Has the wrong person paid the price?
Several papers this morning wonder whether the resignation of Lesley Douglas over the phone scandal was the wrong scalp. She was a widely respected Controller of Radio 2 - but quit because the incidents happened "on her watch".
UPDATE
DJ Paul Gambaccini, a Radio 2 insider, had a take on the story that might not have been heard before. You can listen to it below (there are a couple of edits on legal advice).
On Breakfast this morning, a former BBC Radio boss Dame Liz Forgan said her loss will be keenly felt. You can hear what she had to say below.
We've also had Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC Trust, reacting to Dame Liz's comments. Hear what he had to say below
You can also hear what Mark Thompson had to say to Drive's Peter Allen last night in the 5 live Story of the Day podcast which has been following the story all week.
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As someone who can take in humour from all corners from LOTSW to the Mighty Boosh, I think I can safely say that this prank was way OTT. I was not totallly endeared by Russell Brand, or his later "it was funny "apology. Nevertheless his actions since have made him rise in my esteem. He resigned, and then subsequently apologised again, also for the support of Lesley Douglas who unnecessarily resigned, IMHO - should have been someone more closely linked to the broadcast. She has obviously got a lot of respect from the people around her.
However Ross has been noticably quiet, apart from an apparent written apology. We need to see his face speaking the apology without the innnuendo smirk he always wears.
Or is he so embarrassed about the whole thing, or embarrassed about the size of his salary.
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if she had to go so be it, Brands gone no loss to the Beeb, but I don't think Ross will go as he is claimed to be one of the Beebs crown jewels, and Imho he can be funny and a little risky the cheeky chappie.
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Im glad she was sacked (Resigned) cos its her fault!
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Interesting interview with Gambo this morning. It sounds as if the Liz Douglas may after all have been the right person to go. Gambo was clearly being careful with what he couyld say, but he is the only person to have the courage to say what has really been going on at the Beeb since Douglas hired Brand. It sounds as if Brand was allowed to act like a spoilt child and several people's careers suffered as a consequence. If this is true, then the right person has gone. Of course we have to be cautious. Gambo's assertions may be tainted with professional jealousy. It's difficult to tell as an outsider, but the points he raised need serious investigation, and I hope will be addressed in the official report.
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Paul Gambaccini is perhaps the nicest man in broadcasting. For him to come on air with such a manner proves that something is up, and that the managerial types like Liz Forgan are completely out of touch, which is how and why this sorry mess came about.
Over on the 6Music Boards we have been screaming the very same criticisms about the ex-controller's other "pet" George Lamb, who has over a year or so on air managed to break just about every rule in the OFCOM book, from endorsing a candidate in the London Mayoral election to presiding over advertising campaigns, threatening young bands that he will use his contacts to make sure they never work again, and worst of all, his diva-ish spittyfit outburst against BritPop Legend Ray Davies who he wished would have a painful death when he refused to play ball with his 'banter'.
Thank You Paul, and thank you 5Live Breakfast for giving him the opportunity to state the case.
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I have been saying since this story first broke and, that it was obvious that Brand had submitted this pre-recorded piece for examination before broadcast, that a BBC Executive's head needed to roll. As Controller of Radio 2, this lady's was the obvious one. No surprise there then. The fact that she herself brought Brand and Ross into the fold only strengthens the case against her.
I am, however, sad to see that Brand has gone, but the Ross has not. What malt there was has now departed, whilst we are left with the tired, 1980's crust! Please don't renew Ross' contract again.
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As the 'Controller' it is absolutely right that her position became untenable.
The BBC should reconsider their position over Ross who in my view should have been shown the door.
I am greatly concerned that if Brand & Ross appeal so much to the younger generation then we have failed abysmally as a nation to educate them properly.
To my mind, there is no room for filth in the BBC!!
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Ross lacks the decency to resign and the DG lacks the character to deal with him. The problem is that the BBC has become an organisation which sets a higher (many times higher) value on a frivolous oaf than on its serious journalists.
