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The National
6 days ago
- Politics
- The National
BBC bias may well be unspoken but it exists
The Prof's dogged determination yesterday showed what can happen when an easy listening Radio Scotland programme ambles into a serious subject with a formidable contributor ready to stand his ground. He was determined to point out that 'fringe' causes like independence and Gaza are now mostly majority causes, yet casually placed way below the 'mainstream' concerns of the great and good in broadcasting's pecking order. Richard spoke about the preponderance of business over trade union voices on the BBC, the insidious presence of right-wing Tufton Street think tank types on Question Time and Debate Night … and the unfair way his own interview was being conducted. READ MORE: Richard Murphy: I went on the BBC today. Here's why it got fiery For that he got it in the neck. And gave back as good as he got. Yesterday's Mornings phone-in was about bias, bad judgement at the BBC and a decline in trust amongst viewers and listeners. Savaging the sole pro-indy, left-wing voice substantiated the accusations rather well. To be fair, Richard was asked on. I was too but didn't pick up the message till halfway through the show. So, it's true the left/indy position was sought out and 'heard'. But that's not enough. It's one thing to have a sole voice representing the Yes 'minority' (which as Richard pointed out, is a polling majority these days), it's quite another to be interrupted throughout like an annoying, foot-stamping, attention-grabbing, irritating toddler. From her tone, I'm not sure presenter Connie McLaughlin knew Richard's background beyond him being a National columnist (though strangely the paper's name was omitted from his description). For the record, Professor Richard Murphy from Sheffield University co-founded the Tax Justice Network and directs Tax Research UK. He co-created the Green New Deal and the concept of country-by-country reporting, used in more than 90 countries to identify tax abuse by multinational corporations. Not a guy to be shut down. And anyway, from 25 years' experience of live broadcasting at the BBC and Channel 4, it's totally counter-productive to interrupt or shut down a speaker accusing you of bias. Flexing the extra muscle wielded by a broadcaster flips the audience instantly onto the interviewee's side. The transcript of the exchange has done the rounds but the nub of the exchange was this: Richard: Let's just be clear. I've heard a programme which is entirely about how good the BBC is from BBC editors and producers. That is bias. Connie: Have you not been speaking for the past eight minutes or so? Because I don't think then that's accurate. Richard: Yes, and every time I do, you interrupt me. Connie: Come on. Richard, that's not fair. Come on. Listen, I'm going to give you a minute and a half, but I have got to move on. That's part of my job, so you can continue on for a minute and a half. There you go. Richard: You aren't rationing others… Connie: You're eating into your minute and a half … Richard: The BBC is biased against the nationalist cause in Scotland. It is biased against the Palestinian cause and its right to have a state. It is biased in favour of Israel very clearly. It is biased with regard to its output in favour of the wealthy of this country. And that is the accusation that most people in this country have against the BBC, which is why they won't listen to it, because they do not get objective reporting. Wow. It was powerful listening because bias was being demonstrated not just discussed. And because another contributor, former BBC Scotland political correspondent Brian Taylor, was correctly asked to respond. He insisted he'd never been asked by the BBC to tailor a report to fit an agenda dictated by managers. He observed Unionists also complained of BBC bias and finished: 'The Beeb did not steer me for one scintilla of one second.' Actually, that was my experience too – it doesn't mean management bias didn't exist. IN my 25 years working for the BBC, I only experienced one active steer by London in 1997, after Scots had voted out every Tory MP, meaning Her Madge's Opposition at Westminster would have no representation in any Scottish election programmes if we played it by the usual book. READ MORE: Half of Aberdeen homes fall in value as 'oil capital' status diminishes No MPs should mean no microphone. But London insisted the Tory voice should be heard despite their election wipe-out and that they should be the second speaker in any political discussion. I decided I didn't get that memo but did let Tories speak, for the same limited time as every other minority party. No-one complained. But the bigger point is that no-one gets to broadcast for the BBC without internalising its collective outlook and corporate stance. Things that deviate too far from a comfortable, middle-of-the-road stance simply feel wrong. No-one has to say anything. Especially after the BBC's clash with Tony Blair during the Iraq War over the 'dodgy dossier', when popular director-general Greg Dyke was forced to walk the plank. After that Auntie shrank from any confrontation with government and the higher echelons of the BBC and the Tory Party became interchangeable. The corporation's timorousness and insistence on the most wooden version of 'balance' were palpable to all staff. Take the indyref. I got a call from a producer in 2014 explaining that BBC Scotland couldn't cover the phenomenal increase in Yes activity unless there