(Written 12/12/09).
An environmental group in Matlock launched its first seasonal food campaign yesterday, promoting the use of local produce over Christmas as a way to help both the community and the environment.
Transition Matlock is working with local businesses on the campaign ‘Happy Local Food Christmas’.
The campaign includes a sample Christmas menu with all locally sourced ingredients, as well as ideas for how to avoid excessive food wastage. The group formed last year in response to the threat of climate change and oil spills.
Helen Cunningham, a member of Transition Matlock, said: “People will have to start changing what they buy. They’ve become too used to the convenience of supermarkets.
“It seems ridiculous to eat lamb flown in from New Zealand when we have it here in Matlock.
“We want to help local sellers: they make local food which is convenient to buy and can still be cooked as quickly and easily.”
Scott Sneddon, director of Scott’s Garden, an organic market garden based in Matlock, has been working with the group to promote better local knowledge of what is available.
He said: “There’s so much in Derbyshire. It’s just how you promote it without having to spend a lot of money. Small-scale producers just don’t have the budget.
“We are slowly and surely changing public perception of what’s out there, but some people just don’t know where they can get things that are produced locally.”
His company are also tackling issues of Christmas excess through their vegetable box scheme: a bespoke service offering customers the produce they want in the exact quantities they need.
William Morley, a Matlock resident, said that he would support a campaign to promote local produce, but that Christmas excess would be harder to tackle.
He said: “We usually shop at the supermarket for convenience, but we used to live in rural Ireland and bought local produce, so it’s very close to my heart.”
“But buying too much at Christmas is a habit that people have done for years so it’s harder to break.”
Mr. Hambridge, owner of Hambridge Butchers Ltd in Matlock, was unaware of Transition Matlock’s work, but said that he would support the campaign.
He said: “People seem to want good, local stuff. It avoids them getting ripped off in supermarkets.
“We are trading well precisely because of our local produce.”
To see the menu and for more information visit www.transitionmatlock.org.uk.
Thursday, 24 December 2009
New £3million Peak District Cycle Route Ignores Local Needs
(Written 27/11/09).
A £3.785million new cycle route to encourage Peak District residents to cycle to work was approved by a Peak District National Park Authority committee today.
Members of the Services Committee backed the route, which will link Bakewell, Matlock and Buxton, and also see former railway tunnels closed in the 1960s reopened for recreational use.
The route, which has received funding from Cycling England and the Department for Transport, will also link railway stations in Buxton and Matlock, allowing visitors arriving by train to cycle into the District.
John Fern, Head of Communications for the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “We are encouraging local residents to go to work by bike. These public routes will allow people in Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton to do so.
“We’re trying to make those who don’t cycle at all occasional cyclers, and those who are occasional cyclers cycle everywhere.
“It’s a positive for the National Park, residents and visitors.”
Hope Valley Councillor Tracy Critchlow, who forms part of the Committee, said: “I think a new cycle route is a good idea and will be safer than people cycling on the roads.
“It will help encourage visitors to come now there will be a longer route for them to walk.
“But whether people will use it as a commuter cycle route remains to be seen.”
Richard Thoday, 46, a mechanic at Stanley Fearn Cycles Ltd in Matlock, is a member of the Derwent Valley Cycleway Group, who campaign for safer cycle routes in the area. He said that although the route would make it safer for inexperienced cyclists, it had ignored the needs of local residents.
He said: “This new route should help a lot, but we would have liked it to be closer to the community.
“At the moment it’s a bit further away, which makes it harder for the local community to use.
“A lot of people travel shorter distances to work, but this is a long-distance plan.
“It’s still a quiet, traffic-free route, but I think it is being created more for tourists.”
The National Park Authority has not yet confirmed the specific route the cycleway will follow, but works could start in January with a view to completion by March 2011.
The Authority will now begin negotiations with local landowners and with Derbyshire County Council.
A £3.785million new cycle route to encourage Peak District residents to cycle to work was approved by a Peak District National Park Authority committee today.
Members of the Services Committee backed the route, which will link Bakewell, Matlock and Buxton, and also see former railway tunnels closed in the 1960s reopened for recreational use.
The route, which has received funding from Cycling England and the Department for Transport, will also link railway stations in Buxton and Matlock, allowing visitors arriving by train to cycle into the District.
John Fern, Head of Communications for the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “We are encouraging local residents to go to work by bike. These public routes will allow people in Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton to do so.
“We’re trying to make those who don’t cycle at all occasional cyclers, and those who are occasional cyclers cycle everywhere.
“It’s a positive for the National Park, residents and visitors.”
Hope Valley Councillor Tracy Critchlow, who forms part of the Committee, said: “I think a new cycle route is a good idea and will be safer than people cycling on the roads.
“It will help encourage visitors to come now there will be a longer route for them to walk.
“But whether people will use it as a commuter cycle route remains to be seen.”
Richard Thoday, 46, a mechanic at Stanley Fearn Cycles Ltd in Matlock, is a member of the Derwent Valley Cycleway Group, who campaign for safer cycle routes in the area. He said that although the route would make it safer for inexperienced cyclists, it had ignored the needs of local residents.
He said: “This new route should help a lot, but we would have liked it to be closer to the community.
“At the moment it’s a bit further away, which makes it harder for the local community to use.
“A lot of people travel shorter distances to work, but this is a long-distance plan.
“It’s still a quiet, traffic-free route, but I think it is being created more for tourists.”
The National Park Authority has not yet confirmed the specific route the cycleway will follow, but works could start in January with a view to completion by March 2011.
The Authority will now begin negotiations with local landowners and with Derbyshire County Council.
Peak District Mountain Rescue Teams Call for VAT Exemption
Mountain Rescue Teams across the Peak District preparing for the winter rush are backing a national call for exemption from VAT, which costs teams around £150,000 annually.
Bad weather conditions and less daylight hours make the winter months busy for Mountain Rescue Teams, which are composed entirely of volunteers.
Teams work alongside the Police to aid in public searches for missing people and in rescue operations. But they are not nationally funded and rely on donations and fundraising.
A VAT exemption, if granted, would prevent the government from charging tax on fuel and vital equipment for Mountain Rescue Teams. Some statutory funding already exists for teams in Scotland and Wales, but not currently in England.
Ken Blakeman, head of Kinder Mountain Rescue, based in Hayfield, said: “We have to pay VAT on rescue equipment, but the RNLI etcetera doesn’t.”
Ian Bunting, head of Edale Mountain Rescue, said: “The government could do more to help us.
“We’re working free of charge to help people and getting taxed for the privilege.
“VAT exemption would save a lot of money.”
The 18 volunteers at Edale and the 45 at Kinder include teachers, medics and construction workers. Each volunteer gives up one to two nights per week on top of call-outs.
Tom Levitt, MP for High Peak, supports the idea. He said: “We depend on mountain rescue and other volunteer rescue organisations more than we think, as was clearly shown in Cumbria in recent weeks.
“Whilst voluntary fundraising is part of the ethos of these organisations, and should remain the predominant source of funding, the state could show its appreciation and support of these organisations too, above the tax relief they get as charities.
