Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, God's Rottweiler, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus - whatever you choose to call him, he is not a very humane human being. But little of his nasty side has been reported by Newsround nor, in fact, by the media in general. Thankfully we have the Internet, and so don't have to rely on the BBC and other mainstream media to get a balanced assessment of the man.

After a fortnight of extolling Pope Benedict XVI and everything he stands for, there was a slight hiccup yesterday when Cardinal Keith O'Brien resigned and Newsround was finally forced to admit that all is not well within the Roman Catholic Church.

It all began on Monday 11th February 2013 when Benedict XVI announced his intention to resign. Newsround wasted no time in putting together a series of reports and webpages praising the life and work of the Pope, and ignoring the fact that Ratzinger is probably loved and loathed in equal measure. The Catholic religion, after all, has done little to diminish prejudice and discrimination against certain groups, especially LGBT people. The Pope may even have made things worse. But where is the objectivity in, say, this webpage? Or in this TV report?

Ricky Boleto - Newsround 11th February 2013
As so often, Newsround has been feeding kids half-truths. And that brings me back to my blog on 12th February: Telling the truth. I'm still waiting to hear back from Professor Jean Seaton but, to be honest, I'm not too hopeful.

Newsround is wont to report religion-related news, particularly on its Sunday TV bulletins. Last Sunday they led with a fairly insignificant item about one of the Pope's final appearances at a Mass in the Vatican. Ricky told viewers that thousands of people were expected to turn up later that day to receive his blessing.

Newsround on Sunday 17th February 2013 ~ 9.25am
That was last Sunday.

This Sunday the main BBC TV news bulletins have led, for much of the day, with allegations made against a very senior Roman Catholic cleric, who by the way is known for his outspoken, offensive and frankly bigoted views about marriage equality. Newsround has not reported that story and, if the Savile abuse case is anything to go by, Newsround will keep CBBC's audience in the dark.

Newsround on Sunday 24th February 2013 ~ 1.55pm

Romance was the main theme of the Valentine's Day special: 12 Again. But love and romance feature in many BBC children's programmes, and the latest CBBC My Life documentary is no exception.

My Life: Breaking Free followed a group of three children with Down syndrome to see whether they could achieve their aims and ambitions. The programme was introduced and narrated by Ruben who was aiming to swim fast enough to participate in London 2012.

Harley had been cruelly bullied at school, denting his confidence in dealing with other people. He left that school and was now learning to surf, and starting to trust people again. Nicole was taking part in a week-long drama club. If it went well Nicole hoped to be allowed to go on an unchaperoned date with her boyfriend James, who also has Down's.

A couple of extracts from the programme -

Ruben: I'm hanging out with my best friend, Hannah, before my big [swimming] race tomorrow.

Hannah: The reason why he's my friend is because, ever since I moved to this school, he's been sticking up for me. And I was, like, 'maybe we could be friends.'

Ruben: She's funny. And sometimes a bit ... cute.

Hannah: Hey! I've got a boyfriend, you know!
-----
Narrator: After drama school Nicole takes some time out for boyfriend, James. James is 12 and they have known each other since they were 2.

Nicole: I think he's nice and handsome. Handsome and smart.

James: Nice. ... Nicole is brilliant, and a nice girl. Because she is really nice we are going to have a wedding. (They dance together)
-----
All three kids eventually achieved their goals: Ruben got a medal and made it into the Down syndrome GB squad. Harley won first place trophy for his surfing. And Nicole was a success in her drama club. She went on her date with James.

James & Nicole on their date

Mark Thompson said last year that the BBC has a duty to take lesbian, gay and bisexual people as seriously as any other part of its audience. He said their experiences and perspectives must be portrayed with as much conviction and fairness as they would portray anyone else.

Perhaps Mr Thompson could be taken more seriously had he not spent almost his entire term in office as BBC Director-General trying to eradicate LGBT portrayal from children's TV. Amongst the first of his decisions were the setting up of a "diversity board" chaired by himself, and the approval of new guidelines which omitted wording about treating lesbian, gay and bisexual people fairly.

So, by the time the first civil partnerships took place in December 2005 not a single word was reported about them on CBBC Newsround. In fact that failure was the final straw which, a few days later, led to the establishment of Newsround Blog.

