: the appearance of a Many characters accompany Xiang’s story, War, and Holmes finds himself on a foreign mysterious nocturnal apparition, with not least the brutal, fearless Dorba Tembay mission, on the very edge of Europe and flames flickering from its body; deadly whose job it is to lead the party through Asia; solving a murderous conspiracy upon poisons and secret messages; suspicion and the dangerous mountain route – and the which the stability of the tottering Ottoman suspects on all sides, as Holmes, gloriously manipulative Eunuch Ping, who would Empire of Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid depends. revived by Tim Symonds, undertakes dearly love his master never to return. But To evade detection themselves, Holmes one of his most audacious searches and always at Xiang’s side is his female servant, and Watson arrive in Asia-Minor disguised missions to date. Te Zhu, who endures the privations of the in Royal Naval uniforms, but for the great Stuart Millson

13 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition

OBITUARIES John Hosken Veteran Broadcaster – and long- standing Institute member - John Hosken has died, aged 79.

nstitute stalwart John Hosken, who has died after a short illness, was a man of Imany talents and many voices! For many years he was BBC Radio’s Industrial Correspondent, during an era of strikes and mass pickets, but he was also known for his role as a commentator for State Occasions, as a successful children’s author and as a regular stand-in for Jimmy Young during the 1980s. Gillian and John Hosken John, christened Clifford after his father, but always called by his second name, was short stint as Science Correspondent before 1983, in recognition of his commentaries, immensely pound of being Cornish and applying for the post of Radio Industrial the Lord Mayor granted him the Freedom of his time at Truro School, where he was Correspondent. During a time of serious of the City of London. a scholarship boy. His burning ambition industrial unrest, he forged close contacts John went on to commentate on State was to be a journalist, and he joined the with leading union figures like Joe Gormley Opening of Parliament, the wedding of the West Briton soon after he left school. He of the NUM and Ray Buckton of the train- Prince of Wales to Diana and the Service served two years National Service with drivers union ASLEF. of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. It may the RAF, where his training as a shorthand Later, he would entertain colleagues in be that growing up with his mother, who typist stood him in good stead, achieving the BBC Club with his impersonations of was blind, gave him a particular gift for an impressive speed at shorthand. During Joe Gormley and TUC leader Vic Feather. painting a picture of events, and John’s his time with the service, he developed a In fact, John had a particular talents for gentle Cornish lilt unquestionably added to passion for running daily, becoming the “doing voices” – his repertoire included Sir the colour of the events he described. RAF’s Coastal Command Champion. Winston Churchill, WC Fields and ASTMS When he left the BBC Staff in 1988, a After National Service he returned to West leader, Clive Jenkins. I recall especially, successful freelance career beckoned, Briton, where he developed his own weekly his Vic Feather, which was so good that, making many documentaries for BBC column, “Onlooker”. His editor suggested apparently, Vic’s son asked John to do if World Service. For Radio 2, he travelled to he move to the Western Morning News in for him after Vic - TUC General Secretary Mexico and the US to make a programme Plymouth where he became one of the team until 1973 - had died. called “Cousin Jack”, relating the story of of court reporters, and achieved his first- John’s three children Petrie, James and how many Cornish travelled world-wide ever byline when, in 1961, just before the Andrew, remained with mother Lin when when Cornwall’s tin-mining industry opening of the Tamar suspension bridge she and John divorced and he moved to collapsed. For that story and many other between Plymouth and Saltash he walked London in 1970, but he ensured that the articles on Cornwall, John was invited to across the river, braving the rudimentary children spent regular weekends with him, become a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh plank pathway between the suspension whenever the BBC hadn’t called him out to – which celebrates Cornish culture and cables, swaying alarmingly above the water! cover a story! traditions. John was keen to join the world