http://www.channelislandsforum.co.uk/island-chat/1600-quality-local-journalism.html
This posting is a straightforward lift from the Channel Islands Forum (http://www.channelislandsforum.co.uk/ ) and was written by “UserName”.
Posted at 9.54 a.m on Monday 24th January – and linked to this blog via comments – a number of my readers contacted me, in admiration of the article, but a little perturbed that they had to be registered on the original forum in order to post comments there. I was asked if I’d reproduce the work of the OP here.
The article is very perceptive and accurate; all Channel Islanders who want to gain some real insight into just how we are routinely manipulated should read it and share it with others.
As I’m very busy working on various legal matters, I haven’t yet had time to finish my next posting which will deal with the legal options available to survivors of Jersey’s child abuse disaster. But, until then, the article I reproduce below is more than enough food for thought.
Stuart.
THE QUALITY OF LOCAL JOURNALISM
By “UserName”
(First published on the Channel Island Forum, Monday, 24th January 2011.)
The local bloggers seem a bit upset about just how poor the local journalists are at investigating anything properly, so here's how it is for those who haven't fully realised:
'Follow The Money' is, as ever, key to understanding how it works.
Channel TV is a good place to start. This is a local franchise that exists purely to make money for the shareholders, like any other company. There is zero obligation to do anything useful or helpful for anyone other than those who stand to make a profit from it. If they could, they would happily just relay the programmes from ITV London in full, save for inserting local adverts - and rake in the cash. The only thing stopping that happy state of affairs is OFCOM regulation ensuring that a certain amount of News is produced.
So you own a local TV station money spinner and want to come up with a news programme? Much of it can be sport, which is dead easy to film and comment upon, nice and simple. The weather isn't going to be expensive to cover either, which just leaves the actual What's Happening Out There. Thankfully there is a vast pool of wannabe TV stars eager to appear on the screen as a stepping stone to fame and fortune in the UK and beyond, so it's easy enough to recruit these fresh faced pawns to go out and record local events, accidents, and hooray! - local politics is so easy! Simply stand in the Royal Square and point a camera at any local politician who wants to increase their profile to help their next election prospects!
There's no need to really question anything or probe into the real background to any story or issues, as they wouldn't want to ruffle any feathers. The main business of CTV is selling airtime. Adverts bring in the money. From successful businesses. Run by their fellow businessfolk. Who mix with them socially. A self perpetuating ruling class who stick together with no real loyalties but to their own bank balances, but who collectively act as The Establishment in effect, or The Oligarchy according to the bloggers - a term which is scoffed at in some quarters but if you fully appreciate how the island society hangs together, is entirely accurate whether you like it or not.
There is simply No Chance Whatsoever, and no motivation for, any attempt to cover political issues in any real depth or expose any wrongdoings by anyone in a position of power, on the whole. Unless someone somewhere has fallen out of favour, can be disposed of without comeback because they have no dirt on anyone else - then, in that case, they can really go to town on finishing them off. Then they can congratulate themselves on what great journalists they are. Maybe apply for an award.
The same applies to Channel 103fm radio. It's all about airtime, baby. The only reason they make any effort to be entertaining is to sell advertising space. It's Lowest Common Denominator stuff - no edgy music or variety; just inoffensive background muzak with some inane humour if they can find a mug DJ to supply some, keep the audience research listening figures high enough so that the sales team can go and sell airtime.
They also produce the bare minimum of local news to satisfy their licence conditions, with no wish to upset their customers - the business community. What, you thought the Audience were their customers?! Hell no, radio isn't a service for the listeners, the listeners are the PRODUCT - that enables the money to flow inwards and onwards to the shareholders.
The shareholders of a radio station are of course totally uninterested in radio. It's just a cash cow for them. When the licence for a local commercial station was first put out to tender, there were applications from groups who actually loved the whole concept of radio for what it was. Enthusiasts caught up in the glamour and excitement of music broadcasting to an appreciative audience. But, naturally, the local frequency was awarded to the applicants consisting of local oligarchs, conservative establishment politicians, and people who had already set up BBC Radio Jersey a decade earlier. Keep it in the family, you see?
Is the local press likely to be any different? No, of course not. Sell adverts, fill the rest of the pages with just enough easily found words and photos to keep the punters picking up each copy they print. And the mug punters love it! Over a hundred quid a year to buy a JEP every day they print one, killing a tree in the process. There's just enough reporting of local social events to engender some sense of 'bringing the community together' - or in other words establish a GroupThink effect to subtly brainwash the readers into all agreeing with the editors' outlook upon life. Perfect for those who don't want to think for themselves - they can just follow the herd as usual.
