Michael Grade is a hugely entertaining chap, but he’s also an inveterate peddler of BS*. The man who wants to restore trust occupies a role as a PLC executive chairman that flies in the face of accepted rules of corporate governance. Never mind – have a cigar – we trust you!
And the blame for the current crisis of trust, for which Michael is so convincing a spokesman? It lies squarely at the door of…young people.
Here’s what he told the Today programme:
We are in an age today where there has been a huge influx of young talent into the industry as it expands…
They have not been trained properly, they don’t understand that you do not lie to audiences at any time, in any show – whether it’s news or whether it’s a quiz show…
It’s desperately important that we restore trust and that the programme-makers get to understand – whether through hard lessons or through training or a combination of both – that you do not lie to audiences under any circumstances.
Trust is the one thing that the broadcasters have going into the digital world which gives us a huge advantage and we dilute that at our peril.
Trust, as I have said before, and will tell everyone again when I finish my book, is a canard.
But you have to love Michael, not only for the brass neck in pushing this line, but for also implying that it isn’t elderly, cigar-chomping execs who are to blame!
Self-serving and self-exonerating – now there’s a double!
*Broadcasting Standards, of course
2 responses to “How young people destroy trust in the media”
Am interested in hearing more about trust being a “canard.” I do think the older generation in news has contributed to the cynicism of the young by not understanding the many dimensions of trust. Insisting that one is always providing the truth does not do it, and creates a backlash when it becomes clear this is impossible. Denying that news material contains bias creates similar problems because the mere selection of a story and angle has an embeded bias. Transparency, willingness to admit mistakes, and willingness to admit bias are good behaviors to model if we want a less cynical, more honest youth. (Steve Boriss, The Future of News)
I must stop blogging and keep writing!