Further complaint lodged on BBC web site:
Many thanks for your recent reply on this matter.
I note with interest this sentence: "Factors such as whether it is news that has just come in and needs immediate coverage, how unusual the story is and how much national interest there is in the subject matter will all play a part in deciding the level of coverage and where it falls within a bulletin.".
To confirm in my own mind that I understand you perfectly, could I ask how the following topics discussed on the Jeremy Vine show in the days prior to the referendum fall in to the factors that you list in that sentence?:
22/02/11 Fried chicken shops
22/02/11 Silent treatment from partners
23/02/11 Do you prefer TV adverts to programmes?
24/02/11 Breast milk ice cream
28/02/11 Drunks in Scottish hospitals
01/03/11 Soup kitchens in Westminster.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Today's show 15/03/11
Did you see Panorama last night? I don't normally watch it but made an exception as it was all about the illegal acquisition of personal information by so-called professional journalists. I was very pleased to hear that your favourite newspaper the Daily Mail was included in the report, so reinforcing my opinion of that particular member of The Dead Tree Press Preservation Society. However, at the end of the programme I was left wondering who I should believe. Should it be the accused journalists, or should I believe the less-than-perfect "holier than thou" BBC reporter? I came to the conclusion that they were all as bad as each other and, frankly, I couldn't care less.
Journalists : Scum, the lot of them. Good job you're only a talk-show host these days and well out of what they do, eh?
Eyes down for today's twaddle then...
1) FUKUSHIMA RADIATION FEARS - There's been a third explosion at the Japanese nuclear plant which was damaged in Friday's earthquake. We speak to a nuclear expert about the risks : Oooohhh, finally a "nuclear expert". Was he busy yesterday, or couldn't you be bothered to call him in? I suggest you listen to what he says but get him to start with something easy, like oil-fired central heating, and work your way up from there. Next...
Journalists : Scum, the lot of them. Good job you're only a talk-show host these days and well out of what they do, eh?
Eyes down for today's twaddle then...
1) FUKUSHIMA RADIATION FEARS - There's been a third explosion at the Japanese nuclear plant which was damaged in Friday's earthquake. We speak to a nuclear expert about the risks : Oooohhh, finally a "nuclear expert". Was he busy yesterday, or couldn't you be bothered to call him in? I suggest you listen to what he says but get him to start with something easy, like oil-fired central heating, and work your way up from there. Next...
2) MIDSOMER MURDERS - One of the creators of Midsomer Murders says it "wouldn't work" if the TV drama portrayed racial diversity in village life : He is entitled to his opinion. Interesting that on Ken's show you refered only to "English villages". As an Englishman living in a Welsh village I am part of a (racial?) minority, but that doesn't matter because it is not England, is it? You would do well to remember that you have listeners who are not in England. Next...
3) WAITING FOR BENEFITS - Are you waiting for benefit? Okehampton in Devon has recorded a large rise in demand for emergency food parcels : In answer to your question: No, I am not. Other than allow them to vent their anger, what are you going to do to help those people who are waiting? Next...
4) LOST KEYS - And should you put your contact details on your keys in case you lose them? : From radiation leaks to lost keys in one programme - fantastic. By the way, this isn't news.
"The Jeremy Vine Show - for all of the latest utter bollocks"
UPDATE 1:
I've just read this on one of my favourite web sites (http://biased-bbc.blogspot.com/2011/03/its-chernobyl-all-over-again.html):
IT'S CHERNOBYL ALL OVER AGAIN!
>> TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2011
The BBC have gone nuclear over...erm, the nuclear problems at Fukushima. Today has been busy constructing an agenda that the Japanese Government "lies" (according to Roger Harradin) and is "blase" (according to James Naughtie) about nuclear problems. Undoubtedly the crisis at Fukushima has gotten worse and that is fair comment but the BBC seems determined to extend this into some sort of general attack on nuclear energy. I have to say that one's natural sympathy with the Japanese victims of the tsunami is now being eclipsed by anger about the BBC's overt manipulation of the Nuclear power plant issue. Not reporting - editorialising and always following a clear agenda.
IT'S CHERNOBYL ALL OVER AGAIN!
>> TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2011
The BBC have gone nuclear over...erm, the nuclear problems at Fukushima. Today has been busy constructing an agenda that the Japanese Government "lies" (according to Roger Harradin) and is "blase" (according to James Naughtie) about nuclear problems. Undoubtedly the crisis at Fukushima has gotten worse and that is fair comment but the BBC seems determined to extend this into some sort of general attack on nuclear energy. I have to say that one's natural sympathy with the Japanese victims of the tsunami is now being eclipsed by anger about the BBC's overt manipulation of the Nuclear power plant issue. Not reporting - editorialising and always following a clear agenda.
So Jeremy, are you going to be following the corporate line and continue with this today?
UPDATE 2:
You just said, "Somebody got upset yesterday when I said the reactor contained plutonium"
That sentence seems innocuous enough, but it tells me:
- You did not research the topic.
- You have no interest in broadcasting correct and accurate facts.
- You have an utter contempt for anybody that dares criticise or correct what you say.
Had you have said "Somebody corrected me yesterday when I said the reactor contained plutonium" then I would not have sent this email. Use of the words "got upset" tells me that you couldn't care less, but then I knew that already.
Complaint lodged on BBC web site:
During a discussion about the Japanese nuclear energy problems Mr Vine said, "Somebody got upset yesterday when I said the reactor contained plutonium". Use of the words "got upset" suggests to me that Mr Vine has an utter contempt for anybody that dares criticise or correct what he says, and that he has little or no interest in broadcasting correct and accurate facts.
My complaint is that Mr Vine has been disrespectful of "somebody" (presumably a listener) who has attempted to correct his error and has dismissed that correction as something that does not matter.
Had Mr Vine have said "Somebody corrected me yesterday when I said the reactor contained plutonium", or similar, then I would not have sent this complaint.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Today's show 14/03/11
Good to see that whoever updates your web site managed to get to work today, unlike Friday...
1) Japan Nuclear Plant Explosion - After a second explosion in the Fukushima nuclear plant, is this the evidence the world's been waiting for that nuclear power is not safe? : I remember with great fondness your attempt to hold a meanigful discussion on thefts from oil-fired domestic central heating systems on 28th January and your woeful lack of knowledge and research in to how they were installed and worked. Based on that, am I expected to believe that you have actually gained some knowledge on nuclear energy by doing some research, or will you just try and "wing it" again like you did with oil-fired heating systems? Unfortunately your reputation dictates otherwise and I suspect that conjecture, bias and speculation will rule over this discussion. I live within 10 miles of the decommissioned Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station and within 50 miles of the still-functioning Wylfa Nuclear Power Station (map here http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/guides/456900/456932/img/1199875220.gif). Perhaps I should stop sleeping at night. Next...
2) Japan Aid - The Japanese earthquake and tsunami caused terrible devastation, but given Japan is one of the biggest economic powers in the world, should we be giving aid? : Oooohhh... a vote. We haven't had one of these for a while. Please make sure you tell Mr Hague the outcome as I am sure he will be waiting for your decision. Next...
3) Motorway Speed Limit - The government wants to raise the speed limit on motorways to eighty miles per hour. Will that get the country moving or lead to more accidents? : The Daily Mail makes their own special contribution to your programme again! Fantastic. The important word in the DM's headline is "could", not "will". The last pointless discussion on this topic was hosted by the anonymous Paddy O'Connell ONLY TWO WEEKS AGO on 28th February. What has changed since then? Or does this just mean that you really have no idea what happens on your programme when you are away? Next...
4) The Eden Project - How the story of the Eden project in Cornwall can inspire an economic revival in Britain. We talk to it's founder, Tim Smit : I've been there, and they are doing a great job. It's not news though.
UPDATE 1:
The first contributor to the Nuclear Plant Explosion discussion was a reporter from the Daily Mail. The JV Show and the Daily Mail really are a match made in heaven.
UPDATE 2:
A classic quote from JV some 20-odd minutes in to the discussion: "I think perhaps we should speak to an expert on nuclear energy and get the facts..."