“Abolishing VAT on their purchases of rescue equipment would be easy to administer; and it would be cost effective for the government.”
Rescue teams have also seen a rise in unprepared walkers over the last two years. Edale Mountain Rescue had 111 call-outs in 2008 and has had 78 so far this year.
“The number of searches increases this time of year”, said Ian Bunting. “A lot of people we see up there are unprepared: no map or compass. Even if they had they wouldn’t know how to use them.”
Ken Blakeman said: “People are going out ill-prepared. That has increased. They really shouldn’t be out without the knowledge.”
Teams across the Peak District are always keen to recruit more volunteers and fundraisers. For more information visit www.pdmro.org.uk.
Bad weather conditions and less daylight hours make the winter months busy for Mountain Rescue Teams, which are composed entirely of volunteers.
Teams work alongside the Police to aid in public searches for missing people and in rescue operations. But they are not nationally funded and rely on donations and fundraising.
A VAT exemption, if granted, would prevent the government from charging tax on fuel and vital equipment for Mountain Rescue Teams. Some statutory funding already exists for teams in Scotland and Wales, but not currently in England.
Ken Blakeman, head of Kinder Mountain Rescue, based in Hayfield, said: “We have to pay VAT on rescue equipment, but the RNLI etcetera doesn’t.”
Ian Bunting, head of Edale Mountain Rescue, said: “The government could do more to help us.
“We’re working free of charge to help people and getting taxed for the privilege.
“VAT exemption would save a lot of money.”
The 18 volunteers at Edale and the 45 at Kinder include teachers, medics and construction workers. Each volunteer gives up one to two nights per week on top of call-outs.
Tom Levitt, MP for High Peak, supports the idea. He said: “We depend on mountain rescue and other volunteer rescue organisations more than we think, as was clearly shown in Cumbria in recent weeks.
“Whilst voluntary fundraising is part of the ethos of these organisations, and should remain the predominant source of funding, the state could show its appreciation and support of these organisations too, above the tax relief they get as charities.
“Abolishing VAT on their purchases of rescue equipment would be easy to administer; and it would be cost effective for the government.”
Rescue teams have also seen a rise in unprepared walkers over the last two years. Edale Mountain Rescue had 111 call-outs in 2008 and has had 78 so far this year.
“The number of searches increases this time of year”, said Ian Bunting. “A lot of people we see up there are unprepared: no map or compass. Even if they had they wouldn’t know how to use them.”
Ken Blakeman said: “People are going out ill-prepared. That has increased. They really shouldn’t be out without the knowledge.”
Teams across the Peak District are always keen to recruit more volunteers and fundraisers. For more information visit www.pdmro.org.uk.
BBC Journalist Turns Dressmaker in the Peak District
Written in November 2009.
A former BBC radio producer who set up a clothing company for children in the Peak District is launching her second collection this month.
Lissa Cook, 35, of Lower Lane, Chinley, High Peak, quit London after six years working for the BBC where she was senior producer on Radio Four’s World at One.
But in April this year she started designing and making dresses for young girls, creating the company Peak Princess. This month marks the launch of her second range, Peak Prince, which will cater for young boys.
She said: “It’s been a new start and it’s a lot less stressful. News is relentless and London life was mad!”
She and husband Nik, 38, a freelance writer, moved to High Peak in 2007. Lissa continued to work for radio stations in Manchester before she had the idea for Peak Princess.
She said: “When my last contract ended I took six months off. I’d never had a gap year or anything.
“I’d never stopped and it seemed like a good time.
“Then I just started running up some dresses!”
Despite her long career in the media, Lissa always had dressmaking in her blood. Her Mother, Wilhelmina Bradley, was a dressmaker in the 1960s and had designs featured in Vogue. Her Grandmother was also a milliner and her Grandfather a shoemaker.
Liberty in London provides the fabric for Lissa’s garments, and hers is the only children’s collection to use the patterns. Liberty said: “We love what Lissa is doing.
“Lissa makes all the clothes herself, so you know the design is truly exclusive, original and personal, not something that anyone could pick up on the high street.”
But when Lissa first created Peak Princess not everyone was convinced that a journalist could run a successful clothing business.
Lissa said: “At first my Mum was like ‘why did you go to university?’ But then she said ‘your grandmother would be ever so proud.’ She’s been so supportive.”
Nik, who specialises in health and adventure writing, said: “I think initially people thought ‘oh she’s just playing at it’. Then they saw the quality and realised she wasn’t.
“Now everyone takes it seriously.”
Peak Princess has become a family business, with Nik’s Dad, Phil Cook, a graphic designer, creating the logo, and Lissa’s sister, Emma Helm, a retail consultant, lending a hand at fashion fairs.
“It’s a real friends and family thing” said Lissa. “I had my god-daughter modelling for my first collection and I’m always ringing friends in the village for help.”
Since launching the company, her designs have featured on the front page of Liberty’s blog, which she sees as “a stamp of approval”, and she has gained some high profile clients, including Teresa Levitt, wife of High Peak MP Tom Levitt.
Lissa runs the business from her home in Chinley where she designs, makes and markets the garments. She said: “I don’t want to hire staff because the brand consists of me making them all, it’s a small niche market. I want to keep it like that.
“My dream is to become the next Cath Kidston. Laura Ashley started out on her kitchen table!”
Lissa loves the sense of community in High Peak and is the press officer for Chinley Community Association and reads news bulletins for High Peak Radio.
A former BBC radio producer who set up a clothing company for children in the Peak District is launching her second collection this month.
Lissa Cook, 35, of Lower Lane, Chinley, High Peak, quit London after six years working for the BBC where she was senior producer on Radio Four’s World at One.
But in April this year she started designing and making dresses for young girls, creating the company Peak Princess. This month marks the launch of her second range, Peak Prince, which will cater for young boys.
She said: “It’s been a new start and it’s a lot less stressful. News is relentless and London life was mad!”
She and husband Nik, 38, a freelance writer, moved to High Peak in 2007. Lissa continued to work for radio stations in Manchester before she had the idea for Peak Princess.
She said: “When my last contract ended I took six months off. I’d never had a gap year or anything.
“I’d never stopped and it seemed like a good time.
“Then I just started running up some dresses!”
Despite her long career in the media, Lissa always had dressmaking in her blood. Her Mother, Wilhelmina Bradley, was a dressmaker in the 1960s and had designs featured in Vogue. Her Grandmother was also a milliner and her Grandfather a shoemaker.
Liberty in London provides the fabric for Lissa’s garments, and hers is the only children’s collection to use the patterns. Liberty said: “We love what Lissa is doing.
“Lissa makes all the clothes herself, so you know the design is truly exclusive, original and personal, not something that anyone could pick up on the high street.”
But when Lissa first created Peak Princess not everyone was convinced that a journalist could run a successful clothing business.
Lissa said: “At first my Mum was like ‘why did you go to university?’ But then she said ‘your grandmother would be ever so proud.’ She’s been so supportive.”
