France is yet again in turmoil after last week's vote by a fractious National Assembly to reject an important part of next year's budget. And the country is now in economic recession. Leading analyst Gerald Olivier reckons there can be no credible plan for a way out, so long as there can be no proper government without an effective majority. And yet, when Emmanuel Macron became … [Read more...] about Les enfants de la patrie – but the enduring trap of populism is not unique to France
Who owns the news?
Remember A Very British Coup? Chris Mullin’s tale of how the Press and Establishment combined to bring down a Labour government highlighted the UK media’s default preference for the Tories. And over the years the political and reputational damage caused by this bias has stacked up. Yet Labour’s election manifesto fails to address this crucial handicap, despite the obvious … [Read more...] about Who owns the news?
Is the BBC helping British democracy?
“Right wing Tories all agree It’s time to sell the BBC But seeing what the Beeb will do, Unprivatised, There’s no occasion to!” The Beeb is a perpetual Aunt Sally. One person’s considered opinion is another’s blatant bias, and for almost a century, its broadcasting has consistently upset someone. Traditionally, the Corporation has claimed a position of neutrality in a … [Read more...] about Is the BBC helping British democracy?
Time to get real – or press the panic button?
Thanks be for the SNP conference in Glasgow. Someone has at last noticed the oncoming lights of the Brexit express, and the Nats have now (pretty well) committed to a People’s Vote.Unnaturally, the European debate in Scotland has been eerily quiet as we shuffle towards the exit. The watchdog has not barked in the night.But while the Scottish commentariat may have been … [Read more...] about Time to get real – or press the panic button?
A leur façon: the French and pop music
Pop music from France gives as distinctive an insight into the French and their cultural exceptionalism as with any other art form.La chanson is as unique a fruit of the Gallic soil as wine and food. It’s even guaranteed legal protection, with national broadcasters obliged to play a 40% quota of French-only music.Cynics say the measure is not so much a pop-based … [Read more...] about A leur façon: the French and pop music