Investing millions in a subprime entertainer was bound to end in tears.
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Yes, I can see no reason for the Controller of Radio 2 to resign. Honourable thing to do, but not necessary. Offer her the post again, DG.
Brand and Ross have been punished.
Maybe the Editor or Producer of that particular particular programme should go, but not the Controller of Radio 2.
I look forward to seeing a toned-down Ross appear on our screens in 12 weeks time, now that limits of what is acceptable has been found.
We need a high-calibre person to enforce that limit/boundary, now that we've found out where it is...
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Please can we have the text of Paul Gambaccini's interview? I've only heard the summary & it sounds interesting and important.
The other astute comment on the issue is one I heard this morning was from John Humphrys on Radio 4 - to the effect that when the BBC decided to pay so many millions to Jonathan Ross, it was also deciding to go down a route that was necessarily less ethical. I expect this is true - after all, the controllers knew that in order to keep Ross (and Brand) they would have to wink at prudence and integrity from time to time.
... rather like having pigs as house pets... you just know the cute critters are gonna make a mess....
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I can't say how pleased I am that Brand and Ross have been revealed for the slimeballs they are.
Ross is a family man: can he not imagine how it would feel if someone did this to his family? His attempts at humour are just a projection of his own objectionable ego.
Brand is not half as clever as he thinks.
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What has happened to Paul Gambaccini's comments re. Ross and Brand?
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I heard the Ross/Brand broadcast myself and I thought it was hilarious; it was the best piece of radio I have heard in a long time!
Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand are of a unique talent; they are a hard act to follow. Sure, Lesley Douglas took a huge risk when she employed them (Ross was chosen by Lesley Douglas even though Jim Moir was Radio 2 Controller at the time).
Lesley Douglas is, without doubt, the best Radio 2 Controller the network has ever had. She brought some excellent talent to the network and continued to keep Radio 2 positioned at the number one spot.
I am very saddened that Lesley Douglas has decided to resign. I only hope that her succcessor, whoever that may be, will steer Radio 2 in the same direction Lesley Douglas has.
Radio 2 is a very respected by the music industry and it's all thanks to Lesley Douglas. Those people who are hell bent in persuading the BBC to drag Radio 2 back to the 1970s need to dream on, as it's never going to happen. It makes me laugh that people criticise and complain about Lesley Douglas and the changes that she made to Radio 2, despite the fact that all changes she made proved a success.
Jonathan Ross, Chris Evans, Steve Lamacqdcliffe are the future of Radio 2, not Terry Wogan, Sarah Kennedy, Desmond Carrington and David Jacobs.
Radio 2 won't be the same without Lesley Douglas.
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Just to let you know we're going to put the Paul Gambaccini clip up this morning so you can all hear it again. Apologies for the delay.
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Of course the wrong person paid the price - but hey, what's new? The people most culpible in this sorry episode are the producer and the editor of Brand's show. They have been conspicuous by their anomynity. I wonder why?
They made the decision that it was OK to broadcast a pre-recorded show without taking the correct course of action and editing the phone calls episode out - therefore they should pay the price and be sacked forthwith. otherwise, what is the point of employing editors/directors in the first place?
Several things regarding this sorry episode have frankly amazed me.
1) That comic genius, Russell Brand thought this was a funny thing to do. It wasn't - it was so unsophisticated, as funny as itching powder, whoopee cushions and x-ray specs - way below that of year 9 schoolboy humour.
2) Ross is nearly 50 years old. He is no longer an 'enfant terrible', but a middle aged man of dubious talent. He really does need to start to act his age - there is nothing worse than a middle aged man, trying to get down with the kids.
One man who has matured very successfully is the excellent Simon Mayo - a former Radio 1 DJ - but now a considered, intelligent host and commentator on Radio 5. He has made the transition to a grown up man - why can't Ross?
3) It has taken 2 weeks for the lumbering edifice that is the BBC Establishment to get round to doing something. You are so far out of touch, it simply isn't true - maybe it is time for the BBC to be broken up and privatised?