1) Japan Nuclear Plant Explosion - After a second explosion in the Fukushima nuclear plant, is this the evidence the world's been waiting for that nuclear power is not safe? : I remember with great fondness your attempt to hold a meanigful discussion on thefts from oil-fired domestic central heating systems on 28th January and your woeful lack of knowledge and research in to how they were installed and worked. Based on that, am I expected to believe that you have actually gained some knowledge on nuclear energy by doing some research, or will you just try and "wing it" again like you did with oil-fired heating systems? Unfortunately your reputation dictates otherwise and I suspect that conjecture, bias and speculation will rule over this discussion. I live within 10 miles of the decommissioned Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station and within 50 miles of the still-functioning Wylfa Nuclear Power Station (map here http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/guides/456900/456932/img/1199875220.gif). Perhaps I should stop sleeping at night. Next...
2) Japan Aid - The Japanese earthquake and tsunami caused terrible devastation, but given Japan is one of the biggest economic powers in the world, should we be giving aid? : Oooohhh... a vote. We haven't had one of these for a while. Please make sure you tell Mr Hague the outcome as I am sure he will be waiting for your decision. Next...
3) Motorway Speed Limit - The government wants to raise the speed limit on motorways to eighty miles per hour. Will that get the country moving or lead to more accidents? : The Daily Mail makes their own special contribution to your programme again! Fantastic. The important word in the DM's headline is "could", not "will". The last pointless discussion on this topic was hosted by the anonymous Paddy O'Connell ONLY TWO WEEKS AGO on 28th February. What has changed since then? Or does this just mean that you really have no idea what happens on your programme when you are away? Next...
4) The Eden Project - How the story of the Eden project in Cornwall can inspire an economic revival in Britain. We talk to it's founder, Tim Smit : I've been there, and they are doing a great job. It's not news though.
UPDATE 1:
The first contributor to the Nuclear Plant Explosion discussion was a reporter from the Daily Mail. The JV Show and the Daily Mail really are a match made in heaven.
UPDATE 2:
A classic quote from JV some 20-odd minutes in to the discussion: "I think perhaps we should speak to an expert on nuclear energy and get the facts..."
Perhaps he is realising just how out of his depth he really is. I knew I could rely on him for misleading information, because that is ALL he has.
But why would he want to change the habit of a lifetime?
Complaint lodged on BBC web site:
The explosion at a nuclear power plant in Japan was discussed on the show today. Some 20+ minutes in to the discussion Mr Vine stated, quote: "I think perhaps we should speak to an expert on nuclear energy and get the facts...".
Instead, Mr Vine chose to speak to a reporter from the Daily Mail newspaper, whose opening line stated that he wasn't at the power station and was only reporting hearsay.
To prevent speculation, misinformation and scare-mongering I would have thought that any discussion on a topic of this kind would need to have the input from such an expert before going to air. I fail to see how anything meaningful or accurate can come from discussing this emotive topic without having all of the facts available to the presenter.
My complaint is that Mr Vine has, again, failed to research a topic adequately before attempting to discuss it on his programme.
Complaint lodged on BBC web site:
The explosion at a nuclear power plant in Japan was discussed on the show today. Some 20+ minutes in to the discussion Mr Vine stated, quote: "I think perhaps we should speak to an expert on nuclear energy and get the facts...".
Instead, Mr Vine chose to speak to a reporter from the Daily Mail newspaper, whose opening line stated that he wasn't at the power station and was only reporting hearsay.
To prevent speculation, misinformation and scare-mongering I would have thought that any discussion on a topic of this kind would need to have the input from such an expert before going to air. I fail to see how anything meaningful or accurate can come from discussing this emotive topic without having all of the facts available to the presenter.
My complaint is that Mr Vine has, again, failed to research a topic adequately before attempting to discuss it on his programme.
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Complaint response 02/03/11
Email received today, including a date error in the first sentence:
Thanks for contacting us regarding BBC Radio 2’s ‘Jeremy Vine’, which was broadcast 2 February.
I understand that you feel the programme didn’t cover the 3 March referendum in Wales.
Choosing the stories to include in our bulletins; the order in which they appear and the length of time devoted to them is a subjective matter and one which we know not every viewer and listener will feel we get right every time.
Factors such as whether it is news that has just come in and needs immediate coverage, how unusual the story is and how much national interest there is in the subject matter will all play a part in deciding the level of coverage and where it falls within a bulletin.
Essentially this is a judgement call rather than an exact science but BBC News does appreciate the feedback when viewers and listeners feel we may have overlooked or neglected a story.
That said I appreciate that you feel strongly about this and so with this in mind I’d like to assure you that I’ve registered your comments on our audience log. This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive are circulated and considered across the BBC.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact us with your concerns.
Kind Regards
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
BBC Complaints
Thanks for contacting us regarding BBC Radio 2’s ‘Jeremy Vine’, which was broadcast 2 February.
I understand that you feel the programme didn’t cover the 3 March referendum in Wales.
Choosing the stories to include in our bulletins; the order in which they appear and the length of time devoted to them is a subjective matter and one which we know not every viewer and listener will feel we get right every time.
Factors such as whether it is news that has just come in and needs immediate coverage, how unusual the story is and how much national interest there is in the subject matter will all play a part in deciding the level of coverage and where it falls within a bulletin.
Essentially this is a judgement call rather than an exact science but BBC News does appreciate the feedback when viewers and listeners feel we may have overlooked or neglected a story.
That said I appreciate that you feel strongly about this and so with this in mind I’d like to assure you that I’ve registered your comments on our audience log. This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive are circulated and considered across the BBC.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact us with your concerns.
Kind Regards
Xxxxxx Xxxxx
BBC Complaints
Friday, 11 March 2011
Today's show 11/03/11
Can nobody be bothered to create a proper web page for you today? No "Read more here" links? Oh well...
1) Earthquake in Japan - Tragic, and probably worthy of discussion as long as you stick to facts and avoid conjecture and speculation. I might just listen to this! Next...
2) Bin lorries blocking roads - Is this news, or just an excuse for a few callers to have a good old-fashioned rant? It is not something that I can ever remember affecting me, but if it has it was obviously so insignificant to be easily forgettable. Anyway, you mentioned in the trail on Ken's programme that this arises from an incident in Camden, north London - about 250 miles from here. You also mentioned something about hire bikes and fobs, and we don't have those around here. More radio for London and the South East I think. Next...
3) Discount vouchers - I don't know of any restaurants around here that take these, and the nearest fast food outlets are over 20 miles away. I entered "Wales" in to the TopTable web site and it told me that there are two restaurants in Llandudno that accept their vouchers, but they are 50 miles from here. Next...
4) Terry Walton - More pointless sound effects, and definitely not news.
So, one news story, and three that are definitely only News Entertainment.
UPDATE 1:
1) Earthquake in Japan - Tragic, and probably worthy of discussion as long as you stick to facts and avoid conjecture and speculation. I might just listen to this! Next...
2) Bin lorries blocking roads - Is this news, or just an excuse for a few callers to have a good old-fashioned rant? It is not something that I can ever remember affecting me, but if it has it was obviously so insignificant to be easily forgettable. Anyway, you mentioned in the trail on Ken's programme that this arises from an incident in Camden, north London - about 250 miles from here. You also mentioned something about hire bikes and fobs, and we don't have those around here. More radio for London and the South East I think. Next...
3) Discount vouchers - I don't know of any restaurants around here that take these, and the nearest fast food outlets are over 20 miles away. I entered "Wales" in to the TopTable web site and it told me that there are two restaurants in Llandudno that accept their vouchers, but they are 50 miles from here. Next...
4) Terry Walton - More pointless sound effects, and definitely not news.
So, one news story, and three that are definitely only News Entertainment.
UPDATE 1:
Interesting...
"We have a major discrepancy about the (tsunami) timing". Your contributor said "... at about 3am their time" and you said "I have 13:07". As I type this the time is 12:19GMT here, and according to http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ it is 02:19 in Honolulu, Hawaii. So, that means that 13:07 here will be 03:07, or "about 3am their time" in Hawaii. Do you still think that that is a discrepancy, or did you not listen to what your contributor said?
"We have a major discrepancy about the (tsunami) timing". Your contributor said "... at about 3am their time" and you said "I have 13:07". As I type this the time is 12:19GMT here, and according to http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ it is 02:19 in Honolulu, Hawaii. So, that means that 13:07 here will be 03:07, or "about 3am their time" in Hawaii. Do you still think that that is a discrepancy, or did you not listen to what your contributor said?
Anyway, we had about six minutes of useful information and then we had to hear from somebody who was in Phuket on Boxing Day 2004, who seemed more interested in telling us about changing his hire car than anything else.
