Whenever there have been so called riots on the streets of the UK the media coverage has been overwhelming, yet for some reason if the protests don't turn violent, well we just don't hear a thing. Although similar criticisms can be made of all the mainstream media, from the newspapers to internet and television broadcasters I have decided to focus primarily on the BBC for the purpose of this post. After all the BBC is our 'unbiased national news network' and so if there was any news network that would be expected to show us what's happening in our own country, Im sure the BBC would be the one. Well, thats simply just not the case. More so than ever, since the growing number of regular protests in opposition to the ConDem governments fees and cuts, I have noticed the bias of our mainstream media. It appears that the majority, and in some situations ALL of the mainstream UK based media will simply not cover stories that in any way give attention to peaceful protesters and their cause.
Whilst the BBC covered in great detail (although in my opinion in a completely bias manner) some of the larger protests in London that have turned violent, most recently those in Parliament Square on the 9th of December, they have chosen to completely ignore similar protests about tuition fees that have taken place. On tuesday 14th December protesters in London once again took to the streets, although in far fewer numbers, as the House of Lords prepared to vote on the issue of tuition fees. Where were the news reports? Similarly protesters turned up at New Scotland Yard as part of a protest against recent acts of alleged police brutality and the Metropolitan Police's tactics of containment, known to most as 'Kettling'. The protest, although small, addressed an extremely important issue especially in light of the injuries suffered by Alfie Meadows following a blow to the head from a baton and the appalling treatment of Jody McIntyre, who was on two separate occasions (the second caught on film) dragged from his wheelchair by a police officer. Neither of these two protests appear to have received any media attention.
Yesterday protesters took to the streets across the country as part of a nationwide day of protests against the proposed cuts, no BBC reporters made it to any of these gatherings it seems.
The lack of media attention given to the protests across the nation raises some important questions. Firstly on the effectiveness of peaceful protests. Whilst in no way attempting to condone violence or rioting it appears that unless such tactics are used the media simply do not care enough to address the issues being raised by those gathering on our streets. At numerous times in the past few weeks I have heard those involved in acts of criminal damage or violence make statements along the lines of if we do not act this way we will not be heard, and whilst the government, police, press and even fellow protesters are quick to condemn such actions i believe there is certainly an element of truth to such statements. If peaceful protests are simply, just ignored, then what is the point in protesting?
Interestingly enough, whilst our own news networks failed to shed any light on the protests happening in our own country, if you were to switch over to Islamic Republic of Iran state funded Press TV on the 14th there was extensive coverage of the protests. Below I have just one photo from Press TVs website from Tuesday the 14th covering the protests. Please note the date on the left under the logo and news.
The second major question that comes to my mind is why have the BBC chosen to give no attention to the protesters, after all they are meant to be an impartial news broadcaster aren't they? Well it appears to me that the BBC are simply the voice of the state, and thus are not likely to address issues that may weaken or oppose the current coalition government in any way. Giving attention to the peaceful protesters and their message may generate more support for the cause, it is the BBC's role as well as that of most of the mainstream media to discredit the protesters and support the state.
Whilst discussing this issue yesterday on a social networking site, someone made a comment on my question of why the BBC had chosen not to cover the protest taking place across the country on that day and on the previous day, the 14th. This persons response for why there had been no coverage was:
"It just doesn't seem very news worthy really. The BBC has an obligation to report on things of interest."
A comment to which i could only reply ...
"And so thats why for the past hour they have been showing a harrier jet take off and land ... now thats interesting news ..."
Where did you get this press tv picture from? Very interesting.
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