This is the period when Thatcherism hits the BBC. It's an extremely telling moment. The right-wing press always insisted that a public broadcaster would submit to government control. It's the kind of thing Spectator types still say today. In fact, the opposite happened. - ThreadSky

iandunt.bsky.social • 79 days ago

This is the period when Thatcherism hits the BBC. It's an extremely telling moment. The right-wing press always insisted that a public broadcaster would submit to government control. It's the kind of thing Spectator types still say today. In fact, the opposite happened.

Reposted from Origin Story

As close as we get to a warm and fuzzy holiday listen. Part two of @iandunt.bsky.social and @dorianlynskey.bsky.social's story of the BBC is out now. Find it here⬇️
linktr.ee/originstoryp...

Comments

sellbydave.bsky.social•79 days ago

Well, you could argue that for a long time there was a correlation between the private politics of the political editor and who was in power - EG very establishment under Thatcher, Andrew Marr quite new labour, Laura K proper Tory etc. Not sure about Mason but coverage in line with Tory donor execs

charlierad.bsky.social•79 days ago

Intriguing 👍

philg42.bsky.social•79 days ago

In the end the BBC did submit to right wing government control over the last 14 years and still submits to it now it is in opposition.

doctorhuuffuuhhrr.bsky.social•79 days ago

It's getting more obvious too, each news story is framed against Labour. Need to de-torify the directors.

hectorthehog.bsky.social•79 days ago

I will listen later.

I don't think it's just Spectator types who want the BBC to submit to government control, but extremists from both ends of the spectrum. I have heard a good few very left wingers bleat that the BBC is an inherently conservative organ.

If both ends are pissed off I approve.

vfourvendetta.bsky.social•79 days ago

Arguably it's always been a State & never a Public Service Broadcaster.

With cuts in bespoke domestic news output, with World Service used to fill gaps, the bias has become more obvious as UK public sees more of it's International soft power projection.

Https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-43754737

stereid.bsky.social•79 days ago

Definitely

renewablesnow.bsky.social•79 days ago

Thatcher wanted a state broadcaster not a public service broadcaster. The Tories just gone wanted the same

irritatedllama.bsky.social•79 days ago

Been looking forward to this one. Wonderfully researched chaps.

proudscot1.bsky.social•79 days ago

sharonhawth.bsky.social•79 days ago

📌

olliemastersbskys.bsky.social•79 days ago

I refuse to believe marmaduke hussey is a real name

phillipwatson.bsky.social•79 days ago

I’ve seen the cartoons. He gets around

johndaledalton.bsky.social•79 days ago

His name was Marmalade Butty wasn't it?

iandunt.bsky.social•79 days ago

How dare you question my identity like this.

iandunt.bsky.social•79 days ago

The BBC managed to maintain a broadly critical and objective approach, even during the Falklands War. The Sun turned into the government's press office. The Mail became so loyal to Thatcher it effectively ceased to function with any independence.

iandunt.bsky.social•79 days ago

In the end, it wasn't the BBC that submitted to the state. It was the privately owned right-wing press.

richdef.bsky.social•79 days ago

Grateful that this part of the story where Tories start pressuring the BBC is being told.

bsky.heenan.net•79 days ago

True, but the BBC shouldn't allow barely read rags to set the agenda.

johndaledalton.bsky.social•79 days ago

That is, or at least was, true. Sadly now some parts of the BBC - notably #r4today - no longer set the agenda but take if from the private right wing press. #PMQs #wato

iandunt.bsky.social•79 days ago

The full story in this episode of Origin Story - crammed full of heroes, villains, and Dorian's alarmingly accurate Received Pronunciation accent.

tragedyofthestooge.bsky.social•79 days ago

And contrary to your comments, I enjoyed Dorian's RP accent and look forwards to hearing it in future episodes, even if it's used wildly out of context.

tragedyofthestooge.bsky.social•79 days ago

This is one of your best. Fascinating, and left me feeling a bit sad by the end.

rhid83.bsky.social•79 days ago

I've left the lovely welcoming warm corridors of broadcasting house and Dorian's charming RP (such a great episode) and about to walk through the cold repressive thuggish hate filled (often) doors of the daily mail. Should be very interesting though

rhid83.bsky.social•79 days ago

Listening now it's already fascinating, I've just played Dorian's quote about the Mail on repeat it is brilliant and very funny "if you disagree with its politics you find it a fucking twisted hateful dark experience" yes that's my view entirely and that was clearly the intention from it's outset.

rhid83.bsky.social•79 days ago

And now we hit the daily mail praising Mussolini, speaking highly of and being friends with Hitler and publicising Mosley's blackshirts - ha nothing has changed has it.

fiftyfloor.bsky.social•79 days ago

Always listen anyway, but reading this I realise I *urgently need* to hear Dorian's accent. You should have led with this.

beerwarrior.bsky.social•79 days ago

Just discovered the Origin Stories. The Russell Brand edition is brilliant. Essential listening and now investigating the archive. Thanks everyone!!

mikedugdale.bsky.social•79 days ago

I always knew the boy had it in him.

swiggyswiggyswiggy.bsky.social•79 days ago

Superb, I've tried my best to get my extremely technophobic mum set up to listen as well so hopefully she'll be able to. Or I'll have to get 2 blank tapes and do it the old fashioned way.

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