No surprise

Just found this story and can’t say i’m terribly surprised - it talks about an attempt to make SABC a “true” public service broadcaster.. Let me share a couple of experiences we had when we linked up with SAFM  last year…

Done Fishing ?

When you tuck into a bit of fish, is your only thought about how tasty it is? Does this question ever cross your mind - is the meal on your plate contributing to making some of the world’s poorest people even poorer? The problem: illegal fishing. It’s big business with a big impact - one estimate puts the cost to Africa alone at $1bn a year.

On air: Is patriotism poisoning politics?

In a speech to mark Independence Day Barack Obama said

“We must remember that true patriotism cannot be forced or legislated with a mere set of government programs. Instead, it must reside in the hearts of our people”.

Few would disagree…..he then went on:

“The question of who is - or is not- a patriot all too often poisons our political debates, in ways that divide us, rather than bringing us together.”

Back to the Fuchsia…

Fuchsia leaves our programme today, to re-join her chums on Newshour. Her love of Chinese food, heavy metal, gothic novels, Morris dancing and the Austin Powers films means she’s been an entertaining part of our team, and we’ll miss her.

Priya has put some ideas for today’s programme on the Talking Points page… have look at them.

Here’s some of my thoughts…

Another one bites the dust….

Sorry to come over like a headmaster, but today i had to ban one of our regulars for persistently stepping over our line. He was also one of our trusted moderators which makes it all the more disappointing. 

14 at 14…

Ana is the daughter of one of our colleagues, Paula.  She’s 14 (Ana, not Paula) and is the News Editor of a paper her school produces once a year here in London.

Foolishly, Ana came to WHYS to ask for some advice and one of the things we suggested was a global conversation of 14 year olds, speaking to each other about what unites and interests them. 

Do you know of any in your country who’d be willing to have an e-mail exchange with some students here ?  If so, post here and i’ll ask Ana to contact you . I know you won’t let her down…. !

Calling “VIP Listeners”…

The World Service needs you, click here……

On Air : Does your private sex life have any bearing on your public life ?

Max Mosley has won a vote of confidence from Formula 1’s governing body despite the revelations that he had an alleged Nazi-style orgy with 5 prostitutes.

On-Air; Time to talk to Al-Qaeda ?

He could become London’s top policeman, and he oversaw the end of the IRA ,  so people are taking the words of Sir Hugh Orde  seriously. He’s not the only prominent figure to suggest negotiating with the architects of 9/11, and numerous atrocities from Bali to Baghdad.

We’re not singing….

Euro 2008 is just around the corner and England aren’t there.
Despite the fact that a total of ten Englishmen turned out for Manchester United and Chelsea in the Champions’ League Final - arguably the biggest football match in the world this year - the England football team failed to qualify .