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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Dear List-members,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Just received this.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Cheers,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ian Brotherhood</FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message -----
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A
title=philip.wells@bbc.co.uk href="mailto:philip.wells@bbc.co.uk">Philip
Wells-GW</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=brotherhoods@stevenston4.fsnet.co.uk
href="mailto:brotherhoods@stevenston4.fsnet.co.uk">Yvonne & Ian
Brotherhood</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, November 10, 2004 4:39 PM</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> RE: Riddoch Programme</DIV></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Hello
Mr Brotherhood, </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Thanks
for your reply. </FONT></SPAN><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>You are right, we are legally required to keep copies of
all our programmes for 42 days after they have been broadcast. We also keep
copies of the guest lists for the same length of time. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>We can
answer specific requests about individual programmes, and that information is
available to anyone who asks. The material is for their own personal use. A
transcription service does not exist, as a programme team I'm afraid
its impractical to answer general queries about our coverage of an
issue over such a long period of time. I can refer a request of this
nature onwards if necessary. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2>However, I would utterly reject any suggestion that our coverage of the
Iraq war has been biaised in favour of a small number of pro-war interviewees. I
have had exactly the same complaints from people who support the
war. We are interested in making programmes that hear from all points of view -
not in pushing any political agenda. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>We are
highly aware of our responsibilities as programme makers to ensure that all
points of view are represented. The Lesley Riddoch Programme is discussion
based, it promotes debate and that needs differing opinions.
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>In
reference to this tuesday's programme 3 of the 5 guests opposed the attack
on Falluja (David Pratt Foreign Editor of the Sunday Herald)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Eric
Herring (Senior Lecturer in Politics at Bristol University), and Omar
Hassan (An Iraqi seeking asylum in the UK). Eric Joyce MP was invited on
the programme to represent the Government's viewpoint and as a former
Soldier in the Black Watch. He could only be on the programme for half an hour,
so we asked David Capitanchick from Aberdeen University to also be a guest on
the programme. This allowed us so that we could still have a debate between
differing points of view. At any point during the programme one pro war voice
was opposed by three guests who opposed military action. This does not take into
account the callers who -as you suggest- are generally anti-war.
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Eric
Joyce is one of our regular contributors. We are more frustrated than anyone
that so few of his colleagues answer our repeated requests to appear on the
programme to be questioned about Government policy. However, a quick look at our
archives shows that Mr Joyce has been a guest on our programme 4 times in
the last 10 months.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2>I</FONT></SPAN><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2> don't believe that a presenter with Lesley Riddoch's
experience and capability allows anyone the chance to use the programme as
a platform for their views. Their assertions are challenged both by Lesley and
by the listeners who call in.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Its arguable how many people in Scotland support
the war in Iraq, but I don't believe it is such a small minority that their
views should be completely unrepresented in an hour long programme.
</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>If I can be of any help providing you with more
information about specific programmes please let me know.
</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN
class=446193115-10112004></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN
class=446193115-10112004></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN
class=446193115-10112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>I hope you keep
listening.</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Yours Sincerely</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN
lang=en-gb><B><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></B></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN
lang=en-gb><B><FONT face=Arial size=2>PHIL WELLS</FONT></B></SPAN> <BR><SPAN
lang=en-gb><B><FONT face=Arial color=#008080 size=2>Editor, Lesley Riddoch
Programme</FONT></B></SPAN> <BR><SPAN lang=en-gb><B><FONT face=Arial
color=#008080 size=2>Del: + 44 141 338 2331</FONT></B></SPAN> <BR><SPAN
lang=en-gb><B><FONT face=Arial color=#008080 size=2>e-mail: <A
href="mailto:philip.wells@bbc.co.uk">philip.wells@bbc.co.uk</A></FONT></B></SPAN>
</DIV></SPAN></SPAN>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><SPAN class=446193115-10112004><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>PS: Finally just wondering if you could you
pgive me a bit more information about media-watch?</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=446193115-10112004> </SPAN></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B> Yvonne
& Ian Brotherhood [mailto:brotherhoods@stevenston4.fsnet.co.uk]
<BR><B>Sent:</B> 10 November 2004 13:07<BR><B>To:</B> Philip
Wells-GW<BR><B>Subject:</B> Riddoch Programme<BR><BR></DIV></FONT>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Mr Wells,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thank you for your message.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I am not requesting access to tapes of the past
two years programmes. I am enquiring about what procedures are in place for
people who might wish such access - my understanding was that all broadcasters
are required, for legal reasons, to retain full and unedited archives of all
broadcast material for a minimum period. Is this still the case ? If so, do
any procedures exist whereby members of the public, researchers, academics
etc, can access the material before it is destroyed or becomes
inaccessible ?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>You ask the reasons for my request :</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>1. Simple curiosity - to check whether or not
such access is possible, and if so, how it works (e.g. can such
archive material be requested by individuals, institutions ? Is there a
fee ? Can material of interest be copied, transcribed ?
etc) </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>2. Want to check when certain guests were
invited, and whether those invitations correlate to political
developments.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>3. Want to check what proportion of guests were
politicians, journalists, terrorism 'experts', members of anti-war groups,
soldiers' family members, other concerned individuals etc.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>My interest is primarily academic, but I make no
secret of the fact that I believe that several prominent pro-war voices have,
for a long time, been using the Riddoch Programme as a platform for views
which have become increasingly 'radical' as the war has dragged on - Jim
Wylie, David Capitanchik and Eric Joyce represent a small minority view in
Scotland - a fact which I'm sure is easily confirmed by scanning the
reaction your programme receives whenever they appear.</FONT> <FONT
face=Arial size=2>If a minority view on any other subject (e.g. abortion,
euthanasia or similarly contentious matters) was given such a regular airing
then I'm sure you would expect serious questions from listeners regarding
editorial policy.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I trust the above answers your questions, and I
look forward to hearing from you again.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Regards,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Ian Brotherhood</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>PS My previous letters were sent directly to the
show - <A href="mailto:lesley@bbc.co.uk">lesley@bbc.co.uk</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT> </DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>http://www.bbc.co.uk/<BR><BR>This
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