Tag: The Sun

MacKenzie: our media is better than this

Kelvin MacKenzie’s missive against Ross Barkley and the people of Liverpool reaffirms his status in the city as a uniquely offensive and mistrusted figure.

Twitter users quickly voiced disapproval of his column, which likened a young player of mixed-race heritage to a gorilla and made disparaging remarks about Scousers.

The reaction – as the city prepared for the 28th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster – highlighted widespread bafflement that the piece got past the editors in the first place. Fair enough. What the hell was he doing writing about Liverpool at any time, let alone now?

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‘Andy Gray-gate’ highlights slack media practice

Andy Gray’s sacking today after another of his puerile outbursts (this time to colleague Charlotte Jackson last month, above) teaches him a harsh lesson.

Someone with his experience should know that ‘private’ comments are still fair game if someone within earshot finds them offensive enough to share with the media.

In fact, if you utter them in a room full of people, it isn’t very ‘private’ at all, and therefore best kept to yourself.

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Social housing lacks ‘X Factor’ appeal

Social housing in St Agnes, Cornwall

The Government’s proposed social housing reforms were published today, promising some of the most radical changes the sector has seen for a generation.

It sets out changes to the right to lifelong tenancies, the introduction of an ‘Affordable Rent‘ model and the long-awaited reform of Council housing finance. These changes have been the source of debate amongst housing people over recent weeks.

I have not gone to a work-related meeting or event since the Comprehensive Spending Review announcement on 20 October where somone hasn’t raised one or all of these issues.

This is understandable, and to be welcomed, as the proposals signify a huge shift in the way the HCA does business with its partners (and they with us). But step outside this circle and the wider country seems less informed about the proposals.

Is it because they aren’t interested? This would be odd, given the impact the proposals would have on many people’s lives.

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