Needless to say, I was not disappointed or surprised by your coverage of this event.
UPDATE 2:
UPDATE 2:
Hey... this is fun! I've carried on listening, the first time for a long, long time that I have done this.
My prediction of a good old-fashioned rant wasn't wrong, was it?
That "broadcaster and writer" woman didn't disappoint, but then she is only a broadcaster so why should I care what she thinks?
I am sure that fire fighters, trawlermen or motorway maintenance crews would take issue with that idiot from the GMB about bin men having the most dangerous job in Britain. Why did you choose to speak to the GMB rather than a council or company that actually operates bin lorries? Just for a more balanced view, you understand.
Your description of the Manchester woman "snarling like a dog" is interesting too, especially as you named her. Were you there? If not, how do you know she did this? Or are you just relying on hearsay for this information? And why isn't she on the show to defend herself? This sounds like a character assassination to me.
Now... should I stay tuned for the next hour?
UPDATE 3:
Still listenng!
I've already told you about TopTable and their nearest location is 50 miles away from me.
Now looking at GroupOn and their web site refuses to even acknowledge that North Wales exists. The nearest cities to me, it says, are Liverpool and Cardiff. Geography is obviously not their strong point as Bangor is my nearest city, and 25 miles away.
Exactly the same restrictions apply to LivingSocial ... nothing around here.
I loved your comment about Pizza Hut: "We're on a journalistic search for the truth" ... There obviously is a first time for everything!
This whole discussion is completely irrelevant to me. No change there then.
Sorry, but I really can't be bothered to listen to Terry.
Complaint responses 03/03/11
Emails received today:
Thanks for contacting us regarding Jeremy Vine’s show on BBC Radio 2.
I understand you feel Jeremy showed bias against Rupert Murdoch during the 3 March edition of the programme by failing to include anyone from the Murdoch organisation to contribute to the topic.
BBC journalists are well aware of our commitment to impartial reporting. They are expected to put their own views to one side when carrying out their work for the BBC. They seek to provide the information which will enable viewers and listeners to make up their own minds; to show the reality and provide the forum for debate, giving full opportunity for all viewpoints to be heard. Senior editorial staff, the Executive Committee and the BBC Trust keep a close watch on programmes to ensure that standards of impartiality are maintained.
May I also add that it is not always possible or practical to reflect all the different opinions on a subject within individual programmes. Editors are charged to ensure that over a reasonable period they reflect the range of significant views, opinions and trends in their subject area. The BBC does not seek to denigrate any view, nor to promote any view. It seeks rather to identify all significant views, and to test them rigorously and fairly on behalf of the audience. Among other evidence, audience research indicates widespread confidence in the impartiality of the BBC's reporting.
Please be assured that I've registered your comments on our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback that's made available to all BBC staff, including all programme makers, channel controllers and BBC senior management.
The audience logs are seen as important documents that can help shape decisions about future programming and content.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.
Kind Regards
Xxxxx Xxxxxx
BBC Complaints
Followed by:
Thanks for contacting us.
I understand you feel the programme information for Paddy O'Connell (for Jeremy Vine) on the following webpage is incorrect as the programme did not contain a discussion on wild horses in Bridgend:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yrrld
Please be assured that I've registered your comments on our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback that's made available to all BBC staff, including all programme makers, channel controllers and BBC senior management.
The audience logs are seen as important documents that can help shape decisions about future programming and content.
Thanks for taking the time to contact us.
Kind Regards
Xxxxx Xxxxxx
BBC Complaints
Thanks for contacting us regarding Jeremy Vine’s show on BBC Radio 2.
I understand you feel Jeremy showed bias against Rupert Murdoch during the 3 March edition of the programme by failing to include anyone from the Murdoch organisation to contribute to the topic.
BBC journalists are well aware of our commitment to impartial reporting. They are expected to put their own views to one side when carrying out their work for the BBC. They seek to provide the information which will enable viewers and listeners to make up their own minds; to show the reality and provide the forum for debate, giving full opportunity for all viewpoints to be heard. Senior editorial staff, the Executive Committee and the BBC Trust keep a close watch on programmes to ensure that standards of impartiality are maintained.
May I also add that it is not always possible or practical to reflect all the different opinions on a subject within individual programmes. Editors are charged to ensure that over a reasonable period they reflect the range of significant views, opinions and trends in their subject area. The BBC does not seek to denigrate any view, nor to promote any view. It seeks rather to identify all significant views, and to test them rigorously and fairly on behalf of the audience. Among other evidence, audience research indicates widespread confidence in the impartiality of the BBC's reporting.
Please be assured that I've registered your comments on our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback that's made available to all BBC staff, including all programme makers, channel controllers and BBC senior management.
The audience logs are seen as important documents that can help shape decisions about future programming and content.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.
Kind Regards
Xxxxx Xxxxxx
BBC Complaints
Followed by:
Thanks for contacting us.
I understand you feel the programme information for Paddy O'Connell (for Jeremy Vine) on the following webpage is incorrect as the programme did not contain a discussion on wild horses in Bridgend:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yrrld
Please be assured that I've registered your comments on our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback that's made available to all BBC staff, including all programme makers, channel controllers and BBC senior management.
The audience logs are seen as important documents that can help shape decisions about future programming and content.
Thanks for taking the time to contact us.
Kind Regards
Xxxxx Xxxxxx
BBC Complaints
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Today's show 10/03/11
Normal service has been resumed...
1) Libya unrest - Is today decision day on Libya - the moment when history will judge us on whether we act or fail to act against Gaddafi? : I have no idea. Who are "us"? Does "us" include me? Who will be judging us? Assuming that "us" includes me, what do you think that I should do to avoid being judged? It all sounds quite scary. Next...
2) Asbestos compensation - Two families have won groundbreaking compensation claims after their loved ones died from cancer following exposure to asbestos : The legal process seems to have run its course, and I am left puzzled as to what there is to discuss. It is a fact of life that the dangers of asbestos were not understood when its usage was highest (1950s to 1970s) and to that extent anybody over the age of 30 will have been subjected to contact with asbestos somewhere, sometime. Next...
3) Public Sector Pensions - Your friend tells you he's retiring early on a final salary pension. Do you think: 'that's a just reward for years of hard work' or 'how on earth can the rest of us afford it'? : I'll go for the missing option: None of the above. And who is this mysterious friend? Next...
4) Heartbroken - Two bodies are being brought back to the UK today: one is that of a soldier killed in Afghanistan and the other is that of his dog who died of a suspected broken heart : The loss of both lives is tragic, and I note that the Daily Mail provided you with this story. Where would the JV show be without the Daily Mail?
Please make sure you let me know if anything you discuss today changes anything at all. I won't be holding my breath.
1) Libya unrest - Is today decision day on Libya - the moment when history will judge us on whether we act or fail to act against Gaddafi? : I have no idea. Who are "us"? Does "us" include me? Who will be judging us? Assuming that "us" includes me, what do you think that I should do to avoid being judged? It all sounds quite scary. Next...
2) Asbestos compensation - Two families have won groundbreaking compensation claims after their loved ones died from cancer following exposure to asbestos : The legal process seems to have run its course, and I am left puzzled as to what there is to discuss. It is a fact of life that the dangers of asbestos were not understood when its usage was highest (1950s to 1970s) and to that extent anybody over the age of 30 will have been subjected to contact with asbestos somewhere, sometime. Next...
3) Public Sector Pensions - Your friend tells you he's retiring early on a final salary pension. Do you think: 'that's a just reward for years of hard work' or 'how on earth can the rest of us afford it'? : I'll go for the missing option: None of the above. And who is this mysterious friend? Next...
4) Heartbroken - Two bodies are being brought back to the UK today: one is that of a soldier killed in Afghanistan and the other is that of his dog who died of a suspected broken heart : The loss of both lives is tragic, and I note that the Daily Mail provided you with this story. Where would the JV show be without the Daily Mail?
Please make sure you let me know if anything you discuss today changes anything at all. I won't be holding my breath.
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Today's show 09/03/11
A friend of mine died this morning, so I'm not in the right frame of mind for my daily diatribe.
However, we don't have children or live in England, we don't smoke or live in England, we have never had any need to call on the services of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and we don't have children that play computer games.
Welcome to the Real World that I live in. Such a shame that is so far, far away from yours.
