BBC News - a mixed blessing

The two day strike at the BBC in the UK has affected many news programmes normally broadcast on a Friday or Saturday, and impacted millions of listeners and viewers more perhaps than they would have expected. It was remarkable how the rhythm of daily life was changed by it.

I was one of many people who felt a little disoriented by the loss of the Today programme over breakfast or the World at One at lunch time: for me to choose not to listen to them is one thing, for that choice to be taken away is another, and my reaction caused me to reflect for a moment or two on my expectations and assumptions, recognising that what I want and like will not always be there - and what a good thing it is, enabling as it will change and novelty and opportunity.

To know what is going on in the world is important to me for many reasons, and the BBC’s news output is my normal choice of learning, not newspapers. Apart from Channel 4’s seven o’clock news yesterday, none of the alternatives available were, for me, satisfactory, and the return of Today has helped me appreciate the high standard of BBC News and the presenters all the more. 

The BBC strike has made me aware, too of how addictive the news can be and the importance of using it responsibly, and in moderation - both receivers and providers. It is a tool for information, not speculation, manipulation or influence, nor is it a toy to distract and divert us and occupy our minds. It is wonderful to have it but it can be a mixed blessing, as the strike has demonstrated so well.