4) The BBC Trust members just do not seem to be members of Joe Public - I've looked on the web site to see who is on the Board - not an ordinary Joe or Joan amongst them. Every single one of them appears to be Quango-job people.... and as we all know, ordinary folk haven't a hope of crashing into that particular party.
5) I watched/listened to Michael Lyons of the TV/radio this morning. It is obvious he has no idea what to do. He kept telling us about new rules on decency - but when John Humphries on Radio 4 asked whether a particularly nasty comment (he actually repeated it on air to Lyons that Ross made to David Cameron on his show) would pass the new rules, Lyons blustered, stalled and refused to 'discuss individual cases'...
It is clear that the BBC have once again misread the mood. They will produce their new guidelines, their new modus operandi - but the real problems, the real issues will once again be hidden in the broom cupboard - presumably where Brand's editor and producer are hiding?
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Spot on comment by Alfred the OK.
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I think this episode has had the cathartic effect of releasing a tsunami of licence payers indignance and fury, which has been incubating for a long time, at the rise in personal insults and base vulgarity being passed off as comedy on BBC Radio and Television.
As arguably the prime exponent of this so-called 'edgy' (non-) comedy Jonathan Ross, as long as he continues to be associated with the corporation he has disgraced, will continue to anger licence payers who were already troubled by the level of his remuneration.
I do not think he can be rehabilitated and I think the BBC's lawyers should get together with his to thrash out an equitable exit from the BBC with, as is the case with football managers, a degree of compensation being paid to the BBC by ITV for instance, should they take him on.
As long as he remains, whether on air or not, the cloud over the corporation, and questions of whether the BBC is genuine in it's desire to respond to licence payers concerns will surely remain.
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Is this the whole Gambo interview? I heard it this morning, then I just listened to it again via the link above, and I think a bit of it has been removed. The programme isn't up on 'Listen Again' so I can't check.
Is this the complete, unedited interview as it went out on 5Live? And if not, why not?
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Msg 18 AdaBrady:
The Link to the Gambo i/v above IS an edit, specifically at around 2 mins 20 secs in when I shall be a polite guest and say that 'certain comments' have been removed.
But the whole thing is on Listen Again for today's show at around 2 hours 7 mins in.
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It's absolutely right that Leslie Douglas should go.
I agree 100 % with what Paul Gambuccini said , she should never have employed Ross or Brand.
Whats' an even bigger insult is that thousands of Radio 2 listeners complained about them and were ignored, and even worse, the Radio 2 message boards were closed down.
Who's bright idea was it to employ 2 men who based their shows on their genitals ? !
I also object to sneering comments on Radio 5 about people who complain being sanctimonious .
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Very interesting to hear Paul Gambaccini's views on this. So, it would seem like Ms Douglas did not exactly 'fall on her sword' as it is being portrayed in many parts of the media but perhaps realised her own significant part in this whole affair and decided to jump ship before she was pushed.
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Having read the newspapers , followed TV reports and listened to the radio comments above etc; this is a fascinating cock up but, not one unexpected.
My observations are:
J.Ross and R. Brand should take responsibility for their work aswell. Surely they most know when they make comments that are 'near the knuckle' or blatantly insulting. If not, they are not that bright or talented and should not be employed.
There is much talk of 'power of these stars '(what DO people mean by this?)and lower paid producers/editors being afraid to say 'no' to them. If that has been identified why is it being allowed to carry on with such a lethal combination of 'edgy' presenters/comedians?Get some strong minded people in who know what they are doing.
Is R .Brand that popular? I have yet to meet anyone who listens or watches him and if they have done ;even like him!
Is the BBC getting lazy in its ability to nuture other and new talent/s ; therefore sacking J.Ross would put them in a difficult position because they have no one to fill the gap?
I am sure part of the so called £18 million payable to Mr Ross could be utilised in a far more productive manner!
I think you have got yourselves into a rut and failed to keep an eye on the future.