was some grassroots No activity they could film as well. Did I know of any? Control by unspoken diktat is how all corporate culture works everywhere. Nothing needs to be said. But back to the programme. Clearly, producers imagined much of their discussion would centre on the Beeb's decision to sack MasterChef presenters Gregg Wallace for alleged sexual harassment and John Torode for an alleged racist remark, and to allow a 13-year-old Palestinian lad to accurately describe the living hell of Gaza, where his dad has worked for Gaza's Hamas-run government. A BBC review into the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone concluded there was nothing 'in the narrator's scripted contribution to the programme that breached the BBC's standards' or evidence his 'father or family influenced the content of the programme'. Abdullah's parentage was a relatively small problem which could easily have been signposted, letting viewers decide on his story for themselves. READ MORE: Former top judge says court would 'likely' rule Israel is committing genocide in Gaza But oh no. The BBC removed the documentary from iPlayer. As ex-BBC journalist Karishma Patel asked: 'If the BBC is serious about signposting the relevant connections of every contributor, why not tell us when an interviewee has served in the Israeli military? Why not highlight the ICC arrest warrant out for Benjamin Netanyahu whenever he's mentioned?' Indeed. And while we're at it, what was the problem with Gaza: Doctors Under Attack – another excellent, disturbing, passionate documentary dropped by the BBC in case it did 'not meet the high standards' of impartiality – even though subsequently broadcast by Channel 4 without any formal complaints. Roger Bolton – former Radio 4 presenter told MacLaughlin that the biggest danger to the BBC is its 'on the one hand, on the other' style of reporting. 'When facts dictate the truth of one side,' he said, 'the Beeb should take a stand.' Correct. But he went on to praise the BBC as great value, 'costing less than a cappuccino a week'. Whit? This very comparison presumes a middle-class audience – when in fact, women account for three-quarters of criminal convictions for watching TV without a licence. Why? According to a BBC-commissioned report it's because women are more likely to head single-parent households; more likely to be in when an inspector visits and more likely to be living in poverty or low-paid work and struggling with bills. £174.50 is a lot for many people yet non-payment is treated as a criminal offence, unlike any other unpaid household bill. This is Auntie's biggest problem. It is so very special. A bit like M&S food. It does not just produce programmes. It produces BBC programmes. Unashamedly targeting middle to upper-class consumers may work for a private company. But not for a public service broadcaster. Some views, voices and causes are quite plainly the wrong leaves on the line for BBC Scotland. What's needed is a heartfelt apology to Richard Murphy. No-one's holding their breath.
Scotsman
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Under the Radar: Pippa Blundell
Pippa Blundell Twice nominated for the Sound of Young Scotland award, Pippa Blundell has built a strong following in Glasgow's grassroots music scene, write Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pippa Blundell started out with aspirations to become an opera singer, graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a degree in mezzo-soprano voice. However, she soon found that her true calling was in Glasgow's grassroots music scene, where she built such a strong following that she was able to crowdfund £9,000 for the release of her recent album, Common Thread. Drawing influences from the storytelling lineage of folk music, it combines her captivating vocals with double bass, guitar, piano and harmonium. This compelling mix is beautifully rounded off by producer James Mackay, whose atmospheric touch makes it feel like the band are in the room. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Twice nominated for the Sound of Young Scotland award, Blundell has also won admirers on Radio Scotland and 6Music, as well as performing at Kelburn Garden Party, Doune the Rabbit Hole, Solas and the Glasgow Jazz Festival. We can also exclusively reveal that she has also been selected by music industry tastemakers for our Made In Scotland Gigs showcase, hosted in partnership with the Fringe on 15 August. This will be followed in September with a UK tour including a date at Oran Mor on 24 September, see Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide, see
The National
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
SNP minister clashes with BBC Scotland host over Scottish independence
