UK General Election 2010

This is a very exciting time for all; not just for journalists or those working in the media. For the first time, however, I am learning first-hand how carefully material broadcast on radio and TV during elections, are checked for balance and neutrality. Even as a student journalist I have encountered problems trying to speak to someone from the government about the university cuts. Most civil servants are also restricted from talking about government policies during this time. Many programmes can not air without a good balance included. I wonder if my documentary also has to include the opinions of the main political parties with regards to university cuts? This is something I shall discuss with my module leader.

Indeed covering anything indirectly or directly linked to government policies during this time should be done with great care. I am certain it requires a lot more hard work trying to get the views of at least the tree top parties included.

I do think, however, that the work of students which is not being broadcast, should be treated differently. Students are expected to complete assignments, go to classes and take examinations during this election period. If a student journalist is covering a topic that is extremely relevant to them and their peers, and their work will not be available to the public, why should there be a restriction on who they can speak to? This sometimes makes it difficult for students to complete their work.

The Growth of Harmful Bleaching Creams

It is has been a long time since I visited a hair and beauty shop to purchase hair products and accessories. I bought my Motions Hair treatment and Olive Oil hair spray etc in bulk last year. Since my last visit, however, new shops have opened and many existing shops expanded to accommodate more products. Today I was shocked by the number of dangerous bleaching creams selling in hair and beauty shops. I remember years back when a number of bleaching creams were banned because of their toxicity. Many of the creams, contained harmful chemicals  like Mercury and Hydroquinone. However , it seems since then, the number of non-prescription bleaching creams available for people to buy, has increased. Some shops have entire sections dedicated to these products.

 This should not be the case. There is also very little difference between the creams being sold now  and those that were banned in 2001. It seems nothing is being done to monitor the products being sold, and it is obvious many illegal creams are being smuggled in. So are more people bleaching despite the health warnings? Is the increase in the number of these products, a reflection of more demand? If so something needs to be done.

Death of Journalist Rupert Hamer

The death of the Sunday Mirror’s defence correspondent, Rupert Hamer; has been of particular interest to student journalists at my university.  His death raises questions about the safety of journalists, and shows just how dangerous reporting from war zones still is. Many of us had been under the impression, that the dangers of reporting from such zones, were significantly decreased, compared to years ago.

Rupert Hamer died in Afghanistan, while embedded with troops. In the wake of his death,  Human Rights activists, that deal with the bereaved families of those risking their lives in the war, have said the war, is ‘pointless’ and needs to end.

One can only marvel at the courage of people like Rupert Hamer, who risked his life to give the world some insight into the Afghan war. Maybe a great move forward, would for the government to think of more ways that journalists and troops can be protected.

Cadbury’s Chocolate to be Swallowed Up By Kraft

According to The Daily Mail, there is a 10.2 billion bid for Cadbury from US giant Kraft.

What does this mean? It is said that the bid was initially ’rebuffed’ but shareholders are in favour of the takeover, no surprise there.  In the current economic climate it is very likely Cadbury’s chocolate will no longer be british owned and that they will eventually give in. It is a very sad time for UK chocolate lovers like myself. I wish the shareholders would seek to preserve Cadbury Chocolate as it is, it is the last British confectionary maker that has not been taken over by others. It will be a shame if we can not keep Cadbury’s chocolate as our own…is it selfish to think that way? Cadbury’s chocolate has been a part of my life ever since I can remember, it is more than just chocolate- it is my friend. My fear is that over time they will change the ingredients, I have tasted chocolate from the US and they are not as nice as Cadbury’s.

So far Rowntree was sold to Nestle in 1988, and Terry’s sold to Kraft in 1993.

A moment of silence please…

X factor a singing competition? I think not

It is not the first time that X Factor’s credibility as a singing competition has been called into question. However, this particular cycle has seen contestants with the best voices end up in the bottom two. Kandy Rain were the first group out, then the amazing Miss Frank trio and finally Rachel Adedeji.

The Grimes twins also known as ‘Jedward’, surprisingly have a huge fan base. This is despite their inability to sing, i’m sure they are lovely boys but they should not have even made it to this stage. Perhaps the X Factor is not just about singing, and I agree entertainment should be part of it-but it is primarily a singing competition. The talent is being ignored and it is not good.

The Rights of Journalists in Non-Western Nations

Journalism tools picture taken by Emily Bakosi

I have always felt that Journalists in Europe and America are very fortunate to be able to write and speak their minds to a greater extent than those in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. This is not to say that journalists in the western world do not have their own hurdles to overcome.  Article 8 of the Human Rights Act,  has given celebrities and the court’s, power to hinder the work of the press and journalists. Journalism is, however, more restrictive and controlled in nations outside of the West, even where the public interest argument can be applied. Party and government politics are key factors that greatly affect media outlets in such countries.

