The former chairman of Granada Television believes overall standards of television news journalism have slipped and writes: “With the 24-hour news channels, the volume and accessibility of news has increased enormously but, with just two exceptions, the Channel 4 News and Newsnight, standards have dropped. The main bulletins still cover major stories well – bomb plots, floods, high diplomacy – but for the rest there is too much trivia, too many soft features and little wit, for the whimsical little exchanges between presenters usually embarrass rather than amuse. Too much time is given to the reporting of routine crimes plus murders, rapes and kidnaps complete with the stolid police report and the sobbing parents. Sections of news bulletins sometimes resemble a police gazette. Alongside coverage of the war zones and the Middle East, Africa is given a lot of time, China and Russia little or none. Presenters are efficient, but with the notable exception of Jon Snow and Jeremy Paxman lack the charisma and the status of their predecessors.” And Sir Denis concludes: “When we veterans venture an opinion on contemporary television we are told that our experience of television of the past is not relevant to the television of today. Of course the change is great, but there are principles of broadcasting that endure, and one such principle, and it is not always observed today, is this: the first priority of any broadcasting organisation is to give its programme people the best possible conditions for making programmes. Quick decisions, short lines of communication, proper funding, strong personal relationships, bold leadership. No committees, no bureaucracy, no focus groups and no interference from business management. For it is the directors, writers and producers who are the most important people in television – and if you want good programmes, their interests must come first.”
