As an addition to my previous comments – the whole ‘BBC having to interview their own correspondent’ thing, particularly with regards to politics, is a direct result of the ‘spin’ culture that really took off in the early to mid nineties (others may argue that that should be 1890’s, though).
Instead of getting a proper interview with a minister, MP or whatever, the media get a ‘statement’ – which has been carefully worded to say nothing, but take a suitable long time to read out (for added gravitas). The journos don’t put up with having their todgers tugged for very long, though, and start to head off to get more juicy quotes out of people who are willing to give them (self-publicists and/or people who are looking like being the ‘fall-guy’).
The ensuing hatchet job with ‘off the record’ briefings etc further entrench the position of “only deal with the press through the press office”.
It is a positive feedback loop with many consequences.
One of which is the rise of politicians who do actually shoot their mouths off – Prescott and Clarke to name a couple – because at least they say SOMETHING – even if it is shite.
Which just leaves us the likes of Ian Hislop – who I think is brilliant, but he never acknowledges what an easy job he has – just sniping at overyone all of the time is not difficult, or particulalry clever!
Rant over – lesson learnt – never, ever take anything at face value (at least not to begin with).