However, we don't have children or live in England, we don't smoke or live in England, we have never had any need to call on the services of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and we don't have children that play computer games.
Welcome to the Real World that I live in. Such a shame that is so far, far away from yours.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Today's show 08/03/11
Four more good reasons not to listen today:
1) Police Job Losses - Government cuts could lead to twenty eight thousand police job losses. Is the solution for us to do some of the policing ourselves? : That will be 12,000 less police hassling innocent photographers then. And how can I become a vigilante? Next...
2) Motor Neurone Disease - A man with motor neurone disease is recording his own voice so he can still read to his son when he loses the power of speech : That should, of course, be "... loses the power of SPEACH ...". A speech is an address to other people, not the ability to speak. English not a strong point? Anyway, good for him. It just goes to show that there are still some free-thinking individuals out there who do not rely on the state or the media (aren't they the same thing?) telling them what to do. Next...
3) University Fees - 'I am a child of parents on welfare, I live on a council estate and I have just got 4 A stars at A-level. I will now walk into Oxford University
- There should be a capital W on Welfare as it is a proper noun.
- The word "got" isn't very good as it does not give any indication of effort and hard work, so how about "achieved"?
- Ideally, the number 4 should be written as the word "four".
- The phrase "get my fees paid for" is cumbersome, and should be "have my fees paid" or similar.
What ever happened to BBC English, eh? Next...
4) Burning Poppies : A Muslim extremist has been fined £50 for burning poppies on Armistice Day : And an injured soldier was fined £60 for parking in a disabled parking bay (http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8893050.Injured_soldier_fined_for_parking_in_disabled_bay/). So Jeremy, other than winding up your unfortunate listeners in to a state of apoplexy, what are YOU going to do about it? Can I guess? How about ABSOLUTELY NOTHING? How does it feel to be so powerless? How does it feel to be a former professional journalist who has been reduced to nothing more than a talk show host? For God's sake man, remember how it used to be, prove your worth and DO SOMETHING.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Today's show 07/03/11
Good morning!
So how is your Pet Obesity campaign going? Where do I sign-up? Oh... what's that you say? You couldn't be bothered? I knew my £1000 would be safe.
Anyway, and moving on, let's see if I can find four good reasons not to listen to your programme today. How about these...
1) Prince Andrew - Prince Andrew is under a final warning. Is he an embarrassment to Britain? : Listening to the 8am news today I just knew that you would not be able to resist this one, but somehow I don't think you will be saying "... and our studio guest today is Prince Andrew". I don't have the time - or the interest - to find out exactly what is going on but I would not be surprised if you broadcast the usual daily dose of conjecture and speculation followed by a good old-fashioned undefended character assassination. I bet you'll use the word "paedophile" too. Next...
2) SAS - What on earth were the SAS doing in Libya? : Errr... have you watched the BBC news bulletin on your linked page? It seems to be fully explained there. Forgive me if I have got this wrong, but I have always been under the impression that the SAS's activities were secret. You know, secret, just like "Who is the target audience for the JV show?". So, what is there to discuss? Next...
3) Premature Babies - At 1, we’re joined by Dr Sarah Jarvis. A leading health advisor says at 23 weeks premature babies should be left to die : I'm glad that this story has been stolen from the Daily Mail as it saves me having to explain any further why this is of absolutely no interest to me. Next...
4) Banks - A Lib Dem MP has said shares in the rescued banks should be given to the public for free : You seem to be missing several points here:
- Unless something has changed over the weekend, the Lib Dems are not in control of the Government so they are not in a position that allows them to do this.
- As quoted on your linked page: It is not official Liberal Democrat policy.
- As quoted on your linked page: "No decision has been taken about how or when this issue is going to be dealt with."
So, what is there to discuss? How about Nothing?
So how is your Pet Obesity campaign going? Where do I sign-up? Oh... what's that you say? You couldn't be bothered? I knew my £1000 would be safe.
Anyway, and moving on, let's see if I can find four good reasons not to listen to your programme today. How about these...
1) Prince Andrew - Prince Andrew is under a final warning. Is he an embarrassment to Britain? : Listening to the 8am news today I just knew that you would not be able to resist this one, but somehow I don't think you will be saying "... and our studio guest today is Prince Andrew". I don't have the time - or the interest - to find out exactly what is going on but I would not be surprised if you broadcast the usual daily dose of conjecture and speculation followed by a good old-fashioned undefended character assassination. I bet you'll use the word "paedophile" too. Next...
2) SAS - What on earth were the SAS doing in Libya? : Errr... have you watched the BBC news bulletin on your linked page? It seems to be fully explained there. Forgive me if I have got this wrong, but I have always been under the impression that the SAS's activities were secret. You know, secret, just like "Who is the target audience for the JV show?". So, what is there to discuss? Next...
3) Premature Babies - At 1, we’re joined by Dr Sarah Jarvis. A leading health advisor says at 23 weeks premature babies should be left to die : I'm glad that this story has been stolen from the Daily Mail as it saves me having to explain any further why this is of absolutely no interest to me. Next...
4) Banks - A Lib Dem MP has said shares in the rescued banks should be given to the public for free : You seem to be missing several points here:
- Unless something has changed over the weekend, the Lib Dems are not in control of the Government so they are not in a position that allows them to do this.
- As quoted on your linked page: It is not official Liberal Democrat policy.
- As quoted on your linked page: "No decision has been taken about how or when this issue is going to be dealt with."
So, what is there to discuss? How about Nothing?
That looks like four pretty good reasons not to listen today. Any idea when you might discuss something that would be of interest to me? It has been six months now and I feel that I am being discriminated against. What are you going to do about that?
Friday, 4 March 2011
Update to 03/03/11 show
I've just had an email from a friend who tells me that Galloway was on the show yesterday adding his unique contribution to your Murdoch-bashing debate. A quick check of iPlayer confirms this .... <shudder>.
The least you could do is give is poor listeners advance warning of his presence. You know, like other programmes do... "This programme contains strong language", "This programme contains flash photography", "This programme contains George Galloway".
I feel cheated, but my blog has been updated to record his appearance for posterity. Please do not let it happen again.
The least you could do is give is poor listeners advance warning of his presence. You know, like other programmes do... "This programme contains strong language", "This programme contains flash photography", "This programme contains George Galloway".
I feel cheated, but my blog has been updated to record his appearance for posterity. Please do not let it happen again.
Today's show 04/03/11
I've been hearing a trail for your show all over Radio 2 this week. Let's have a look at what it says....
"Jeremy Vine back ..." : OK, that bit is true.
"... discussing the issues that affect you" : Errr..., no they don't. So, that's conjecture and speculation on your part.
"Back, with analysis..." : I'll do my own, thanks, as I don't trust what you tell me at all.
"... and opinion" : Including your own opinion, of course, but why should I care what other people think? I have my opinions too, but I like to treat others how I wish to be treated myself so I don't try and ram them down other's throats. I make an exception for you, of course.
"Back, with your views..." : Isn't a view the same as an opinion?
"... and experiences" : Great. Zzzzzzzz......
So, that one trail contains conjecture, speculation, poor research and repetition, which are all hall-marks of the Jeremy Vine Show. I'm not sure whether to congratulate you, or not.
On to today's menu...
1) Barnsley By-Election - The Liberal Democrats slump into sixth place as Labour wins a by-election in Barnsley. Should the Lib Dems be worried that the price of being in power is too high? : And STILL no mention of the referendum in Wales yesterday. There are about 220,000 people living in Barnsley (http://www.barnsley.gov.uk/mid-year-population-estimates) and 3 million in Wales. You have some really odd priorities! Next...
"Jeremy Vine back ..." : OK, that bit is true.
"... discussing the issues that affect you" : Errr..., no they don't. So, that's conjecture and speculation on your part.
"Back, with analysis..." : I'll do my own, thanks, as I don't trust what you tell me at all.
"... and opinion" : Including your own opinion, of course, but why should I care what other people think? I have my opinions too, but I like to treat others how I wish to be treated myself so I don't try and ram them down other's throats. I make an exception for you, of course.
"Back, with your views..." : Isn't a view the same as an opinion?
"... and experiences" : Great. Zzzzzzzz......
So, that one trail contains conjecture, speculation, poor research and repetition, which are all hall-marks of the Jeremy Vine Show. I'm not sure whether to congratulate you, or not.
On to today's menu...