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin appeared on Radio Scotland on Monday morning and dismissed claims that the First Minister John Swinney had not spoken with the Prime Minister about Scottish independence. Martin had appeared on the show to discuss the Scottish Government's plans on how to mitigate waste when "black bag" waste is banned from being buried in landfills at the end of the year. According to the BBC, up to 100 truckloads of Scotland's waste could be transported each day to England once a landfill ban comes into effect; however, Martin argued that the measure was only temporary while local authorities adjusted to the change in waste policy. READ MORE: Coastguard suspends 'person overboard' search in Firth of Clyde The SNP minister was arguing about how they need to work with Scottish households on how to recycle better and to look at ways to stop people from 'over-consuming'. Shortly after, Radio Scotland host Laura Maxwell changed the topic towards independence as she highlighted that Swinney is set to deliver a speech in Edinburgh on Tuesday outlining how self-determination could achieve Scotland's long-term goals. Maxwell asked Martin if she could 'lay out his [Swinney's] vision' ahead of his speech. Martin replied: 'The First Minister will lay out his vision, and what I would say is that independence for Scotland is the right thing for Scotland.' (Image: PA) Maxwell then interrupted Martin, asking: 'In a couple of sentences, just lay out how the current government plans to achieve independence.' Martin replied: 'Scottish independence will happen when the majority of people in Scotland want it.' She went on to say that the SNP is the 'vehicle for independence' and that independence can only be achieved if people vote for the party next year. However, Martin was again only seconds into her reply when Maxwell cut her off again by saying: 'That's the political argument, but actually doing it, how do you plan to achieve it?' Martin replied: 'It is an untenable situation for the UK Government to deny democracy to the people of Scotland. 'If they vote for independence-promoting parties, then there has to be a rethink. 'It is an undemocratic situation if they don't do that.' Maxwell then said that the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said last week that Swinney hadn't broached the subject of independence with him. The BBC host added, that if Swinney hasn't asked Starmer about independence, how does he plan to achieve it? To which Martin replied: 'Well, I would imagine that the First Minister has broached that subject with the Prime Minister.' (Image: PA) Maxwell ended the interview after Martin's reply. Earlier this month, Starmer dismissed the idea of a second independence referendum for Scotland, even if the SNP gets a majority at next year's Holyrood elections. 'It's not a priority,' the Prime Minister told Good Morning Scotland while in Glasgow. He claimed there was a need for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom in order to remain safe, as he released his defence review. Swinney has established his strategy as building 'demonstrable support' for independence through the Government. To which Starmer said: 'Nobody's raising that with me as their first priority.'
Press and Journal
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Aberdeen accordion player on decades of playing at Balmoral balls - and the time King Charles was late as he was 'watching Corrie'
When Frank Thomson first picked up an accordion at the age of 10, little did he know he would go on to become one of The Queen's favourite players. Frank's years on the squeezebox took him around dance halls all over Scotland, playing to countless dances spanning decades. He has even played the instrument before audiences in America, Canada and the Middle East – as well as all over Europe. But as he receives a British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours, it's his royal connections we ask about when we visit him at his Kingswells home. And taking in the sun in his garden, Frank even treats us to a few tunes as he regales us with the story of 'amazing musical journey'. After treating us to a selection of tunes, Frank, who has three daughters, recalls how he first fell in love with the accordion 75 years ago. Frank, who was born and brought up in Perth but moved to Aberdeen in 1995, remembers when he started to show an interest in music. He recalls his father playing the fiddle and bringing home an old wind organ. But this was all while spending his working week in the banking industry. And it was only when he took early retirement in 1995, that he began to really devote himself to his life-long passion. 'I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life on the golf course, like all my colleagues,' he chuckles. 'But I got a call from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society inviting me to play for classes and dances in Aberdeen.' As this new career took off, he became a regular on Robbie Shepherd's Radio Scotland show Take The Floor. And soon enough, he found himself bagging quite a prestigious booking… For 35-years, Frank played with Jack Sinclair's Scottish Band at more than 200 royal events, including the Ghillies Ball at Balmoral Castle and the Queen Mother's 100th birthday party at neighbouring Birkhall. 'We have lots of happy memories of the royal family,' Frank tells me. 'We became almost friends of the royal family, and it was quite special.' The Ghillies Ball was one of Her Majesty's annual highlights during her beloved summer residences at her Highlands hideaway. This tradition dating back to the days of Queen Victoria has even been immortalised in The Crown. It was arranged as a thank you to staff, and the first tune would usually be the Dashing White Sergeant. Experts say the event is private so no photographs or video are typically released – and it's only eye-witnesses like Frank who know what it was really like. It's said The Queen 'did every dance and would stay up late into the night to just enjoy it'. It's an event most of us would love a peek at, and Frank doesn't mind sharing some of his recollections of the annual tartan-clad extravaganza – and other special events. Including one where the serving monarch, back when he was a prince, offered up an unexpected excuse for turning up late… 'I remember one night it was a fancy dress party, which took place every summer the family was staying there. We were sat there ready to play,' he recalls. 