Regrettably the discriminatory culture still lingers on, as is evident from a careful reading of the BBC LGB Review Update (see blog on 2 January 2013) The quoted section on Page 9 of the Review Update mischaracterizes the original findings of the 2010 Review, and also indicates that BBC Children's management have no intention of treating LGB people with equal respect

An example of this different attitude can be seen in a 12 Again Valentine's Day Special, broadcast earlier today. 12 Again - CBBC's Valentine's Day Special
Although CBBC has finally got round to acknowledging the existence of civil partnerships, there is a clear distinction in the way straight and gay affections are treated. The programme interviews a number of well-known stars, all of whom either reminisce about opposite sex affections, or don't make the object of their affection known.

In this clip it seems that Craig Revel Horwood has just been asked if he had a crush on any of the girls at his school. And in this clip, narrator Iain Stirling says that Antony Cotton's idea about love is wrong on so many levels.

Happy LGBT History Month & Valentine's Day

Telling the truth

Most people will probably recall that the BBC was in a great deal of trouble last year. Newsround did a report about some of the problems which led to the resignation of George Entwistle. And the report included a clip of Professor Jean Seaton talking about the role of the Corporation and its journalists. Professor Seaton is Director of The Orwell Prize, and is the BBC's historian.

Professor Seaton said "Telling the truth is very hard, strenuous work. And that's what we have the BBC to do. And on this one occasion it's failed. It can make it better, it can remedy that, but it's undoubtedly failed. (cut) But it's a serious thing because it breached its relationship with you, its audience."


Professor Jean Seaton talks to Newsround viewers - 12th November 2012
So what is meant by "the truth" and what did Professor Seaton mean when she said that telling the truth is "very hard strenuous work?"

Look at this Newsround report about the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Is the report fair? Or are we, instead, seeing a partial view? Are we seeing the truth about the Pope?

I will ask Professor Seaton for her opinion.

Newsround's guide to the Pope
What's been the reaction to the Pope's resignation?

To be continued ...

Frank Matthews, from The Dumping Ground has a new girlfriend. Last year he was dating Lizanne, but now he's fallen for Jade. And this time he gets to kiss her as well.

Newsround Blog's investigation of that cancelled interview is well underway. Watch this space. But for now, here's a short clip from last night's CBBC presentation :-


Chris and Hacker presenting on CBBC yesterday evening

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - Newsround should bring back "Ricky Investigates" to look at things that seem unfair.

Why was a gay couple, Dan and Martin, who were due to be interviewed on Newsround yesterday morning, told at short notice that they would not be able to take part in the programme? They were supposed to talk to Ore about what the marriage equality vote in House of Commons would mean to them.

Ricky should speak to the programme makers, and to the couple themselves, and then let us know why the interview was cancelled.

In the meantime Newsround Blog will do its best to uncover the truth.

Both the News at Six and the News at Ten on BBC One yesterday began with an item about a letter warning David Cameron against proceeding with marriage equality legislation. This is how it was reported at 10pm -

Mishal Husain: David Cameron is warned that his plans to legalise gay marriage will cost votes at the next election. More than twenty Conservative associations urge a delay to the plans. A Parliamentary vote is scheduled this week.

(other headlines)

Mishal Husain: Good evening. David Cameron has been warned by senior grassroots Conservatives that his plans to legalise same-sex marriage will do significant damage to the Party at the ballot box. Two days before MPs vote on the proposals a letter signed by 25 past and present chairmen of local Conservative associations has urged the Prime Minister to delay the decision. Our Political Correspondent, Carole Walker, has the details.

Carole Walker: They came from the shires on a Sunday afternoon to deliver their protest to Downing Street. These are some of the 25 senior Conservatives who are warning David Cameron that a significant number in his Party will not support what they see as an attempt to redefine marriage.

Geoffrey Vero: It's not a matter of being anti-gay. It's a matter of really considering what is the institution of marriage all about. And for many people - and certainly older Conservatives, as well as younger Conservatives - marriage has been a matter between a man and a woman bringing up - if they are lucky enough - having, and bringing up children.

Carole Walker: Their letter says there's no mandate for the bill. It's been rushed through without proper consultation. And it says resignations from the Party are beginning to multiply and we fear that, if enacted, this bill will lead to significant damage to the Conservative Party in the run-up to the 2015 election.