1) Barnsley By-Election - The Liberal Democrats slump into sixth place as Labour wins a by-election in Barnsley. Should the Lib Dems be worried that the price of being in power is too high? : And STILL no mention of the referendum in Wales yesterday. There are about 220,000 people living in Barnsley (http://www.barnsley.gov.uk/mid-year-population-estimates) and 3 million in Wales. You have some really odd priorities! Next...
2) Jacqui Smith and porn - We talk to the former home secretary Jacqui Smith about porn : I am not a wanker so this is of no interest to me. Anyway, it is really just a trail for a Radio 5 show, isn't it? Next...
3) Car Insurance - Does your car insurance cost more than the car? : Web site FAIL! The link points to the Jacqui Smith story. I really do get the impression that nobody checks this stuff, and that nobody cares. It all just continues to lower my opinion of your programme. Anyway, I've just renewed my car insurance. It cost £190 but I got £70 cash back by using various Martin Lewis-recommended web sites, so £120 in all. This means that the answer to your question is "No". Would you like me to call in and tell you that? Next...
4) Pet obesity - We discuss pet obesity. Jeremy's looking for pictures of your overweight pets - click the link below to see the best photos we’ve received so far : This is what you get if you feed your pet the equivalent of fast food every day. We have three cats all of which are in excellent health and not overweight, despite food being available for them 24 hours a day. The reason is simple: Their food is of the best quality we can get (at least 60% meat, with no sugar or cereal). Funnily enough, the same results will be seen with human animals too. As for the pictures on your web site, I can only assume that you have posted them there so we can all "have a laugh" at them. Well, I'm not laughing. The respective owners are abusing their animals and do not deserve to keep them.
Now, this opens up an opportunity for you:
- You can have a jolly good chuckle at the pictures and express your usual mock and insincere outrage about what is happening, OR
- You could start a campaign supported by your celebrity (-ish) status and covered regularly on your Radio 2 show to educate pet owners about their animals nutrition.
So, are you going to bite the bullet and ACTUALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE, or are you going to take the lazy, cop-out, do nothing option?
Only you can decide ... but if I were a betting man I'd lay £1000 on you doing nothing, as usual.
Go on, just for once, please prove me wrong. Please.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Today's show 03/03/11
Live from Manchester? Why is that then? Will your listeners notice the difference? Do I believe that you are there? Probably not. Do I care? No.
1) Benefits - I'm on benefits and I can't afford to pay my bills. How come we've got a welfare state and there's still poverty? : Errr.... who is this mysterious I? Not me, or you! Next...
2) BSkyB - Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation has been given government approval for its controversial takeover of BSkyB. Should we be worried about one company having so much control over the British media? : If I was a gambling man I would happily have bet £100 that you would talk about this today. It is yet another opportunity to rubbish another broadcasting organisation. It is well known that you BBC guys are avid haters of the Murdoch empire, so you are not going to miss an opportunity to have another go, are you? Can I remind you of some facts:
1) Benefits - I'm on benefits and I can't afford to pay my bills. How come we've got a welfare state and there's still poverty? : Errr.... who is this mysterious I? Not me, or you! Next...
2) BSkyB - Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation has been given government approval for its controversial takeover of BSkyB. Should we be worried about one company having so much control over the British media? : If I was a gambling man I would happily have bet £100 that you would talk about this today. It is yet another opportunity to rubbish another broadcasting organisation. It is well known that you BBC guys are avid haters of the Murdoch empire, so you are not going to miss an opportunity to have another go, are you? Can I remind you of some facts:
- The BBC has more control, unfortunately, over the British media than any other organisation.
- Sky is paid for by subscription, and consumers HAVE A CHOICE whether they subscribe or not.
- The BBC is funded by the TV licence, which we as consumers have little or no choice about whether we purchase.
So which one of these two organisations is the overbearing mind-controlling broadcaster? If you really want to look at problems with the British media you need look no further than the building from which you broadcast. I feel another complaint coming on. Next...
3) Gillian Duffy - Gordon Brown called Gillian Duffy a bigot. We confronted him on this programme. We meet Mrs Duffy in her home and talk to her on the same sofa on which the then Prime Minister apologised to her : And the point of this item is what, exactly? She looks terrified in that photo, as though she has met her Stalker-In-Chief. This is OLD NEWS and even the web page you link to is dated 10th April 2010 - 10 months ago. It appears to be an attempt to resurrect your past glories from the dead. Get over it man! It happened, you got the praise, it's done. Instead of looking at something you did well why don't you try looking at something you did badly? I can give you some examples! Next...
3) Gillian Duffy - Gordon Brown called Gillian Duffy a bigot. We confronted him on this programme. We meet Mrs Duffy in her home and talk to her on the same sofa on which the then Prime Minister apologised to her : And the point of this item is what, exactly? She looks terrified in that photo, as though she has met her Stalker-In-Chief. This is OLD NEWS and even the web page you link to is dated 10th April 2010 - 10 months ago. It appears to be an attempt to resurrect your past glories from the dead. Get over it man! It happened, you got the praise, it's done. Instead of looking at something you did well why don't you try looking at something you did badly? I can give you some examples! Next...
4) Lady Detective Agency - We talk to a woman whose husband cheated on her, who set up a detective agency to catch other adulterers : I have set up my own business too. Would you like to promote it for me?
Right, can't stay any longer as I have to go and vote in a referendum, but you wouldn't know anything about that, would you? Why do you consider your listeners in Manchester to be more important than those in Wales?
Complaint lodged on BBC web site:
Mr Vine is discussing the following today (copied from his web site): "BSkyB - Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation has been given government approval for its controversial takeover of BSkyB. Should we be worried about one company having so much control over the British media?"
I take issue with the use of the word "controversial" in this description as it implies that Mr Vine has pre-conceived views on this topic and will almost certainly lead to a biased discussion. The last time this happened was as recently as 26th January where Mr Vine attempted to link Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray's comments with The Sun's Page 3 ... both being parts of Murdoch's business.
According to http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2010/dec/30/murdoch-to-control-22percent it is the BBC that has more control over the British media (39%) than anything that Murdoch does (22%), yet Mr Vine - again - chooses to hold the BBC as sacrosanct and immune from any criticism.
Mr Vine has made no mention of anybody from the Murdoch organisation contributing to the show to put their side of the argument.
My primary complaint is that this is yet another opportunity for Mr Vine to berate Mr Murdoch for his involvement in the media.
My secondary complaint is that discussion of Murdoch's involvement in the media smacks of too much self-interest by Mr Vine and his programme makers.
Another complaint lodged on the BBC web site about 28th February programme:
Web page http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yrrld says: "Paddy discusses the speed limit on the motorway, whether people should be allowed to have air rifles, the increase in foreign aid budget and wild horses in Bridgend.".
This programme did not contain a discussion about wild horses in Bridgend but instead discussed drunks in Scottish hospitals.
I have brought this to the attention of the Jeremy Vine show staff on four separate occasions, yet their error has not been corrected.
I consider factual accuracy to be the cornerstone of news reporting so my complaint is that a supposedly credible news programme has failed to keep its own house in order by failing to correct a factual error, despite several requests to do so.
UPDATE 04/03/11:
I had a message from a friend today to tell me that George Galloway appeared on the 3rd March programme in the BSkyB/Murdoch discussion. A quick check of iPlayer showed that this was true. I am, as usual, at a loss as to what value is contribution made to the programme.
Right, can't stay any longer as I have to go and vote in a referendum, but you wouldn't know anything about that, would you? Why do you consider your listeners in Manchester to be more important than those in Wales?
Complaint lodged on BBC web site:
Mr Vine is discussing the following today (copied from his web site): "BSkyB - Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation has been given government approval for its controversial takeover of BSkyB. Should we be worried about one company having so much control over the British media?"
I take issue with the use of the word "controversial" in this description as it implies that Mr Vine has pre-conceived views on this topic and will almost certainly lead to a biased discussion. The last time this happened was as recently as 26th January where Mr Vine attempted to link Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray's comments with The Sun's Page 3 ... both being parts of Murdoch's business.
According to http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2010/dec/30/murdoch-to-control-22percent it is the BBC that has more control over the British media (39%) than anything that Murdoch does (22%), yet Mr Vine - again - chooses to hold the BBC as sacrosanct and immune from any criticism.
Mr Vine has made no mention of anybody from the Murdoch organisation contributing to the show to put their side of the argument.
