Kent Watch - BBC bigs up Conservative police candidate?

As you will know, from time to time I query the objectivity and quality of news reporting particularly from the BBC in the south east, on some occasions I also question the direction and conduct of our Police, well the two subjects were combined, in a single news report last week.

Tuesday (7th) BBC South East Today had a story concerning retired Col. Tim Collins, who is to stand as a candidate for the new role of elected police commissioner in Kent, with the backing of the Tory establishment, now clearly Col.Tim Collins is a serious candidate, who not surprisingly having retired from military service a hero, might perhaps just be the man to take on the role.

However for me a couple of issues not really connected with Tim Collins, arise from this report and the quandry for me, is about fairness and balance, just to remind you of some of the detail, as I recall, if I've got this right Col. Tim Collins is of the view that he could perform the duties of Police Commissioner, part time stating "It would be a part-time role for me. I don't see there's full time work in it." apparently also making light of the responsibilities of this post suggesting "What we need is someone who can listen to the public" (as I understand the role is also about decisions making, budget, setting the agenda and appointing the chief constable, not as simple as it Tim Collins would have it)

No surprise Kent Police Federation described the idea, as  " nonsence", myself I'd use stronger language, but that is not what bothers me, having done my own research, to me this report lacked both balance and background, firstly my worry is of a bias, Tim Collins has as a result, of what seems to me,  a flippant attitude to policing in Kent, and for all we know Kent conservatives may have massaged up a story, in which Ian Pointon chairman of Kent Police Federation has responded with a pertinent comment but all this resulted in Tim Collins, getting prominent prime time, publicity resulting in name recognition, now just briefly mentioning the background, as I understand talking to those, who know these things, the nitty gritty of the election has yet to be finalised, such things as  nominations for candidates, perhaps a deposit such as in elections for MP's etc, so we don't know who else will be standing.

To summarise, I think this news story, could be seen, as an early but important bit of publicity for the the conservative candidate, in the election for Kent Police Commissioner, and of course its worth pointing out Dover council who are organising or administering the elections are not expecting the details of the electoral process until sometime in the spring.  

I feel that the BBC should take greater care in its news reporting. The BBC speak of "opposing voices" in reports to achieve political balance, a somewhat banal phrase, I guess from the BBC wallah I spoke  to, that role was taken by the chairman of Kent Police Federation, but I cannot help feel that a potential rival for the post, should have been used to prevent suggestions, such as mine that this report, favoured the proposed  conservative candidate.

Maybe should I announce my candidacy for the role, BBC South East, will send one of it's journos out to report on a candidate who believes that whoever is elected as Police Commissioner for Kent takes a more serious attitude toward the role.

BBC South East CENSORSHIP? & Kent Leadership challenge?

How would you know (you may well not) that Conservative Leader in Kent Council Paul Carter, was being likely to be challenged for the leadership of his party and consequently the political leader of the Kent Council, an organisation with around a two billion pound spend, who deal with local education, roads, social services and all those tentacles of government that actually effect you personally.

Well you would know if you read This is Kent Website or Paul Francis KM online, however if you get news from the BBC south east, forget about it.

Imagine a leadership challenge to David Cameron, and BBC news, just cannot be bother to report it, you cant, so why do we put up with it, at what is still an important regional level?

Its not that BBC don’t have the resources, it’s just they choose not to report on regional politics, which of course seems a bit stupid, image a time when at national level the leader of major political party is challenged and state funded journalists refuse to cover or mention it.

So why is it that BBC South East decide to keep us in the dark. What else gets put on the back burner by South East journalist?

BBC south east do, do politics, unfortunately, the only regional link though is generally some dead beat local MP who gets asked about a national issue, which merely replicates BBC national news.

Why they do this, I assume that it is because it is easier, than going to county hall and sitting down and listening to turgid meetings or censorship.

Every few months, when the taxpayer funded broadcaster, fails to report on major political stories, I email or phone BBC regional flunkies, a pointless exercise I know, sometimes fobbed off with a response from some minion with an epic corporate vocabulary or utter bollix.

Still if someone from the BBC would explain why they can devote less resources to cover local democracy that is wasted on the weather I will be happy to give them the oxygen of publicity. Perhaps Mick Rawsthorne (Regional Manager) would like to email me an answer, it would I think be a first. tonyflaig@gmail.com

Driving home my point

Sorry to visit old ground but a quick glance through the letters page of the Isle of Thanet Gazette this week (something which might not be possible for much longer) and wallop there’s Labour bod, Cllr Ian Driver exuding indignation, not miffed! nor perturbed! that would be too mild, no the poor gent is positively “SHOCKED and appalled”. Crikey!

