SAYF

First on a personal note:

No, MB

Not AR, not PM , not ever

Can’t reply  – computer ate your details.  Do get in touch.  (ends)

On a train  many years ago the practical sensible “put your money where your mouth is” activist Lesley Abdela asked  if I had thought about politics.  I was torn between being flattered that someone who clearly knew what she was about would mention such a thing, and recoil.   It’s a long time ago and I don’t remember what I hope was a graceful reply.   Me in politics came up a couple of other times. 

The best answer I ever gave was to a young man in an audience somewhere along  the line when I worked for Cosmopolitan.  “I’m in politics” I said.   “Anything to do with people is to do with politics.  From the Greek – polis – a people state.”   

Not party politics. 

I look at the last lot from Cameron to  Sunak, each with their strengths as well as weaknesses, and think  that it must be mandatory to  study the high wire.    And if the monied Truss had the grace and imagination of a cardboard box, she  would  donate or hand back the PM’s pension she doesn’t deserve or need.  Starmer is having a hard time – well that’s the difference between  knowing something should be done and hating how it is implemented.  He is in politics, not popularity.    Speak As You Find (see title).

Usually , if you say you’re going to call the council, whoever you’re with shakes a wise head patiently and says “Don’t expect too much.”  And I expected nothing. 

Desperate with lack of response from the neighbouring landlord,  I rang the local town hall.

Fully automated, not a human.  So I  searched and I found the section I was looking for  and  – eureka ! – an email address.  I wrote a brief letter of appeal.  It was acknowledged with a signature  to which I rereplied saying “Don’t leave this – this is a way of doing things” and the addressee turned up at the behest of his manager, took pictures, asked questions, checked.  I was so grateful.   SAYF.

When I grew up, there was the BBC and, barring Radio Luxemburg, that’s what there was,  And I was longtime loyal.  You have read me criticise what the news coverage has become – alongside that fact that only one member of current Cabinet I have seen presents well on camera – and Glastonbury  is not for me, nor Oasis or a dozen other things.

And if I wonder about who thought about  what acts were booked and why at Glastonbury, I presume all question was subsumed into “it’ll be all right”, “might cause a bit of stir”  and profit.

My friend Buns (a longer life than mine in various aspects of broadcasting) thinks the right to protest is sacrosanct and if you don’t like it, turn off.

Bearing in mind how it was set up, what happened was predictable.   But there was no broadcasting contingency plan (as in Broadcasting Buck and Cover).  

Five years ago before the seat of Director General was offered to Tim Davie, a wiser head than mine suggested forcefully that it was an impossible job,

which should by run by two people.   I disagree with two, which leads immediately to factions – but three, a triumvirate – yes.   Then there is always somebody to give a casting vote.  As it is, nothing we have heard (remember, it’s your BBC ! they say) from sordid Savile onwards demonstrates decision.  It demonstrates avoidance, moving here, saying there, leaving a little time, when in doubt have a meeting., publicise the findings – that makes us really feel better !

There is at least as much  problem in British business in management as in workforce.   And the BBC like the  NHS is overprovided with middle management ie far too many people with vested interests, reporting just so much to somebody  else and then waiting for suitable action.   What we might call The Unstoppable  Buck. 

And this in  weary parallel with scheduling that leaves you going for a walk or reaching for a book.    Yes, such choices are always personal.   But at the moment there isn’t much choice.

Hence SAYF.