This is possibly the most important book to come out of the Scottish Independence Referendum. When I was growing up the BBC was a hallowed institution, respected throughout the world, with some superb journalists. BBC Scotland, on the other hand, has become much reviled amongst Independence supporters over their handling of the referendum. The book documents in forensic detail what amounts to institutional bias against the SNP, Independence, Alec Salmond in particular and a bias towards a pro-unionist stance. Ponsonby provides ample evidence for his claims in the form of screenshots from the BBC website and quotations from broadcasts and singles out several presenters and journalists for criticism, some of whom are not fit to be on the airwaves and should be sacked for their lack of balanced reporting. He also illustrates how the BBC refused to report "good news" which would have lent support to the Yes campaign, and even on the odd occasions that they deigned to report it they twisted it to suit the No agenda.
However, the main failure is a failure of management, who not only seem to have close ties to Scottish Labour but seem incapable or unwilling to admit that they may have got things wrong and to take steps to correct their mistakes. Their attack on the integrity of Prof. Robertson who dared to analyse their output and produce a well-researched and argued study was simply outrageous and unprofessional.
Anyone reading this book will understand how it is that the BBC in Scotland has lost its credibility as an impartial reporter of news and has become an organisation with its own agenda, which is to promote Unionism and attack Scottish Independence. Unfortunately, the BBC is unlikely to change as long as the present management and journalists are in post.
OR
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
