More or Less: Behind the Stats Bonus episode: the first ever More or Less
Oct 7, 2021
Michael Blastland, the founding producer, and Sir Andrew Dilnot, the founding presenter, discuss the origins of their groundbreaking series. They reflect on the obstacles they faced in promoting numeracy in journalism and politics. The conversation delves into counting as a coping mechanism for anxiety, while also highlighting the innovative techniques used in helping Parkinson's patients through rhythm. Additionally, they tackle the implications of NHS spending decisions, emphasizing the need for better numerical skills in public discourse.
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Episode notes
More or Less Initial Rejection
- More or Less faced initial rejection, deemed a "boy's thing" and boring.
- Michael Blastland and Andrew Dilnot persevered, eventually getting their show approved by Helen Bowden.
Numbers as a Language
- Numbers are pervasive in public discourse, highlighting the need for a program like More or Less.
- The creators saw numbers as a language of public argument, similar to non-numerical language.
Question Big Numbers
- Always question the magnitude of numbers presented in public discourse.
- Context is crucial for understanding if a number is truly significant.
