Re: [Swprograms] John Tusa BBCWS editorial in the Guardian

[jfiglio1@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Er, I think you'd best read his piece again because I think he agrees 
with you more than you think.  Also, I don't believe his central 
premise is what you appear to think it is.

First, Mr. Tusa concedes that "free and independent" is in large 
measure (but not entirely) a perception, but argues it is an important 
one to maintain if the value of the World Service (both generally and 
to the Foreign Office) is to be preserved and maintained.  As a former 
DG, I would expect that Mr. Tusa knows precisely how "free and 
independent" the WS actually is.

Secondly, I think his primary point is that the BBC has conceded a 
significant victory to the FO--both over future funding and 
the "shape" or character of the WS of tomorrow-- in large part due to 
a major tactical error by its management.  In effect, management 
showed its hand too soon in this game of poker and the WS will suffer 
that consequence for some time to come, fears Mr. Tusa.

FWIW, I think he's correct on both counts.

John Figliozzi

----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Royall <royall@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2005 3:11 pm
Subject: Re: [Swprograms] John Tusa BBCWS editorial in the Guardian

> Mr. Tusa makes the common mistake of presuming BBCWS was ever 
> "free and
> independent." Yes, that's the reputation, but let's not forget the 
> realitythat reputations are just as valuable as those paying the 
> bills perceive. We
> all know there have been times when the Beeb has intentionally been
> partisan. This is one of those occasions.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: swprograms-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> [mailto:swprograms-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Richard 
Cuff
> Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 10:41 AM
> To: Shortwave programming discussion; uk-radio-
> listeners@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx: [Swprograms] John Tusa BBCWS 
> editorial in the Guardian
> 
> John Tusa opines regarding the BBCWS decision to trade 10 radio
> services for one TV service.  See
> http://politics.guardian.co.uk/media/story/0,12123,1604902,00.html.
> 
> He's concerned over the political motivations that appear to have
> guided the decision.
> 
> Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA  USA
> 
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