BBC Reporter John Sweeney, one of the main journalists behind the BBC Panorama show Scientology and Me should be quite experienced with journalism and the routines of the job.
We all know the techniques of journalists to elicit an unexpected emotional response from the subject. Nobody likes being in the camera spotlight like that with a fast paced and prying journalist in your face trying to make you err at every step.
They stalk the subject and film it at every possible moment, hopefully trying to capture something that nobody else has so they can have some sensational materiel for their show.
This is John Sweeney’s profession – he’s a journalist for a living on one of the worlds largest TV channels.
Now what does a journalist like John Sweeney say when the tables turn and he is the one being documented? When a journalist starts to investigate him, his actions and his life?
We’ve all seen the video on youtube.com, but before you look at it again, let’s rapidly look over the journalistic philosophy of John Sweeney per the BBC’s Panorama site. He says "First, find a crocodile. Two, poke it in the eye with a stick. Three, stand back and report what happens next. If it's a sodden log you'll be quite safe. If it's a crocodile you've got a story."
And let’s see the video now
Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxqR5NPhtLI
Have we got a story here? Per John himself I think we do.
We will all agree that one of the most fundamental journalistic skills is the mastery of language. Let’s see how John excused himself after this outburst; we would all expect a quick twist of words that would make it all seem rational and intelligent.
Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVAeL8AyYeI&NR=1
For someone whose job it is to investigate and write stories one would expect a little more creativity than “I wanted to show you that my voice was louder than yours”. (I’ll have to try that next time I start yelling at someone I am investigating).
Now in response to this he claims he was feeling brainwashed because he was “being stalked” for several days. Actually the stalking in question here is a Scientology Documentary team that did a documentary on John Sweeney’s making of the Panorama show. But how can this be an excuse? Here is a Documentary journalist complaining of being stalked by a documentary team? Does he not realize what he is saying?
In other words, is documentary journalism brainwashing people?
I don't know about that last statement but I do know that John Sweeney is getting a taste of his own medecine and it's not tasing good.
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7 comments:
Don't fall in to the trap of discussing whether John Sweeney got annoyed and shouted, it is a non-issue.
The real issues that need to be investigated are all possible breaches of the law by the self-styled "Church of Scientology".
Warning: To anybody who has not come across Scientology before, enter the following search terms into your favourite search engine: "Fair Game" and "Scientology"
Finally, don't ever buy a book on Dianetics(TM), walk away
Right on! I'm a Scientologist and I'll tell you, I've had it on people like Sweeney misrepresenting Scientology to the public. Plus I think it is absolutely outrageous that a professional would react the way he did. Watch the other side of the story at BBC Panorama Exposed.
Well Done Don and keep going! I am completely with you on your views. It is time John Sweeney really learns what one gets when one is not honest and fair - qualities that unfortunately are not part of John Sweeney's vocabulary.
Best, Jetmira, Copenhagen
Hi Don and this was a spot on article. I am with you on your views. It is about time that John Sweeney learns to be honest and fair - qualities that are definitely missing from his vocabulary. If he behaves in such a way in front of the cameras, what else is he doing that we don't know of under the guise of reporting "the truth"?!
Did you know ...
BBC Panorama reporter John Sweeney, who was caught on camera exploding at a Scientologist during an interview, triggered a new disorder known as "news rage." Learn about the symptoms. Medical science does not yet know what the cause is. See the full story: http://scientology-and-me.blogspot.com
BBC Panorama reporter John Sweeney, who was caught on camera exploding at a Scientologist during an interview, triggered a new disorder known as "news rage." Learn about the symptoms. Medical science does not yet know what the cause is. See the full story: http://scientology-and-me.blogspot.com
I really like this viewpoint of yours. Great job!
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