Nik, who specialises in health and adventure writing, said: “I think initially people thought ‘oh she’s just playing at it’. Then they saw the quality and realised she wasn’t.
“Now everyone takes it seriously.”
Peak Princess has become a family business, with Nik’s Dad, Phil Cook, a graphic designer, creating the logo, and Lissa’s sister, Emma Helm, a retail consultant, lending a hand at fashion fairs.
“It’s a real friends and family thing” said Lissa. “I had my god-daughter modelling for my first collection and I’m always ringing friends in the village for help.”
Since launching the company, her designs have featured on the front page of Liberty’s blog, which she sees as “a stamp of approval”, and she has gained some high profile clients, including Teresa Levitt, wife of High Peak MP Tom Levitt.
Lissa runs the business from her home in Chinley where she designs, makes and markets the garments. She said: “I don’t want to hire staff because the brand consists of me making them all, it’s a small niche market. I want to keep it like that.
“My dream is to become the next Cath Kidston. Laura Ashley started out on her kitchen table!”
Lissa loves the sense of community in High Peak and is the press officer for Chinley Community Association and reads news bulletins for High Peak Radio.
Monday, 14 December 2009
'Don't quote me on that. I don't want the world knowing my views on brussel sprouts...'
Today I faced the exhilarating task of finding out more about people's Christmas food shopping habits, and whether there was any place for local produce in their budgets. I came away somewhat bewildered: I'd never realised how much people misunderstand the press.
As a journalism student, I've recently been learning about the importance of establishing whether statements are 'on' or 'off' the record, and to respect the confidentiality of sources, should they request anonymity. I never expected, however, that I would have to put this into practice when asking people in the Peak District about their views on local produce.
I did, of course, meet some wonderfully obliging people: Mr Morley, for instance, was chatting away telling me how he had just changed his car to be more environmentally friendly, and how it was a piece of junk that barely worked. A local butcher offered to give me some free produce if I wanted to try it. The woman on the fruit and veg stall, however, was less heart-warming.
It seemed to me she'd watched one too many police dramas and insisted on telling me not to quote her. The scandalous gossip she gave me included the fact that they sell fresh beetroot and fennel, and that most of their produce is from Lincolnshire.
Trust me dear, even if you'd allowed it I wouldn't be quoting you.
I know that all journalists should respect their sources, but I have to say, she was a right dunce.
As a journalism student, I've recently been learning about the importance of establishing whether statements are 'on' or 'off' the record, and to respect the confidentiality of sources, should they request anonymity. I never expected, however, that I would have to put this into practice when asking people in the Peak District about their views on local produce.
I did, of course, meet some wonderfully obliging people: Mr Morley, for instance, was chatting away telling me how he had just changed his car to be more environmentally friendly, and how it was a piece of junk that barely worked. A local butcher offered to give me some free produce if I wanted to try it. The woman on the fruit and veg stall, however, was less heart-warming.
It seemed to me she'd watched one too many police dramas and insisted on telling me not to quote her. The scandalous gossip she gave me included the fact that they sell fresh beetroot and fennel, and that most of their produce is from Lincolnshire.
Trust me dear, even if you'd allowed it I wouldn't be quoting you.
I know that all journalists should respect their sources, but I have to say, she was a right dunce.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
I'm not a feminist, but....
I'm not a feminist (although winter weather is a great excuse not to shave your legs as often) but it does get annoying when men feel the need to point out the fact that they find you attractive in as seedy a way as possible.
Take today for example. First of all a man slowed down, very obviously, so that he could walk alongside me and stare, without uttering a word, at an uncomfortable proximity. Then, when passing the bus stop, another man grabbed my wrist and said 'ah beautiful' before his mate pulled out the old 'it costs nothing to smile you know' line. Really? Because in my book smiling at you would take much more than a clichéd comment. I wonder if anyone has actually got anywhere using these methods?
I can't help wondering what would happen if this were the other way around, if women were the predators, walking around agog. If I slowed down to stare at a guy, he'd probably think I had mental problems and jog on. If I grabbed someone's wrist they'd either think I was attacking them or selling something. It just doesn't work!
Maybe we should start a revolution and see how the men of the world react to uneccessary quips and stares. If nothing else we'd freak a few guys out. Which would definitely be worth a smile.
Take today for example. First of all a man slowed down, very obviously, so that he could walk alongside me and stare, without uttering a word, at an uncomfortable proximity. Then, when passing the bus stop, another man grabbed my wrist and said 'ah beautiful' before his mate pulled out the old 'it costs nothing to smile you know' line. Really? Because in my book smiling at you would take much more than a clichéd comment. I wonder if anyone has actually got anywhere using these methods?
I can't help wondering what would happen if this were the other way around, if women were the predators, walking around agog. If I slowed down to stare at a guy, he'd probably think I had mental problems and jog on. If I grabbed someone's wrist they'd either think I was attacking them or selling something. It just doesn't work!
Maybe we should start a revolution and see how the men of the world react to uneccessary quips and stares. If nothing else we'd freak a few guys out. Which would definitely be worth a smile.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Phil Laing: was it just another case of wrong place and wrong time?
"Phil Laing is an idiot. He is certainly a disgrace. But he's not the only one."
On Friday October 16 , 19-year-old Phil Laing's life took an unprecedented turn. As photographs of him urinating on a war memorial in Sheffield appeared across the British press, he became the target of a hate campaign.
Laing was photographed at the end of a Carnage UK bar crawl, in which groups don matching t-shirts, ticking off the bars they hit on the way as well as the drinks they consume. It would seem to us all that Laing more than rose to the challenge - first urinating on the memorial before falling asleep in a doorway, belly and boxers hanging-out.
Now a notorious public figure, Laing is at the centre of a hate campaign launched in the papers and also through social networking sites like Facebook. The group 'Phil Laing - what a c**t' currently has 6,988 members and is still attracting posts branding him "an idiot". The Sheffield Star printed comments from Sheffield locals in its Saturday October 17 edition, with one Charles Farleigh calling him "a disgrace".
It's very hard to disagree with so many disgruntled people. So I won't entirely. Phil Laing is an idiot. He is certainly a disgrace. But he's not the only one.
Go to any university town and you'll see much of the same behaviour. Girls getting their kit off and crying on the pavements, boys urinating in public and throwing up in bushes. This, as they say, is England.
I've known university rugby players be cautioned by police for weeing on a world heritage site, girls ending up in Accident and Emergency for trying to do the limbo and inadvertently knocking themselves out.
Whilst I fully understand and respect the gravity of Laing's actions and the shameful disregard he has shown for our war heroes and their families, I can't help but think he was just a victim of bad luck.
Think of how much other 'carnage' must have been going on that night across Britain. Elsewhere in Britain people were probably passing out in the street and indecently exposing themselves, the only difference is that they weren't caught.
As I attended a meeting at the Sheffield Star on Thursday, just as the story was breaking, I heard that a newspaper photographer had happened to be in the area to get a few shots of the Carnage UK bar crawl, probably as a student archive image. What he captured however was dynamite, and probably afforded him at least a decent upgrade on the train home.
