Newspapers
The Philpott case is horrific; so is the attempt to hijack it for any political purpose
The sorry truth of the Philpott case is that almost nothing can be learnt from it. Everything would be so much simpler if there were clear public policy conclusions that… Continue reading
56 Comments
An Antediluvian Tory Press Causes Problems for David Cameron
Today’s papers make dreadful reading for anyone with an interest in modern, reformed conservatism. They are a reminder – if it were needed – that the Tory press is estranged… Continue reading
19 Comments
After Leveson and McCluskey, does Alex Salmond believe in the freedom of the press?
So, it seems some kind of torturous “deal” has been reached in London on how best to regulate the press in the future. If David Cameron’s proposals for a Royal… Continue reading
3 Comments
Hilary Mantel did not attack Kate, she defended her.
Like grief, stupidity has a hierarchy. So, on balance, Ed Miliband’s response – if it can be so dignified – to Hilary Mantel’s essay about the mystery and magic attraction… Continue reading
15 Comments
Obituary of the Week: Jungleyes Love - Spectator Blogs
I’ve been on Jura on a Wedding Planning Immersion Course* these past few days so, apart from noting that the Pope is retiring (upon which I have no opinion), I’ve… Continue reading
1 Comment
Charles Moore on the witlessness of Gerald Scarfe
Before Gerald Scarfe caused outrage in the last Sunday Times with a cartoon so tasteless (and, critics said, anti-Semitic) that Rupert Murdoch issued a personal apology, our columnist Charles Moore pointed… Continue reading
125 CommentsFrank Keating, 1937-2013 - Spectator Blogs
A while back a friend remarked that a piece I’d written – on cricket probably though, perhaps, darts – was “worthy of Frank Keating”. I can’t say if the compliment… Continue reading
2 Comments
Irish Newspapers Attempt to Kill the Internet - Spectator Blogs
If Andrew Sullivan offers one example of how to thrive in the confusing, difficult, exciting new media world then, by god, the Irish newspaper industry offers another. The Irish newspaper… Continue reading
8 Comments
Today's easy question: Why won't minorities support right-wing parties? - Spectator Blogs
I’m afraid that I can’t help but feel some of the comments left responding to this post go some way towards answering a question Daniel Hannan asked recently: why do… Continue reading
90 Comments
Who speaks for the British press?
At the end of the editors’ meeting in 10 Downing St today, there was an awkward moment when someone asked if the past hour had been on or off the… Continue reading
49 Comments
Ed Miliband's Leveson response shows his weakness: he's a follower, not a leader. - Spectator Blogs
The biggest risk in punditry is the determination to see what you want to see. Confirmation bias is an ever-present clear and present danger to solid thinking. Nevertheless, though keeping… Continue reading
6 Comments
Pressure on the editors as Labour threatens own Leveson bill
One of the foundations on which David Cameron based his decision to reject statutory underpinning of press regulation was that editors would set up a new system based on Lord… Continue reading
19 Comments
Suing Twitter for Libel is a Mug's Game - Spectator Blogs
Rod Liddle asks a question of the kind one frequently sees raised by media types: [W]hy is [Lord McAlpine] not suing Twitter itself? It is not Philip Schofield who the… Continue reading
15 Comments
We need a free press more than ever
I’m a bit late with this, as the book has been out a few days or so. But it’s worth getting hold of Mick Hume’s book about newspapers: There is… Continue reading
10 Comments
Scandal of Soft Touch Britain Revealed - Spectator Blogs
Yet more evidence that the country is going to the dogs. Doubtless this is the ECHR’s fault too. Or, of course, It’s Liverpool, Jake… [Thanks to GM]
2 Comments
Also not found in Essex: the worst lion headline ever - Spectator blogs
In honour of the Essex lion, which seems now to have passed into legend, here is another urban myth. This one is subeditorial. It concerns what was said to be… Continue reading
1 CommentTom Watson’s Strange Sheridan Obsession
I see that, following Andy Coulson’s detention as part of a police investigation into perjury at the Tommy Sheridan, er, perjury trial, Tom Watson MP is up to his old… Continue reading
27 CommentsThe return of the Tony Blair Show
The Tony Blair Show was back in town today. The former Prime Minister was clearly less nervous in front of this inquiry than he was in front of Chilcot; there… Continue reading
33 CommentsVillains of the Financial Crisis? Neoconservatives, of course…
Fulminating against the government’s economic policies, the Observer complained recently that: For a generation, business and finance, cheered on by US neoconservatives and free market fundamentalists, have argued that the… Continue reading
10 Comments
Boris keeps on charming his party
Not since Michael Heseltine has there been a politician who is so adept at finding the g-spot of the Tory faithful as Boris Johnson. His column today in the Telegraph… Continue reading
35 Comments