Why? because Cllr Bob Bayford had the temerity to ignore requests to speak at the recent animal export protest, now I don’t know why this is so upsetting for Cllr Driver however from his letter I’d guess if his feelings were to be measured, on the scale of botheration, he must be somewhere between incandescent rage and explosion, rather than just flustered.

Personally I’d see an invitation to speak, at such a rally, as posturing by Cllr Driver loaded with political complications, which certainly appears to be the case given his revelations and clear sensitivity.

One might ask the question of any of Labours “Old boys” why is Cllr Driver not making a big issue about Clive Hart who I understand did not attend? Did Cllr David Green speak (Mayor of Ramsgate?)

As I may have suggested it seems Labour have hijacked an issue which is naturally upsetting. It looks like “labour activists” are milking this for all its worth, Cllr Jennifer Matterface , lets us know that “several Labour councillors including myself were there” referring to the protest (big deal).

I think that someone in Labour ought to name and proclaim all those wonderful heroic Labour members who clearly care more than the rest of us, perhaps the flippin pope could have them sainted or whatever the term is.

Or maybe they should get a sense or proportion, I remember some time ago posting about people trafficking in the sex industry and newspapers accepting advertising, it seemed understandable that few wished to comment on such a wretched matter.

I think for Labour activist to manipulate the issue of animal welfare, is despicable, maybe Cllr Clive Hart could give us the official Labour line, does he support this sort of line of attack. Yes or No?

It makes you wonder, what sort of group Labour is becoming, earlier in the year we had the surprise of Mark Nottingham being deselected in the Northwood Ward accompanied by some controversy with Labour “old boys”  keeping very quite on the subject (perhaps with a mind on cllrs allowances), anyhow up pops Cllr Ian Driver.

Anyway I cordially invite* Cllr Ian Driver, Cllr Clive Hart and what the heck Cllr Jennifer Matterface to submit their comments, on this blog posting and if I don’t receive a reply I shall promise not to be unperturbed, uninterested, unaffected,  no .. no I shall be wound up, er furious and blimin upset… no thats not strong enough I shall be “SHOCKED and appalled”.

* I will email a link and no doubt, expect Cllr Driver to offer a prompt and courteous account of why he expects others to jump when he corresponds. I’m sure Cllr. Clive Hart and Cllr. Matterface will also be compelled to reply considering my request anything but autocratic arrogant and designed to make them look bad. emails despatched between 13:21-22

KM Group's Takeover bid - Update on Politicians Views

Firstly an apology, to Roger Gale MP, last week I stated that the MP for Thanet North had not responded to my communication concerning the likely takeover by the Kent Messenger Group of Northcliffe Media's Kent newspaper which include Thanet's Gazette and Times.

Looking through my bills and junk mail this morning, I came across a letter addressed to me on House of Commons stationary dated 2/08/11 I'm not sure when this arrived but it's likely that it came before my last posting on this subject.

The expectation that Roger Gale MP would offer some crumbs of comfort, perhaps an impassioned plea to maintain local media diversity has resulted in me feeling a bit disappointed and I don't share his glib view but anyhow.

I hope the Office of Fair Trade will not just allow a monopoly to be created, Kent Messenger Group may well have served the county well but certainly not this part of East Kent and certainly not with the meagre offerings from the Thanet Extra of late.

Still we shouldn't necessarily take a glib view on these things, just now Thanet Council and Tesco have had the plans for an incongruous superstore derailed by Arlington residents and good thing too, in just what crazy world, would you want Tesco's as the back drop to an afternoon at the sea side.

Hopefully ordinary peoples view will be taken into account a little more often, given the hostility by residents, it was extraordinary that Cllr Jack Cohen recently used his casting vote to progress Tesco's plans but then as  I understand he lives in Birchington.

We are all part of the "Big Society" (its not some creation for Tory busy bodies) if you want to influence things make your voice known, down just let your politicos take the easy route, get involved.

SAY GOODBYE TO THE GAZETTE - YOU HAVE UNTIL MONDAY TO SAVE KENT'S NEWSPAPERS

As mentioned earlier, the time to make comments to the Office of Fair Trading concerning KM Group's submission to acquire Northcliffe Media's Kent newspapers is running out. You have until Monday 8th August.

It seems rather surprising and disturbing that the counties politicians have yet to comment but who would report it anyway. KM Group like the minimalist Thanet Extra and Northcliffe Media newspapers such as the Isle of Thanet Gazette/Times etc. are hardly going to wish to stir things up. Kent on Sunday stands to gain so their hardly going whip up a storm.

