representation

The following is a reply I sent to Rachel MacPherson, a journalism student from University of the West of Scotland.  She was writing her dissertation on the media’s representation of victims of crime, in particular missing person cases, and read my post about Serena Beakhurst and wanted my opinion.  I provided answers to her questions, as shown below.  The topic i ... read more »

“Midsomer Murders producer suspended over race row

The producer of ITV1′s Midsomer Murders has been suspended after saying the drama “wouldn’t work” if there was racial diversity in the show.  Brian True-May, who co-created the series, told the Radio Times the long-running drama was a “last bastion of Englishness” and should stay that way.”

Quote from BBC news story – see full story here. ... read more »

Over the next year I’m going to go back to my roots and make more pictures, both still and moving, as well as writing words (which I may do less).  As a political (small ‘p’) animal at heart, it is work that has something to say, or maybe more importantly work that asks questions, that inspires me most in terms of my own creative practice.  (I don’t force this upon my students, although they do at least have to have a focused idea they are pursuing!) ... read more »

I’m posting information here about Serena Beakhurst, the missing 14 year old girl from London, because the national UK media have not covered this story at all.  She went missing on December 15th, see the main story below.

The silence in the national media of Serena’s disappearance is in stark contrast with the coverage of Joanna Yeates, whose tragic disappearance got masses of global coverage even before her body was found and landlord arrested. ... read more »

This review was originally written for an AHRC/Radio 3 proposal.  (I’ve added a few extra words to the 300 word limit I was given.)

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Last week I attended a showcase of films made by 12 young people from Bristol, all taking part in a UK Film Council scheme which aims to support Black and minority ethnic talent to enter the film & TV industries.  Work screened was made over the past nine months, half way through their scheme.  ... read more »

I read with interest that Lenny Henry is to embark on a PhD researching into the representation of Black people in the media (see BBC article here).  25/30 years ago Lenny WAS the representation of Black people on UK television, so a big part of his thesis must surely be employing the methodology of vulnerable anthropology and autoethnography, which sees ... read more »

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On Radio 4 a while ago there was a debate about patron saints and nationalism, and if it was a healthy thing.  One of the guests said they thought Saint George’s day was a good opportunity for different communities to celebrate in England, as Saint George himself represented inclusiveness as he was born in Turkey (ref), and is the patron saint of Aragon, ... read more »

If you are an American reading this, then please understand that in the UK yesterday we have just had our first ever televised political leaders debate in an election campaign, broadcast on ITV in a 90 minutes live transmission.  As you know, you’ve had yours since 1960 with the Kennedy/Nixon debate – we are only 50 years behind you!  There’s no turning back now…… ... read more »

BBC website asked for comments about the cover of Tony Blair’s forthcoming  autobiography (due to be published in September).  Nick Porter commented; ... read more »