Journalism, what journalism? In a one horse race like Jersey's, there's no competitive need to beat the rivals to a scoop and gain more readers. In a large market the paper with the best stories wins for that day, keeping everyone on their toes. Journalists can actually do that journalist thing and go find real stories!
Competition works! (but the those in the game hate it, naturally - they'd much prefer an easy ride). In Jersey there is that easy ride, no competition, people simply subscribe to the JEP and pick it up each day regardless of what's in it! So the lazy reporters can simply cut and paste from the press releases handed to them on a plate. Bingo. Job done, no need to actually question anyone.
That's it for commercial journalism in Jersey. You either toe the line and keep the Ruling Class (the wealthy) happy if you want to remain in the island and employed, or out you go on the next boat or plane in the morning and try your luck in the Big Wide Real World instead.
Our only other source of paid journalism is from the BBC. Here the situation is different, because Following The Money leads us to a similar set of overpaid managers, but not to corporate shareholders - instead the whole setup is dedicated to continuing to rake in money from the captive audience of unwitting licence feepayers, keeping the BBC Charter going, keeping Auntie Beeb alive, keeping the employees together. Don't rock this boat, chaps, it's a wonderful gravy train alright!
In Jersey the BBC trick is to produce cheap radio (presenters are ego maniacs who love the sound of their own voices and would do it for nothing if they were honest enough to admit it) by playing safe and dull music to the over 50s if they can get away with it, and for speech content there's a never ending supply of people eager to appear on the air. "Did you hear me on the radio the other day?" - "Oooh, you were very good!" etc.
There's no danger of the wheels falling off this juggernaut. The whole thing is so well set up that they have staff who actually fall for the whole 'public service' line, hook, sinker, etc., because there is some element of that. But mainly it's about keeping going, stay employed, keep it safe and don't rock the boat. If any decent programmes happen to rise to the top, then some National Pride can come into play too! Yay!! Aren't we lucky to have the BBC and their quality programmes?!
As usual, what is actually talked about amongst the normal everyday people of the island is completely different to what appears on any of the 'accredited media' offerings. At any social gathering, the state of the island and its management is always slated completely. Politicians are loathed. The media is derided. Yet, there's no evidence of this to an outsider who can only see or hear what is printed or broadcasted. The new age of media website comments allows some small amount of real feedback, but the outsider will only see a sanitised version, where dissenting views are made out to look like rantings of lone disaffected whingers. Any stories that could be really controversial don't allow public comments!
We were brought up to pity the poor unfortunates in the Commie countries where the media was overtly controlled propaganda, and be thankful how free we were. Is it really so different here after all? There may not be a military government censor installed at each media outlet to adjust what the brainwashed plebs receive, but by the magic of social engineering the end result is pretty much similar.
If you want the truth, you'll have to get out there and find it for yourself, keep an ear to the ground where the truth can't be hidden. Thankfully the late 20th century brought us the internet to make that easier. The blogs and forums allow real facts to emerge, blinking, into the daylight at last. You'll still have to make an effort to look around and find it, but the truth is there if you can face it and honestly accept it. No wonder the paid media dismiss the bloggers as un-accredited and unworthy of attention. They're running scared!
By “Username”
First posted Monday 24th January
Channel Island Forum
http://www.channelislandsforum.co.uk/
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70 comments:
I read it for the first time tonight and think it is brilliant. This is why blogging is so important. We are investigating and asking the questions. In doing so we leave ourselves open to threats and the like. The truth must be allowed to breathe.
I should be back on the blogging next week. I will not allow fear or intimidation stop me from what im doing. All I want is Truth, Honesty and Integrity from some States Members and Civil Servants.
This posting really explains the state of the local media.
rs
it is good to see people with common sense actually takining time to write a peice the sums it all up into something ordinary people cant understand, Thanks to "username" and you Stuart for televison... Far Sighted"
Running scared alright!
Just take the example of Egypt which has cut off all internet communications. The comparisons are uncannily real - Jersey take note.
An excellent posting with a real insight into the state of the local accredited media vs the bloggers in this Island.
Username has replied there, seems happy!
Strangely, even the "progressives" in the States still cling to the established media outlets although they know that they will be shafted on a regular basis.
This is all the more odd because there is now an alternative since blogging arrived.
Besides the many existing blog sites and the ease with which they could set up their own discussion forums - for the most part they are either too lazy or fragile to leave the JEP, BBC, CTV or 103 circuit.
This being an election year, a few more will venture out and the odd safe comment might appear on the blogs and of course some candidates will set up electionering sites. But note how quickly these will run dry once the election is passed.