What I'm saying is that Laing is merely a representation of student culture in this country, and that he is not alone in his actions. He perhaps took it further than some others and has brought shame on himself for disrespecting those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom. But instead of victimising Laing, should we not turn our attention instead to the state of our culture?
As I have said in a previous post, 'Britain needs to tackle its binge-drinking culture', and in light of this recent scandal, I think this message rings ever true.
If we don't want people acting in this way then something needs to be done about our attitude towards alcohol and drunken behaviour. Events such as 'Carnage UK' should simply not be allowed to exist. Promotions like 'buy a pint, get two free shots' should not be supported either.
Gradually the government is thinking more and more about the problems our country has with binge-drinking, and until they do something about it, I don't think Laing should be victimised in such a way.
We are all products of our culture, and with the best will in the world, it is hard for students to break the mould when there is such overwhelming promotion of binge-drinking.
Friday, 2 October 2009
The Sun sets on Labour
ON Wednesday September 30, as Gordon Brown anxiously awaited the public verdict on what many will consider his last ditch attempt to save his party in the polls, the Sun, who have unfalteringly backed Labour since the Blairite campaign of 1997 publicly pulled their political support.
In a move which has angered several Labour MPs, Murdoch’s project has become the target of much criticism: Peter Mandelson allegedly branding them “chumps” and the Prime Minister himself rushing to exit an uncomfortable interview with Sky News’s political editor Adam Boulton.
Although a highly provocative political move, and one which will undoubtedly please the Conservative Party, the Sun’s infamous front page is first and foremost an unabashed and astounding media stunt.
Fresh from James Murdoch’s grating Edinburgh speech on the overpowering dominance of the BBC, as well as reports that the Times readership is suffering a fall due to increasingly available free web content, the Murdoch dynasty appear to have taken matters into their own hands.
Famed for creating the news as well as reporting it, the Sun has now put itself into the headlines of most national newspapers and news broadcasts for a long period to come. It remains to be seen whether Dominic Mohan, the newspaper’s latest editor, had much influence in this decision, but it will be interesting to see how the once red Sun sells now that it is blue.
One suspects that by tapping into the public consciousness the Sun will see sales improve, and even non Sun readers will be overcome with the temptation to try out a paper which is so brazen.
The Labour Party has been losing public interest ever since Gordon Brown took over as Prime Minister. Despite the many good measures put in place by Brown both as PM and particularly as Chancellor, these can easily be overlooked due to his uncharismatic presence and lack of media savvy.
Cameron knows how to court the Press: he’s slick, knows what the media wants and will provide that snappy little quote every reporter is searching for. For Cameron, his party’s relationship with the media is a reciprocal one. For Brown, it is a necessary inconvenience, and therein lies his lack of media and public appeal.
To be PM is to be the face of the country: to be a confident, unashamed and sociable-seeming head. Look at Obama: a family man who is witty, can hold a conversation with the American youth without once seeming cringe-worthy, and dare I say it, a rather sexy man. Brown could have the greatest policy Britain has ever known, but with his hunched stance and lack of media savvy, no-one wants to hear it.
All that the Sun has done is realise that it was flogging a dead horse and switched allegiance. Murdoch’s personal politics aside, the switch is sure to boost paper sales and perhaps also boost the newspaper industry. The media is about provoking a reaction, and the Sun has come to be the modern day definition.
The media industry, like politics, is all about survival, and with Labour losing votes, so was the Sun. Now the paper has done all it can to save itself, and after all, is responsible only for itself and its readers, not for a flagging political party.
In a move which has angered several Labour MPs, Murdoch’s project has become the target of much criticism: Peter Mandelson allegedly branding them “chumps” and the Prime Minister himself rushing to exit an uncomfortable interview with Sky News’s political editor Adam Boulton.
Although a highly provocative political move, and one which will undoubtedly please the Conservative Party, the Sun’s infamous front page is first and foremost an unabashed and astounding media stunt.
Fresh from James Murdoch’s grating Edinburgh speech on the overpowering dominance of the BBC, as well as reports that the Times readership is suffering a fall due to increasingly available free web content, the Murdoch dynasty appear to have taken matters into their own hands.
Famed for creating the news as well as reporting it, the Sun has now put itself into the headlines of most national newspapers and news broadcasts for a long period to come. It remains to be seen whether Dominic Mohan, the newspaper’s latest editor, had much influence in this decision, but it will be interesting to see how the once red Sun sells now that it is blue.
One suspects that by tapping into the public consciousness the Sun will see sales improve, and even non Sun readers will be overcome with the temptation to try out a paper which is so brazen.
The Labour Party has been losing public interest ever since Gordon Brown took over as Prime Minister. Despite the many good measures put in place by Brown both as PM and particularly as Chancellor, these can easily be overlooked due to his uncharismatic presence and lack of media savvy.
Cameron knows how to court the Press: he’s slick, knows what the media wants and will provide that snappy little quote every reporter is searching for. For Cameron, his party’s relationship with the media is a reciprocal one. For Brown, it is a necessary inconvenience, and therein lies his lack of media and public appeal.
To be PM is to be the face of the country: to be a confident, unashamed and sociable-seeming head. Look at Obama: a family man who is witty, can hold a conversation with the American youth without once seeming cringe-worthy, and dare I say it, a rather sexy man. Brown could have the greatest policy Britain has ever known, but with his hunched stance and lack of media savvy, no-one wants to hear it.
All that the Sun has done is realise that it was flogging a dead horse and switched allegiance. Murdoch’s personal politics aside, the switch is sure to boost paper sales and perhaps also boost the newspaper industry. The media is about provoking a reaction, and the Sun has come to be the modern day definition.
The media industry, like politics, is all about survival, and with Labour losing votes, so was the Sun. Now the paper has done all it can to save itself, and after all, is responsible only for itself and its readers, not for a flagging political party.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Making the news!
Hold the Front Page article on Journalism Diversity Fund recipients at
http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/training/090803diverse.shtml
Regional press news - this story published 03 August 2009
Students benefit from training grant boost
by holdthefrontpage staff
Six student journalists have received a welcome financial kick-start to their careers after qualifying for the Journalism Diversity Fund.
Administered by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, the fund offers to pay some or all of a student's tuition fees for an NCTJ-accredited course.
The sextet were chosen from 57 applicants and selected based on diversity criteria and their potential for a career in journalism.
The interview panel, which met in June, included Financial Times executive editor Hugh Carnegy and Eastern Daily Press senior content editor Paul Durrant.
The Journalism Diversity Fund was set up to support the training of journalists from ethnically and socially diverse backgrounds, aimed at people lacking the financial means to attend NCTJ training courses.
The six journalism trainees due to start courses who received bursaries are:
India Adams: MA News Journalism at the University of Sunderland
Martin Graham: MA Multimedia Journalism at Glasgow Caledonian University
Amanda Hall: MA Print Journalism at University of Sheffield
Sophie Maden: PgDip in Print Journalism at University of Sheffield
Nneka Opara: Pre-entry newspaper journalism course at Lambeth College
Nicola Williams: Fast-track newspaper journalism course at Harlow College
A further 68 applications were received for the Journalism Diversity Fund deadline in June and a shortlist of applicants for interview will be announced later this month.