Carole Walker: Downing Street say there's no question of the Prime Minister backing down. It is a free vote and he accepts that many of his MPs - even some cabinet ministers - will not support the move. But he believes it's time to give gay people the same right as everyone else: to get married.

William Hague: Is it right in principle? And I think it is. Marriage is an institution which is a very positive institution in our society. We shouldn't deny it to people on a discriminatory basis. Is there sufficient public consent for it to be a law that enjoys support? Yes there is.

Carole Walker: Many Tories want the Prime Minister to do more to support traditional marriages. And resentment has been fuelled by the decision not to introduce tax breaks for married couples in the coming Budget. The bill to allow gay couples to marry is likely to get the go-ahead on Tuesday, given the backing of most Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs. But it could face a difficult passage through Parliament which will put further strains on the fractious relationship between the Prime Minister and his party. Carole Walker, BBC News, Westminster.

Anyone relying on BBC One as their sole source of news would be unaware that some sections of the Conservative Party are strongly supportive of marriage equality.

Not long now till the start of the Kidscreen Summit in New York. I imagine that some delegates will be busy with their packing even as this blog goes live. Though exactly why it's necessary for virtually the whole of BBC Children's - well all the top brass at any rate - to attend the Summit is something of a mystery. Maybe they like the plush surroundings of the New York Hilton? Or perhaps they're all desperately trying to glean a few clues on how to improve British children's TV? Who knows. But whatever the reason, I think this is going to cost TV licence-fee-payers quite a lot of money. Especially if the Big Cheese spends anything like the £409.27p he spent on a taxi fare in Canada a few years ago.

If these regular trips abroad aren't curbed I might have to ask the BBC if they've ever carried out a Cost-Benefit analysis.

Off to the USA. Mission: To create unforgettable content
to inspire all children across the UK

Rather than bother with children's media conferences around the world, why can't bosses simply stay HERE and have a meeting about ways to make children's TV relevant AND inclusive. It's not exactly rocket science, after all.

Happy LGBT History Month

Lessons in love

The Controller of BBC Children's says content should be treated in a way appropriate for children. Duh - he was talking about children's TV, wasn't he?

Sadie J doesn't have any "adult themes" and so fits the bill perfectly -

There are no outsiders - part 2

Which side of this 'debate' is BBC Children's really on?

Well Gus wants to be a forensic scientist, so he would have to appraise all the available evidence before reaching his verdict.

Let's see what we have.

Firstly, we have what looks like quite a supportive piece of fiction, where the anti-gay argument is easily torn to shreds at almost every opportunity. Faced with this evidence alone, Gus would doubtless conclude that the BBC Children's department favours diversity and treating all people as equal.

But I don't think Gus would rely on a single piece of evidence. He'd know that the more data he can find, the more likely he'd be to arrive at the truth. So he'd have to delve a bit deeper, and it wouldn't take Gus long find out that Newsround Blog is an excellent resource to help with his research.

Take, for instance, the quote shown on the 2nd January 2013 blog post. The second paragraph begins "It has given us continued confidence to ..."

A forensic expert like Gus would check the facts. Anything he wasn't sure about he'd set out in his notebook and try to find out the answers. He might well contact BBC Children's to ask for a bit of help.

If it then turned out that the only supposedly gay-inclusive programme BBC Children's could come up with to support their claim of "continued confidence" was actually made about four years ago - and it did not, in fact, include anything recognisable as LGB portrayal - Gus might then start to have serious doubts over their intentions.

Gus would almost certainly conclude that BBC Children's has endemically treated some people as outsiders, though of course he could not be certain that things are not changing for the better. But his trusted source of up-to-date information and data would give him very little cause for optimism.

There are no outsiders - part 1

Archbishop Desmond Tutu: There are no outsiders

Are gay people normal? I do wish the BBC children's department would make its mind up on that score. Because if they are normal, shouldn't they be treated the same way as anyone else, and not as outsiders?

Gay parenting, more precisely gay fostering, was a topic up for 'debate' in a recent episode of CBBC's drama The Dumping Ground. A synopsis of "What Would Gus Want?" is in my blog last Saturday.

