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<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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