It is true that the BBC has a hard job on its hands as it prepares to negotiate the difficult political terrain which lies between us and the referendum in 2014 - but it will need to do so with a great deal more skill than it displayed while planning its coverage of yesterday's Six Nations match between Scotland and England.
The corporation's very name leaves it susceptible to critics who will pounce on any perceived snub to nationalism as evidence of institutional bias.
It has already courted criticism with the rather curt treatment of Nicola Sturgeon on Question Time – although in truth it was little worse than many of the quips and comments directed at panel members every week – and with Jeremy Paxman's wildly over the top comparison of Alex Salmond to Robert Mugabe. Withdrawing the First Minister's invitation to comment on yesterday's match was its most inept behaviour yet. The excuse – perceived political bias in the run-up to local elections in three months – was risible.
Question time for BBC
It is true that the BBC has a hard job on its hands as it prepares to negotiate the difficult political terrain which lies between us and the referendum in 2014 - but it will need to do so with a great deal more skill than it displayed while planning its coverage of yesterday's Six Nations match between Scotland and England.
The corporation's very name leaves it susceptible to critics who will pounce on any perceived snub to nationalism as evidence of institutional bias.
It has already courted criticism with the rather curt treatment of Nicola Sturgeon on Question Time – although in truth it was little worse than many of the quips and comments directed at panel members every week – and with Jeremy Paxman's wildly over the top comparison of Alex Salmond to Robert Mugabe. Withdrawing the First Minister's invitation to comment on yesterday's match was its most inept behaviour yet. The excuse – perceived political bias in the run-up to local elections in three months – was risible.
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Don't show me this again.