The 'debate' kicked off when the kids at Elm Tree House discover that prospective foster couple, Ronnie and Dawn are actually two women rather than a man and a woman that they'd expected to see.

Johnny is the chief protagonist for the homophobes.

Johnny watches the arrival of Ronnie & Dawn

Carmen: Johnny, did you see them?

Lily: What are they like?

Johnny: Let's just say Tyler's gonna wish he had never asked us to bring them here.

Lily: Why?

Johnny: It's two women - they're gay.

Carmen: What's wrong with that?

Johnny: Well everything. They're not proper parents.

Carmen: Johnny, that's a horrible thing to say.

Lily: I agree with him.

Carmen: Lily?!

Lily: What? I'm not being anti-gay. I'm just saying all kids need a dad.

--------
Shortly afterwards the kids talk about the idea of having gay parents, and what is normal -

Johnny: I couldn't believe it when I saw they were gay!

Gus: Why does that matter?

Johnny: Because it shouldn't be allowed.

Elektra: Well that's disgusting.

Johnny: Why? It's not normal.

Frank: Some people think I'm not normal. Are you saying I shouldn't be allowed?

Johnny: Of course not. You're different.

Elektra: Well, he's not exactly normal, is he?

Gus: I am.

Faith: Leave it, Elektra.

Elektra: No, I'm sorry, you're completely out of order.

Johnny: I'm not. Come on, Tyler, you wouldn't want two mums would you?

Tyler: Course I would. It'd be so cool.

Johnny: I don't care what he says. Kids need a mum and a dad.

Elektra: Ah yes, cos that worked so well for you, didn't it? Your mum got a lovely new dad and let him do whatever he wanted, and then stuck you in care.

Johnny: It wasn't like that.

Elektra: Then why are you here?

Tee: That's enough!

Faith: I love it. A bunch of care kids arguing about what's normal - as if we'd ever know.

A little while later Gus speaks to Mike -

Mike: Gus, I want to talk to you about Ronnie and Dawn.

Gus: I want to talk to you about being normal.

Mike: Ronnie and Dawn are perfectly normal.

--------
But which side of this 'debate' is BBC Children's really on?

..... to be continued

The Dumping Ground

Synopsis of Episode 5 - What Would Gus Want?
(The issues raised by CBBC will be examined in a future blog)

Care worker Mike has met a couple, Ronnie and Dawn, who want to foster Gus. But Gus, who has Asperger syndrome, is unhappy about being fostered. Mike suggests that Gus meets the couple and then decide.

Tyler is jealous, and hopes to be fostered by the couple, if Gus turns down the opportunity.

Gus agrees to meet the couple, in the hope of helping Tyler. When the couple arrive at Elm Tree House, all the kids there are surprised to find out that the couple are both women.

Johnny thinks the gay couple would not make proper parents, and Lily agrees. A heated 'debate' amongst the care kids ensues. Elektra is shocked by what she sees as Johnny's prejudiced attitude, and his younger sister, Tee, is also disappointed with Johnny.

Meanwhile, the couple are chatting to Mike and Gus in another room. It seems evident that Dawn, like Gus, has Asperger's. Gus informs Ronnie and Dawn that he doesn't actually want to be fostered and suggests they foster Tyler instead. But Dawn says "We don't want Tyler. We wanted you. If you don't want us there's no point in continuing." They leave, but the kids at Elm Tree House are still arguing amongst themselves.

Gus thinks over the fostering idea and tells Mike he's changed his mind and wants to meet Ronnie and Dawn again. They both go round to the couple's house where Gus and Dawn ask each other pre-prepared questions from their notebooks.

Gus cannot quite decide whether or not he wants to be fostered. Faith explains he would get more attention if he lived with the couple, and that would help him achieve his goal of a career as a forensic scientist. Gus is persuaded despite some late misgivings. He has concerns about the disruption of moving his belongings. The other kids devise a plan to help him make the move.

Gus goes to live with the couple, and the care kids resolve all their differences. Frank suggests they all go bowling to help cheer them up now that Gus has gone.

Shortly before stepping down as BBC Director-General, Mark Thompson spoke at a Stonewall 'Education for All' conference. But six months on, and his assurance of a more inclusive BBC has, it seems, come to nought.

