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Journalism Education: My Unfinished Business
Whenever people ask me why I left television news (a world which – I have to say – I loved) to run a J-School, I never give the real answer. Because the real answer is just the name of someone they (and you) probably won’t ever have heard of: Richard Wild.
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Why I will never be a Conservative
I suppose there are two periods of my father’s life. Before unemployment. And afterwards. My father was a timber salesman. He was a confident and popular community activist. He set up a scout troop – brought people together and organised things. And then the boatyards abandoned their marine plywood for fibreglass and the reproduction furniture…
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The Trust Obsession
CNN bills itself as the most trusted name in news. Director-General Mark Thompson reckons public trust is the life-blood of the BBC. Politicians and TV presenters wail and tear their clothes in public at the public’s loss of trust in the media. “Woe is us,” wails the collective cry from the journalism profession, “they don’t…
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Reporting Terrorism
It’s nearly two years since I wandered away With the local battalion of the bold IRA, For I read of our heroes, and wanted the same To play out my part in the patriot game. I don’t mind a bit if I shoot down police They are lackeys for war never guardians of peace And…