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- 2
rs. S. Yuen.
26th February, 1968.
We were not strongly critical of their news broadcasts, although as our guests said, news has to go out
the air so soon after it is received, that they have little opportunity of intervention if the need should arise. We did, however, point out that the continued rerorting of the spectacular, as in the case of the demonstrations and bomb incidents in Hong Kong, without any balancing feature, gives by accumulation an adverse and inaccurate picture.
Here
Our main complaint concerned the treatment of documentaries, where the tire factor is not important. again, the reporter tends to dwell on the spectacular, and appears to be more concerned with creating a sensational than a balanced picture rossibly thinking that it enhances his own reputation.
Our guests took all this in good part. They of
The B.B.C. is a great course have their own difficulties. organisation and mony of the programe units have to be given a fair measure of freedom and the nature of the chain of commend in the organisation makes control. difficult.
The talked to us with considerable freedom, and I do not think that it would be fair to them to set down our conversation in detail. We had the impression that they were well aware that our criticisms were well founded, and that they themselves were very concerned over the situation. Incidentally, there was on admission that they had been in trouble over Pettifer, but did not say if it was in respect of the January 9th programme, nor did we press them on this.
There were certain concrete results of the talk. They said that it would be most helpful if there were one or two people in the Association on whom they could rely to appear on Television at short notice to comment on matters of current interest.
They would also like to feel that they could approach us for background information, and hoped that we would be able to give them advance advice of matters of importance which were likely to make the news.
They also agreed that we could probably be very helpful to their renorters, by briefing them before their departure, and helping them to make the contacts most suited to their purpose in Hong Kong. These prorosals certainly suggest that they wish to improve the objectivity of their programes.
Mr. Keswick said that he would be happy to meet our guests again for further talks, or to meet some of those actually engaged in nograrme production if this would be halrful.
Our general conclusion was that the talks were of great value to both sides, and that our points were not only well taken, but were probably timely.
X
c.c. to I.H. Hamm, Esq.
John Keswick, Esq., C.M.G.
B.I. Barlow, Esq.,
R. Boxall, Esq.
Yours sincerely,
H.J. Collar
Secretary
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