The Today programme is broadcasting from Basra for the first time. Tony Blair visited Basra on the 29th May 2003. It’s a day that John Humphrys probably remembers — the day Andrew Gilligan had decided to offer up the report that brought BBC journalism into direct conflict with the Government.
Humphrys displayed his best and his worst that day. His worst? The eager flamming up of Gilligan’s report, which needed unpicking. His best? His brilliant dismemberment of Adam Ingram, then Armed Forces minister, over cluster-bombing. Here’s the transcript — it’s a lovely piece of interviewing.
JH: …You had told us we would not use cluster bombs in built-up areas , why did we do so?
AI: Well, I don’t, I don’t think if you examined what was said by Geoff Hoon, or indeed by the earlier statement by…
BOTH TOGETHER
JH: Baroness Crawley.
AI: Well, Baroness Crawley is not a defence spokesperson.
JH: Ah.
AI: She was answering a question er, on behalf of the…
(interjection)
JH: (interjects ) Of the government…
AI: On behalf of the government and of the Ministry of Defence.
JH: Quite so.
AI: In the House. But she’s not a defence spokesperson.
JH: I see.
AI: She’s not a Defence Minister.
JH: She was speaking for the government but she wasn’t speaking for the Defence Ministry.
AI: Well, no, that’s not the point I’m making John.
JH: Well I’ve lost you in that case.
Good interviewer, Greg Dyke probably wishes he was as tough on reporters.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great Post. Ill check out your blogs Daily on my arrival to the office. Keep it up
I’m not what could be described as a John Humphreys groupie – I find his hectoring interview style intensely annoying, and visualizing his self-satisfied smirk can put me off my breakfast….however, I have to say how brilliant I think his reports from Basra have been. It’s a long time since I’ve been impressed by ‘journalism’ of this sort – as opposed to the usual trite reporting. It’s great that the BBC have given him the space to put a personal view and to paint a picture of what it is really like to be in the army in Basra – or to be a civilian there for that matter. there’s been nothing sensational nothing truly remarkable just a sensible, measured description of what’s going on there.
It only reinforces my view that radio is the future of broadcast journalism not meretricious TV.
You’re right Mark, he’s also an excellent reporter. It’s a shame sometimes that success (and let’s be honest the desire for a family life) almost forces reporters into roles where they can’t do what they do best. Humphrys is actually lower key in the field. I’d love to think radio was the future…maybe if we relabelled it as ambient audio!
To Adrian Monck
I am an editor of a Christian resource which is including an article on John Humphrys’ book In God we doubt, which has been seen & approved by him. I am looking for a high resolution image of Humphrys at work and would like to use the one on this website – Basra Monday Oct 23 2006 – Please could you help with this or any other suitable image (see the website above). I need to know ASP. Thank you. Jane Dowell