Blyth Valley MP

Ronnie Campbell column: News Corp have destroyed trust

Posted by The Journal on Aug 3, 11 05:00 PM in Blyth Valley MP

Isn't it strange how despite what appear to be massive breaches of security, the illegal tapping of phones, the involvement of police in cash payments for information and whatever else, there is still a tacit acceptance of this being a high-level problem and somewhat remote from the ordinary people like us.

I can quite imagine if the papers involved had been the Morning Star or any other left-wing publication there would be a holy outcry for hangings and the disgrace and abuse of the media.

The vast majority of reporters do a good job and can be trusted even if at times we don't like what they publish. In the main it is truthful and has been properly researched.

The News of the World and its parent group News Corporation have now destroyed the legitimacy of the press and it is sad that so many reporters have been sacrificed because of the actions of a few.

Having said all that, I find myself thinking a bit further about the whole charade and how even now it is difficult to get straight answers to straight questions.

The Prime Minister is involved because he employed Andy Coulson and maintained close links with him even after he was sacked. That leaves question marks about his judgement.

This is in the same way in which the establishment are closing ranks and criticisms of the Murdoch web of media intrigue come through gritted teeth. I find it hard to pinpoint who has done what and where and when!

The fact is many of the parties involved have close links from university days, through publicity campaigns for political parties or even through the influence which can be exerted by people who get into positions of power and can make or break the future of organisations such as News Corp and the BSkyB bids.

While there may not be any question marks or any wrong doing, there is a nasty smell and this whole phone tapping scandal may only be the tip of the iceberg. Once we start peeling back the various layers we may even find deeper and more serious issues.
I hope not for the integrity of the bulk of the media, but I wish I could put my hand on my heart and say once this is sorted that will be it. But I can't. And until I can, I for one will continue to treat the national media - and especially anything to do with News Corp - with suspicion.

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1 Comments

Alan Henderson said:

According to a Co-op survey the ten least trusted professions in the UK are:

1. Politicians
2. Bankers
3. Journalists
4. Car Salesmen
5. Estate Agents
6. Electricians
7. Plumbers
8. Builders
9. Car Mechanics
10.Footballers

The tie-ins between the top three have been exposed over the last few years (Expenses Ronnie remember these?, lax financial control down to Tony and Gordon, obscene bonuses but the banks lauded by Gordon and Mandelslime and hacking of course.Now the police are looking to join this premier league of shame. A clear out is needed at the top - the very top 650

August 4, 2011 9:14 AM