Leveson part 2?, BBC News at Ten, David Rose on Shaker Aamer
Dec 16, 2015
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Journalist David Rose discusses the release of Shaker Aamer from Guantanamo Bay after 14 years, highlighting the challenges of reporting on Guantanamo. The podcast also explores the potential for Leveson Part 2 following the conclusion of criminal investigations, and debates the extension of BBC News at Ten for more in-depth coverage.
Leveson Part 2 inquiry may proceed after CPS decision to halt criminal investigations, sparking debate on press ethics and accountability.
BBC News at 10 extended by 10 minutes to provide more news analysis, raising concerns about scheduling conflicts and viewer preferences.
Deep dives
Shaka Ama's Release from Guantanamo Bay and the Campaign for Justice
Shaka Ama, the last British prisoner in Guantanamo Bay, was freed after 13 years without charge. Journalist David Rose and The Mail on Sunday championed his cause, revealing the injustice of his prolonged detention amid allegations of torture and mistreatment. Ama's case highlighted the failures of the system, with no charges brought against him despite years in captivity.
Implications of Extending BBC's News at 10
The decision to extend BBC's News at 10 by 15 minutes raised questions about its impact on programs like Newsnight and Question Time. While the audience's preference for in-depth coverage was cited as a reason, concerns arose about scheduling conflicts and potential viewer overlap between the extended bulletin and subsequent programs.
The Debate Surrounding Leveson II Inquiry
The discussion delved into the potential abandonment of the Leveson II inquiry into phone hacking and police conduct. While some argued for its necessity to address past injustices and corruption, others, like Neil Wallace, dismissed the need for a second inquiry due to perceived changes in press-police relations and the passage of time since the initial investigations.
Future of BBC News Strategy: TV News vs. Online Platforms
Amid discussions on the extension of traditional news programs, questions arose about the alignment with the evolving news landscape focusing on online, social, and mobile platforms. The strategic direction of BBC News faced scrutiny regarding the balance between reinforcing TV news broadcasts and adapting to digital news consumption trends.
In 2011 the Prime Minister announced the two part Leveson inquiry into the role of the press and police in the phone-hacking scandal. Part 1 examined the culture, practices and ethics of the press. However, Part 2 could not commence until police investigations and criminal proceedings had been completed. This week, the CPS announced it would cease any ongoing criminal investigations. So, will Leveson Part 2 now happen? The BBC's legal correspondent Clive Coleman, Prof. Natalie Fenton from Goldsmiths University and campaign group Hacked Off, and journalist Neil Wallis, who was tried and acquitted for phone hacking, discuss.
The BBC's News at Ten is to run 10 minutes longer in the New Year, with the bulletin set to end at 22:45 GMT on every weekday except Friday. According to the corporation, "the extended Ten will give audiences even more news analysis and explanation". But does the audience want a longer programme? Steve Hewlett talks to Gavin Allen, BBC controller of Daily news programmes, and Jonathan Baker, former BBC editor of the 1, 6 and 10'o clock news bulletins.
The last British person to be held at the American military base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba has been telling his story this week. Shaker Aamer was released and sent back to the UK two months ago - after 14 years in captivity as a terror suspect. During that time, he was never charged or put on trial. In a broad-ranging interview with the Mail on Sunday this week, he made allegations about his treatment. Journalist David Rose wrote that story, and has led the campaign for Aamer's release for many years. Steve Hewlett speaks to David about his work, and meeting Shaker for the first time.
Producer: Katy Takatsuki.
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