My primary complaint is that this is yet another opportunity for Mr Vine to berate Mr Murdoch for his involvement in the media.
My secondary complaint is that discussion of Murdoch's involvement in the media smacks of too much self-interest by Mr Vine and his programme makers.
Another complaint lodged on the BBC web site about 28th February programme:
Web page http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yrrld says: "Paddy discusses the speed limit on the motorway, whether people should be allowed to have air rifles, the increase in foreign aid budget and wild horses in Bridgend.".
This programme did not contain a discussion about wild horses in Bridgend but instead discussed drunks in Scottish hospitals.
I have brought this to the attention of the Jeremy Vine show staff on four separate occasions, yet their error has not been corrected.
I consider factual accuracy to be the cornerstone of news reporting so my complaint is that a supposedly credible news programme has failed to keep its own house in order by failing to correct a factual error, despite several requests to do so.
UPDATE 04/03/11:
I had a message from a friend today to tell me that George Galloway appeared on the 3rd March programme in the BSkyB/Murdoch discussion. A quick check of iPlayer showed that this was true. I am, as usual, at a loss as to what value is contribution made to the programme.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Today's show 02/03/11
Welcome back!
Now Jeremy, you know that I am no fan of your show, but have you any idea what your "team" did to it while you were away? You don't? Oh, let me tell you...
First of all your listeners were subjected to Ms Feltz for five days. She successfully managed to turn your programme in to a down-market version of Womens' Hour. I'll admit that I listened for a few minutes just to hear what kind of mess she would make of it, and I was not disappointed. Never have I heard so many women arguing and cat-calling with each other about subjects of no interest to me. It was absolutely dire.
Then, the anonymous Mr O'Connell returns. Who is he again?
Finally, your web site people have re-vamped your web pages in such a way that it makes the production of my daily email to you far more difficult, but I manage. They also have screwed up in that they listed a "wild horses" story on the web site for 28th February, but instead Paddy spoke about drunks in hospitals. Despite me pointing out the error - twice! - the incorrect information is STILL shown on the programme archive page. Journalistic accuracy? Who needs it, eh?
Before I move on to today's diatribe of News Entertainment I have to ask the question: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PLAYING AT?
There are just over 3 million people living in Wales. Tomorrow (3rd March) the entire population has been asked to vote in a referendum concerning the future operation of the Welsh Assembly. Link here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-12402557
I would have thought that this is of sufficient importance to warrant a discussion on your programme, but apparently not. Let's see what rubbish we have today instead....
1) David Cameron - Yesterday David Cameron seemed ready to use military fore to free Libya. Today he’s backtracking slightly. What advice would you give to the Prime Minister on Libya? : I would advise him to ignore any advice that he receives from listeners to the Jeremy Vine show and any of its associated staff. Not that he will be listening of course, to either me or you. Next...
2) Parents - A report says that some baby boomers, now in their 50s, rarely keep up with their parents. When did you last see your parents? When did your grown-up children last see you? : I saw my parents this morning (they live less than 100 yards away), and I don't have any grown-up children, but that does not make sensationalist radio, does it? And always a pleasure to see yet another story from the rag known as the Daily Mail on Radio 2! Next...
3) John Galliano - John Galliano has been sacked by Christian Dior following alleged anti-Semitic comments he made last week. Have you ever been in a situation when you were shocked by a friend making anti-Semitic remarks? : Who? Am I meant to know who this person is? Should I care? In answer to your question: No, I haven't. This story has all the ingredients for a real radio bust-up. Are you proud of what you do? Why is that? I know somebody who could help you. Next...
4) Rising Oil Prices - With the oil prices soaring, how have you changed your life because of high oil and petrol costs? : I haven't, but that doesn't make good radio either, does it? I can stand in my garden on a Sunday afternoon and hear the distant drone of JetSkis from a nearby beach. Perhaps you should be asking JetSki owners this question.
Well, what does this tell us? It tells me this: That remarks made by somebody called John Galliano are more important to the Jeremy Vine show than a referendum that may change the way Wales and its 3 million inhabitants are governed for a long, long time.
So tell me this: Which one is more newsworthy than the other? I feel a complaint coming on...
Complaint lodged on BBC web site:
Now Jeremy, you know that I am no fan of your show, but have you any idea what your "team" did to it while you were away? You don't? Oh, let me tell you...
First of all your listeners were subjected to Ms Feltz for five days. She successfully managed to turn your programme in to a down-market version of Womens' Hour. I'll admit that I listened for a few minutes just to hear what kind of mess she would make of it, and I was not disappointed. Never have I heard so many women arguing and cat-calling with each other about subjects of no interest to me. It was absolutely dire.
Then, the anonymous Mr O'Connell returns. Who is he again?
Finally, your web site people have re-vamped your web pages in such a way that it makes the production of my daily email to you far more difficult, but I manage. They also have screwed up in that they listed a "wild horses" story on the web site for 28th February, but instead Paddy spoke about drunks in hospitals. Despite me pointing out the error - twice! - the incorrect information is STILL shown on the programme archive page. Journalistic accuracy? Who needs it, eh?
Before I move on to today's diatribe of News Entertainment I have to ask the question: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PLAYING AT?
There are just over 3 million people living in Wales. Tomorrow (3rd March) the entire population has been asked to vote in a referendum concerning the future operation of the Welsh Assembly. Link here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-12402557
I would have thought that this is of sufficient importance to warrant a discussion on your programme, but apparently not. Let's see what rubbish we have today instead....
1) David Cameron - Yesterday David Cameron seemed ready to use military fore to free Libya. Today he’s backtracking slightly. What advice would you give to the Prime Minister on Libya? : I would advise him to ignore any advice that he receives from listeners to the Jeremy Vine show and any of its associated staff. Not that he will be listening of course, to either me or you. Next...
2) Parents - A report says that some baby boomers, now in their 50s, rarely keep up with their parents. When did you last see your parents? When did your grown-up children last see you? : I saw my parents this morning (they live less than 100 yards away), and I don't have any grown-up children, but that does not make sensationalist radio, does it? And always a pleasure to see yet another story from the rag known as the Daily Mail on Radio 2! Next...
3) John Galliano - John Galliano has been sacked by Christian Dior following alleged anti-Semitic comments he made last week. Have you ever been in a situation when you were shocked by a friend making anti-Semitic remarks? : Who? Am I meant to know who this person is? Should I care? In answer to your question: No, I haven't. This story has all the ingredients for a real radio bust-up. Are you proud of what you do? Why is that? I know somebody who could help you. Next...
4) Rising Oil Prices - With the oil prices soaring, how have you changed your life because of high oil and petrol costs? : I haven't, but that doesn't make good radio either, does it? I can stand in my garden on a Sunday afternoon and hear the distant drone of JetSkis from a nearby beach. Perhaps you should be asking JetSki owners this question.
Well, what does this tell us? It tells me this: That remarks made by somebody called John Galliano are more important to the Jeremy Vine show than a referendum that may change the way Wales and its 3 million inhabitants are governed for a long, long time.
So tell me this: Which one is more newsworthy than the other? I feel a complaint coming on...
Complaint lodged on BBC web site:
Mr Vine's programme is discussing the following topics today: Use of force in Libya, parents, John Galliano's anti-semetic remarks, rising oil prices.
Tomorrow (3rd March) the entire Welsh population is taking part in a referendum to change the way in which their lives are governed by the Welsh Assembly for a long, long time.
I consider that the referendum is newsworthy enough to warrant debate on Mr Vine's programme, but apparently not. While I would accept that two of today's stories have time-related relevance, the other two certainly do not and could have been held over to another day. One (parents) struggles to actually qualify as "news" in my opinion.
My complaint is that Mr Vine often chooses to discuss non-news trivia (for example, "Handbag - More important than your husband?" on 17th February) rather than something that will have an effect on the entire population of Wales (over 3 million people).
His programme is not "News" at all, but merely "News Entertainment".
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Today's show 01/03/11
And still the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing! Attached is a screen shot from the iPlayer page that clearly states that you spoke about "wild horses" yesterday, but you spoke about drunks in hospitals instead. Tell me, how can I trust you to tell me *anything* when you cannot even keep your own house in order?
Aside from the inaccuracy, I really don't like the new web page arrangements introduced this week. It makes copying and pasteing the page links so much more problematic. The things I have to do, eh?
On to today's menu of irrelevant News Entertainment...
