If this is true (and there seems little reason to doubt it) it is of
massive concern and is evidence that the media in this country are
totally out of control.
The media are a potential force for great good or great evil within a society. Ironically this story illustrates both simultaneously, with the work of the New York Times an excellent example of the good that can be done in exposing wrongdoing and News International a dire example of the evil that can be done when the media begin to focus on shite that is of "interest to the public" instead of on matters of genuine "public interest" and believe themselves to be above the law.
I am personally aware of a number of people who have declined to become involved in public life, despite being well-qualified to do great good, because they know that if they even incur the wrath of the powerful forces who run the media they are likely to be targetted by the scandal-hounds and that (a) they simply do not want their friends and family subjected to that and / or (b) they know that there is
something, often very trivial and a long time ago, that is there to be found and which whilst of no genuine concern to anyone else would sell a few more copies of the News of the Screws and hence would be plastered all over the front pages for a day or two, causing massive personal stress and difficulties in their private lives (things that, incidentally, are there to be found in the backgrounds of the very journalists, editors and proprietors hypocritically "exposing" them).
This means that we, the public, are deprived of the talents of incresaing numbers of people who could make our society better, leaving the way clear for less talented, but boring and bland, individuals to take the roles instead. I find this sad.
Now we hear similar allegations made to prevent elected MPs from doing their jobs ...
The powerful interests who own the media need to be reined in. The excesses of the media need to be curbed. No longer should they be allowed to simply scream "Freedom of the Press" whenever anyone suggests any sort of genuine oversight, accountability or control. There is a
massive responsibility inherent in the role of the media. The media have shown themselves entirely incapable of recognising this responsibility, let alone discharging it.
They should be absolutely hammered over this.