If there is a message here it is that we should challenge all States members and candidates by name as often as possible this year in order to induce them to "engage with the public," as they all claim to want to do.
Shock news: Richard Murphy opts out of Chief Minister job.
" There was a letter in the Saturday edition of the Jersey Evening Post from a person who, as far as I know I do not know, suggesting I’d make an ideal Chief Minister for Jersey.
I guess for the sake of the peace of mind of Philip Ozouf, who clearly sees himself as a shoe-in for the job when Terry le Sueur retires from Jersey politics later this year, I should make clear that I’m not interested. Apart from also noting one or two minor logistical obstcales in the path to taking on the task!
Which is not to say I’m endorsing Philip Ozouf - who lacks almost all the necessary qualities to do the job. As the JEP’s correspondent was, I am sure, aware. "
And who is keeping the checks and balances on our government
VFP
Stuart,
I know this is off the current subject matter but I thought I would draw your attention, and that of others reading this Blog, on the latest developments in the Hollie Greig case. There have been some more mischief and misdeeds in relation to Robert Green who is trying to achieve justice for Hollie.
I haven't managed to make the URLs stand out so suggest people look at Robert Green's Blog to see for themselves.
Frances.
Stuart.
As I have commented before, "Operation Rectangle" has exposed our local "accredited" media beyond repair. I shall soon be publishing a substantive Blog on the BBC and their "agenda" which will make for uncomfortable reading for those who believe we have free press over here.
Any word yet on who nominated Frank ?
You're quite right - it isn't getting past moderation on this site.
After all of the monstrous bias - the truly quite shocking conduct of Jersey's mainstream media - and its huge power - the last thing I'm going to start doing is allow the ethically bankrupt hacks who churn for it, to troll this site.
The quality of local journalism is - indeed - garbage.
One need only consider the Jersey child abuse cover-up - and the out-put of The Rag and Rankine Television.
Of course you don't like bloggers.
Because bloggers represent a very very serious threat to the entire "credibility" of the Jersey oligarchy media.
After all - any intelligent reader, who wants to be informed - having taken in the propaganda and spin of the JEP - and the laugh-out-loud black comedy of CTV getting an "award" for cut-and-pasting a pack of lies from the Jersey establishment - will then take a look at Rico Sorda's blog, the VFC blog, and this blog - and they will find posting after posting - that actually publishes hard, documented evidence - that directly contradicts the lies churned out by the mainstream media.
And that's a position that simply isn't sustainable for the local establishment outlets.
They either have to change - and start reporting news properly - or - fall more and more into widely held contempt as their failure to report the true, evidenced facts becomes understood.
In the last few years Jersey's traditional media has utterly disgraced itself.
Citizens' media forms the record of that fact.
Stuart.
re JEP quote from Richard Murphy.
"Which is not to say I’m endorsing Philip Ozouf - who lacks almost all the necessary qualities to do the job. As the JEP’s correspondent was, I am sure, aware. "
Sunday, 30 January 2011 09:49:00 GMT
I am really astonished to see that last sentence. I know its hard to believe, but whoever edited that item must have left it there quite deliberately because they agreed with it....
well either that or someone cocked up. Credit to that reporter for having the courage to include it in his report as it is an admission that he also is in agreement.
with Mr. Murphy.
BARKING MADNESS
"Any word yet on who nominated Frank ? "
Not yet, and the deadline is fast approaching. If they dont answer soon they will have broken the law. (again)
sometime last year I recall you posting a comment/report from a UK reporter ,who dissolutioned with his experience working with a local media opted to return to the UK and proper investigative journalism.
Might be appropriatte to link it with the "Quality of local journalism" ?
You might also add that in election year, it seems strange there is no Talkback. Older folk might remember that TW3 was taken of BBC TV in an election year.
The quality of local Journalism item is just superb.
Everyone thinking of going into media should read this.
Such a clear concise view of how media works, unless that is, someone can offer an alternative view to disprove it.
Not holding my breath.
BBC Jersey
Below is the current 'top' news story on BBC Jersey’s News page.
As I write this it's 13:07 on 30 January.
The item proudly announces:
29 January 2011 Last updated at 13:07
1. What kind of news story is 24 hours old?
2. Can anyone find a more blatant example of the reproduction of a company's press release as 'news'?
3. It's super dull - about water meters - but there is opposition to the installation of these things. Surely a phone call seeking balance is not beyond their capabilities?
And don't get me started on what passes for searching interviews on-air.
What a shower.
Jersey Water says more meters could reduce water bills
Water bills could be reduced if more people living in Jersey switched to a meter system, the island's water company has said.
