Everywhere you look now, every news item I consume and read, its the same old story. The media and its commentators talking about Reform, because they know it gives them a response. Sure, they are in parliament so they are going to be reported on. But do you ever see other parties with so much coverage? Of course not, because it’s all about using them for a response. In my view, Reform and all those within in, are people out for themselves and not about public service. Resigning when the going gets tough, or not showing up to meetings, it will only get worse in my view. But so it seems is the media, as they overuse them for a response.
Elicit a Response
Thinking back to growing up in the 80’s and my mother making a lot of noise on her typewriter. I remember a line that stuck with me from my mother, who was a journalist. Our job is to elicit a response and ask questions, my mum said. Thinking back to that and the sheer noise of the golf ball banging away as my mum hit the keys on her typewriter. I always remembered that when listening to journalists asking questions on our behalf as the viewer or listener. Even as a patient, my consultants have been on the end of many a question from me as a patient. As I try to soak up information and help myself understand more about the relevant subject.
So, I understand what the journalists are doing in getting that response. Also something I did on the radio as part of being a presenter, so I get it. However, what I don’t understand is overusing a particular person or party for that response. For me as a viewer or a listener, its lazy as they look for a clip they can cut for their social media. Then everyone piles in on X and other platforms and that party and people within it, are given even more exposure. I feel like its becoming a bit of a parody now, as yet another headline appears about Reform.
The Debate
But lost in all of that is the wider debate. Where is that debate? about the issues that so many are facing right now. I consume a lot of news and debate, but it just seems everywhere you look, its Reform or Farage. Let me be very clear as someone working class and living in social housing. Never, will I ever vote for these people, because I see through them. I see what they are doing as they use people for their own self promotion. Playing on the fact so many are fed up with the government and other parties. The same way so many commentators use the most vulnerable and poverty, talking about issues they have never faced. Its not about people, its what they can get for themselves by using others. As the media focus on the response from Reform, those with disabilities are crying out to be heard, the media is still talking about Reform. As rents rise, as well as the numbers of those made homeless, the Breaking news is about Farage.
So, I simply say this. If the media or politicians don’t talk about the issues so many face, or they give one party more exposure than the rest. The debate is lost and divide continues and only gets worse. Or, writing a story about homelessness for Christmas, ignoring issues the rest of the year. Britain needs Reform – of the media in my view. Where there is no balance of different people in the debate, commentators reading out lines written for them. Talking about poverty and the most vulnerable, without them ever being in the room as part of the debate. if the media keeps shutting people out of the debate, it will just create more divide.
Politics shows should have a wide range of people from all walks of life up and down the country. Listening to all the different world views we all have, because of what so many face. Alongside politicians and others so the media take a deep dive into the issues. Because I feel if we don’t do that, politicians and many others in society, with simply see data and not people. Throw out a survey and say they understand what people think. Surveys and data is important, but not as important as people. Its those people in society right now, that are crying out for change. That has to come from government, but in my view also has to come from the media. Fail to do that and the most vulnerable in society, will simply become forgotten, as the media frames everything the same way. Have a great day – Stuart