of national John was a multi-talented broadcaster newspapers and was having been told by Memorable trips with a skill for getting to the heart of the editor of the Daily Herald in Manchester, In May 1978, John married Gillian, a the story and of the individuals he to “drop in if he was ever passing” he took producer with BBC World Service, whom interviewed. He was a loyal member of the train to Manchester, where he was sent he met and got to know when they first the Institute’s Broadcasting Division since for a day’s trial on the Manchester Evening worked together, and would meet for a the mid-seventies and regularly attended news. He got the front-page splash! A job drink at the BBC Club. They were to spend our meetings at the Horse and Groom in with the Daily Herald soon followed and 38 years together. Fitzrovia. he moved to Manchester with his first-wife John had moved on from Industry to I feel privileged to have known him Lin, where, later, Petrie and James were become the BBC’s Aviation, Transport and enjoyed his company. I recall with born. and Local Government Correspondent. particular pleasure the copy of his first From the Herald, he joined the BBC in At that time, airlines used to invite air book, Meet Mr Majimpsy, which he gave Manchester as presenter of the weekday correspondents and their wives to travel me when it was first published – and which, evening programme Voice of the North. with them when they launched new routes, subsequently, I passed on to my son. Additionally, he became part of the team and the couple had some memorable John was an old-school journalist and a working for Don Mosey’s Saturday sports trips. John also travelled and reported on true gentleman; I know he will be greatly programme. He was recruited as an Concorde regularly. missed by all whose lives he touched. interviewer for a variety of London-based After his stints presenting the Jimmy He is survived by his wife Gillian and programmes – World at One, Woman’s Young show, John was also asked to present three children. House and Radio 2’s Late Night Extra. He his own show, Late Night Friday, on Radio also appeared on television’s Look North. 2. When John joined the broadcast team for Paul Leighton, Chairman, Broadcasting Subsequently, John joined BBC Radio State Occasions, his first commentary was Division. in London as a reporter, where he had a on the Lord Mayor’s Banquet, and later, in

14 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition Lord Montagu VIEWPOINT of Beaulieu THE COST OF CARE (1926-2015) By Dr Lin Berwick MBE Dr Lin Berwick he time bomb of the issue of the cost MBE is a qualified of social care is about to explode – psychotherapeutic and, what is more, this government counsellor, T homoeopath, has no realistic idea of how it is going to be funded. a member of the Chartered It is as though they are just sticking their Institute of finger in the wind to see which way the Journalists, a wind is blowing. The wind is blowing quite lecturer and writer fiercely for change, and it will happen, not on disability simply because the government is aware matters and a contributor to dward John Barrington Douglas that it must put more funding into social TV and radio Scott-Montagu, 3rd Baron care, but because the minimum wage programmes on related issues. Montagu of Beaulieu, was a legislation has focused the real issue on In 1994 she was named by RADAR as one of their E “People of the Year”. She was awarded an MBE in longstanding member of the Chartered the level of funding that social services will Institute of Journalists and was our need to meet their obligations. the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to people with disabilities in 2003. Honorary “Millennium President” in The Health and Social Care Information Lin is blind, has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair the year 2000. He was perhaps best Centre, the think-tank for health and social user. She requires 24-hour care. She founded The known in recent years for his tireless care statistics state that some 654,930 people Lin Berwick Trust in 1989 with her husband, championing of British tourism and (2013/2014) receive care in their own homes, Ralph Boyce, because of their personal frustration for the success of the National Motor a further 228,000 are self funding, however at the lack of suitable holiday accommodation for people with disabilities. Lin is President of the Museum which he founded, based these figures of a total of 883,000, pale into Trust and a member of the Board of Trustees - on his own collection of vintage and insignificance when one realises