It's unfortunate BBC South East and BBC Radio Kent have not made this the subject of public discussion, I spoke to a Radio Kent manager who suggested I send him a paragraph, I didn't have the energy, what would be the point.

KM Group's take over of Northcliffe Media's Papers would be similar at a regional level to Murdoch taking over every national newspaper with the exception of say the Daily Express.

Anyway here are the key points of the likely outcome in my opinion if the Office of Fair Trading nod this deal through.

• NEWSPAPERS CLOSED – Is it likely KM Group will keep the Gazette and Times in Thanet as well as the Thanet Extra or indeed others across Kent.
• LOCAL NEWS POORER COVERAGE – The normal competitive process of reporting will cease. Particularly at district level.
• MINMAL COMPETITION  - Archant Media Group who produce Kent on Sunday, do not currently as I understand produce local district newspapers as in print form. Their papers like "yourthanet" exist purely in "e" format so lack the appeal of hard copy papers like the Gazette or Extra which you can browse news as well adverts Homes, Cars and of course Classifieds.
• HIGHER ADVERTISING COSTS – Businesses aren't charities and neither is the KM Group unrestrained by adequate competition what choice will business have when advertising rates rise.
• PUBLIC INTEREST – Local Democracy will be harmed as its almost inevitably journalists will be sacked and consequently resources wont exist to scrutinise local government.
• MEDIA MARKET SHARE – KM Group will if this deal goes through have a massive strangle hold on media with newsprint and radio, which cannot be in the public interest however well intentioned they might be.

The process of the Office of Fair Trading's deliberations into the consequences of this proposed takeover, are unfortunately not as open as would be desirable due to commercial confidentiality, so as far as the public interest is concerned its only possible to guess at KM's plans.

I suggest if you concur with my concerns that you mention it to those you know and also keep the Office of Fair Trading by contacting Raúl Nieto raul.nieto@oft.gsi.gov.uk Fax: 020 7211 8916.

PS Companies and organisation are being consulted by the OFT about KM's bid and therefore may be unable to comment or feel its not in their interest to do so.

Kent Newspapers to Close? OFT gives You only until August 8th to comment

As I see it, there probably isn't much time, if you would like to save our local Kent newspapers, in Thanet that would be the Times and Gazette, the Office of Fair Trading will stop taking consultations on this matter by the 8th August.

Ironically it appears that there is little news available to the public, in regard to the Kent Messenger Groups bid to buy Kent Regional News and Media (Northcliffe Media).

No surprise that when I contacted Kent Messenger group and Northcliffe Media execs, they were unable to offer any elaboration on this significant development to local news reporting .

So you may find my suggestion, that newspapers will close, as somewhat alarmist, HoldtheFrontPage website report informs us, that is the intention of Kent Messenger to integrate Kent Regional News and Media titles with their existing portfolio, as quickly as possible, admittedly integrate, could mean one of the two things, merging newspapers or merging the operational processes into one, either way, my opinion is this will lead to less competitive newsgathering and poorer reader content, also significantly less competition for the local advertising market,which must be bad for the business community (KM Group also have local radio media).

Understandably both parties in this acquisition are reticent to discuss the details (they are not charities) but as far as you and I are concerned, details and future plans are of public interest and to the end I have for the last few days been trying to contact the officer/manager in charge of the case at the OFT, who I take must be an extremely busy person,  it must be in the public interest to have more details, are journalists and editors an endangered species in East Kent and are we about to say goodbye to the heart and soul our communities.

If its the case that without KM Group purchasing KRN papers, newspapers would fold anyway, then good luck to KM Group, however if its a case of buying these papers is to secure a nice market stranglehold then, it should be stopped.

I doubt that either KM Group or Northcliffe Media's "Kent Regional" papers will be making too much noise on this one, so I suggest if you concur with my concerns that you mention it to those you know and also keep the Office of Fair Trading by contacting Raúl Nieto raul.nieto@oft.gsi.gov.uk Fax: 020 7211 8916.

Finally both companies do a good job in certain areas, and that's how I'd like to see it remain, its possible the KM Group might if their bid goes through vastly improve news gathering, still  if you take the KM Thanet Extra as an example, it appears journalistic resources have shrunk in the last few years.

PS I just wonder whether local politicians will wake up and smell the coffee on this one!