Editors and senior journalists are needed to sit on the panel which interviews applicants for fund.
Email christina.johnson@nctj.com to get involved.
The next deadline for bursary applications is 30 October – visit journalismdiversityfund.com for more information and to download an application form.
A new intern to oversee and promote the Journalism Diversity Fund has been appointed by the NCTJ. Christina Johnson, who is currently completing the MA in Newspaper Journalism course at Nottingham Trent University, will help oversee the administration, organisation and promotion of the fund.
http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/training/090803diverse.shtml
Regional press news - this story published 03 August 2009
Students benefit from training grant boost
by holdthefrontpage staff
Six student journalists have received a welcome financial kick-start to their careers after qualifying for the Journalism Diversity Fund.
Administered by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, the fund offers to pay some or all of a student's tuition fees for an NCTJ-accredited course.
The sextet were chosen from 57 applicants and selected based on diversity criteria and their potential for a career in journalism.
The interview panel, which met in June, included Financial Times executive editor Hugh Carnegy and Eastern Daily Press senior content editor Paul Durrant.
The Journalism Diversity Fund was set up to support the training of journalists from ethnically and socially diverse backgrounds, aimed at people lacking the financial means to attend NCTJ training courses.
The six journalism trainees due to start courses who received bursaries are:
India Adams: MA News Journalism at the University of Sunderland
Martin Graham: MA Multimedia Journalism at Glasgow Caledonian University
Amanda Hall: MA Print Journalism at University of Sheffield
Sophie Maden: PgDip in Print Journalism at University of Sheffield
Nneka Opara: Pre-entry newspaper journalism course at Lambeth College
Nicola Williams: Fast-track newspaper journalism course at Harlow College
A further 68 applications were received for the Journalism Diversity Fund deadline in June and a shortlist of applicants for interview will be announced later this month.
Editors and senior journalists are needed to sit on the panel which interviews applicants for fund.
Email christina.johnson@nctj.com to get involved.
The next deadline for bursary applications is 30 October – visit journalismdiversityfund.com for more information and to download an application form.
A new intern to oversee and promote the Journalism Diversity Fund has been appointed by the NCTJ. Christina Johnson, who is currently completing the MA in Newspaper Journalism course at Nottingham Trent University, will help oversee the administration, organisation and promotion of the fund.
Monday, 24 August 2009
Theatre Review: Wicked!
Wicked! Apollo Victoria, London, 10/08/09
After watching a production of Wicked! a year ago, I immediately became a huge fan. Though I haven’t read Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West upon which the show is based, the sparkling script and alternative underdog story makes for an amusing, sprightly and thoroughly enjoyable musical. The story of the Wicked Witch of the West is imaginatively told in this show, where an amusing and sometimes cruel turn of events allow a different perspective on ‘wickedness’ itself.
Having previously seen a production of Wicked! two years before this, it was difficult not to compare the two shows and their casts. The 2007 production featured Kerry Ellis as an effervescent Elphaba, and her magnificent and powerful voice teamed with an overwhelming stage presence made a lasting impression. This year it was the turn of Alexia Khadime to depict the green-skinned, ill-fated young witch, and she had big shoes to fill. Although a hugely talented performer, Khadime did not quite have the vocal power which Ellis exuded, nor was her stage presence as evident. Although I agree that there is a certain beauty in an understated performance to match an understated song, I could not help but feel that Khadime was somewhat let down by the production and direction. I’m Not That Girl, for example, arguably one of the tenderest pieces in the otherwise vivaciously energetic piece, was played down with a bare set and a dim spotlight, whilst Khadime herself barely moved. Rather than understated, it was rendered unexciting and uninteresting. Defying Gravity too, the climax of Act One failed to deliver its usual goose bumps for me, and even the dramatic staging and ascension of the young witch failed to impress as it should. It all seemed a little stale and in need of some rethinking.
Where Khadime did, however, succeed was in her delivery and accent. Wicked! is Americanisation to the extreme: high energy scenes, the typical American high school element, and characteristically nasal, over-the-top songs. Elphapa however was one of the few cast members to maintain a strong American accent. Boq the munchkin, for example, played by Alex Jessop, seemed determined to transport the audience to the North-West of England, and also missed a few key comic moments which could have been better capitalised on.
True of both performances, however, was the shining performance of Galinda, otherwise known as Glinda the Good. When we left the 2009 performance, the very first thing my companions, having seen the show for the first time commented upon, was just how irritating Glinda was. Job done, I thought. The screechy, girly, annoying character of Glinda was perfected by both Helen Dallimore of the 2007 and Dianne Pilkington of the 2009 production. If possible, Pilkington managed to bring even more comedy and melodrama to the role of Glinda, making even potentially poignant moments, such as Elphaba’s quest for her dead sister’s shoes, undercut by humour, and making Popular an even more irritatingly catchy and funny song.
On the whole, the 2009 production was pulled through by two strong, confident female lead performances, underpinned by a solid script and fantastic music. The production at times let this performance down, proving that you can’t rely on a brilliant adaptation to make a performance memorable. Perhaps the show is in need of some new staging concepts and direction to match the new cast, who I am sure will grow into their roles more with each performance.
Verdict: Still a fantastic show, but no longer a Wicked! production.
After watching a production of Wicked! a year ago, I immediately became a huge fan. Though I haven’t read Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West upon which the show is based, the sparkling script and alternative underdog story makes for an amusing, sprightly and thoroughly enjoyable musical. The story of the Wicked Witch of the West is imaginatively told in this show, where an amusing and sometimes cruel turn of events allow a different perspective on ‘wickedness’ itself.
Having previously seen a production of Wicked! two years before this, it was difficult not to compare the two shows and their casts. The 2007 production featured Kerry Ellis as an effervescent Elphaba, and her magnificent and powerful voice teamed with an overwhelming stage presence made a lasting impression. This year it was the turn of Alexia Khadime to depict the green-skinned, ill-fated young witch, and she had big shoes to fill. Although a hugely talented performer, Khadime did not quite have the vocal power which Ellis exuded, nor was her stage presence as evident. Although I agree that there is a certain beauty in an understated performance to match an understated song, I could not help but feel that Khadime was somewhat let down by the production and direction. I’m Not That Girl, for example, arguably one of the tenderest pieces in the otherwise vivaciously energetic piece, was played down with a bare set and a dim spotlight, whilst Khadime herself barely moved. Rather than understated, it was rendered unexciting and uninteresting. Defying Gravity too, the climax of Act One failed to deliver its usual goose bumps for me, and even the dramatic staging and ascension of the young witch failed to impress as it should. It all seemed a little stale and in need of some rethinking.