Jersey Water announced earlier this week that non-metered tariffs would rise by 1.5% from April.
In a bid to encourage more people to transfer to meters, the company has frozen prices for a second year.
Managing Director Howard Snowden would like to see 90% of homes with a meter within the next four years.
Where meters are possible, the company will install one free of charge.
The take-up rate for water meters in Jersey is currently about 50%.
Jersey Water said metering was also a key factor in helping to encourage water efficiency, identify leakage and reduce waste, with customers in control of their own consumption and bills.
The disgusting blog about Rico was taken down before the farcical blog went in to hiding.
Wonder why.
Setting aside the naked bias of BBC Jersey, I'm still repeatedly surprised at just how little real, or even up-to-date news they actually produce.
I mean - just how many people work for BBC Jersey?
Just how much does the entire operation cost?
For such a huge quantity of resources - the actual 'news' output of BBC Jersey is minute.
Frankly, if I were a BBC auditor in the UK, I'd be taking a very close, detailed look at the BBC Jersey operation.
Stuart
So:
the controlled media, aka 'accredited media', is controlled by virtue of running as a business for profits
whereas
the free media, aka blog's is free to tell the truth for no monetary gain
which one closely matches that of people meeting at pubs, clubs, charities, sports meetings, restaurants, etc... who are all able to speak as freely as they wish
well, you have to say blogging is the closest, with the added benefit of no social comebacks on those who wish to remain anonymous, compared to accredited media, who could loose out on financial rewarding advertising revenue.
What of those who, talk down blogging, they tend to be those in a position of power who are fearful of loosing control, I guess if they could they would outlaw any social conversations!!
"What of those who, talk down blogging, they tend to be those in a position of power who are fearful of loosing control, I guess if they could they would outlaw any social conversations!!"
The Jersey oligarchy already are.
You think I'm joking?
You think I exaggerate?
The Jersey Law Officer's department - and the Data Protection Commissioner - are prosecuting me for running a web site - and not being 'registered' under the data protection law.
And before you ask, 'well, what's so wrong with that?' consider that the exact same "argument" they use - can apply - indeed, must apply by all logic - to anyone who has a Facebook page.
You're controlling and publishing "data" concerning other people.
Ipso facto - you are breaking the law if not DP registered.
It may be me today - but give the Jersey oligarchy 12 months - and they'll be after everyone who dares run a web site that might contain the merest criticism of the island's gangster regime.
They're using me as a test-case to try and assert control over local use of the web.
But - it doesn't stop there.
On no. It gets worse.
The Data Protection Commissioner wants to introduce an amendment to the data protection law - that will confer upon her and the police - the power to go to any person - and demand to know if you have come into possession of any "data".
"Data" in this case might mean any anti-establishment gossip you may have picked up from an insider - if that gossip originated from inside a data controlled organisation.
The power they seek gives them - ultimately - the option of going to the extent of raiding your home should you refuse to co-operate.
Yes.
The Jersey oligarchy.
Outlawing social gossip - outlawing the use of web sites - unless you're "registered" with the government.
You see?
You really couldn't make it up.
Stuart
Stuart.
Back in March 2010 Thomas Wellard was warning Gossip to become criminal offence in Jersey
He ended the posting saying "be afraid, be very afraid". I strongly suggest your readers have a look at it. It's time to wake up and smell the (chinese) coffee!
That is a cracker Stuart. I couldn't stop laughing, yep I see the funny side in it.
I really feel like leaving the island, it is so depressing here that it makes one feel like exploding out of the top of your head.
As Rico said: 'I will not allow fear or intimidation stop me'.
Quote :The Jersey Law Officer's department - and the Data Protection Commissioner - are prosecuting me for running a web site - and not being 'registered' under the data protection law.
And before you ask, 'well, what's so wrong with that?' consider that the exact same "argument" they use - can apply - indeed, must apply by all logic - to anyone who has a Facebook page. end quote.
Dont need to ask whats wrong with that, the real question is whats right with that. Our great leaders know full well that they get talked about like peices of poop in a social environment but when it is put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard then they worry because it is no longer a bit of chit chat in the local pub for example that people will forget about the next day.
The great leaders are pooing their pants and doing everything in their power to try to stifle anything that is not reported in the local media. They simply do not like the fact they are being scrutanised by peope other than their own elected scrutiny panels.
Well, its about time these establishment figures got to grips with the fact that there are a lot of people here that are fed up with their bs.
I have total respect for the Egyptian people protesting against their government, what a shame we cant have such an uprising here. Reason being in my opinion is the rich are loving it, the poor are within reason getting a great handout and the middle muppets just think this is as good as it gets so why rock the boat when your 2 to 1 outnumbered!