No News is Bad News from Kent Messenger Group

Watching tonight's South East Today, news comes that the KM group, publishers of the flimsy Thanet Extra,  are in the process of acquiring seven papers from Northcliffe Media, the seven papers of the Kent Regional News and Media group include The Isle of Thanet Gazette, Thanet Times, Herne Bay & Whitstable Times.

I imagine that this, is about as much a done deal, as is possible, for this reason KM Group have apparently informed the Office of Fair Trading, who will be going through the motions, of considering the deal, whether this effects competition, is it in the interest of the consumer and all that malarkey, surprisingly neither companies web sites seem to report the issue.

Still the Press Gazette naturally have a full report click here.

Whatever you think of the Gazette (Isle of Thanet) it has usually given us a professional product over the years, and is certainly the local paper with the most original content, at this point in time.

This will have been a bad news day for East Kent, if KM Group were to absorb the area's papers into their Extra format. The thing is, you and I wont be consulted, the OFT will do their stuff, read the KM Groups submission and ink up the rubber stamp, and Kerching ! the end of an era.

Still maybe KM Group will consult us the public with their plans.

I know KM Group produce a professional product and no doubt are doing what they have to, in a tough market, as I assume is the case with Northcliffe Media, I hope that this doesn't mean less news and less scrutiny of local issues or fewer journalists.

I suppose on the plus side Thanet Council will be able to stumble from cock-up to crisis and nobody will ever need know in the future.

Still at present Bignews Margate blog will maintain editorial integrity and independence for a while longer unless Thanet Life wants to make a big money offer for Margate's favourite blog!

The Future of Local News–Make your own–Here's one I made earlier

It seems to me that we have said goodbye to a golden age of local news coverage, recently I spotted a new innovation on Kent Messenger's website something called civicboom which is meant to turn many more of us into news gatherers  (I know my place and prefer to remain a blogger).

Maybe two or three years ago we there was a golden age for local news media when three newspaper publishers were producing well resourced newspapers for Thanet. It seems that the quality of output from local newspapers has suffered as a result one assumes the economic climate or perhaps even the profit taking.

Kent on Sunday  ( KOS/Archant ) launched many newspapers across Kent like yourthanet to complement their excellent weekend newspaper, these now appear to be only available in electronic format, Kent Messenger's group paper Thanet Extra appears to rely heavily on press releases and Kent Regional newspapers have cancelled one of their titles the Adscene and we now just have two papers one of which is a hybrid free at your door or charged for in shops and of course the Gazette which has the edge as was always the case in being more comprehensive than all the rest.

Does this matter probably not, we've got used to being dumbed down, particularly in coverage of by broadcast media, so the loss of a bit more local media will not kill us, however it makes the illusion of democracy more so than it is already.

One plus of sorts, has of course been the input of the odd crazy, like myself prepared to comment, on things you didn't know, you didn't know,  or inquisitive bloggers like Michael Child who is particularly good at fishing out detail.

I hope that one day soon the newspaper industry sorts out a solution to falling revenues, and can invest in proper news bods again, I don't think amateur news gatherers are likely to add to much to existing media brands.

Anyhow this particular posting really was made earlier, I've changing it around for a day or so and frankly it's not one of my better efforts but then, for me this is just a distraction from watching television.

BBC - Local Broadcasting threatened

I'll fess up at the start of this blog, I'm not the greatest fan of BBC local radio, in fact I have gone on a bit in the past and will continue to comment on lopsided reporting of Kent politics, but with that out of the way, it seems that BBC's regional output may well be about to be swamped by BBC's Five live.

Its suggested that BBC local radio will only be maintained with maybe a morning news offering and a programme in the drive time period, now although I rarely get a chance to listen into daytime output of BBC radio Kent, it is unique ish, admittedly I have trouble with listening to the B list actors, authors and artists plugging plays, books and exhibitions but who else would have them and amongst the dross there are often interesting contributions from local people, that wouldn't be heard elsewhere.

This is a subject I shall return to, in the meantime, I've received an email from a reader who cares enough, to have set up a forum with a friend. Click Here to find out more

Fuel protest evaporates – Hurrah !–for now

This morning instead of my normal Monday routine, I made a big mistake and rather than listen to Desert Island Discs podcast (Dame Anne Owers, who?) as I travelled to London, I thought I'd risk BBC Radio Kent which at six, piped up with the usual depressing sort of news, KCC can't fix roads but they can pay out huge sums to departing staff.

As is the way with BBC Radio Kent, its seems to be policy that BBC reporters are not required to adopt a quizzical approach on Kent council business, least not from a balanced political type way (in my opinion).

