My Sheila Mckenzie-
Playright and former BBC reporter, Jonathan Maitland, today looks at how morality issues led to the Martin Bashir Scandal after the world was rocked by the shocking revelations of Mr Bashir’s(pictured) deceitful tactics in securing the infamous TV interview with Princess Diana.
Maitland painstakingly points out that the most astonishing aspect of this scandal was not the misdeeds themselves, but the fact that similar allegations had been exposed nearly 24 years earlier, only to be largely overlooked by the public.
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He asks why the Bashir scandal exploded into a global media storm in 2020 when it had been a mere blip on the radar in 1996.
The public seemed to regard such conduct with a dismissive shrug, buying into the idea that “people expect journalists to show rat-like cunning” and that journalistic ends justified the means, he says.
The public’s trust in institutions was subsequently eroded. He lists scandals such as the Iraq War’s “dodgy dossier,” the 2008 financial crisis, the phone-hacking scandal in 2011 , hacking the phone of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, all contributed to eroding trust in the integrity of journalists.
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This shift in perception compelled society to demand that our cherished institutions act morally, especially when wrongdoing is alleged.
Writing for The Evening Standard, he criticizes the BBC’s failure to take responsibility for the dishonourable tactics used by one of its employees who brutally exploited the most famous and beautiful woman in the world.
Highlighting the relentless pursuit of investigative journalist, Andy Webb, who refused to let the matter rest and new allegations from Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, he points out that this gave the Bashir scandal the traction it needed.
The role of such supportive editors and tenacious reporters is a crucial ingredient in any modern media scandal, as history has shown.
Commenting on Mr Maitland’s comments, PR analyst, Abbi Hoxleigh states: ‘Journalistic scandals often feature dogged reporters who refuse to let go of the story.
‘ethical and credible journalism is very important in this day and age
‘We need journalists and editors who are prepared to report truth, stories that matter, and ensure accountability where it is necessary.
‘The kind of investigative journalism conducted by The Eye Of Media is important, especially where it shed lights on truth and improves pe0ple’s lives
‘The Martin Bashir scandal should never been covered up, but it is difficult for some organizations to properly discipline their employees when they commit misconduct.
‘This is why it helps to have a credible system of checks and balances like that of The Eye Of Media.Com, where there are independent members of others organizations brought in to adjudicate on both internal and external matters
‘How a credible organization relates with the public on public matters is important, and when their own employees
Mr Maitland is so right when he points out how Woodward and Bernstein unearthed Watergate, Gillian Tett warned about the 2008 financial crash, Merion Jones and Liz McKean exposed Jimmy Savile’s crimes in 2011, and how Amelia Gentleman tirelessly pursued the Windrush scandal.
Their unwavering commitment to truth and justice drives these stories to the forefront of public consciousness, and every media organization’
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