Stuart
Nelson Mandela favorite poem while in jail:
–by William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever God there be
for my unconquerable soul.…
In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced, nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance,
my head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place or wrath and tears
looms but the horror of the shade;
and yet the menace of the years,
finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
how charged with punishments the scroll;
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
Hi Stuart
Just a little Blog Posting ahead of this Tuesdays States Sitting.
TRUTH THATS ALL
"What of those who, talk down blogging, they tend to be those in a position of power who are fearful of loosing control, I guess if they could they would outlaw any social conversations!!"
This is why i support you!!
The words
North Korea
Gulag
Denisovitch
Dreyfus
etc etc etc
Hang in the cold still air!
I know Mr Mandala has been very poorly, but does anyone know if he is aware of Stuart's persecution? Frail as he is, I think he would very much like to know about this struggle, as he has the soul of a warrior!
There is so much criticism about the media but no one is suggesting action. How about a picket outside BBC Radio Jersey? That would piss them off no end and give the lie to their "independence" Would they be asking Mr/Miss PICKET SPOKESPERSON into the studio to explain about dumbing down and censorship? Unlikely.
Who is up for some action or is it off to bed and a cup of coco?
HELP EGYPTIANS, WE MIGHT NEED THEM SOON
VFC
That posting by Thomas Wellard absolutely hits the issues.
I would very strongly recommend any thinking person to read it.
If such instruments of oppression are not recognised - and nipped in the bud - then we all know the destination of the path we are on.
The peoples of Europe went down that route in the 20th century.
And none of us can have, today, any excuse for not understanding what that means.
Stuart.
'Egypt severs internet connection amid growing unrest' - BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12306041
Are the Egyptian oligarchs really so far removed from the power which some of us are fighting against here in Jersey?
Be under no illusions - most of us in the "enlightened" West are under similar oppressions.
We just prefer not to look at it.
Stuart
Excuse me if I repost this comment I just made on the last post -"LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN JERSEY" - I didn't see there was a new one here.
-----------------------------
I dunno. I make three posts over the last 18 days and Mark "St Ouennais" makes three posts over the last 19 days and someone thinks:
St-Ouennais gone awol and Nick Palmer's blog taken down.
How much more do you want!??
Just to keep yet another anon happy:
Anon on Saturday, 29 January 2011 15:21:00 GMT commented about the waste incinerator with reference to Haut Vallee school. The pollution from the Bellozanne chimney was modelled in the early 90's by Warren Spring laboratory, who also did an analysis of the ash mentioned in this post from June 2008 on Stuart's blog
I still have this report and a notable feature is that the "contour lines" of the highest levels of air pollution that should reach ground level were predicted, by the gas flow modelling, as being smack dab on top of where Haut Vallee school was going to be built. This was pointed out in advance but Chief Officer John Mulready was notorious for his stance that nano-grammes of dioxins were not harmful because, according to him, the concentrations we were talking about were like "a sugar cube in Loch Ness".
Science subsequently moved further against Mulready's views. Nanogrammes are now even more officially nasty... A while back, a teacher from Haut Vallee approached me and others with a belief that they had a cancer "cluster" there but I didn't hear what became of this.
Incidentally, note the references to an "energy from waste" plant in the recent comments? I am pretty sure that EU standards still do not allow an incinerator like ours (the new one, let alone the old one) to be described as an EfW plant because it simply will not be efficient enough to cut the mustard.
Ironically, this is because it is too small. Incinerators do not become efficient enough to be correctly described as an EU compliant EfW plant until they burn in excess of 200,000-250,000 tonnes per year (twice as big as our new one). It's the inconvenient laws of thermodynamics! Our new plant should really be described as a disposal plant but that doesn't appear to suit TTS and John Richardson's (head honcho at TTS when they were planning it) preferred public relations stance.
I have repeatedly tried to correct the JEP staff, when they cut and paste this spin from TTS, but no luck yet.
Nick,
I think it is because your blog seems to have gone offline that was mentioned, not that you hadn't posted here.
Blogs are not filling any gaps in news because hardly anybody reads them anymore.
"How about a picket outside BBC Radio Jersey?"
I feel this might be far more effective than protests against government, good idea!
Gossip To Become A Criminal Offence
Well some good could come out of this, the unemployment figures will go down as our goverment will have to recruit thousands of people and give the the title
THE THOUGHT POLICE
Well, speaking for this blog, its readership remains consistent, averaging around 1000 readers a day.
But the error you make is in assuming that quantity of readers is the only worthwhile metric by which the effectiveness of blogs is to be gauged.