Still could the Monday morning commute, be any more depressing, well yes, news that a group of fuel protestors are threatening to screw up rush hour traffic from 08:00 onwards, fortunately my rush hour is generally not the same as the office bods, mine takes place between 05:00 and 07:00 only getting busy with a bit of argy bargy as I shoehorn my way into the Blackwell Tunnel approach, once through the tunnel its an easy drive to my destination, assuming Hackney council don't decide block the road with a blimin dust cart.

Maybe direct action is the way forward, however, I have bad memories, of the last time fuel vigilantes took direct action, Mrs Me, not noted for filling the Flaig Limo at the best of times, didn't think to top up the tank, by the time I quizzed her it was too late. My complacent attitude meant a week with no car, I would have paid a pound a litre, premium to fill the tank.

Anyhow the expected protest didn't happen today and only 5 cars turned up and despite BBC Radio Kent building up the expectation, South East England was not plunged into chaos and when I got to the tunnel approach it was as if someone had squirted WD40 down the northbound barrel of the Blackwall Tunnel only a brief hold up. At work with time to spare, and a leisurely chew on my bacon roll, washed down with the finest coffee in North London ;–) 

Still with all the unrest in the Middle East fuel prices will continue the inexorable climb, any day now, Gaddafi will be out on his earhole and the US and EU will help smooth the path of democracy and the supply of oil but don't get too comfortable.

Long term, many of us are guaranteed to be priced out of the fuel market for our vehicles and reliant on public transport, its an idea, we need to get used to, the demand for fuel will accelerate in the growing economies like China who manufacture the goods in our shops and India who answer our phone calls, unless of coarse we go back to manufacturing and doing our own admin.

BBC Reporting Kent Democracy or not? And Tory snouts in the trough

Being no stranger to obsessive or repetitious blogging  and all that entails, last Friday I emailed  Mick Rawsthorne (Regional Manager BBC SE) further following on from comments I made about BBC TV local coverage.

Tony flaig

to mick.rawsthorne

18 Feb (3 days ago)

Hi Mick
As a regional manager for the BBC can you tell me, why BBC coverage of local democracy is so poor across the county of Kent.

This morning listening to BBC Radio Kent, between six and seven, only a very minimal reference was made concerning KCC's budget meeting, since the programme in question is news based why no thorough report.

Kent councils budget, will directly effect every one who lives in the county, so why such mimimalistic coverage, what are the reasons, is it bias, lazyness or ignorance.

As a public service provider of broadcast media, I feel you have a duty to report the democratic process not hide as seems to be the case.

Although I spend much of my working life using a shovel I feel, I could do a better job than you and your colleagues.

Cheers tony Flaig
BignewMargate.blogspot.com

Unfortunately Mr Rawsthorne was unable to reply himself (some surprise) although he did delegate to a subordinate staff member, who confirmed that BBC South East, had sent a journalist to cover the Kent council Budget Meeting, however he claimed there was nothing new to report, well one item not  mentioned was the reaction of Tory leader Paul Carter and his Tory group, at the suggestion of Liberal Democrats, that councillors ought not in these tough times, to be getting free lunches paid for by you and I. An issue treated eloquently and entertainingly by Paul Francis of Kent Messenger Group.

Still if you need convincing that the BBC, when they cover politics in Kent do a proper job, the BBC exec, having informed me that BBC have "extensively" covered "cuts" in Medway and looked at KKC's (KCC surely) "challenges", added this "Indeed, Paul Carter is a regular on Breakfast - alongside his colleagues managing individual portfolios. Which of course,  just further troubles me, does this BBC bod, really believe Paul Carter and his colleagues, all Tories, are the soul representatives of political opinion in Kent.

Of course it might be that staff at BBC regional outposts such as BBC Radio Kent, are completely ignorant of local politics (as are consequentially, their audience) or maybe they don't give a toss, still the most likely reason is the BBC's obsessive pursuit of ratings.

The BBC is a publicly funded broadcaster, which in Kent, fails to offer balanced reporting, I note when I've mentioned this previously, Conservatives have suggested my claims of bias are fanciful, which they would with the one sided reporting they currently enjoy.

Still this is just my view and others are available.

If nothing else, you would have thought even most unimaginative, BBC bod might have spotted both the entertainment and news value of story concerning 70 odd tory councillors getting excited more about a free lunch than serving the public interest. Funny old world really.

Boring Biased and Conservative? BBC in Kent

IS IT ME? Watching BBC's  South East tonight programme a brief mention was made of KCC's budget even a quick comment from Kent Conservative leader Paul Carter but as always it seems no view from any other political party, admittedly out of 84 councillors only 11 are not Tories but come on.