'It was always judged by Prince Charles then, and the fancy dress parade was always at half past seven. 'But this evening Prince Charles did not arrive at half past seven to judge the fancy dress parade. And about 10-15 minutes later we started to get worried as everyone was waiting for the music to start. 'Turns out he was wanting to finish an episode of Coronation Street!' The King does appear to be a fan of the Manchester soap – having visited to mark its 40th anniversary in 2000, and even filming a small cameo. On the Queen Mother's 100th birthday, Frank remembers her rolling back the years by dancing the St. Bernard Waltz and the Gay Gordons. Frank adds: 'She was very gracious, very communicative, she loved meeting people and she was just a very kindly hospitable lady.' And he is just as effusive in his praise for her daughter – the woman who would go on to become the UK's longest-serving monarch until her death in 2022. The late Queen knew each of the musicians by name and Frank treasures the little interactions he was lucky enough to have with the historic figure. 'It was undoubtedly a huge honour and it was quite special because we were treated like royalty by the royalty,' he tells me. 'It is difficult to put into words. It's a period of my life I will never forget.' Over the years, Frank has won many awards, and his music has taken him all across the globe. 'The amazing thing is how the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society has become popular worldwide,' he adds with pride. Every summer he still attends the St Andrews Summer School – a major convention of dancers and musicians from all over the world which goes on for four weeks. So is he slowing down, now that he's in his mid-80s? Frank chuckles as he explains he still maintains a busy diary as he 'doesn't like to say no' to people. And it's recently been packed with events at Haddo House, with a snow ball he has performed at for 54 years on the trot, a performance with Fiona Kennedy and plenty more. 'It is about getting out there and enjoying yourself,' he explains. 'There is no better activity to do than Scottish Country Dancing, it keeps the mind active and keeps the body fit… That's what Scottish Country Dancing is all about. 'When dancers need hips and joints replaced like anyone else, they recover more quickly because they are fit – they're up and about in the ward before anyone else!' Ever humble, Frank 'thought there had been a mistake' when he was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to music and culture. 'It was unreal, I just thought there had been a mistake,' the twinkle-eyed gentleman tells me, still a bit surprised. 'I had to sit down and really nip myself. It makes me feel very very special. 'I'm quite humbled, but highly honoured without a doubt… 'There are nights in my sleep where I wake up and start thinking about the things I have done, and I wonder 'did I really do that!'' Why did Balmoral matter so much to the Queen? Everything you need to know about the Deeside castle fit for royalty
The Herald Scotland
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Why is the BBC cutting coverage of Edinburgh's festivals?
A dedicated pop-up venue to host live broadcasts and recordings has been dropped, despite thousands of ticket-holders flocking to shows and events over the three-week festival. Read more: The BBC, which launched its own venue in 2011, will instead use spaces at the Pleasance Courtyard and the EICC for a scaled-down programme. The BBC had gradually expanded its summer festivals coverage by making some of its best-known Radio Scotland and UK network radio programmes at the pop-up site. But the cultural celebration appears to have fallen victim to a long-running spending squeeze within the BBC, which has been lobbying for reform of the licence fee ahead of its current charter ending in 2027. The BBC's income is said to have fallen by around 30 per cent in real terms since 2010 because the licence fee has not been increased in line with inflation. Director-general Tim Davie, who told the Scottish Parliament in January that the broadcaster was having to operate under 'very tight financial constraints." The BBC has revealed that it is having to make around £700 million worth of annual savings to balance its books. Earlier this month Mr Davie made a fresh call for reform of the licence fee and called for an investigation into the impact of what he described as 'begrudging, grinding cuts.' BBC Scotland has become embroiled in a number of controversies over its output in Scotland, most recently after announcing plans to bring the long-running soap opera River City to an end. More than 12,000 supporters have backed a petition to save the show, while a politicians joined cast and crew to stage a protest outside the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood. The BBC said the show, which has been on air since 2002 and is due to end in the autumn of 2026, was no longer offering "value for money." There was anger last year over a shake-up in Radio Scotland's music programming and its impact on long-running specialist shows on jazz, classical music and piping. The BBC also came came under fire when it announced that its hour-long news programme The Nine would be scrapped just five years after its launch on a new BBC Scotland channel and replaced with a new early evening show, The Seven, which was launched in January.
