bbc:https://johnhilley.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/drool-britannia-complaint-to-bbc-over.html
Zen Politics
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Drool Britannia: complaint to BBC over naked militarist propaganda
I wish to complain about the display of extravagant militarism celebrated in this live feed coverage of the aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth:
New aircraft carrier arrives in home port
This is a level of state media propaganda the BBC typically attributes to North Korea.
1. Please specify how many BBC reporters were allocated to this ‘story’, and the overall costs incurred to the licence payer. How can this level of resources and live feed reportage be justified?
2. First Sea Lord Philip Jones Admiral Sir Philip Jones (sic) has been quoted in your report as saying: “Today, a new era of British maritime power is beginning.” Is it reasonable to assume that a substantive section of the public do not, in fact, wish to see any ‘resurgence’ of Britain as a major maritime power, with all the dark imperialist history, and current global aggressions, that involves? In a world of Western, corporate-driven war, and desire for diplomatic alternatives, do you accept that this kind of comment is deeply controversial, offensive and inflammatory to many? Why did you publish this statement without providing any anti-war-voice?
3. The BBC Charter maintains that BBC output must always be impartial and balanced. Please indicate where any opposition to the commissioning of this £3 billion ship, or objection to UK militarism at large, is included in this set of reports. While many struggle to feed their families, is it fair to suggest that considerable numbers of people find this level of expenditure deeply immoral? Where is this public concern reflected in your coverage?
4. Do you consider it moral or proportionate to be giving this fawning level of coverage and support for British militarism while that same UK state is providing massive arms and support to Saudi Arabia for the indiscriminate bombing of civilians in Yemen? Please indicate where the BBC has raised this dark anomaly, or allowed space for any substantive comment on it. The live feed includes glowing pieces detailing ‘HMS Queen Elizabeth in numbers’ and ‘Everything you need to know about HMS Queen Elizabeth’. Have the BBC produced any similar pieces specifying the numbers, scale and consequences of Britain’s killing equipment to tyrant regimes?
I look forward to your considered and detailed response.
Regards
John Hilley
Posted by John Hilley at 14:17
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