Whether by laziness, bias, stupidity, lack of interest or whatever the BBC which you and I fund with our money fails in my opinion to represent fairly political opinion.

From the poor coverage, given to this topic its my view BBC in the south east could not give a flying toss, for what is, an area of government which touches those things closest to us, our schools, our libraries, our social services, our environment, our roads and future.

I've mentioned BBC's local regional reportage, more than once I know its boring but the BBC has a duty to report and support the democratic process. Its a disgrace in my opinion, that they don't bother still if you work for the BBC maybe you could justify yourself.

Thank god for KM's Paul Francis (political editor)

Paul Francis Twitter Stream which detailed the Counties Budget debate as it happened

 

Local Democracy Week - Shame on local Editors- Council webcasts and Simon Moores

Believe it or not this post has been kicking around on my laptop, drifting around my brain and even resting in some safe depository in cyberspace for a week or so, each time I attempt to finish, I add and chop bits and pieces, anyhow this it the finished item, I see its Local Democracy week mentioned in Gazette, cheers for that snippet and a bit of poking around reveals this is an initiative from the Council of Europe in Strasburg and I'm thinking what democracy the more I observe the more I see a sham.

What sounds like good news for openness and democracy was the recent decision by Thanet Council to extend their webcast experiment to broadcast meetings, which is of course wonderful but a significant event has gone pretty much unreported by The Gazette, Thanet Extra, and Yourwotsit whose editors ought to report on major policy items within the council.

Recently you'll recall or not (if you only read the local papers)  how Thanet Council decided to exclude members of the public from a discussion which concerned the decision to transfer power to Richard Samuel the councils unelected chief executive, a spurious argument was put up that the discussion involved details of job losses likely to result from the formation East Kent Joint services ( 3 councils, combining pay, housing, ITC departments), clearly if you work for any of the councils involved Thanet, Canterbury or Dover you'd be well aware of likely outcome.

Handing over power to the chief executives, of three local councils (assuming councillors in Canterbury and Dover are as weak) is an astonishing betrayal of democracy and has been without public debate not least because the press can't be bothered and this is only my opinion because Conservative leader Bob Bayford is perhaps too embarrassed to explain to the public and Clive Hart, Labour too inept to seize on an issue of democratic accountability, preferring to argue against affordable housing still that's New Local Ed's Labour (the same as the others but deeper in denial).

I'm not sure what there is to observe now that the democratic leader of the council, will find Richard Samuel referring to him if he "is not satisfied" with occurrences with East Kent Joint services, rather than the other way round, a case of the tail wagging the dog, if you ask me.

Admittedly there is more to the local council meetings, than decision making, who can resist the wit and wisdom of councillors like Simon Moores, who dropping into, as I see it, familiar school boy mode, thought to include me ("my old friend"?)  by making a negative joke at my expense, suggesting as he proposed the  rather serious motion to exclude the public, that I "was trying or making himself invisible in the background". 

For someone who argued that Thanet council ought to have a blogging policy/charter for councillors, he ought to consider a TDC charter for councillors to act in a more mature manner, I suppose I could report him to the standards committee, if its not already been abolished, but its my contention if a councillor wants to behave like an idiot and be discourteous, it's a personal choice to be rectified at the ballot box.

Maybe Cllr Bayford could have a word, its no surprise to me that Simon Moores didn't think it necessary to apologise, or his superficial inclusion of me as a friend, being polite and friendly does not constitute friendship.

Finally its some measure how tenuous democracy is in these parts, as far as I can tell the shift from local democracy to East Kent Joint Services controlled by unelected council officers has yet to be reported by either BBC radio Kent, Kent on Sunday, Kent Messenger, and Northcliffe Media Thanet Times/Gazette shame on editors.

Still without a doubt someone will no doubt tell me I've got it wrong, I hope I have, but as there has been no public debate, what would I know.

Manston - 10 of these could be landing every night, what an outrage!

Shock Horror! Proposals for the new night quota system for Manston airport, could result in as many as 10 a380 airbus super jumbo planes landing every night between 23:30  and 06:00, if the night quota as requested by infratil is allowed.

Of course this is a worst case scenario and the reality, would be complete completely different, although no doubt you'll be reading excitable reports in your local papers and on other blogs, any minute, still if you wish to read the proposals I suggest you click here and perhaps keep an open mind.