What age and experience did the indidvidual/s have who made the final decision to allow this taping to go ahead?Smacks of a ' mid twenties something with ego ,over ambtion and a fondness for vulgarity' - not 'edgy entertainment.
I think Lesley Douglas is the sacrificial lamb for her BBC colleagues. She went very quickly ;other people were involved but, we do not know who and she is female which helps. No I am not a feminist. I have worked in the corporate world for 28 years at management level and seen this sort of thing too often!
The BBC needs to train and monitor some of its staff better.
Yes the BBC needs to entertain everyone -every age group. But does that mean you have to lower standards of decency and follow everyone else? Even the young have certain standards.You can please some of the people some of the time but not all people all of the time!
Lastly. What happened to common sense?
You do not need to be a BBC producer/editor to know, instinctively, that this recording would cause such an uproar!
Lastly as a family man would Mr Ross like a similar phone call to his family ? I think not!
He has got away with such dubious antics for far too long.
And I used to like him as an entertainer!
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I find it interesting that Oasis' Noel Gallagher is one of the few public people who acts rationally, who in an interview says he believed that the media furor surrounding the incident was an overreaction, and described the incident as "at worst a juvenile prank".
He is clearly correct. This has been a pathetic reaction to something which is extremely harmless. But both Gordon Brown and David Cameron waste time on a trifle like this - don't they have a country to save? At least Gordon Brown should have more important things to do.
Noel Gallagher believes "You know what? There's now a massive divide. Them and us." Yeah, the old small minded guard who gets upset over trifles, and the rest.
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Now that the beeb is clearing out all the dirt and filth (not the head of 2) perhaps they will start to clear out all the political left wing bias i.e. Nicki Campbell's interview this morning with the shadow chancellor
Since the beeb started all the dumbing down, the left wing bias has happened, please don't do this again Nicki
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Quite right, let Noel Gallagher stand as the moral custodian of our culture! How does anyone think the Prime minister, the Leader of the Opposition, or even the Archbishop of Canterbury for that matter expect to match his impecable personal credentials for the job.
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Regarding the comments written in support of "Gambo's insider analysis"on this farce. .
I think we have to be careful how much weight is given to it. This is one man's view of the relationship between the controller and Russell Brand. Moreover, from what PG was saying, it is clear that he was completely opposed to the strategic direction Leslie Douglas was taking R2. This is a much bigger discussion than the unfortunate saga that has unfolded as a result of two presenters getting it oh so very wrong. It is also clear IMO that PG had a specific dislike of RB and also JR. I will be more interested to hear the opinions from more popular DJ's at R2 (such as Chris Evans and even his lordship Mr Wogan) than Mr Gambuccini, who while doing a job at R2 could hardly be classed as any less "niche" than Russell Brand.
The fact that R2 has such a diverse set of programmes is its inherent strength IMO. I'm 34 and listen to a variety of the shows, but tune out when Ken Bruce, PG or even Parky come on (Parky because of the music he plays not because of him of course, the world's greatest living yorkshireman!). But I respect the fact that those shows exist and know that my father's generation probably do the complete opposite and tune out when CE, JR or RB come on. That's why R2 is the number one station in the UK.
Furthermore, PG made comments to the effect that the introduction of TV celebs to R2 had been a failure... has he seen the podcast charts? RB's show is (was) the number one downloaded show consistently week in week out. In personal opinion he will be a great loss as the show was 80% of the time laugh out loud funny and not offensive at all... indeed I would say that Little Britain is far far more offensive than any of JR's or RB's output in the last few years...this incident aside. Which just to clarify my view was totally unacceptable, and actually the whole segment was totally unfunny (I, unlike I would guess 75% of the complainers, have actually listened to it in full).
So, please BBC, don't change the strategy for Radio Two or ANY of the channels on radio or TV just because of one (granted, fairly spectacular), silly, infantile mistake by two incredibly talented, but self confessed-egomaniac presenters. That would be the real tradegy. Even worse if certain sections get their way and the BBC is privatised...
