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<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> Thursday, November 11, 2004 10:58 AM</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> RE: Riddoch Programme</DIV></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=550563710-11112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Hello
Ian, </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=550563710-11112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=550563710-11112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Thanks
for your reply, you make a number of very interesting points.
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=550563710-11112004><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>I am
pretty sure we have asked Eric Joyce why he still supports a war which to so
many people seem to think is going so badly wrong. There may be other
explanations but the one he -and people who share his stance - come out
with is that they still think it was the right thing to do. As you say we
have to take that explanation at face value. If the evidence seems to
contradict that (no WMDs, No security, increased terrorist threat etc), the
listener will make up their own mind about the solidity of the argument.
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=550563710-11112004></SPAN><FONT face=Tahoma><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004>It is always useful to get a reminder of the view point
from outside the 'gold fish bowl', and I genuinely appreciate your interest
and opinions. I can assure you that any attempts to influence the editorial line
of the programme by political parties are vociferously
rejected. </SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004></SPAN></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004>Thanks for the information on Media Watch, you are
right David Miller is a regular and valued contributor to the programme.
</SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004></SPAN></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004>Yours Sincerely </SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004>Phil Wells</SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004></SPAN></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004>PS: When you mention "Lesley and her ferocious
listeners" maybe you mean the other way round?</SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004></SPAN></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004></SPAN></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=+0><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN
class=550563710-11112004></SPAN></FONT></FONT><FONT face=Tahoma><FONT
size=2><SPAN class=550563710-11112004></SPAN><BR><B>From:</B> Yvonne & Ian
Brotherhood [mailto:brotherhoods@stevenston4.fsnet.co.uk] <BR><B>Sent:</B> 11
November 2004 10:11<BR><B>To:</B> Philip Wells-GW<BR><B>Cc:</B>
media-watch@lists.stir.ac.uk<BR><B>Subject:</B> Re: Riddoch
Programme<BR><BR></DIV></FONT></FONT>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Mr Philip Wells-GW,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Thanks for your speedy reply - interesting and
informative. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Can I clarify something ? I make no
assumptions about your politics, or your editorial policy, but your message
appears to suggest that you have made several assumptions about my motivation
in requesting the information that I did. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I did not suggest in my letters that the Riddoch
Proggramme shows bias one way or the other, and that was not my reason for
enquiring as to archice access. I did not question Lesley's professionalism,
nor that of anyone involved in the production of the programme, and I
certainly did not imply that the programme seeks to further any political
agenda. Frankly, I could not care less about conspiracy theories relating to
BBC editorial policy - they are crude and unhelpful and, by their very nature,
a waste of time. Like most listeners, I am happy to take what is said by
guests at 'face value', to accept that they are being sincere. And that
is where my curioisty is aroused - it is interesting that you bemoaned
the lack of government reps prepared to accept your invitations to appear on
the programme. That, in itself, speaks volumes, but we must do with what
we are given, and so are forced to concentrate on the utterings of those few
brave souls who are prepared to face Lesley and her fearsome
listeners. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>The regular appearance of Joyce, Wylie, Foulkes,
Capitanchik and others on your programme is not, for me, something to complain
about - every time they open their mouths they underscore the vacuity of their
arguments. What interests me is the persistence of these people in trying to
flog propaganda which grows more feeble with every passing day, and seeing how
far they will go before conceding that they were wrong.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>At some point, somewhere in the BBC's output, a
presenter will challenge one of these people to explain <U>why</U> they keep
going. It may be Humphries, or Paxman, or Sebastian, or it may well be Lesley,
but someone will, eventually, ask Eric Joyce why he's doing what he's doing.
Joyce has become a well-known face on the back of his unwavering support for
the 'war', and he will be long-remembered for his stance. The 'stance' itself
has become so weak that, in due course, nothing will remain of it and it is
the man's motivation which will remain as the prime subject of interest. This
is a classic Emperor's New Clothes scenario, where it will become impossible
to avoid pointing out the obvious.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Perhaps, inside the broadcasting world, it is
difficult to appreciate how others outside the 'goldfish bowl' view what
is happening i.e. what the common perception is of the coverage/debates being
produced, but please consider the simple fact that the BBC, since well
before the Hutton Inquiry, since before the leak of Sambrook's memo to
Regional News Editors, and for many years previously, has always been 'part of
the story' - you will, I'm sure, be aware of the academic work (much of it
pioneered by the Glasgow University Media Group) which has, for more than
twenty years, been scrutinising mass-media coverage of war, political disputes
etc. That work is ongoing, and the output currently being produced by the BBC
will be subject to the same forensic treatment in due course. Until then,
perhaps, the issue of political pressure on/bias in the BBC will remain a
matter for academic speculation (aside from what we can glean from
the statements from 'discredited' ex-BBC employees like Gilligan, Dyke
etc).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>In the meantime, I remain a keen listener, and
look forward to hearing much more from the 'usual suspects' - the more
the better.</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>P.S. Media-watch is an online project which was
started by David Miller of Strathclyde University and concentrates on
mass-media coverage of this 'war'. It can be found online, search for
stir.ac.uk I believe Mr Miller has been a guest on the Riddoch
Programme.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; 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 style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A
title=brotherhoods@stevenston4.fsnet.co.uk
href="mailto:brotherhoods@stevenston4.fsnet.co.uk">Yvonne & Ian
Brotherhood</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, November 10, 2004 4:39
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> RE: Riddoch Programme</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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