Devils advocate press complaints letdoown

bristol | miscellaneous | news report Thursday September 05, 2002 23:15 by ffwd nab shag

Today I got my letter from the Press Complaints Commission, regarding the Barry Beelzebub column about Iraq. They have determined as follows:

1) They cannot comment on whether the column is racist or not, as it does not refer to any specific individual.


(2) They could not, in any case, take any action (even if there were racism involved), as the column does not refer to any specific individual.


Toothless, or what ?


Maybe worse ! The Press Complaints Commission sent (as I suppose they are required to do) a copy of their decision to editor Mike Lowe, at the Evening Post. So the nasty racist old bugger will know he's off the hook.


This all left me very depressed while having my breakfast this morning ... . But I though people would like to know the outcome.


Very best wishes -


Margaret Jones




Date: Wed, 04 Sep 2002 19:52:07 -0000
Subject: Re: PRESS COMPLAINTS - A DISAPPOINTMENT !


Hello Margaret,


I wouldn't be too disapointed as I never really expected a result
from the Press Complaints Comission anyhow. This campaign has
demonstrated our ability to work in tandem on these issues, & that is
something which we must continue to build upon as our world slips
further into the insanity that Bush & Blair wish to inflict upon it.


Even as 'Barry Beezlebub' lets out a torrent of bile in apparent
victory, you can be sure that the Daily Mail will be keeping a close
eye on him & his sales figures. Mike Lowe is a compromised man now, &
clear gains have been made against him, & his infantile grasp of
politics.


James