How did I arrive at this extreme well, infratil are asking for a Quota Count (a quota count being a measure of how noisy a plane is Boeing 747 Jumbo being QC4 on take off, QC2 on landing)  of 1995QC annually, this works out to 5.4 something a night, any how the new airbus A380 is rated at QC0.5 on landing and QC 2 on take off.

I for one would rather see the100 plus jobs at Manston maintained with the hope that many more will be created in the future, but we will see a lot of hysterical reports in the coming weeks, incidentally local councillors last time this came up for discussion took a fairly consistent line, not being overly enthused but accepting the need to do what is best for the local economy.

Still DFL's (Delusional From London's) are the prime objectors, some have the view that because they made a mint from selling their squalid little homes in London and have a few bob, we ought to be in awe and here's my advice, take your money and try buying back in to London.

KCC spend spend spend

Reporting on Kent county council matters is fairly sparse in our local newspapers, although Paul Francis, Group political editor of the Kent Messenger does a first class job of scrutinising Kent county council .

I've just been taking a gander at a fine example of his work and that of Bob Bounds (Editor Kent Messenger), which concerns some of the more extraordinary spending by KCC bureaucrats on , well themselves actually .

As many of you will be aware and county council is a four or five star council, I believe part of that rating surely must come from the extravagant manner in which they treat themselves, an example is quoted of how on one occasion staff were helped themselves to nearly £400 worth of chocolate (Thorntons), £200 worth of commemorative photographs and £1000 taxis.

If you feel strong enough, to read more about the extravagant lifestyle of KCC's staff, bearing in mind that you pay for it, then do please click here for the Spending Files an insight in to Kent's lavish spendthrift culture.

Every time I read of fresh excesses by Kent council, I have to pinch myself to remember that Paul Carter, leader of the council is actually a Tory and not some spendaholic socialist, nutjob from the 1980's.

Thanet's Free press - "Up to a point Lord Copper"*

I see from Friday's Gazette that democracy appears pretty low on the agenda as far as Gazette editor, Rebecca Smith's paper is concerned, admittedly I get obsessive over some subjects, naturally like most democrats I viewed Thanet Councils locking me out of a public meeting a serious issue.

Not so Becca's paper (IOTG), in the "Best of the Blogs" column, misleadingly refers to "protesters" in I assume an effort to belittle the facts, "protestors" actually consisted of one neutral blogger me, a resident of Dalby Square, who I understand later spoke to the meeting, and of course Andrew Woodman a journalist at the Gazette, also Becca's paper referring to me, makes this further misleading claim "Still, as everyone did get in to hear the debate, no harm done eh Tone?.

Well Becca, as your colleague will no doubt confirm, three of us missed the first quarter hour, usually the most important part of any meeting, so no harm done is another misleading remark in my opinion.

The press is sometime referred to as the forth estate, a bastion of truth and democracy, still maybe the Isle of Thanet Gazette, is a bit more estate agent than fourth estate.

Still Northcliffe media ultimately own the Gazette and Daily Mail so we know just how much we can trust the strict editorial standards, still just imagine how much better it would be if Murdoch's News international owned the Gazette.

* Evelyn Waugh novel Scoop

How Local Democracy is being dismantled behind closed doors

I've often referred to turkeys not voting for Christmas, when suggesting that civil servants, local government officers, might give advice to politicians, which is not in the public interest but their own and if I carry the analogy along further, you could say if councillors represent the farmers in this, then they've become too sentimental over the stock.

However that analogy is flawed to some extent, but certainly inspired by the goings on locally, tomorrow 23/09/10, is the occasional meeting of the cabinet, which basically runs the show with a handful of Tories, no problem there, as I understand all are elected to office, one item of interest deals with tarting up Margate (prior to Turner Gallery opening) referred to as "Countdown to  2011" on the agenda, I prefer my title but the council dib dobs who type the agenda earn a lot more than I.

Still that's not a cause for concern,  item 10 is that frequent used bollix device of local government, exclusion of the public, for some arcane reason which you and I will never understand because it will never be explained item 11, is to be top secret, although the agenda is available.

So what's the big secret, well it involves the creation of East Kent Services, a cooperative arrangement between Thanet, Canterbury and Dover council ostensibly set up to allow the three council make economies by collaborating and jointly running service like housing, ICT (I had to look it up computer and telephones) any how as sensible as it all sounds, one thing it wont be is democratic, powers are to be delegated to Richard Samuel, and the chief exec's of Dover & Canterbury to set up departments who will only refer back to the democratically elected leaders of council if they cannot produce 10% savings in two years, pity the governments looking for 25% and although this is already a done deal they have now amended it to four years and 25%.