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ooh Gambo taste the bitterness,it kinda reminds me of his dinosaur reaction to punk rock,like it or not Paul times do change,im 50 this year i like J.Ross,Russell Brand,the great Rod Sharpe,the mighty Terry Wogan,Velvet Underground,ABBA,the Carpenters,MC5 etc i like lots of stuff and i think Ross and Brand ADDED to the strength of Radio 2 and i dont care that they didnt learn how to use the desk{can John Lydon sing?,i love what he does because like Brand and Wossy they are fun and creative unlike your constant dullness},ps both Brand and Ross deserved a rapt on the knuckles because their behaviour towards Andrew Sachs was disgraceful and a type of bullying that i despise but this reaction is WAY OVER THE TOP baby!.
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I was thrilled to hear Gambo speak such sense on the show this morning. I cheered in my car driving to work. Well Done for speaking up - no doubt he spoke for the other decent Radio2 Professional presenters who would be equally appalled. And Gambo was so right - I switch off when Brian Matthews' show ends on a Sat morning rather than listen to Ross' on the next show. Why does the BBC need to have uncouth people like Brand and Ross on the Radio2 airwaves. Compare the quality of Michael Ball on a Sunday morning - his enthusiasm and decency stands out, it almost jumps out of the radio set and there is never any crudeness. The same applies to all the other presenters of Radio2 shows that I listen to. Lets just hope Ross's 3 months suspension turns in to a permanent departure - from TV as well. Let him go off to the Commercial Channels.
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Lesley Douglas knew what Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross were all about. Their 'edginess' - rudeness, outspokenness, sometimes crassness, whatever you think - wasn't a sideline sort of potentially troublesome side-effect of what they do - it IS what they do. You only have to listen to Russell Brand for 10 minutes to realise that his sex life is, quite literally, his stock in trade as a comedian. Jonathan Ross, quite frankly, was hanging out with Brand - encouraged by his boss or not - to try and keep his own act young.
As a member of BBC staff, I'm annoyed that incidents like this - coupled with management's slow response - give the Beeb's many enemies an opportunity to give us a huge free kicking and persuade the public it's outrageous they're 'forced to pay for filth'. I might sound very square saying this, but every day I see BBC people going out of their way to stick to the guidelines, treat contributors properly, and so on. All that gets lost in media storms like this.
Yesterday, during the phone-in, Aasmah Mir refused to get into an argument with a caller, Frank, who repeatedly demanded to know 'why do I have to pay for you?' She could have replied, 'because ever since the 1920s democratically-elected Parliaments have made decisions on which public services are valuable enough to be funded in this way.' But she knows programmes are there to be a forum for listeners', not presenters' views.
If what Paul Gambaccini said on 5 Live Breakfast is literally correct, and the Radio 2 controller allowed the chain of command to become shortened down to just Russell Brand and herself, then it's right she should go. But I don't believe that, in practice, the tapes were signed off by her. There's still conflicting evidence about whether Andrew Sachs 'approved' the broadcasting of the sequences, though toned down. Some reports have Brand's producer saying he understood Sachs was OK with it, others have Sachs saying he wasn't. But that doesn't matter in the end. The guidelines don't say, 'you can broadcast offensive material as long as the person you're offending says it's OK'.
Somewhere in the Radio 2 hierarchy between Russell Brand's independent production company and Lesley Douglas, there's a fairly senior exec who did sign this off. He or she was at fault, and should take some heat. The rest of the BBC who have to follow the rules every day - and do - will be pretty mad otherwise. I understand about senior people carrying the can, but it shouldn't be automatic; otherwise we could all get our bosses sacked by blatantly breaking the rules and saying 'it's the boss's fault because he/she must've allowed a culture to develop in which rules could be broken.'
Finally, independent production companies. Russell Brand's producers have let him down. of course , he must bear responsibility for what comes out of his own mouth. But talent is often mercurial and wayward. It often has more bad ideas than good. It needs guidance, not cheerleading. When the talent is your boss, it's difficult to act properly. So a) the guidance role devolves to the senior BBC execs who have to sign off the scripts and the tapes. They failed. And b) it's fair to suggest there's a wider, corporate failure to handle indies properly. Perhaps they are the wrong vehicle. Now, that DOES go to the DG's door - he's encouraged them every step of the way.
