Uk politics in the Media

I'm normally immersed in a world of news and tech, and surprisingly sometimes despite this I do miss the big stories of the day but the one I can't miss is the upcoming UK election. I make my political views known. I say things like, "if you don't vote you have no right to complain about anything you don't agree with the govenment is involved in".

So why am I writing politics now and why is it a big deal? The truth is the biggest shake up in political history is happening right now and the media is at the center of it all.

In the past the papers would decide which party they were backing, the sun for example supported conservative for years until it decided Tony Blair and Labor was the horse to back and supported them, and now they are trying to back conservative once again, with the hopes of persuading the voters once again.

Now for the first time ever, the three main parties have done three live TV debates, a surprise when you consider this is the norm in America. The main reason is a loss of voters, the UK has seen voters, especially the young deserting the polls.  Another reason is it's the first time that no party was clearly going to win from the beginning.The reason it hasn't happened before the party in power was certain to win  and those out of power knew it.

So with these debates now all over what can we learn? The media has really opened up democracy in the uk. The debates have given platforms for the parties and we have seen big changes in the way people want to vote. The press coverage has increased in a way I've not known and the reaction from the debates has started bringing politics into daily conversation like an Eastenders storyline.

These debates and politics in the media still need to be improved, as you can tell there's lots that has gone wrong over this debate. That could actually be a good thing, with little spin just the person laid bare has it's advantages, but on the other hand we like things to run smoothly. I'm hoping that this is the start of an ever evolving politics in the UK, too long we have stuck with the safe but flawed system. Democracy should develop with its citizens and for the first time in a while we are seeing another shake up to bring democracy into relevance of today.

I guess the only way we will tell if these changes are going to work is by the results on election night. I for one hope it's just the first step on the long road and step they'll step away from.

Politics vs BBC

I've been spending most of my time today reading about BBC cuts. As with any license fee payer I want to get the most out of my BBC license fee. In the majority of cases I think I do. Like everyone there is a program that I'm not a fan of (total wipeout & hole in the wall) that just aren't must see TV for me but I can see the majority of people enjoying them.

What annoys me is the politics that are trying to kill what is clearly one of the best broadcasters in the world.

For example here are just a few:

BBC cuts 6 Music & Asian - well Tories are saying they should be cut back.
BBC Trust delaying Project Canvas review - Well the government put them there because BBC didn't do them.
BBC Worldwide could be sold the government to cover banking debt - rubbish BBC worldwide is corporate arm that keeps our license fee low and its not owned by the government.
BBC Three should be cut - Written by a Tory backed review, oh hang on if you cut that what is the alternative for over 12 year olds (age cbbc ends programs for, again due to government pressure) till you reach an age appropriate for watching other shows, oh well suppose its teenage sex and drinking again.

Notice a Pattern.
Do you see the problem if your big and successful like the BBC you should be cut back. I'm not implying the BBC is perfect it is just competitive in the broadcast industry. But political groups pull your heads out of your arse's and come into the real world. Your cutting things or forcing things in place that stunt this countries growth and more importantly the industries the BBC is part of. Want proof lets how about this.

BBC cuts 6 Music & Asian - Brings new music to people increasing record companies profits and supplying audience to a £3billion entertainment economy in UK. Also covers equality and anti racism by supplying a cultural knowledge to a large part of our UK residents, hang on isn't that a government policy to tackle racism and prejudice in the UK.

BBC Trust delaying Project Canvas review - why, it could be creating the UK version of Google. Again a government policy to bring technical innovation and a UK version of silicone valley to the UK.

BBC Worldwide could be sold the government to cover banking debt - Why, we didn't look after the banks that was the governments job. And if you do sell BBC worldwide does that mean you could sell my house, cause you don't own that either, also my license fee will treble to cover the cost. I get we need to make back the debt but isn't innovation and proper financing the way to go. Last time politicians sold things we ended up with major job losses oh and a poorer public transport system than in the first place.

BBC Three should be cut - it's aimed at the young, your not it, it aims to create innovation and new program forms by experimenting. Again political promises of innovation and opportunities for the young If you cut their TV channels no wounder they won't vote.

So to all politicians and to everyone who wants to attack the BBC. Get a life do something positive to improve the UK, not destroy it.