Now no doubt someone will correct me but it would appear that much of local governance has been handed over to highly paid "officers" who are not elected and cannot be sacked by the electorate.

As I mentioned earlier, my analogy was wrong, and maybe the turkeys, have made monkeys of our Conservative councillors. Anyway if I can get away from work in time I shall be going along, if I'm late I still expect Richard Samuel Chief Executive to make sure that the doors are open so that I can witness part of the charade that passes for democracy in these parts.

Just as a side issue its a pity none Thanet's hard pressed journalist explain such things, again I suspect that reporters recognise that its council officers in the driving seat, and councillors in the back seat.

The local press – another example of cover up or just indifference

Back in August, I reported on how the Thanet Times and had taken the trouble to air brush parts of the female anatomy in a photo which accompanied their report on naked fundraisers riding a roller coaster for charity, obviously the editor assumes readers of the Thanet Times are delicate souls who eschew 21st century morality. 

I was surprised that Thanet councils procedure or management, resulting in exclusion of the public (see earlier mention), from a public meeting, went almost unreported apart from a jokey item in the Gazette's "Smudger" section (last Friday), which even had a seemingly sycophantic, comment, concurring that the lone security guard was right to lock doors to the council offices. Still that's a value judgement I suppose but I just wonder whether local hacks and editors temper their reporting so as not to offend council officers. 

Anyhow it just seems a pity, a local newspaper wouldn't consider the public being excluded from the democratic process, newsworthy in a straight sort of way, rather than buried in its gossip column. 

In fairness Gazette journo Plain Jane was astonished about some letter last week, sent from the council demanding a penny from a local resident and some coverage had been given, well I'm mildly despairing of the media, not reporting on local democracy, I post about such matters, which, most likely makes me a bit of crank, still you read it, and I think some crackpot in Ramsgate. Thanks!

Thanet Times in Cover up!

How things or indeed Times change, if memory serves me correctly, the Thanet Times at one time used to have a certain down market sort of style of titillation often featuring for no particular reason a semi clad young lady justified by a couple of lines of inane twaddle.

Anyhow whether that's a loss or a positive is of course subjective, myself I've no opinion.

This week I've had more time than usual at home, time to glance through the local papers, today, I was taking a look at the Thanet Times report on a charity event in which a hundred plus stripped off to ride a rollercoaster for charity.

The charity event has been covered in several newspapers, including the Daily Mail, which is part of the same business that also owns the Thanet Times, taking a quick gander I realised that the Thanet Times coverage was different, in that they had apparently manipulated the photo they used to remove women's breasts.

Now I just checked the time on my PC and yes its already ten years into the twenty first century, although I suspect the editorial department of the Thanet Times and Gazette is stuck in a different time zone somewhere around the 1950's, crikey even the Mail online carried uncensored photos.

Bob Geldof to get honorary degree

The University of Creative Arts, no I’d not heard of it either, it’s the university that specialises in creativity and straddles Kent and Surrey and is to award an honorary degree to local hero Bob Geldof.

According to the BBC’s report on the matter Dianne Taylor, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the university, has said: "As a broadcaster and musician, Bob Geldof's contribution to the creative arts has been substantial.

"He will be an inspiration to our graduating students."

She added: "As a Kent resident he has been tireless in promoting education in the local area, opening schools and supporting local campaigns."

Still I can vouch for the creativity of Bob Geldof’s colleagues in his media business Ten Alps, when they wrote to me complaining about my opinions on the Taxpayer funded Kent TV, a Kent Council project which they happened to be contracted to produce. No surprise that I found it a bit offensive & ironic, to have a contractor company working on behalf KCC, funded by taxpayers like you and I, advising me what I could or couldn’t say.

I myself would like to dish out a few honorary degrees from the University of Life, to those local bloggers and others who supported me most notably Eastcliff Richard in my quest to get Kent Council to accept my right to free speech, the matter eloquently reported by Eastcliff Richard at the time.

Well there is no doubt that Bob is deserving of honours for humanitarian relief and business acumen, I’m no expert but I’ll reserve judgement on his media career, no doubt this personal triumph will take his mind off this story from the Guardian “Ten Alps shares hit after revenue falls”

Still I have to say that Bob Geldof or rather his business has inspired me to keep this blog, and not allow myself to be influenced by big interests and even better Bignews Margate has at the very least outlived Kent TV without a penny from the taxpayer.

Lets hope that hope that our experience in Kent will stop other local authorities wasting another penny on similar projects which in my view will as was the case with Kent TV unsustainable.