Where Khadime did, however, succeed was in her delivery and accent. Wicked! is Americanisation to the extreme: high energy scenes, the typical American high school element, and characteristically nasal, over-the-top songs. Elphapa however was one of the few cast members to maintain a strong American accent. Boq the munchkin, for example, played by Alex Jessop, seemed determined to transport the audience to the North-West of England, and also missed a few key comic moments which could have been better capitalised on.
True of both performances, however, was the shining performance of Galinda, otherwise known as Glinda the Good. When we left the 2009 performance, the very first thing my companions, having seen the show for the first time commented upon, was just how irritating Glinda was. Job done, I thought. The screechy, girly, annoying character of Glinda was perfected by both Helen Dallimore of the 2007 and Dianne Pilkington of the 2009 production. If possible, Pilkington managed to bring even more comedy and melodrama to the role of Glinda, making even potentially poignant moments, such as Elphaba’s quest for her dead sister’s shoes, undercut by humour, and making Popular an even more irritatingly catchy and funny song.
On the whole, the 2009 production was pulled through by two strong, confident female lead performances, underpinned by a solid script and fantastic music. The production at times let this performance down, proving that you can’t rely on a brilliant adaptation to make a performance memorable. Perhaps the show is in need of some new staging concepts and direction to match the new cast, who I am sure will grow into their roles more with each performance.
Verdict: Still a fantastic show, but no longer a Wicked! production.
Next to be reviewed......Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
The Failure of Success
Well, I’ve finally done it: after four years of frustration, last minute cramming, tears (and let’s be honest, a hell of a lot of good times), I have just graduated with a 2:1 in Combined Arts from Durham University. This also included a First in my Shakespeare module, a personal achievement after my struggle with the Bard’s babble at A-level. I’ve even secured a bursary from the Journalism Diversity Fund to sponsor me through my Masters in September having impressed the panel including the editor of the Financial Times enough for them to grant me this fund.
All this success, however, means absolutely zilch when it comes to finding a summer job, and if anything, just makes you sound a bit stuck up to potential (minimum wage) employers. Now they say of course that ‘It’s grim up North’, but after speaking to fellow graduates, it seems it’s grim everywhere. Many graduates want to use the summer to earn a little money whilst deciding what to do with their futures. The majority, however, seem to plump for the dole, a route which I myself am heading towards.
Not only is this year a difficult one for graduate employment (as the BBC insists on reminding us, even gate crashing graduations in Durham to remind us happy students of the reality of a degree’s insignificance), but it would seem our success is almost detrimental to the securing of summer employment. I’ve been turned down by call centres, summer camps and jewellery stores, and the most I’ve managed to secure so far is a week chopping salad in a kitchen. Seriously, I’m not even allowed near the till.
I knew before I began my degree that it wouldn’t necessarily land me an amazing job, head and shoulders above others who had not pursued higher education, but I naively thought it might prevent me from scrubbing ovens for the summer. In reality however, we are no different than the spotty 16 year olds looking to earn some cash to buy cider to drink in the park at the weekend. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that these lower paid, lower educated candidates are more sought after in the summer job department than someone who has spent four years and I can’t imagine how much money to get no further when it comes to summer employment.
All this success, however, means absolutely zilch when it comes to finding a summer job, and if anything, just makes you sound a bit stuck up to potential (minimum wage) employers. Now they say of course that ‘It’s grim up North’, but after speaking to fellow graduates, it seems it’s grim everywhere. Many graduates want to use the summer to earn a little money whilst deciding what to do with their futures. The majority, however, seem to plump for the dole, a route which I myself am heading towards.
Not only is this year a difficult one for graduate employment (as the BBC insists on reminding us, even gate crashing graduations in Durham to remind us happy students of the reality of a degree’s insignificance), but it would seem our success is almost detrimental to the securing of summer employment. I’ve been turned down by call centres, summer camps and jewellery stores, and the most I’ve managed to secure so far is a week chopping salad in a kitchen. Seriously, I’m not even allowed near the till.
I knew before I began my degree that it wouldn’t necessarily land me an amazing job, head and shoulders above others who had not pursued higher education, but I naively thought it might prevent me from scrubbing ovens for the summer. In reality however, we are no different than the spotty 16 year olds looking to earn some cash to buy cider to drink in the park at the weekend. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that these lower paid, lower educated candidates are more sought after in the summer job department than someone who has spent four years and I can’t imagine how much money to get no further when it comes to summer employment.
Friday, 5 June 2009
To be, or not to be (a journalist)
As I come ever-closer to the journalism career I have always wanted, new pressures arise which could alter my entire career...
Having just completed my university finals, I now face the gut-wrenching wait for those all important degree results. For me, the pressure is immense, as that final verdict could change my entire career path.
I decided a long time ago that journalism was the only career for me, and I have thrown myself into gaining work experience, at great individual expense. Not only are newspaper work-placements unpaid, but they do not even cover the expenses incurred by enthusiastic would-be journalists, most of whom, like me, are struggling to survive on their student loans and surrounded by a mountain of ever-increasing debt.
This year I have spent a lot of time sending off applications to journalism graduate schemes, NCTJ postgraduate courses and bursaries, and my student railcard has been used to the max travelling to various interviews. At the end of all that, I have now settled on taking up a place as a postgraduate at Sheffield University, on the condition that I gain a 2:1. I also have an interview shortly with the Journalism Diversity Fund panel, comprising of the executive editor of the Financial Times, Glen Oldershaw, head of accreditation at the NCTJ, as well as representatives from The London Paper and the Eastern Daily Press. This is where it gets serious.
My commitment to and passion for journalism are not to be questioned, as I said, this is the only career which appeals to me. But that does not mean I am narrow-minded: journalism itself is a very diverse, exhilarating career and I am keeping my mind firmly open about the different paths my career as a journalist could take. Up until recently, too, my answer to questions such as 'How would you justify cold-calling a family who have recently been bereaved?' have been simple, direct and confident: it is an opportunity for the family to put things in their own words, and the paper is in a sense providing a public service. Over the last couple of weeks however, my solid stance has been somewhat shaken.
At 21 years old, I like to think that my parents now trust my maturity enough to be direct and honest with me about all aspects of life. A few days ago, however, I discovered the media input surrounding my grandmother's death when I was seven years old and it really brought the reality of this question home. It transpires that when my grandmother died, our local paper, who I would unknowingly voluntarily write for thirteen years later, had been somewhat evasive and misleading about the facts in this case. The paper had chosen not to contact the family for their views, and instead printed an article which would lead readers to believe that my grandmother had lived alone, and was not cared for by her family, which was far from the case and caused a great deal of emotional harm.
Whilst this confirms my thoughts about the necessity of allowing the family the right to voice their thoughts, I am fairly confident that had the paper contacted my parents, the phone would have been firmly put down. This now makes me think that this question is somewhat paradoxical. Yes I feel it is important that families be given the chance to present their own views following a bereavement, but at the same time, the harsh timeframe of losing a loved one and then having to publicly speak about it means that often families are unwilling to comment, leaving the paper little choice but to print whatever information they have.