On the contrary, looking at the most notable Jersey blogs - the function we've performed has been to become the media of record.
It is on sites like Rico Sorda, VFC and this blog, that any person interested in the hard, documented facts behind the Jersey Child Abuse Disaster must turn.
Because Jersey's msm has lied to them and concealed the real facts.
And the fact that the blogs fulfil that evidenced-based function is a big, big problem for the traditional media, whose credibility is evaporating.
Stuart
HOLD THE BACK PAGE
BBC Jersey updates it's News Page!
They are now leading with,
"Woman rescued from fire in St Helier flat" - nobody dead.
and
"More complaints to data protection about privacy breach" - the JEP's story from FRIDAY!
You will never compete against the mainstream media with just a blog.
That depends entirely upon what you mean by "compete".
If the metric to be used is number of reproduced pages and items of actual direct primary source evidence produced - then we've already won.
Game over.
A complete shut-out - to the bloggers.
Not only have we "competed" in terms of documented evidence - we've actually won so comprehensively - we've changed the very nature of the game.
Stuart
"Blogs are not filling any gaps in news because hardly anybody reads them anymore"
Now that he has closed the door with invites only he turns to the one person he hates the most to express a view. This tripe of a comment has been banded out more time than an establisment spin doctor.
Do not entertain
Re, "You will never compete against the mainstream media with just a blog." and other critiques.
Ever heard of WikiLeaks? What is interesting is that the critiques of WikiLeaks and other sites like it split into two contradictory statements.
The first goes like this: "You are a threat to society/government/security/the economy/innocent lives because you are revealing protected information."
When that little lie is unmasked, it switches to the one your commenter posted: "You haven't published anything of interest anyway, nothing we didn't already know."
They can't have it both ways. In fact, neither statement is true.
Blogs like this one, VFC, and Rico's have, like WikiLeaks published information we wouldn't have got elsewhere BUT they have not endangered anybody or revealed any state secrets.
All they have done is embarrass people in power by revealing information that they would prefer to keep secret. And they have helped us know the facts about events that are not reported, or reported in a biased way by the MSM.
For those adherents to the view "WikiLeaks has not divulged anything new", glance down this list then ask yourself are you happy for all that stuff to have been kept secret from us by our governments.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-20026591-503543.html
It's the people of the world against the governments and the elites. That is the new 'cold war'.
Stuart, do you think Jersey is in with a chance of making the list?
http://en.rsf.org/the-15-enemies-of-the-internet-and-17-11-2005,15613.html
"The 15 “enemies” are the countries that crack down hardest on the Internet, censoring independent news sites and opposition publications, monitoring the Web to stifle dissident voices, and harassing, intimidating and sometimes imprisoning Internet users and bloggers who deviate from the regime’s official line."
Stuart, you made a very good point about Facebook and how the proposals to get anyone who discusses certain issues should be data registered.
The issue could be quite, well what's the word, err Controlling, ah I see 'accredited bloggers'!!
Can you imagine how many more data controllers would be required to play editor to every post someone wanted to make to a blog!!
Time for a Facebook campaign to highlight the impending issue.
[Stuart, do you think Jersey is in with a chance of making the list?]
Has someone at CTV nominated it yet!
I bet Mubarak would love to shut this FaceBook page downWe are all Khaled Said but he can't, good thing too.
Good thing the Jersey 'Mafia' aren't powerful enough either :)
1.Everyone shall possess the right to freely express and publicise his thoughts in words, images or by any other means, as well as the right to inform others, inform himself and be informed without hindrance or discrimination 2.Exercise of the said rights shall not be hindered or limited by any type or form of censorship Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, Article 37.º
Check out the Joana Morais blog site.
Senator Stuart Syvret and Cover Up Jersey are two of our local blogs that they read.
Cover-up TV TEST SYVRET THEORY ON DATA PROTECTION
Has anyone else noticed the changes with the new BBC Radio Jersey format?
We have a jingle which goes along the lines of "From St Lawrence to Gorey,Loving Jersey"
This morning we had Roger going on and asking for listners to comment on what they love about Jersey.
We had teh article about tiwtter and "SuperBeans".
The phone in has gone,as has the Sunday morning political slot,delegated to a Thursday night,when no-ones listens.
they have extended the classical slot,and that hospital radio type show.
I loved the Sunday morning debate.The best show on all week.
I truly believe,we are being manipulated here.
Are the Government communications department ,now working out of BBC Headquarters at the Parade.?
Seems like an awful lot of spin being broadcast.
The Guernsey phone-in continues, albeit now with occasional trailer-type things. There is no other sign of it being diluted.
