Will we dump tabloids now we know more about the Milly Dowler hacking?

I don’t think there are too many people prepared to condone the News of the World’s alleged hacking of the cellphone of murdered 13-year-old Milly Dowler in 2002. Not only did the Murdoch Press paper hack the phone, but when her voicemail filled up, The Guardian alleges that the News of the World began deleting […]

Read More… from Will we dump tabloids now we know more about the Milly Dowler hacking?



Facebook hates The Scotsman, and other xenophobic bugs

Some very interesting errors on the internet today.    Facebook blocked an innocent link about the price of electricity in Scotland, from The Scotsman, because it was deemed ‘abusive or spammy’. Maybe Scottish accents don’t go down well in California. Hang on, didn’t they import Craig Ferguson?    I am told by Colvin Inglis on […]

Read More… from Facebook hates The Scotsman, and other xenophobic bugs



It’s about content, especially when reality is more appealing than reality TV

It’s shows like The Apprentice that have kept me away from watching TV. I was surprised to learn, in conversation last week, that TV viewership is up, while print is down.    Shows you can’t base too much of what the general public does on your own experience.    I estimate my magazine and book […]

Read More… from It’s about content, especially when reality is more appealing than reality TV



A bad choice of word, but what does the gay community actually think?

While I was out, I had noticed on Twitter a news item about an octogenarian, working for American Airlines, who was sacked for his use of the word faggot.    I despise words like that, just as much as chink or nigger, but the question arises: should he have been sacked, losing some of his […]

Read More… from A bad choice of word, but what does the gay community actually think?



On Wellywood, Murdoch and English accents

The good news today is that Wellington Airport is officially in two minds about what type of sign it will put up on the Miramar cutting, which means that the ‘Wellywood’ sign protest has had a victory of sorts.    I’m thrilled at the news because it shows people power—especially people like Anthony Lander who […]

Read More… from On Wellywood, Murdoch and English accents



Best quotation on the Howard Stern–American Idol tie-up

The best quotation in the American media this week? In my opinion, it would have to be this: Howard Stern is being considered to replace Simon Cowell when he leaves “American Idol” after this season.    Apparently Satan was out of Fox’s price range. From Tony Hicks in the Contra Costa Times. You may also […]

Read More… from Best quotation on the Howard Stern–American Idol tie-up



Getting a good laugh over the Jennifer Hawkins nude cover non-story

This whole Jennifer Hawkins nude cover story has been another media-concocted non-story. But I will give it some kudos: it influenced Australian celebrity dialogue for a week, and it shows that Murdochs still have some sway over public opinion.    We knew about it at Lucire, and thought: OK, a radio presenter doesn’t like the […]

Read More… from Getting a good laugh over the Jennifer Hawkins nude cover non-story