BBC / Media bias

[Cismyfatarse1]

Disclaimer- I am not an expert, nor is it my point of view.

BBC bias / impartiality has been discussed a lot in Scotland in particular.

But, how, with the current situation are they not putting another point of view on lockdown, or elements of it? For example, they seem to offer little in terms of an alternative point of view on the oddity of having 8 people meeting no more than 5 miles from home in Scotland. Something different in England.

No one seems to be going, hang on. Why can you park your car to buy non-essential plants now but not drive, park and go for a walk.

Essentially the media is reflecting what the government wants, not questioning it, even a little bit.

With Brexit (I know, different) or other big issues they look at things more objectively.

But, we had the 10 o'clock news last night full of human interest, pro-lockdown rules stories and nothing else.

Why lock up remote areas with no cases? Not asking for a policy change, just that these questions are put to government(s).

Anyway. This is probably a bit confused but I would welcome anyone's thoughts.

[MummyPop00]

Have BBC Scotland grilled Sturgeon on Care Homes?

[Orangeblossom78]

Yes not analysing anything and being very dramatic and negative
Have a look at these two article for example

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52506114

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52848793

They used to be quite calm and informative- apparently in other countries the reparative has been far less emotive

[Orangeblossom78]

reporting, sorry

[Cismyfatarse1]

Sturgeon has had a grilling on care homes but the tone of the news is very much pro lockdown and isn't the NHS marvellous. Uncritical of the choices made to lock us down and of the 4 nations giving different and stupidly nuanced messages.

Why 5 miles?

Why no solo sailing until yesterday?

[Divoc2020]

I don't think it's terribly helpful to start unpacking every minute detail of government guidance really - it would just destabilise the main, broad-brush messages. In a way it doesn't matter whether it's 6 or 8 people etc, just that it's outdoors and not large groupings inside.

I think the media generally knows there is a responsibility during times of national crisis to let the government move forward (even if in an imperfect way) rather than stalling everything with constant nit-picking.
I think the time will come for the analysis and harsh criticism later.

I've virtually given up on the BBC though - I'm sick to the back teeth with all their coverage of non-stories to promote the interests of their leftie 'meeja' cronies

[ragged]

I agree that voices that don't like Lockdown or find the rules unsustainable & illogical aren't being heard very well.

Part of the problem is that some of those voices are insane; I don't want to be allied with Toby Young or the 5G conspiracy theorists.

I don't know if it's BBC's fault. Most the public support very strong Lockdown measures. People like me (sane but not wanting the current measures) are in a tiny minority. The reason I'm not heard is I'm rare and the only coalition I could form is with nutjobs.

[Orangeblossom78]

It's not just whether they are pro or for lockdown but that they should be reasonable, rational analytical and balanced. License payers pay for the BBC so should be able to get that.

They also should be thinking of the impact on people's mental health. People need hope as well as constant emoting and dramatic negativity.

A friend in Holland says their reporting has been for example about the seriousness but also a 'we'll get through it- be sensible' kind of message.

[Cismyfatarse1]

Agree about the nut jobs. We had a non-gathering near here in protest a couple of weeks ago, stirred up by far right activists.

I just feel as if some of the inconsistencies are political, not medical. Why can you fish but not shoot? Why no sailing until yesterday but boats with small engines were going out (fishing, but not commercially). Why can you walk around a golf course but not drive to the empty hills.

With no dissent or questions the government looks like it has unequivocal support. Plus, we need alternative points of view in the media to help us think about our own views and judgements.

[Orangeblossom78]

Interesting they have this one on the day the shielded are let out...

www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-52808094

[ky07]

I don't think its beneficial to pick apart the government's messaging when we're still in the middle of a pandemic and the public are already giving up on following rules.

[Doyoumind]

At the moment, people are reliant on the news for information about what they can and can't do. It is the responsibility of the BBC to communicate it. I have seen lots of experts with opposing views on, by the way, but the main bulletins are important for reinforcing the guidelines. If you watch beyond those there is much more being said.