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We increasingly live in a second-hand world – a world whose sounds, images and impressions come to us from screens and pages. It’s very interesting, often great fun, and sometimes daunting. We look at some of the issues.

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Journalists helped create Mr Brown’s spin machine

Why we posted this: Politics and politicians in the UK are mostly decent and public-spirited. So it profoundly matters that journalists should tell us more of what they know about the skullduggery at the heart of Westminster. More »

Themes: Interrogating the Media / Media / Truth & Trust. Posted by Richard D North on April 18th, 2009

The free market hasn’t failed

Why we posted this: It’s becoming quite common to declare that free market capitalism is dead, long live state interference. Even some Financial Times gurus are taken with this line, and it is useful to wonder if they are right. More »

Themes: Interrogating the Media / Media / Money. Posted by Richard D North on March 10th, 2009

UN admits Israel did not shell Gaza school

Why we posted this: It’s official: the Israeli military did not – as widely reported at the time – shell a United Nations school in Gaza, killing 43 in its grounds. Time for an apology by the reporters? More »

Themes: Campaigning / Green / Interrogating the Media / Media / Politics. Posted by Richard D North on February 4th, 2009

The BBC: clinging to the edge, on purpose

Why we posted this: The BBC has no idea how to be a respectable broadcaster, and not much desire either. How could it? Its biggest fear is that it won’t hit its numbers.  More »

Themes: Interrogating the Media / Society. Posted by Richard D North on December 13th, 2008

Who warned us about the credit crunch?

Why we posted this: Many people failed in the run-up to the current credit crunch and recession. Should journalists share some of the blame? Aren’t they supposed to know what’s going on and tell the rest of us? More »

Themes: Interrogating the Media / Media / Money. Posted by Richard D North on December 13th, 2008

Who’s honest about the economy?

Why we posted this: What’s the right response to the financial crisis? Are commentors and politicians speaking their minds or are some spouting conveniently compassionate guff?  More »

Themes: Interrogating the Media / Media / Money / Politics / Rights. Posted by Richard D North on November 25th, 2008

Black voters feel free in 2008

Why we posted this: The media has mostly accepted as reasonable the idea common amongst blacks that until Obama it wasn’t worth voting. This is worth challenging.  More »

Themes: Interrogating the Media / Politics / Rights / Truth & Trust. Posted by Richard D North on November 5th, 2008

The BBC: clinging to the edge, on purpose

Why we posted this: The BBC has no idea how to be a respectable broadcaster, and not much desire either. How could it? Its biggest fear is that it won’t hit its numbers.  More »

Themes: Interrogating the Media / Media / Society. Posted by Richard D North on October 29th, 2008

Wrecked by overpaid, under-regulated speculators? Er, no.

Why we posted this: We all long for a clear explanation of what has gone wrong in the world’s markets and what might help put it right. As usual, the trick is to avoid simplistic populism.  The Economist has managed a readable account which fits the bill. More »

Themes: Media / Money. Posted by Richard D North on October 11th, 2008

Getting past the Web’s nonsense

Why we posted this: The web – especially in Web 2.0 mode – spreads dangerous nonsense. Sure, but we should hold our nerve and redress the balance. More »

Themes: Interrogating the Media / Media / Money / Society / The Good Corporation / Truth & Trust. Posted by Paul Seaman on September 17th, 2008