I am learning as I go that journalism is not an easy profession, nor are journalists respected by all members of society. I know that my family will support me in all I do, but knowing now their individual experiences with journalists, it is a bitter pill to swallow. Nothing could ever deter me from this career, and I think better understanding the true effects of journalism will help me to act in the best way possible, and to be the best reporter I possibly can.
Having just completed my university finals, I now face the gut-wrenching wait for those all important degree results. For me, the pressure is immense, as that final verdict could change my entire career path.
I decided a long time ago that journalism was the only career for me, and I have thrown myself into gaining work experience, at great individual expense. Not only are newspaper work-placements unpaid, but they do not even cover the expenses incurred by enthusiastic would-be journalists, most of whom, like me, are struggling to survive on their student loans and surrounded by a mountain of ever-increasing debt.
This year I have spent a lot of time sending off applications to journalism graduate schemes, NCTJ postgraduate courses and bursaries, and my student railcard has been used to the max travelling to various interviews. At the end of all that, I have now settled on taking up a place as a postgraduate at Sheffield University, on the condition that I gain a 2:1. I also have an interview shortly with the Journalism Diversity Fund panel, comprising of the executive editor of the Financial Times, Glen Oldershaw, head of accreditation at the NCTJ, as well as representatives from The London Paper and the Eastern Daily Press. This is where it gets serious.
My commitment to and passion for journalism are not to be questioned, as I said, this is the only career which appeals to me. But that does not mean I am narrow-minded: journalism itself is a very diverse, exhilarating career and I am keeping my mind firmly open about the different paths my career as a journalist could take. Up until recently, too, my answer to questions such as 'How would you justify cold-calling a family who have recently been bereaved?' have been simple, direct and confident: it is an opportunity for the family to put things in their own words, and the paper is in a sense providing a public service. Over the last couple of weeks however, my solid stance has been somewhat shaken.
At 21 years old, I like to think that my parents now trust my maturity enough to be direct and honest with me about all aspects of life. A few days ago, however, I discovered the media input surrounding my grandmother's death when I was seven years old and it really brought the reality of this question home. It transpires that when my grandmother died, our local paper, who I would unknowingly voluntarily write for thirteen years later, had been somewhat evasive and misleading about the facts in this case. The paper had chosen not to contact the family for their views, and instead printed an article which would lead readers to believe that my grandmother had lived alone, and was not cared for by her family, which was far from the case and caused a great deal of emotional harm.
Whilst this confirms my thoughts about the necessity of allowing the family the right to voice their thoughts, I am fairly confident that had the paper contacted my parents, the phone would have been firmly put down. This now makes me think that this question is somewhat paradoxical. Yes I feel it is important that families be given the chance to present their own views following a bereavement, but at the same time, the harsh timeframe of losing a loved one and then having to publicly speak about it means that often families are unwilling to comment, leaving the paper little choice but to print whatever information they have.
I am learning as I go that journalism is not an easy profession, nor are journalists respected by all members of society. I know that my family will support me in all I do, but knowing now their individual experiences with journalists, it is a bitter pill to swallow. Nothing could ever deter me from this career, and I think better understanding the true effects of journalism will help me to act in the best way possible, and to be the best reporter I possibly can.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Britain Needs to Tackle its Binge-Drinking Culture
The Scottish government has unveiled plans to prevent cut-price promotions on alcohol, by imposing a minimum price for goods sold in supermarkets and off licences. Scottish ministers believe that cheap deals on alcohol are to blame for the increase in binge-drinking, as well as the rise in alcohol-related health problems.
The government plan comes after it emerged last month that Scotland has the eighth-highest level of alcohol consumption in the world. The proposals, which are unlikely to be passed, want in particular to target young drinkers, who are in danger of over-consumption, leading to a generation of failed livers and other health issues.
Although I would class myself as part of the ‘binge-drinking generation’, in some ways I welcome the ideas proposed by the Scottish government. Britain undoubtedly has a huge drinking habit, which is so widespread it has become dangerous. Like many others, I too have been known to indulge in a little too much alcohol during my time at university, but the more I realise the effects which these social habits will have upon our generation, the more I want to put the glass of wine down.
The problem, clearly, is not with the price of alcohol in Britain, but with Britain’s culture and social habits themselves. In other European countries, alcohol is notoriously cheap, yet the drinking habits of these countries are far less pronounced. Why is this?
True, Britain’s drinking habits have begun to impose themselves upon other countries, although surely to a far less degree. Take France for example, where they have even had to adopt the English term ‘binge-drinking’, as the habit stems from British influence rather than French.
The French government also announced this week its plans to ban ‘open bars’ in the country, where clients pay an entrance fee upon arrival at a bar and can then drink as much alcohol as they wish without having to pay extra. In taking this action, France is acting upon a rising problem of binge-drinking before it becomes detrimental and irreversible. Perhaps Britain should have taken similar measures sooner.
After upping taxes on cigarettes and banning their advertisement and promotion, the Scottish government suggests that the government could now take similar measures to benefit problems with alcohol abuse. Now, while I’m not suggesting that hiking up the taxes on one of life’s few affordable luxuries in these difficult times is plausible, I do agree that something needs to be done to tackle this issue.
If removing attractive, brightly coloured promotions in supermarkets meant that you only buy the one bottle of wine, rather than an unnecessary three, “because it only costs a tenner”, then I see this as positive move. Or even relegating alcohol displays to less accessible areas of shops, rather than strategically placed next to the comfort food, so that when you’re planning a quiet night in, the alcohol offers are just too tempting.
It’s about time that Britain admitted that the elegant, wine-sipping socialites in the adverts are not the reality. The truth of it is that generally, that one bottle will be for one drinker, and will result in a very difficult journey home after Klute.
Admittedly, the recent ad-campaigns, including two very graphic television adverts, brought issues of binge-drinking to the forefront, but it will take far more to change the habits of an entire generation, and far more needs to be done to tackle the problem.
As the first real ‘binge-drinking generation’, a number of health problems await us later in life, which will undoubtedly put even further pressure on an already crumbling National Health Service. Maybe this current debate on issues of alcohol abuse could, if nothing else, remind the British public of the dangers of binge drinking, and persuade them to think twice before over-consuming until they can no longer remember.
The current binge-drinking generation are so hooked upon the habit that they no longer realise the damage they are doing to their bodies. NHS statistics published last week showed that there were 42,430 drink-related discharges from general hospitals in 2007-08. Sales figures also showed that nearly 50 million litres of pure alcohol were drunk in 2007 - the equivalent of 11.8 litres for every person over the age of 16.
Whilst I believe that this habit will not be so easily erased by these measures, what it could well do is prevent the next generation indulging to the extent that ours has, and to reinstate alcohol as a luxury which should be enjoyed only in moderation, rather than in excess.
So, whilst a fixed price for alcohol seems an unlikely measure to be adopted by the government, hopefully the Scottish government’s controversial proposals will persuade our government to actively tackle issues of binge-drinking, be that through advertising, further alcohol awareness campaigns, or simply better health education.
