It’s election time and that means I’m legally restricted in what I can say and especially in what I can broadcast.
There are incredibly strict limits on us to give the same amount of time to the big 4 parties, and ideally all 10 of the parties that are standing in the East of England.
I personally consider it wise to try and self impose these rules of neutrality on a daily basis all year round. I will never disclose who I vote for. I will express opinions but I am blessed with being “the wisest woman alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.” (Yeah I’m a Socrates fangirl.)
A wise woman once said that “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” and this sums up my position very well.
But is it always true? What if someone is saying something that is just plain wrong, something that is hurtful, something that helps build a culture of oppression and violence against one particular group of people? (e.g. That dogs are better than cats… Let’s not make assumptions about what I’m talking about here please.)
Normally, I would say no. I hate it when you hear radio stations reading out loud on the air that Bob’s Uncle’s Cousin Fred who is a car dealer was forced by the job centre to sell an immigrant a car and the cheque was hand written out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Everyone is entitled to an opinion but that doesn’t mean you’re entitled to make me listen to it, and if it’s just plain wrong, it’s not going on my radio station. End Of.
But during election time?
I would much rather you say your unsavoury views (about dogs) out loud, and let us all know what you are like. If it stays in your head, people might not know about it and put you in a position of power.
I don’t like having to hear certain things (about cats, because cats are awesome) and not pull them up on it. Instead I nod and smile sweetly and thank the interviewee for their time, and then sit and edit the audio up, and broadcast it out.
These aren’t slick London politicians either, these are normal people. They haven’t been media trained, they aren’t playing the political game. They are earnest in their beliefs (that cats are rubbish) but other than that, they are nice friendly neighbourly types. They are really pleased that I’m listening and being openly receptive to their pro-dog bias.
It’s hard to hear hatred coming out of someone who’s sat in front of you after they’ve thanked you for the cup of tea. It makes you want to crumple up and weep on the inside but you smile and keep a straight, professional outer layer.
It’s my job to inform you, and inform you I will.
I suppose I could just be equally contemptuous to all of them instead?
Local News Ed 