So far this year, there have been two very important stories relevant to LGBT viewers. Firstly, the European Court of Human Rights ruled against Christians who both thought they were entitled to discriminate against gay people. But what did Newsround say? Precisely nothing. They did, however, report at length on Christians wearing crosses at work.

Secondly, there was President Barack Obama's Inauguration yesterday. Obama's support for gay people was covered on Mark Mardell's report for BBC News. But, once again, Newsround failed to tell younger viewers about that support. Perhaps an injudicious oversight on the part of Newsround reporter, Ricky Boleto? Or is it, instead, further evidence of a continuing discriminatory policy by current CBBC bosses?

Ricky Boleto tells Joe Tidy about Barack Obama's Inauguration speech
Newsround on 21/1/2013 at 6.50pm

Several people I'm aware of complained about BBC Christmas Day news coverage. I was not amongst the complainants, but did ask Robert Pigott for his views about how the Archbishop of Westminster's Christmas Message was dealt with. I contacted Robert on 29th December 2012, providing him with a transcript of the first news report at 1pm - the report about the Archbishop of Westminster's "Christmas Message."

Here is the substantive part of my email to Mr Pigott -

I've been reviewing the BBC's Christmas Day news reports, and wonder if you can help me with one or two queries.

The BBC news at 1pm on Christmas afternoon was introduced by Chris Eakin.

Chris Eakin: The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales has used his Christmas Message to make his most outspoken attack yet on the Government's proposals to introduce gay marriage. The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, said the process had been undemocratic and shambolic. Our Religious Affairs Correspondent, Robert Pigott, reports.

Robert Pigott: (strains of 'Once In Royal David's City') With carols, candles and Holy Communion, Roman Catholics at Westminster Cathedral heralded the coming of Christmas. The Church's leader in England and Wales, Archbishop Vincent Nichols told them that Christmas was a reminder that human lives could be raised to an entirely new realm. But Archbishop Nichols claimed that this Christmas the Christian ideal of marriage was under threat. He accused the Government of behaving in an Orwellian fashion, and using undemocratic means to create a new sham version of marriage.

Viewers then saw Vincent Nichols (not in the main body of the Cathedral) say the following: "Frankly the process is shambolic. There was no announcement in any party manifesto. There's been no Green Paper, there's been no statement in the Queen's Speech. And yet here we are, on the verge of primary legislation. From a democratic point of view it's a shambles."

After that you were shown speaking to camera (apparently as people were just leaving the Cathedral)

Robert Pigott: This was Archbishop Nichols' strongest attack yet on the Government's plans for gay marriage. There was real anger in his passionate criticism of the Government's plans, and a call to Catholics to join the political struggle against them. ......

Now, I'm not entirely clear that what the BBC reported the Archbishop as saying in his Christmas Message was indeed said to congregants at a service in Westminster Cathedral . Please could you clarify that point?

The other thing I'd like to know, relating to the above question, is precisely how the interview with Archbishop Nichols came about?

I look forward to hearing from you, and would appreciate it if you could treat this as an urgent request. Thank you.

I sent a reminder to Mr Pigott on 7th January and then again on 9th January. But instead of a reply from Mr Pigott there came a response from the BBC's complaints department, which you can read in my blog last Monday.

The complaints department, as you will see, draws attention to what it says is the difference between Vincent Nichols' "Christmas message" and his "homily." The BBC said "There is a clear distinction between the two."

However if you check the actual words used by Mr Pigott, you will appreciate that he never used the word "homily" in the context of this report. So it seems the BBC is trying to pull the wool over people's eyes. Furthermore, the BBC has still not explained exactly how the interview came about and, until such time as they do, it would be reasonable in all the circumstances to assume collusion between the Corporation and the Roman Catholic Church.

Next Friday, 25th January 2013 will, it seems, be one of those exceptional occasions when a CBBC drama portrays anyone who is romantically attracted to another person of the same sex. Episode 5 of The Dumping Ground: "What Would Gus Want?" is to be broadcast at 5pm, and then repeated at the weekend. (see blogs on 2nd and 3rd January 2013)

The Director of BBC Children's spoke about the 'mission' of CBBC at a conference last September. Here is part of what he had to say -

Joe Godwin: Our vision - actually more specifically our mission - is to create unforgettable content to inspire all children across the UK ... It's on everything we do, it's on all the noticeboards around the building. And I'll explain what that means. I know 'Mission Statement' has got a bit of a bad reputation as being something somebody came up with when they hadn't got enough work to do. But this has some purpose: It's to remind us why CBBC and CBeebies need to be different from all those other children's channels.