The Jersey oligarchy always especially hated the phone-in; particularly the Sunday talk-back.
Having establishment politicians in a live environment - obviously, a situation they could not be in control of, given the direct accountability to the public and the spontaneity of it - always frightened them.
They had, for some years, used their contacts inside BBC Jersey, BBC nationally - plus various other lobbying - to water-down its effectiveness. For example, BBC Jersey simply refused to have me on the program - for around the last three years - in deference to the demands of their friends in the oligarchy.
I mean, really, you just couldn't make it up.
Indeed, it was in response to a suggestion by me that Walker and I have a live debate on a Sunday Talk-back - that Denzil Dudley wrote me his infamous e-mail, in which he said, "the BBC does not host political debates in case it might influence the decision-makers".
The central problem the Jersey oligarchy had with the live studio discussion format was - to be perfectly blunt - they were too thick, ignorant, frightened and wrong - to take me on in a debate.
And the BBC - rather than fulfilling its Charter - and obeying the Broadcasting Act - sided with the Jersey gangsters - and shielded them from such public exposure.
Indeed - that's what they're doing now to an even greater extent - by simply depriving the public of any meaningful chance to challenge the clowns in live discussion.
Stuart
Stuart,
What is this R8/2011 Historic Child Abuse Committee Of Inquiry?
Just put on States consolidated order Supplementary order paper for tomorrow?
"Egypt protesters pray in front of water cannons"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12330773
I suggest anyone who doubts the truly epochal democratisation of the media - and the consequent axing of the power traditionally held by elites to control what the public get to see, hear and know - to view the above clip.
From no less a traditional media organisation as the BBC; this a rough and ready transcription:
"Most of the iconic images have come through YouTube, and have come through face book and twitter."
"Broadcasters like ourselves just can’t get near the action."
"Really really strong imagery - just how strong these amateur images are compared to our own.
This is where we’ve been seeing the action Played out - on Social media."
Even that BBC presenter, perhaps unwittingly, acknowledging the end of the hegemony of information.
Stuart
I have tried to find something of interest in BBC radio Jersey and have failed miserably.How can anyone be interested in hearing someone learn to knit or learning to play an old instrument?Even the elderly must be disgusted and gone off to hear their pet snore.This is a total disgrace and about time jornalists stood up for themselves,oops sorry they can't.Camelia.
'Epochal', yes, it really is. With Wikileaks doing its thing and so many millions of ordinary people around the world no longer being controlled by their elites, we are living at an historic moment in the history of human society.
We are witnessing something that has never happened before in the realm of power, as you say, the 'democratisation of the media'.
Perhaps your elites in Jersey should be hurriedly building a new prison? Not to take away the freedom of campaigners like you, but so they, the oligarchs, have a civilised jail to live in, once your people get strong?
"Old technology finds role in Egyptian protests".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12322948
"Fax machines, ham radio and dial-up modems are helping to avoid the net block imposed on Egypt......"
This is a fascinating article - which just goes to show that now the democratic-communication djinn is out of the bottle - there's no getting it back.
Given the increasingly crackers fear and oppression being exhibited by the Jersey oligarchy - maybe we should all buy fax machines and dial-up modems?
Stuart
To whoever posted this:
Nick,
I think it is because your blog seems to have gone offline that was mentioned, not that you hadn't posted here.
Thanks, but I was referring to the fact that both Mark and I have posted to our respective blogs (which are both alive and kicking) several times over the last three weeks, so the original anonymous who claimed that "St Ouennais" had gone awol and my blog had been shut down was either mistaken or mischievous.
I've also been routing some anonymous climate science deniers on Tony's Musings blog but, as usual, they seem incapable of realising when their deceptive nonsense has been debunked - they just keep on coming out with more.
I agree with the poster about
"We are all Khaled Said"
It has been fascinating to follow events in almost real time with the use of Facebook.
This is a historic time for oppressive regimes.
Here's a "We are all Khaleed Said" from 7 hours ago:
"We are all Khaled Said Mubarak switched off communications, Internet, Mobile Cellphone networks, cancelled all national railway services, stopped petrol supplies to petrol stations, stopped food supplies to shops, ordered police agents to loot & start chaos & got police to fire at protesters yet he couldn’t stop protesters."