how the www.thelinberwicktrust.org.uk. classic cars, and which to this day is bill will need to increase to meet required Lin has written several books about her life housed at his country estate, Beaulieu, levels of care. including Undefeated and Inner Vision. Her in Hampshire. latest book entitled God’s Rich Pattern was published in 2012. Montagu was in many ways an Catastrophic archetypal English Tory of his For example, someone requiring 24 hour generation – Eton, Oxford and the full time live in care, who has previously the moment, no-one seems to have any idea Guards – but his career was marred engaged carers on a self employed basis, where the extra funding is coming from. early on by high jinks at the Bullingdon perhaps paying a much lower rate for night- Up to now all we have heard about is cuts, Club (seemingly more acceptable now time attendance, now has an obligation to these cuts have jeopardised social care to than in Montagu’s day!) which led to employ those carers on a PAYE basis, and the extent that for some people, they are his leaving university in his second therefore has to meet the new minimum receiving as little as half an hour a day, in year, and allegations of homosexuality wage for the whole 24 hour period. On reality, not enough time for that person to (in those days still a criminal matter) this basis the weekly care bill would come go the toilet and wash their hands. More and several high-profile court cases in to £1209.60 excluding national insurance and more, hours of care are being cut and which he faced the same charges as contribution, holiday pay of four weeks, the level of personal funding required Oscar Wilde more than half a century statutory sick pay or maternity leave. is increasing to almost £20 an hour with earlier. (The story of the witch-hunt The knock-on for social services and VAT. Where is the humanity in all of this? against Montagu was the subject of individual carers is catastrophic, because it People are much more than a feeding and the 2008 Channel Four documentary A is putting social care provision further and toileting machine, they would wish to have Very British Sex Scandal.) further out of reach, and we are heading on some social interaction and socialisation, Notwithstanding these blots on his a collision course of momentous proportion. and really feel valued by those who care character he continued collecting, It is highly unlikely that any one family for them, rather than feeling that they are conserving, writing and promoting, could meet this kind of expenditure unless nothing more than a nuisance. and became highly regarded as an they were reasonably wealthy to start with. People cannot always do things at ambassador for Britain’s heritage breakneck speed, if you are dealing with industry and tourism. He served as Emotional tension people who have disability or dementia; Chairman of the Historic Houses The true cost of all this is not just about you have to go at their speed, not yours. Association in the 1970s and then financial expenditure, it is more to do with There are many personal issues that of English Heritage in the following the emotional tension and pressure that this people are fearful of every day of their lives, decade, and when the Blair government kind of issue puts a disabled person under. what they need is a sense of quietness, “reformed” the House of Lords in 1999 In the past there were many more local rather than constant anxiety about what is he ended up as one of the 92 Hereditary authority residential care establishments, going to happen to them. Peers who stayed in Parliament after now, sadly the vast majority have been sold David Cameron, of all people, knows being elected to remain there by their off to comply with “care in the community”. what it is like to be on the end of caring, fellow Peers. This so-called care in the community is his own son, Ivan was profoundly disabled, Edward Montagu was a well-liked becoming non-existent. with Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy, and many and respected figure in both Parliament What I wish to know is; what are Mr other medical issues. He knows at first hand, and the media, and was a popular Cameron and Mr Crabb going to do about the level of worry that people experience on choice as our Institute’s Honorary it. It is evident that more money must be a day to day basis, yet he sits back and only President in 2000. found for Social Services up and down the talks about cuts in services, when what is Andy Smith (CIoJ President 2001-3) country, to meet their obligations, and at desperately needed is increase.

