Tony Benn: the media and the political process

The Inaugural Benn Lecture - reflecting critically on making the news

Wednesday 15th November 2006 - Arnolfini, Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA - 7pm

The first in a series of lectures about journalism in Bristol by some of the world's most independent-minded writers and broadcasters. They will take a step back from the job and reflect on the way the media is changing, challenging some of the difficulties modern journalists encounter in doing their job.

Have you ever wondered who decides what news we read in the paper every day and see on TV every night? What influence do the owners and managers have? How are stories are ‘spun' and which ones don't make it into the bulletin?

The modern media is changing fast. Technological developments such as satellite, WAP and broadband mean that, rather than a handful of channels, we have hundreds of ways to get our news. Media ownership is changing too with the once local ITV stations up for auction in a global marketplace and giant transnational media corporations dominating the market.

The inaugural lecture will be given by Ex Bristol MP Tony Benn who, after being demobbed from the RAF, began his career as a BBC radio producer in the 1940's. He entered politics and went on to become Postmaster General and Secretary of State for Industry and then Energy, cabinet posts under Prime Ministers Harold Wilson and James Callaghan. Mr Benn  recently made a one hour special for Channel Four: ‘Interviewing the Interviewers', where he turned the tables on Jeremy Paxman, John Humphries, Jon Snow and BBC Political editor Nick Robinson.

Former ITN and Panorama Middle East correspondent Alan Hart will also be along to share his thoughts on coverage of the present Middle Eastern conflicts. The lecture will be followed by an audience discussion about 21st Century news-making.

The event is organised jointly by the National Union of Journalists and Arnolfini and will be chaired by freelance journalist Christina Zaba.

CONTACTS:

Christina Zaba - Chair of Bristol NUJ - 07967 323169

Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, BRISTOL BS1 4QA - Box Office, 0117 917 2300

NUJ Bristol Branch, 10-12 Picton Street, BS6 5QA, 0117 944 6219