Cutting off FOOD?
and from an hour ago, which suggests how oppressive regimes try to distort the truth as perceived by observers:
"We are all Khaled Said Latest updates: Call from someone from Mohandeseen, Cairo to BBC Arabic now. He saw with his own eyes 300 Egyptian army soldiers dressed as civilans, coming out form Army vehicles and starting a counter protest for Mubarak. He said National TV came to take a pre-prepared footage to show on national TV to say that there... are counter protests. He also says NO LOOTING at all in streets now."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education
-12323806
"Too often questions are asked if rules and procedures have been met but not whether this has helped children. Everyone in the profession can think of meetings and forms that don't actually make a child safer."
"the BBC does not host political debates in case it might influence the decision-makers".
Urghhhh,Question Time comes to mind or does television not count?
Election debates between the leaders of the 3 parties!!!
& on & on
I see - and here's a surprise - the Jersey cabinet don't want to establish a public enquiry into the Jersey Child Abuse Disaster.
They've published a report in which their 'reasons' are explained.
To described the document as intellectually and ethically bankrupt scarcely gets close.
It contains out-right lies, glaring omissions and brazen distortions.
All the more reason, then, to drive forward with my legal actions.
And - naturally - all the more reason as to why the oligarchy must strive to make sure I get nowhere.
Stuart
Yeah, read it too. I see they say that there's no problem with 'the prosecution system'.
I'm sure that's a view that Tom McKeon, Mario Lundy, Danny Wherry, Mr & Mrs Bonner and Mr & Mrs Maguire would endorse.
A reader says:
"Yeah, read it too. I see they say that there's no problem with 'the prosecution system'."
"No problem with the prosecution system", eh?
We'll see about that.
Stuart
And now for a slightly different story children.
Are you sitting comfortably, then I'll begin.
Not so long ago a happy bunch of gnomes tended a beautiful garden and grew pretty and worthwhile flowers.
The old gardeners who supervised the gnomes grew world-weary and handed the garden over to be cared for by people they trusted.
Unfortunately one of these people knew Mario the puppet master who got involved behind the scenes and put a short fat puppet with a bad temper in charge of the garden.
Pretty soon the gnomes were busy digging holes rather than tending flowers and eventually the garden was a great big and very deep hole.
The short fat puppet had problems of his own because a nasty elf called James knew a little about growing things and decided to be mischievous. He cut some of the short fat puppets strings causing chaos in the garden.
With no way of tending flowers many of the gnomes were forced to leave the garden in ragged droves .
But the floundering puppet was still there but the puppeteer seemed to have lost interest and the hole grew and grew.
The story may well have a happy ending children, because one of the trusted people who took possession of the garden was called Terry and the pockets of his own personal coat were very deep (which is just as well because the pockets of the other trusted ones were not).And he may have no choice but to fill that very big dark hole with whatever is left in his own very deep pockets.
The moral of the story might be that no one is ever entirely safe in the garden whether you are a lowly gnome or Terry Deep Pockets.
Call me Shirley.
If Emma Martins says you are breaking the law by having a blog site as it is considered to be a website and should be registered re data protection!! Yes as you say everyone who uses Facebook, Twitter etc are also breaking the law. To my mind e-mail systems could also be construed to be websites, because everyone has their own unique address and lets face it there is more information passed around the world via e-mails. I think Stuart you should ask the data protection if they can assure you and provide proof that ALL businesses with websites and indeed private individuals have registered for data protection. I know for a fact that they cannot assure you because i have spoken to half a dozen people and companies who haven't registered and had no idea that they had to..
Syd
PS if they prosecute you on this then they are definitely making you a scapegoat. never underestimate the stupidity of the Jersey way....
Oh it's not a question of "if" they prosecute me over registration. They all ready are.
That was the new charge laid against me a couple of weeks back.
I don't think "scapegoat" is the correct word; that implies singling a person out for unfair blame when something has gone wrong.
Nothing has gone wrong here - on the contrary - the web is bringing us a new, very valuable means of keeping our leaders under scrutiny.
I think it far more accurate to say that they are "making an example" of me.
They're oppressing me in these unlawful ways so as to frighten anyone else who might be considering being critical of the Jersey government.
It's for that reason I have to fight it all the way. We can't let them set an oppressive precedent.
Stuart.
Gone quiet have I?
never mind the facts
There is a "follow the money" issue that everyone so far seems to be missing about CTV.
ITV has in the past used CTV as a compliance mechanism. When things go wrong - eg with rigged votes on the TV awards, as happened to Catherine Tate in 2005 - CTV get fined a percentage of the advertising revenue of the franchise that does the quality control. Using CTV as the compliance company rather than the main ITV franchise means that any fines are reduced to pocket money levels - £50k, instead of £75m.
The consequence is that CTV had - and I'm geussing still have - friends in high places. I reckon this has to be part of the explanation behind the crass award to CTV for the stab-in-the-back on Lenny Harper.
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