15 The Journal - Spring/Summer 2016 edition It’s that referendum thing By Roger Bush the present still around, and Marr didn’t Home Secretary (so he got that wrong) ome two years ago Andrew Marr hesitate to use them alongside his fictional called Olivia Kite (waving a flag, or flying was at work on his first novel. Since characters. The Government of the day a kite?), operating from a country house in Sit deals with a crucial referendum (Conservative) is supporting a ‘Yes’ vote Essex. The conspiracy involves concealing on British membership of the European in the Referendum – so he got that right. the awkwardly timed death of the Prime Union, it’s worth a second look just now. It is led by one Bill Stevenson (William Minister less than a week before Referendum When it was published, in the autumn and Stevenson are the author’s middle two Day (one hopes, for David Cameron’s sake, of 2014, Head of State had a rather mixed names). Germany’s Chancellor is now a that he got that one wrong too). Most of its reception. Part of what follows is recycled man – David McAllister (these Scots creep levers are pulled by Professional Logistical from a review I wrote at the time, but what in everywhere!), the US President is now a Services, a secretive group of influential is more interesting now is the detailed woman (guess who?) and Nicolas Sarkozy figures rather resembling a domestic Club description of what went on in the run-up has returned as President of France. David of Rome. Much of the action takes place in to the Referendum. Cameron and Boris Johnson have somehow 10 Downing Street, which Marr carefully “People of the same trade seldom meet wandered off-stage, the latter after “a short- researched to provide accuracy of detail. together, even for merriment and diversion, lived administration”. So, surprisingly, Some of this I found surprising, having been but the conversation ends in a conspiracy has Nigel Farage, referred to only in an concerned with a book about the place back against the public” wrote Adam Smith in aside as “the insurgent UKIP leader”. And in the 1970s. I don’t remember a “narrow Wealth of Nations. A note at the front of the country now has a King, not named brick Tudor corridor connecting No.10 to Head of State tells us that its author had but again recognisable, his private study the Cabinet Office”, though I know some long wanted to write a political satire. So, “filled with the King’s own watercolours remnants of Whitehall Palace were found in when his agent arranged a meeting with of Scotland, India and Windsor”. As you the 1960s when the house was given a two- Lord Chadlington, who supplied him with can gather from the above, Marr indulged bay eastern extension. But the claim that a plot involving a daring conspiracy at the in some gentle mockery. One of the key Downing Street was effectively rebuilt from heart of Government, he grabbed at the figures in the conspiracy is Nelson Fraser - a the ground up at that time is surely wrong. opportunity. As you might expect, the plot reversal of the name of the current Editor of Only No.12 at the western end of the street idea from the former head of Shandwick The Spectator – while the Editor of the New was pulled down and replaced. included some intricate manipulation of Statesman appears only as car, and a “slick, Extracts from the National Courier the media, allowing Marr to combine his tinny and noisy” one at that. (The Times retitled?) bracket the novel’s knowledge of politics and journalism. fourteen chapters. The first, dated June 22, The action takes place in September 2017, Deeply divided 2017 (a year less a day from the date of our so Marr was more than a year out in his The Government is deeply divided over upcoming Referendum) covers the PM’s fantasy forecast. Of course, with anything the Referendum – so he got that right too. announcement of his September date; the set in the near future, there are always But the “No to Europe – Democracy First” second, dated 10 October 2017 describes going to be some recognisable figures of campaign is led by a formidable former the previous day’s memorial service in Westminster for the departed Prime Minister (curiously, attended by “the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge” who would hardly be known by those titles after the accession of the Duke’s father!). A rather Online Law for Journalists more serious error was the title of the novel By Cleland Thom itself. I know that many journalists, even Online journalism involves legal risks. But this those concerned with politics, confuse the Head of State with the Head of Government, book will help you avoid the pitfalls. but it was not something one would have It looks at publishing channels such as Twitter, expected of Andrew Marr. As a novel it’s all a bit of a mish-mash. Facebook, Instagram and websites, and includes There are dozens of walk-on parts, both sections on: real and fictional, and the narrative is frequently interrupted by flashbacks (a bid to sell film rights here?). It just about works, * Online archives but Marr is so good at so many things that * Message boards perhaps he should have left novel-writing to others. Illustration too, to judge by the * Security and privacy book’s endpaper drawings. But “a political * Safe digital practice * Copyright entertainment”, as Lord Chadlington refers to it in his Foreword, it certainly was. * The right to be forgotten * Online archives So what about the big question? Which * Online abuse * Dangers with links view triumphed in the Referendum? I can’t be accused of a spoiler so long after * Computer misuse * Copyright, defamation publication, so you may as well know that * Use of drones * contempt of court the ‘No’ campaign won. Bets had been placed – are they being placed right now? – and some parties did very well out of The book can be purchased on AMAZON - http://amzn.to/1T1g2Ti the result. By mid-summer we shall know whether Andrew Marr got that one right.

16