The whole farrago over “Absolute Power”, the BBC Radio 4 comedy series featuring lying politicians which was first pulled then reinstated, reflects very nicely to the BBC’s credit. First the directors decide to withdraw it, in line with the new post-Hutton world where journalists supposedly have to be careful what they say about politicians. There follows an outcry, with much talk of censorship, and eventually the brave Beeb make the right decision, and refuse to be cowed. The show must go on, because the Beeb is independent, and will speak its mind in the teeth of government opposition.
For the Beeb then, it’s a result all round. They reinforce the idea that Hutton was really about the government threatening the independence of journalists; they come out of it looking brave and principled; and their new comedy show gets loads of free publicity.
The new show, appropriately, is about a PR firm.
Leave a Reply