1) Opposition to homosexuality - We talk to a Christian couple whose opposition to homosexuality means they can't be foster carers : The court has ruled, and as far as I am aware their decision is final. Are you going to launch a campaign to get the decision overturned? No, of course you are not. You will just waffle on about it for half an hour and change nothing. Next...
2) Fish Quotas - The European Commission is trying to end the problem of fishermen throwing away their catches in order to meet quotas : This was covered by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in his recent and enlightening Channel 4 series. Yes, Channel 4, not BBC. Next...
3) Colonel Gaddafi - The Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi tells the BBC that he is loved by all his people and denies that there have been protests in Tripoli. We talk to a psychiatrist : Which psychiatrist is that then? Gaddafi's personal one? No? Thought not. This will be nothing but conjecture and speculation, as usual. How about getting Jeremy's psychiatrist on the show one day, and ask him why Jeremy is deluded enough to think that his show is good? I'd listen to that. Next...
4) Soup kitchens - And Westminster City Council wants to ban soup kitchens for the homeless around Westminster Cathedral : And another story from the Daily Mail to end the day! Fantastic. Can I go now?
Monday, 28 February 2011
Complaint response 07/01/11
Email received from BBC 28/02/11, in which they completely ignore the point that I made:
xxxxx xxxxx
Thanks for your e-mail regarding the Jeremy Vine show broadcast on 7 January and please accept my apologies for the delay in responding.
I understand you felt the programme should have discussed the EastEnders cot death storyline. I’ve since consulted BBC Radio 2 and they explained to me that they did discuss the possibility of covering the story, but decided not to.
Whilst I appreciate that you personally felt it should have been covered by the Jeremy Vine show, I should point out that this subject was widely covered across the BBC at the time. It should be remembered that the Jeremy Vine team hold the right to decide on the topics they feel are of interest and importance to listeners. Given the huge range of listeners tuning into the programme, it’s inevitably going to be the case that some people will feel that their particular topic of interest holds more importance than another and may be unhappy when it isn’t covered. It can sometimes be a difficult balance to get right.
Nevertheless, please be assured that your complaint has been registered and forwarded to the Jeremy Vine production team for their noting.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact the BBC.
Yours Sincerely
Complaints Advisor
BBC Complaints
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints
Follow-up complaint lodged:
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately you have completely missed the point of my complaint.
My complaint was that Mr Vine chose to discuss another broadcaster's (ITV) output rather than discuss a story that potentially showed the BBC in a bad light. Unfortunately he has a record of doing this.
Please believe me when I write that I have no interest in EastEnders, cot deaths or a discussion on this topic. My complaint is that the whole issue was "swept under the carpet" and another broadcaster's behaviour was targetted that day.
Can I ask that you re-read my original complaint from 7th January and respond more appropriately?
Follow-up complaint lodged:
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately you have completely missed the point of my complaint.
My complaint was that Mr Vine chose to discuss another broadcaster's (ITV) output rather than discuss a story that potentially showed the BBC in a bad light. Unfortunately he has a record of doing this.
Please believe me when I write that I have no interest in EastEnders, cot deaths or a discussion on this topic. My complaint is that the whole issue was "swept under the carpet" and another broadcaster's behaviour was targetted that day.
Can I ask that you re-read my original complaint from 7th January and respond more appropriately?
Today's show 28/02/11
WHAT? No Jeremy? I'm heartbroken... Well, OK, I'm not really. In fact, I couldn't care less.
Instead the mysterious Mr O'Connell returns for two days of tedium, sensationlism and drivel. Ho hum...
1) Motorways - With the government considering increasing the speed limit on motorways to 80 mph, we speak to someone who went on a speed awareness course and says they’ll never speed again : We speak to someone? Who is that then? Some bloke off the street who happened to be passing? Doesn't he have a name? They have motorways in England you know, and there is one a long way away in South Wales. My nearest one is the M54 at Telford, about 90 miles away. The important word here is, of course, "considering". Interesting to hear your trail on Ken's show when he asked whether the speed increase was quantifiable and you replied "Not to me". That sounds to me as though you have already made your mind up on this. Does that count as bias? Jeremy will be proud of you! Next...
2) Air Rifles - Footballer Ashley Cole is alleged to have fired an air rifle at a work experience student. Why are people allowed air rifles? : I have no idea. I have never owned one, I have no desire to own one and I don't know anybody who owns one. Mr Cole seems to be a footballer, so increasing the irrelevance of this item further. Next...
3) Foreign Aid Budget - As the government is criticised for increasing the foreign aid budget, we speak to someone who says we’re quite right to give money to India : Is that the same "someone" anonymous passer-by who is speaking about motorways? Would you like to speak to someone who thinks your show is rubbish? If so, my phone number appears below. Next...
4) Not sure what is going on with the fourth story today. The web site says : "Wild Horses - The Welsh town of Bridgend has been overrun by wild horses, left there by gypsies" (see attached) but on Ken's show you said it was a story about drunks having to pay for treatment in hospital, or something like that. Is it safe to say that the left hand and the right hand have not communicated well today? No surprises there then.
I had a thought over the weekend.... SkyTV broadcast several hours of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) programmes each week. Although most of the programmes appear on the Sky Sports channels both Sky and WWE are very careful not to describe their wrestling as "sport". Instead, the call it "sports entertainment" which, when you think about it, is actually a very clever description. Now, I'm sure you will agree that the JV show does not qualify to be classed as a factual news programme, so how about giving it a new classification: NEWS ENTERTAINMENT. Sounds good, doesn't it?
Instead the mysterious Mr O'Connell returns for two days of tedium, sensationlism and drivel. Ho hum...
1) Motorways - With the government considering increasing the speed limit on motorways to 80 mph, we speak to someone who went on a speed awareness course and says they’ll never speed again : We speak to someone? Who is that then? Some bloke off the street who happened to be passing? Doesn't he have a name? They have motorways in England you know, and there is one a long way away in South Wales. My nearest one is the M54 at Telford, about 90 miles away. The important word here is, of course, "considering". Interesting to hear your trail on Ken's show when he asked whether the speed increase was quantifiable and you replied "Not to me". That sounds to me as though you have already made your mind up on this. Does that count as bias? Jeremy will be proud of you! Next...
2) Air Rifles - Footballer Ashley Cole is alleged to have fired an air rifle at a work experience student. Why are people allowed air rifles? : I have no idea. I have never owned one, I have no desire to own one and I don't know anybody who owns one. Mr Cole seems to be a footballer, so increasing the irrelevance of this item further. Next...
3) Foreign Aid Budget - As the government is criticised for increasing the foreign aid budget, we speak to someone who says we’re quite right to give money to India : Is that the same "someone" anonymous passer-by who is speaking about motorways? Would you like to speak to someone who thinks your show is rubbish? If so, my phone number appears below. Next...
4) Not sure what is going on with the fourth story today. The web site says : "Wild Horses - The Welsh town of Bridgend has been overrun by wild horses, left there by gypsies" (see attached) but on Ken's show you said it was a story about drunks having to pay for treatment in hospital, or something like that. Is it safe to say that the left hand and the right hand have not communicated well today? No surprises there then.
I had a thought over the weekend.... SkyTV broadcast several hours of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) programmes each week. Although most of the programmes appear on the Sky Sports channels both Sky and WWE are very careful not to describe their wrestling as "sport". Instead, the call it "sports entertainment" which, when you think about it, is actually a very clever description. Now, I'm sure you will agree that the JV show does not qualify to be classed as a factual news programme, so how about giving it a new classification: NEWS ENTERTAINMENT. Sounds good, doesn't it?
Friday, 25 February 2011
Today's show 25/02/11
The irrelevance continues and gets worse...
1) Colonel Gaddafi - Does Britain have any of Colonel Gaddafi's billions and, if so, what should we do with them? : So, which bank do you think is going to call your pathetic programme and say, "Yes, Mr Gaddafi has an account with us, which currently contains £x million". Dream on! As for what to do with it, I'd suggest giving it to the BBC so that they have sufficient financial resources to provide me (a licence payer) with some decent lunchtime radio entertainment. Pigs preparing for take-off...! Next...
2) Tesco Express - Another blow to the community? - I missed your trail, and there is no link on your web page, so I have no idea what this about. For your information, my nearest shop of any kind is 4 miles away. A Tesco Express in the village would be of use, but I'm not sure it would make any money. Whatever this is about, my prediction is that it is irrelvant to me. Next...
