"While other pupils have come and gone, he remains; and when it was announced last year that, after 30 years, Bragg’s principal vehicle, The South Bank Show, would be ceasing transmission, there was – among those I spoke with – a feeling that this was the end of an era: the barbarians were at the gate. Moreover, we would miss Melvyn’s perkily browned features – like those of a handsome walnut – as the camera cut away from this or that artistic nabob, to show him bobbing and grinning assent (shots that are known in the industry as ‘noddies’)."
Read the complete article in the London Review of Books.
Friday 19 February 2010
Max Clifford Speaking...
Finally, is it any wonder that the News of the World apparently sought advantage in a phonehack of Max Clifford's mobile. The man just can't leave the thing alone. They were bound to find out something. Appearing as part of a high-powered panel on a platform at Westminster University this week, Max alone was hindered from making a focused contribution by the fact that his mobile kept going off and that he kept answering it. Ring! Ring! "Hello Mischon de Reya … I am at Westminster City College [sic]. Can I call you back later?" Aside to the audience: "They pay my salary so I have to answer." Ring! Ring! "Hello. I'm in a live debate." To the audience: "I adore anybody who pays me a fortune." I'm here for free, whereas all these people pay me, he told them, and then… Ring! Ring! "The fame game is a drug," he explained. "You spend your life sucking up to egomaniacs." Ring! Ring! Poor Max.
John Mair
John Mair
Tuesday 16 February 2010
Tuesday 9 February 2010
TMS in the Daily Mail Diary
He helped propel Margaret Thatcher into Downing Street - and keep her there through three elections - so PR guru Tim Bell is in a unique position to judge the fitness for office of Tory leader David Cameron and Shadow Chancellor George Osborne.
While valuing his friendship with the pair, Lord Bell does not pull his punches. 'David believes in meritocracy,' he says, 'but he hasn't yet got the ruthless streak that will make him want to cause pain and be a great Prime Minister - George has.'
Speaking to The Media Society, Bell also had some advice for the duo over policy: 'Stop trimming.'
John Mair
Read more
While valuing his friendship with the pair, Lord Bell does not pull his punches. 'David believes in meritocracy,' he says, 'but he hasn't yet got the ruthless streak that will make him want to cause pain and be a great Prime Minister - George has.'
Speaking to The Media Society, Bell also had some advice for the duo over policy: 'Stop trimming.'
John Mair
Read more
Wednesday 3 February 2010
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