Aunty adds a final straw

The BBC is stout in its defence of 'edgy' humour.

Which is what I use to encourage them to ponder their often selective reporting and editorial.

You'd think Newsnight might have mentioned the Glenrothes election in advance, to help them form a view, a bit like the saturation coverage of the US version they seemed to prefer, and still do, over anything closer to home.

So when the first post that wasn't totally US-centric appeared, I pounced:

1.5% worth of humble pie?

Might Glenrothes get a mention, too?

I know it's just an election pertinent to the UK, but as it's also an indicator on a section of the public's views on the competencies of those best placed to help us manage the downturn (I thought 'recession' was non grata - sorry, Bournemouth Council - off limits?), it might rate some coverage.

Even if it is 'once the dust has settled'.

Don't want any voters get silly ideas in advance, do we?

Oh look, a puppy!

Unfortunately, 'This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.'

There are several vague 'catch-alls', but I suspect this is the one they will use:

Are considered to be off-topic for the particular message board

Very Hitchhikers Guide. Especially for a post that is trying to point out that the message board has had no topics about the UK for long enough.

Sickening.

They have been warned:

Dear Mods,

Refer away. But you better have a pretty darn good reason not to approve that post eventually.

Otherwise I will have to presume Hazel Blears has found the prefect test bed from within her party's media comfort zone.

Addendum: I now have a reason, if not a very good excuse:

Thank you for contributing to a BBC Blog. Unfortunately we've had to remove your content below

This post has been removed because special House Rules are in effect during Polling Day. In common with other media organisation the BBC does not discuss elections while the polls are open and users of the BBC website must also abide by these rules.

Telegraph - Hazel Blears, bloggers and professional politics -

From the 'Paranoia is knowing they are out to get you' files, a Macbethian (aka 'The Scottish Play' to those of superstitious thespian bent) tale of caution, with a bonus for any who appreciate the Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy.

After wall to wall US 'news' up to and including today, to the exclusion of all else, I had cause to ponder on the Newsnight blog what else might get a mention, such as Glenrothes.

Seems special 'House Rules are in effect during Polling Days'.

So... nothing discussed that isn't fancied before, can't during, and only the possibility of passing reference afterwards, unless it works out better than expected, in which case it will doubtless be top of the news for days.

Where's a Vogon Constructor Fleet when you need one?

I'd say what is being discussed is already here, with the enthusiastic support of some media who seem to have decided where their loyalties lie.

Meanwhile, in a Galaxy far, far away

I'm sure it's down to the digital switch over in Peebles, but I haven't heard much on this:

Gordon Brown braces himself for defeat in Glenrothes by-election

If he wins, or doesn't lose as badly as anticipated, I am sure normal service will be resumed as normal and Polly T will be 'invited' on to tell us what the BBC needs a front to tell us we should think.

BBC - Voters go to polls in Glenrothes

Indy - By-election triumph boosts Brown

Was there an election in the UK?

Can't say I noticed on the BBC... until this result was announced. Seems the 'right' result from the 'right' candidate was of more interest... elsewhere.

Now it's wall to wall. Odd, that. 'Down to the PM's recent increase in popularity', apparently.

The vote, and the will of the people who did vote, must be respected.

I wish I could say the same for the media machines that now operate in 'informing' them with what gets boosted, what doesn't, and when.

Newsnight -

OK, the 'right' party won in Glenrothes (can we mention that now it's over?).

I guess wall to wall discussion. Polly T and Kevin Maguire on speed dial!

That'll put a smile on Gordon's face:) And we do all love that smile.

A bit late mind. What doesn't get talked about can matter as much during an election as what does.

And who controls the drip.

Telegraph - Barack Obama, the Tiger Woods President

Telegraph - Glenrothes: A black swan moment

Telegraph - Labour wins Glenrothes - majority 6737

I fear all I am seeing is a trend towards tribalism.

In this very paper the term 'support of his fellow Fifers...proud that one of their own can become...'

Sound familiar?

The vote, and the will of the people who did vote, must be respected.

I wish I could say the same for the media machines that now operate in 'informing' them with what gets boosted, what doesn't, and when.

I just hope some in the media comms business would regain some pride in their work, and stop leaving it to those who, evidently, have a lot of time, money and resources to 'get on with their jobs' on behalf of their masters.

Gaurdian - Glenrothes byelection gifts Brown another bounce

Beyond the rather depressing tribalism on display, I also am saddened by the continued erosion of every aspect of democratic process I used to hold dear.

At no stage does this seem to have anything to do with the actual MPs and their abilities. They are reduced to mere human puppet representations of their party machines or, more worrying still, their 'leader'.

So, it would seem, we continue to follow America's lead.

At least we can't match their ad spend which, as I understand it, was $11 per vote for Senator Obama and $2 for Senator McCain.

As an ad-man I am gratified to see such faith in advertising bearing fruit, though I might crank an eyebrow at the ROI.

Now, policies. Where were we...?

Newsnight

Gaurdain - Sarah Brown: the real reason Labour won in Glenrothes?

I'll go a massive yes, if only to see how they try and get the person not a prop-ette to personally visit every person in the country.

Which they might.

Beats 'getting on with the job', as that doesn't seem to be doing 'it' so well.

Telegraph - Labour will lose power but can the Tories win it?