3) Car Insurance - Should your gender affect your premium? : I knew you wouldn't let me down! This is a Daily Mail story! YAY! Let's all celebrate. Anybody who doesn't change their car insurance company *every* year is spending more money than they need to. And I'm not a woman. Next...
4) Dying Relatives - Do you remember their last words? : A nice cheery story to end the week, sending us all off in a good frame of mind for the weekend. Oh, I'm being sarcastic in case you hadn't noticed. What happened to Terry Walton? I miss him.
Now, and I never thought I would say this, but I'm looking forward to JV's return next week. At least his topic bias is more bearable than we have seen this week.
Ms Feltz : The choice of discussion topics this week has sunk to levels of irrelevance that I thought were impossible, and I can only assume that you have had some influence on this. Now, please go back to your normal programme and don't come back. And please, please, please, take the JV Show's format with you. Let's banish it to the middle of the night where it belongs.
One word to sum up this week's programmes : DIRE
Now, go away.
1) Colonel Gaddafi - Does Britain have any of Colonel Gaddafi's billions and, if so, what should we do with them? : So, which bank do you think is going to call your pathetic programme and say, "Yes, Mr Gaddafi has an account with us, which currently contains £x million". Dream on! As for what to do with it, I'd suggest giving it to the BBC so that they have sufficient financial resources to provide me (a licence payer) with some decent lunchtime radio entertainment. Pigs preparing for take-off...! Next...
2) Tesco Express - Another blow to the community? - I missed your trail, and there is no link on your web page, so I have no idea what this about. For your information, my nearest shop of any kind is 4 miles away. A Tesco Express in the village would be of use, but I'm not sure it would make any money. Whatever this is about, my prediction is that it is irrelvant to me. Next...
3) Car Insurance - Should your gender affect your premium? : I knew you wouldn't let me down! This is a Daily Mail story! YAY! Let's all celebrate. Anybody who doesn't change their car insurance company *every* year is spending more money than they need to. And I'm not a woman. Next...
4) Dying Relatives - Do you remember their last words? : A nice cheery story to end the week, sending us all off in a good frame of mind for the weekend. Oh, I'm being sarcastic in case you hadn't noticed. What happened to Terry Walton? I miss him.
Now, and I never thought I would say this, but I'm looking forward to JV's return next week. At least his topic bias is more bearable than we have seen this week.
Ms Feltz : The choice of discussion topics this week has sunk to levels of irrelevance that I thought were impossible, and I can only assume that you have had some influence on this. Now, please go back to your normal programme and don't come back. And please, please, please, take the JV Show's format with you. Let's banish it to the middle of the night where it belongs.
One word to sum up this week's programmes : DIRE
Now, go away.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Today's show 24/02/11
Well, a web site update before 11:45 ... wonders will never cease.
Unfortunately, it only tells me that today's show is yet again of complete irrelevance to me...
1) Libya - If it comes to it, should we send British troops into Libya to protect oil interests? : Is this a vote? Does anything said on your programme today make ANY difference at all? No, of course it doesn't. Really, what is the point? Next...
2) Child Murderer Killed - Colin Hatch killed in prison : I think you are confusing me with someone who gives a toss. Next...
3) Pensioners - Get rid of free TV licences and bus passes? : I'm not a pensioner and have another 12 years to go before this has any relevance to me. Can you discuss it again in 2023? Not that I'll be listening. Next...
4) Breast Milk Ice Cream - Would you eat it? : And this is news, is it? Who decided that this should feature on the show today? Whoever you are, you are a disgrace to the trade known as journalism. But then we already knew that, didn't we.
Here's another jingle for you: "The latest news, some music, and a load of uninteresting and irrelevant tosh here on the Jeremy Vine show". Again, no charge.
It was September when you last discussed a topic that was even remotely of interest to me. Any idea when it might happen again?
And very noticeable this week that with Ms Feltz standing in for JV the show has been turned in to poor imitation of Womens' Hour, making it even worse than normal.
Now, get off my radio!
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Today's show 23/02/11
Today's show has started and your website still says its Tuesday. Is it really that difficult to update it on time?
Doctor & The Medics recorded a song called "I Keep Thinking Its Tuesday". Perhaps you should include it in the show today.
You could also make a new jingle: "The Jeremy Vine Show - leading the way by not knowing what day of the week it is". Feel free to use it with my blessing - no charge!
You are absolutely hopeless and it annoys me that I have no choice but to pay for this poor service. How am I meant to write my daily diatribe without you giving me some ammunition?
And finally, at 12:06 the web page is finally updated, so on to today's irrelevance...
1) Skipping Meals - Have you ever skipped a meal so that your children could eat? : What children are those then? We don't have any. Next...
2) Libya - Should we rescue Brits working there? : I've never been to Libya, I'm not likely to go, and I don't know anybody in Libya so am I supposed to have an opinion on this? Needless to say I don't, but no doubt you will try and implant one in to my mind. For that reason, I will not be listening. Next...
3) Food Allergies - You think your child has one, but NHS doesn't? : I refer you to my first comment above. Next...
4) TV Adverts - Do you prefer them to the programmes? : Is this news? We have this wonderful device called Sky+. It is ingenious and Mr Murdoch has done a fine job of producing something that the BBC could not be bothered to attempt. By recording everything we want to watch and fast-forwarding (30 times normal speed) through the adverts we don't have to watch them. Reading the Telegraph's story I suspect that this will turn in to another attack on non-BBC broadcaster, so I will mark it as such.
Interesting that your last item today has a link to the Daily Telegraph's web site. I saw a story about the Daily Telegraph earlier (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/02/22/daily_telegraph_metering/) that suggests that the Telegraph will start charging for use of its on-line news from September. It is not the first member of the Dead Tree Press Preservation Society to do this, and I believe that The Times and the Financial Times have already hidden their sites behind a so-called Pay Wall. It raises the question in my mind as to what you will do if any other newspapers go this way, and in particular the (appropriate for your show) non-quality titles such as the Daily Mail that you refer to so frequently. What will you do? Oh, I know.... you'll just link to BBC pages instead. Nothing like an easy way out, is there? And there is nothing like professional journalism, and the Jeremy Vine Show is nothing like professional journalism.
April 4th cannot come soon enough!
Doctor & The Medics recorded a song called "I Keep Thinking Its Tuesday". Perhaps you should include it in the show today.
You could also make a new jingle: "The Jeremy Vine Show - leading the way by not knowing what day of the week it is". Feel free to use it with my blessing - no charge!
You are absolutely hopeless and it annoys me that I have no choice but to pay for this poor service. How am I meant to write my daily diatribe without you giving me some ammunition?
And finally, at 12:06 the web page is finally updated, so on to today's irrelevance...
1) Skipping Meals - Have you ever skipped a meal so that your children could eat? : What children are those then? We don't have any. Next...
2) Libya - Should we rescue Brits working there? : I've never been to Libya, I'm not likely to go, and I don't know anybody in Libya so am I supposed to have an opinion on this? Needless to say I don't, but no doubt you will try and implant one in to my mind. For that reason, I will not be listening. Next...
3) Food Allergies - You think your child has one, but NHS doesn't? : I refer you to my first comment above. Next...
4) TV Adverts - Do you prefer them to the programmes? : Is this news? We have this wonderful device called Sky+. It is ingenious and Mr Murdoch has done a fine job of producing something that the BBC could not be bothered to attempt. By recording everything we want to watch and fast-forwarding (30 times normal speed) through the adverts we don't have to watch them. Reading the Telegraph's story I suspect that this will turn in to another attack on non-BBC broadcaster, so I will mark it as such.
Interesting that your last item today has a link to the Daily Telegraph's web site. I saw a story about the Daily Telegraph earlier (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/02/22/daily_telegraph_metering/) that suggests that the Telegraph will start charging for use of its on-line news from September. It is not the first member of the Dead Tree Press Preservation Society to do this, and I believe that The Times and the Financial Times have already hidden their sites behind a so-called Pay Wall. It raises the question in my mind as to what you will do if any other newspapers go this way, and in particular the (appropriate for your show) non-quality titles such as the Daily Mail that you refer to so frequently. What will you do? Oh, I know.... you'll just link to BBC pages instead. Nothing like an easy way out, is there? And there is nothing like professional journalism, and the Jeremy Vine Show is nothing like professional journalism.
April 4th cannot come soon enough!
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