Best of the Spectator The Edition: BBC in crisis, the Wes Streeting plot & why 'flakes' are the worst
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Nov 14, 2025 Join Lara Brown, Commissioning Editor at The Spectator, who delves into the BBC's culture of denial regarding bias. Arts Editor Igor Toronyi-Lalic critiques the corporation's arts coverage, while journalist Melanie McDonagh offers insights on the historical allure of Catholicism to unlikely converts. The trio also discusses the surprising Westminster coup plot and the modern phenomenon of social 'flakes'—those who back out of plans at the last minute. A blend of media analysis, cultural critique, and etiquette reflects the spirit of today.
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BBC's Culture Of Denial
- The BBC suffers from a culture of denial where staff see bias as abstract rather than their own actions.
- That mindset prevents internal criticism and makes meaningful reform unlikely, says Lara Brown.
Tokenised On A BBC Programme
- Melanie McDonagh recounts being tokenised on a BBC programme about decriminalising abortion up to birth.
- Her detailed contributions were reduced to a single paragraph in the transcript, illustrating exclusion of dissenting views.
Push Notifications Shape Public View
- BBC News app push notifications shape millions' perception by prioritising certain stories.
- Lara Brown's year-long analysis found major stories omitted while Gaza received disproportionate notification attention.