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I've followed this story with interest. Brand I don't like and don't find him funny or talented. Ross is quick witted, but self obsessed and vulgar and certainly not worth 1/10th of the amount he's paid. Who ever sanctioned the millions paid to Ross should be sacked. No single person is worth that much - especially when paid with public money.
The interview with Gambo was very, very telling. He articulated the problems well and was diplomatic. If the BBC doesn't take note of his comments and change for the better then it's time to stop the licence fee.
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I seem to be the only one who thought Paul Gambacini came across as a bitter old DJ with his own personal agenda. He failed to offer anything worthwhile to the interview or the subject other than, he does'nt like Lesley Douglass and he resents talented TV presenters becoming talented radio presenters who don't"drive the desk."
He reminded me of Adrian Just's bitter rant on "Tough At The Top" which was another self satisfying, moan about being left behind.
Lesley Douglas should be praised for saving Radio 2 and while Brand and Ross we're wrong, this whole over reaction is totaly out of proportion and now Radio 2 will slip back in to dull, dull, dull radio.
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Full unexpurgated transcript of Gambo-Cambo here:
http://blogs.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ianwylie/2008/10/russell_brand_the_inside_story.html
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Yesterday afternoon, I responded to Lesley 'the Dame' Douglas resigning from the BBC, on my website/blog, here's what I said:
Lesley was such a fantastic controller of BBC Radio 2 and 6Music. Lesley and Lewis Carnie helped to develop and bring to the station, some great On-Air talent (such as Ross and Brand) like Chris Evans who has since become award-winning bringing Sony Radio Academy awards to the station. It's NOT Lesley's fault, what took place between Ross, Brand and the phone-calls - Yes, it did happen on her watch, but the Producers and Broadcast Assistants on this show knew all about this Broadcast before it got broadcast last Saturday. In my mind it's the producer who should leave the BBC, not Lesley!
It's a sad loss to Radio 2, 6Music and to the BBC, for loosing a creative, thoughtful and passionate controller. I wish Lesley well.
Here's my message for Chris Evans, who made a statement after his show last night, which I've also posted on my site:
Chris, I'm right behind you - supporting you, the drive time team and the many others who feel saddened by Lesley Douglas departure from the BBC. I for one, would love her to return! I saw you being interviewed on the BBC and ITV News last night, and my heart just went out to you, you were so upset. What a wonderful tribute. I'm sure Lesley Douglas will appreciate it so much. You rock Chris! :)
I also added a video to my site, which focuses on a subject that the press coverage from this, isn't talking about - and that's.. TALENT !
Please take a look online at: www.dsoundz.co.uk
THANKS :)
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Ross should also have the decency and courage to resign. He was the most offensive but is clinging on and now looks disgraceful.
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For those who feel there is nothing wrong with the comments of Russell Brand and Jonathon Ross. How would you feel if your children,after this event find themselves victims of text bullying, or other members of your family receiving obscene telephone messages, and wonder how you may react.
Brand and Ross have effectively given the green light to those people who gain pleasure from tormenting others.
Hope that it doesn`t happen to you.
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I feel the whole Brand and Ross thing is a sideline now ? it sells tabloids, but it?s not really the main issue. That?s the systemic failure of management at all levels within the station.
As a listener to 6Music since day one, having seen the damage wrought at the station by Douglas so much of what Paul Gambaccini has said rings very true. I think a lot more will come out in the next few weeks and it will become blindingly clear why she had to step down. Suffice to say that being ?on watch? during the pre-recorded competition scandal last year can?t have help, and this latest incident may have been the final straw, especially since a significant amount of money was set aside staff for retraining on compliance and accountability. There are other reasons I suspect, but it would be unwise to air them at the moment.