Friday, 23 January 2009
Reality TV Dominates Festive Charts and Programming
Written for Mooch Magazine, January 2009
Reality TV Dominates Festive Charts and Programming
Sophie Maden
THE reality TV format has had a huge influence on British culture, ever since the early days of Popstars, which ‘discovered’ the likes of Suzanne Shaw, Kim Marsh, and the cringe-worthy Darius Danesh and his uncomfortably high voice. Nowadays reality TV programmes have become an integral part of the festive period, with shows like The X Factor pulling in a record 14million viewers for its 2008 live final.
As Celebrity Big Brother makes its return to our screens this month following the controversy of the Shilpa Shetty race-row, it seems that not only has the reality format begun to tire, but the reality ‘stars’ are even being recycled. Celeb BB usually prides itself on the fact that none of its celeb’s have before appeared on a reality show. This year however features contestant Michelle Heaton, who initially found fame in Popstars, and has since gone on to be the subject of a reality TV binge-drinking experiment, as well as the forgettable Michelle and Andy’s Big Day, with her now ex-husband, Andy Scott-Lee. Dancing on Ice also sees the return of X Factor loser Ray Quinn, and ex-Popstar and now cricket WAG Jessica Taylor.
Andrew Lloyd-Webber also continues in his TV cross-over, this time giving the Eurovision Song Contest the benefit of his musical expertise, hoping to gain Britain a little more than nil point this year (which has obviously had nothing to do with world politics, of course). Still, anything has got to be better than lycra-clad 90s rejects Scooch with their cheesy lyrics and sexual innuendos.
Not only does reality TV dominate Christmas viewing, but it has also taken over the festive charts, and for the past FOUR years the X Factor winner’s single has reached the coveted Christmas number 1 slot. This year really exemplified the grasp reality TV has upon the British public, as not even a nationwide campaign to get Jeff Buckley’s rendition of Hallelujah to number one could knock X Factor winner Alexandra Burke off the top spot. The final chart before Christmas also featured the other X Factor Finalists, along with previous winner Leona Lewis with ‘Run’. Simon Cowell undoubtedly spent Christmas day counting his billions.
The chart also featured the single ‘Once Upon a Christmas Song’ from the mock reality contestant Geraldine, creation of Bolton comic Peter Kay. Kay’s parody Britain's Got the Pop Factor ...and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice received a mixed reception, but its ultimate aim to parody the plethora of reality shows and their contestants, all complete with sob stories, was achieved with ease, proving that even a comedian can influence the public to buy their single with a little TV exposure.
The reality TV chart take over is, perhaps, unfair on those real artists who have built themselves up the traditional way, through a mixture of talent, hard work and determination. This domination has angered many artists, the latest being new chart-contender Lady GaGa, who, speaking in The Sun, said: “If you win a TV show and you have a false understanding of what it means to earn success. Whereas with someone like me, who writes my own songs, you have to set yourself up to win.”
Few reality winners can be said to write their own songs, have an agenda or even individual style, perhaps with the exception of Will Young, who managed to break away from his Pop Idol label. In fact, the majority of the winner’s songs from the X factor are cover-versions, glammed up with a combination of glitter and gospel choirs. Not all reality contestants are as successful as the likes of Leona Lewis and Girls Aloud, and the British public have made a few errors of judgement over the years. Take, for example flop idols Michelle McManus and Steve Brookstein, who have disappeared off the music radar.
Now that Strictly Come Dancing is in its sixth year, and the X Factor in its fifth, isn’t it time that TV stopped churning out washed up, z-list celebs à la Ziggy and Chanelle, and gave musicians and performers with real talent and a history of hard graft, a chance at the limelight they deserve?
Reality TV Dominates Festive Charts and Programming
Sophie Maden
THE reality TV format has had a huge influence on British culture, ever since the early days of Popstars, which ‘discovered’ the likes of Suzanne Shaw, Kim Marsh, and the cringe-worthy Darius Danesh and his uncomfortably high voice. Nowadays reality TV programmes have become an integral part of the festive period, with shows like The X Factor pulling in a record 14million viewers for its 2008 live final.
As Celebrity Big Brother makes its return to our screens this month following the controversy of the Shilpa Shetty race-row, it seems that not only has the reality format begun to tire, but the reality ‘stars’ are even being recycled. Celeb BB usually prides itself on the fact that none of its celeb’s have before appeared on a reality show. This year however features contestant Michelle Heaton, who initially found fame in Popstars, and has since gone on to be the subject of a reality TV binge-drinking experiment, as well as the forgettable Michelle and Andy’s Big Day, with her now ex-husband, Andy Scott-Lee. Dancing on Ice also sees the return of X Factor loser Ray Quinn, and ex-Popstar and now cricket WAG Jessica Taylor.
Andrew Lloyd-Webber also continues in his TV cross-over, this time giving the Eurovision Song Contest the benefit of his musical expertise, hoping to gain Britain a little more than nil point this year (which has obviously had nothing to do with world politics, of course). Still, anything has got to be better than lycra-clad 90s rejects Scooch with their cheesy lyrics and sexual innuendos.
Not only does reality TV dominate Christmas viewing, but it has also taken over the festive charts, and for the past FOUR years the X Factor winner’s single has reached the coveted Christmas number 1 slot. This year really exemplified the grasp reality TV has upon the British public, as not even a nationwide campaign to get Jeff Buckley’s rendition of Hallelujah to number one could knock X Factor winner Alexandra Burke off the top spot. The final chart before Christmas also featured the other X Factor Finalists, along with previous winner Leona Lewis with ‘Run’. Simon Cowell undoubtedly spent Christmas day counting his billions.
The chart also featured the single ‘Once Upon a Christmas Song’ from the mock reality contestant Geraldine, creation of Bolton comic Peter Kay. Kay’s parody Britain's Got the Pop Factor ...and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice received a mixed reception, but its ultimate aim to parody the plethora of reality shows and their contestants, all complete with sob stories, was achieved with ease, proving that even a comedian can influence the public to buy their single with a little TV exposure.
The reality TV chart take over is, perhaps, unfair on those real artists who have built themselves up the traditional way, through a mixture of talent, hard work and determination. This domination has angered many artists, the latest being new chart-contender Lady GaGa, who, speaking in The Sun, said: “If you win a TV show and you have a false understanding of what it means to earn success. Whereas with someone like me, who writes my own songs, you have to set yourself up to win.”
Few reality winners can be said to write their own songs, have an agenda or even individual style, perhaps with the exception of Will Young, who managed to break away from his Pop Idol label. In fact, the majority of the winner’s songs from the X factor are cover-versions, glammed up with a combination of glitter and gospel choirs. Not all reality contestants are as successful as the likes of Leona Lewis and Girls Aloud, and the British public have made a few errors of judgement over the years. Take, for example flop idols Michelle McManus and Steve Brookstein, who have disappeared off the music radar.
Now that Strictly Come Dancing is in its sixth year, and the X Factor in its fifth, isn’t it time that TV stopped churning out washed up, z-list celebs à la Ziggy and Chanelle, and gave musicians and performers with real talent and a history of hard graft, a chance at the limelight they deserve?
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