Joe Godwin: 'Unforgettable' is about ... the power of high quality children's television to stay with children for their entire lives. That's why we will be talking about things from our childhood later. Because at its very best, it can inspire you to think differently, to do things differently, and create memories and stories and associations that stay with you forever. So 'unforgettable' is about quality.

Joe Godwin: 'Inspire' is because I want most of our content, as much as possible, to have a purpose to it. Again this is about why the BBC's children's channels are different to all the others. It has a purpose - and that purpose could be to inspire you to think about something. It could be to inspire you to do something, it could inspire you to admire somebody, it could inspire you to change the way you behave to people. ...

In February 2012 Mr Godwin suggested that The 4 O'Clock Club was one of the unforgettable programmes that kids would be talking about to their own kids in thirty years' time.

Teacher Mr Thorne greets his colleague, Miss Poppy
from The 4 O'Clock Club (18/1/2013)

The British Broadcasting Corporation is well aware that the term "homosexual" can cause offence. Even as long ago as 1996 Producers' guidelines were advising that "gay" and "lesbian" should be used in preference.

"Homosexual" is, however, the word of choice for those who do not believe in equal rights. Google phrases such as "homosexual rights" and "homosexual marriage" and you'll see that most of the results yield web pages with anti-gay sentiments.

So, bearing this in mind, why we are still hearing the word on the BBC news channel? It was repeatedly used during yesterday's BBC news reports about the ECHR rulings. And, more to the point, why was the word used by the BBC's gay employees?



BBC news on Tuesday 15/1/2013 at 11am
The Corporation is reputed to employ proportionately more gay people than in the general population. I'm not sure it is true, but that was the stated belief of BBC journalist Andrew Marr in "From Seesaw to Wagon Wheel" - Safeguarding Impartiality in the 21st Century.

In my view that would also explain the BBC's decision to emphasise the single Christian victory in the European Court of Human Rights, and play down the losses by the two Christians who believed they had a (presumably God-given) right to discriminate against anyone who doesn't think and behave in exactly the same way as themselves.

It is interesting to check out BBC news from July 2008, when a vast amount of airtime was devoted to reporting "devout Christian" Ms Lillian Ladele's victory in her industrial tribunal. Here is just one such report.

Newsround's coverage at 4.20pm and at 6.50pm completely avoided mentioning tho two cases relating to anti-gay discrimination, as did Newsround's web write-up. One could easily be forgiven for suspecting the BBC, and most especially its Children's Department, does not respect all people equally.

Out of the blue received an email shortly after midnight (00.18am) It was sent from bbc_complaints_website@bbc.co.uk - Case number CAS-1864515-KWGH47

Thank you for contacting us. Robert Pigott has passed on to us for a response.

The cue to Robert's piece referred to Archbishop Vincent Nichols' "Christmas message", not to his homily. There is a clear distinction between the two.

Robert's script said correctly that Archbishop Nichols had used his homily to warn that the Christian ideal of marriage was under threat. In fact, the archbishop specified that the government itself was itself the cause of this threat.

His report then switched to what was clearly a television interview, and not the homily, in which Archbishop Nichols described the government's actions as "shambolic" and explained why he felt the process of introducing gay marriage had been undemocratic. Robert's address to the camera also clearly referred to the interview and not the homily.

The interview was carried out shortly before Midnight Mass solely to provide material for the BBC's coverage of Christmas messages on Christmas Day, as is our usual practice. The questioning was prompted - by agreement with his staff - by the reference in the homily to marriage and the alleged threat to it by the government. Its use in that way was entirely clear to, and intended by, Archbishop Nichols. It did, therefore, constitute a Christmas message, as distinct from his homily, to Roman Catholics.

We hope that addresses your concerns.

More about this development in a future blog

Emily Maitlis and her friends don't 'get' marriage equality -