Oh and apparently George Lamb is substituting for Brand or Ross tomorrow. You lucky, lucky people?.
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So what are the dozen items that would make our hair curl on end, specifically the episode which occurred within two months of RB being on air?
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Re 17: first sentence.
Spot on
About time it happened.
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Anybody remember the very last "Men Behaving Badly" Xmas special.
As I recall, that very nearly had the same effect of inspiring national outrage. The problem has been brewing for some time.
Ross and Brand, from one perspective, are a bit unlucky - its the whole genre of comedy that's being questioned now and its arguably unfortunate it exploded in their particular faces...
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Talking of resignations, why at no time during this horrible episode of banality, crudeness, and down right childishness, that's before we even consider the utter filth involved, has Mark Thompson's resignation not been forthcoming?
I always thought that the ''buck'' stops with the boss, instead of some minnow so far down the ''food change'', as was the delightful Ms Lesley, as to be unknown to 99% of all of us that are appalled by this whole saga.
Mr Thompson may consider himself very lucky to be still employed by the ''Beeb'', and that others, less fortunate, have taken the rap on his behalf.
Lucky Tommo, if I we he, I should go and buy a lotto ticket today, and celebrate my very good fortune.
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Perhaps if the BBC had been as quick to edit Russell Brand's programme as they were to edit Paul Gambaccini's interview, none of this unpleasantness would have happened.
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Firstly, who is Paul Gambaccini to decide what talent should come on the BBC. I notice that Jeremy Vine and Terry Wogan waded in afterwards on the same theme
The BBC is a broad church and its output throughout all its broadcasts whether comedy, soaps, political coverage etc should reflect what really goes on in society.
Whether people enjoy Ross or Brand or not, this late programme that's renowned for a bit of 'lewdness' here and there hence regularly listened to by 2million listeners did so to a degree.
There were only 2 complaints afterwards and by my mathematics that is a low percentage. If 30 thousand odd subsequent complainants are so gullible that they allow themselves to be so readily influenced by right wing papers like The Mail on Sunday which has a clear political agenda against the BBC and will use any example of uncouth irreverent behaviour as ammunition to privatise it, then why should the rest of us have to put up with the saturated coverage that followed particularly when there are far more important issues that the BBC should be taken to task for over its coverage of vital economic and politcal issues.
In answer to the question 'has the wrong person paid the price'? Nobody should have paid any price and Ross and Brand should be back. It was a cowardly submission by what is clearly a right wing BBC executive to what has transpired to be a right wing political coup against the public service ethic of the BBC and I fear that the effects of this episode will have serious ramifications at a time when capitalism is literally bankrupt!
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Re: 43 "The BBC is a broad Church."
You don't hear the "F word" used in Church...
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>43. At 9:37pm on 01 Nov 2008, Nick >Vinehill wrote:
>
>Firstly, who is Paul Gambaccini to decide >what talent should come on the BBC.
PG doesn't decide - that is why Brand got his show despite PG's objections.
Maybe you mean 'Who is PG to comment?' - and the answer is a) the person being interviewed and b) an intelligent and experienced insider.
>The BBC is a broad church and its output >... should reflect what really goes on in >society... this late programme that's >renowned for a bit of 'lewdness' here and >there.... only 2 complaints
The point is not using the F word - most intelligent people are beyond being shocked by that, I hope.
No, the point is disdain and disregard for a person and their feelings. This is not a theoretical case - it's a case where a particular individual has been used as the butt of 'humour' in a grossly offensive way. Every human being deserves to be treated with respect: this is what underlies the outcry.
>30 thousand odd subsequent >complainants are so gullible that they >allow themselves to be so readily >influenced by right wing papers like The >Mail on Sunday which has a clear political >agenda against the BBC and will use any >example of uncouth irreverent behaviour >as ammunition to privatise it...
Absolutely right - the Mail's campaign is truly irritating, as well as deeply political.
But that does not alter the rights and wrongs of the case.
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Why can't I listen again to Friday's 'Breakfast'?
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