[BNM] [OT] BBC redesign competition

[Lloyd Raworth]

OK you're right, but as far as I'm concerned, at least,  they're not 
even answering the Reithian ideal. Also, since they've publicly aired 
concerns that ratings are becoming harder to achieve as viewers migrate 
to the internet for information and entertainment, it might be a good 
time for them to consider more meaningful approaches to inclusivity. 
If, as they've said on the 'Reboot' site, they "certainly wouldn't" 
design their homepage without consulting viewers why do they then see 
fit to pump a relentless tide of crap through our tv screens? As for 
Shelleytherepublican - well, people have a right to their opinions.  
But you really can't expect fascists to hold intelligent ones.

If mass media disinformation  is of interest, then there is some stuff  
by Peter Watkins here: http://www.mnsi.net/~pwatkins/Intro_MedCr.htm

Below is a sample from the introduction. It's quite a lot to get 
through and it isn't a comfy and reassuring read, but it's well worth 
looking at.

Lloyd

++++++++++++
"This statement is intended primarily as a resource, being a 
combination of critical ideas as well as practical concepts for 
challenging the existing rigid and hierarchical processes of the mass 
audiovisual media (MAVM).

When I use the term ‘media crisis’, I am referring to the increasingly 
irresponsible manner in which the mass audiovisual media (MAVM) 
function, and to their disastrous impact on society, human affairs, and 
the environment.

I refer to the widespread public passivity towards the way the MAVM 
flagrantly comport themselves as proponents of violent, exploitative 
and hierarchical ideologies, and to the catastrophic and ongoing lack 
of public knowledge about what the mass audiovisual media are doing to 
us.

I refer to the widespread resistance within the professional ranks of 
the MAVM towards critical debate having any bearing on what they are 
doing. I refer also to harsh repression within the MAVM: holding 
professionals in line, and thereby undoubtedly playing a direct role in 
silencing critical voices."
++++++++++



On Thurs, Apr 27 2006 4:36pm Dave Phelan wrote:

I don't believe the BBC has ever claimed to be a democratic 
organisation. Unless ratings = voting. In fact the whole Reithian ideal 
is more paternalistic/patronising (in the send of patronage, rather 
than a pat on the head) than democratic. To inform, educate, and 
entertain and all that....