MP picks through Press & Politics

Labour MP for West Lancashire Colin Pickthall pulled no punches as he criticised the role of the written press in misinforming the public on political issues, during his visit to Edge Hill.

Mr Pickthall, who was a lecturer of English at Edge Hill between 1970 and 1984, aired his views before staff and students of the BA (Hons) Media and BA (Hons) Journalism programmes.

During his lecture and prior to embarking on a tour of the blossoming media department, Mr Pickthall highlighted the misconception that an opinion put into print must be the 'truth? and that all politicians are liars.

He also exposed the manner in which the press 'lurk around? in Parliament in search of a row or scandal, rather than reporting the facts and a balanced argument.

"By certain journalists? own admittance if there?s no row, there?s no story," said Mr Pickthall, who, through his association with Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, is often probed for gossip. "Today?s press prefer to report on human interest and personality clashes rather than issues, and more often than not they manufacture news rather than reflect it.

"I don?t think I am going over the top in saying that, for politicians, the media are the enemy."

Mr Pickthall did however excuse the local press, radio and television broadcasting from this claim, stating that it was easier for the audiences of those media to 'make their own mind up?.

While on campus, Mr Pickthall went on to single-out Edge Hill for praise as it strives to achieve University status.

"I spent many happy years here and in my opinion Edge Hill should already be a University," he said. "As one of the largest private sector employers in West Lancashire it is essential that it continues to thrive and develop."