A recent new story that brought this all home was the one on BBC News about a Saudi female journalist who was sentenced to 60 lashes. This was as a result of some interviews she conducted. The interviews were deemed abominable. The journalist spoke with one man in particular on a television network regarding his techniques for picking up women and sleeping with them. Other issues explored included extramarital sex.

I do not believe this broadcast was in the publics interest, as the man interviewed is neither a politician or celebrity role model, but I imagine extra-marital sex could be a growing issue. It is also frightening that a person can be punished in such a way, just for doing their job, bearing in mind journalists may not necessarily agree with things they have to cover. Fortunately, the sentence was waived at the last minute by the King of the country after he was briefed on the matter.

There was also an article in The Independent Newspaper, about journalists in Beirut ‘losing their edge’. The Lebanese press have been considered by some to be the freest compared to others in that part of the world, but apart from downturns in revenue, there are political squabbles that have influenced the sudden change and this is unfortunate.

Bagdad Bloodshed

A double suicide bomb attack that took place in Bagdad on Sunday has been described by some as the worst in two years, according to the BBC and several other news outlets. It is disheartening to see the loss of innocent lives. The bombs went off during the rush hours of the morning. Violent extremism it seems is still a problem especially as elections are starting at the beginning of next year. Indeed the question of whether America will now reconsider the recent decision for full withdrawal of troops in Iraq by 2012?

Many questions are raised, of course, removing Saddam Hussein from power thus freeing the people of Iraq of cruel dictatorship, was a commendable task carried out. However, the constant violence and deaths since this period has somewhat dampened the ‘positive’ outcome. The good intentions behind the intervention of the Western nations is arguably debatable.

CAREER’S ADVICE FOR 7 YEAR OLDS?

According to several news outlets, plans are being made by the government to introduce a scheme of careers advice to seven year old pupils.

Jobs and Careers advice for 7 year olds Image from free-digital-photo

Is it me or are children these days finding it harder to just be children? The worries and stress of adulthood, is moving steadily down the age range it seems. It is rather difficult to see the benefits of such a scheme as it can be argued, seven-year olds are much too young to be thinking about jobs they would like to have for the rest of their lives. I think a better age for this scheme would perhaps be 10 or 11. Career advice for 7 years olds, creates additional adulthood pressure for youngsters that should be enjoying their childhood.

According to a BBC article on the issue, a majority of children asked at the age of 7 about further education, had desires to go on to university.

A Press Association article had a quote from Ed Balls the Secretary of State for Children, he stated: ” I want this generation of young people to be able to look back and say their careers advice and guidance was relevant and gave them informed options.”

I think what will happen is, students may get trapped sooner into subjects that are perhaps not the best for them. Careers advice is about guidance of course, but there will be an element of choice for the child and at such a young age they are likely to be quite unsure themselves.

Further Post Strikes Ahead

Postal service will temporarily be suspended picture by Emily Bakosi

Efforts to bring a solution to the dispute between the Royal Mail and its workers, have so far failed. Facebook, Twitter and Myspace users are making their frustration all too clear. Even at this point the reasons for the strike remain unclear to many. I say this based on the content of the status’s and discussions that I have had online.

Before the two strike dates of last week, the CWU Union had meetings with Royal Mail bosses to try to solve the matter but things are yet to be resolved. Royal Mail chief spoke of plans to employ 30, 000 temporary staff to deal with backlog over the Christmas period. This has infuriated some members of the CWU Union who believe the Royal Mail bosses are doing all they can to avoid taking the grievance of workers into consideration.

Postal service to be disrupted picture by Emily Bakosi

The BBC News Website has come the closest in helping people understand what the strike is about and has a helpful link about the how the postal strike may affect customers.

Famine In Ethiopia

The BBC and other news organisations have said that at the start of the year, the number of those starving in Ethiopia was just over around 4 million. In recent months lack of rain has meant that 6 million people including children and women are starving. In July, Aljazeera’s journalist Mohammed Adow, covered a story about the lack of rains. This issue has not been taken much notice of however. Three months later it is in the news again but nothing is being done.

Perhaps the recession being experienced in the West has meant that our hands are tied and we can not focus on those less fortunate than us. I just wonder at times whether enough is being done to help Ethiopia. Here is a video about the lack of rain since April- July 2009