BBC fob-off - and confidentiality claim

[IanFantom]

I wrote to Mark Thompson about BBC deception, as suggested in an email circulated recently. They even misrepresented my complaint! However, the matter has been dealt with at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theeditors/2007/02/conspiracy_on_conspiracy .html

I am not allowed to inform you of their reply, since all correspondence between the BBC and the public is apparently confidential. Let's see, how do I now delete it ......?

Dear Elaine Hunter,

Thank you for your response, which you clearly misrepresented. I did not say that the BBC is not producing well researched documentaries at all. I complained about one particular documentary programme which was clearly produced by a dodgy camera crew.

I am now all the more concerned at the whitewash in the blog to which you refer me. To say that there is no proof of the other point of view, whilst perpetuating proven untruths from the official version, has to be disingenuous.

To interview an editor of Popular Mechanics, and ignore the work of a Professor of Physics who has published a special study on this, and a chemist at the underwriters, who had analysed the evidence, is just unbelievable.

In the present circumstances, Mark Thompson should be shown this correspondence personally. This issue is far more important than the cheating by the BBC in phone-ins, or the upsetting of He Majesty, to which we are being diverted.

I also protest at your claimed confidentiality. A complaint from a member of the public to the BBC, and the BBC's response should not be claimed as confidential, nor do I consider myself bound by your ruling.

Please ensure that all three complaints reach Mark Thompson personally.

Ian Fantom.


info@bbc.co.uk wrote:
> Dear Mr Fantom
>
> Thank you for your email to Mark Thompson. As I am sure you will appreciate, the Director-General receives more correspondence than he can deal with personally, so once e-mails have been read they are forwarded by his office to BBC Information. This department has a wealth of knowledge about BBC programmes and policies and is experienced in the workings of the Corporation. The Director-General has therefore authorised us to reply on his behalf.
>
> I understand that you feel that the BBC is not producing well researched documentaries. I have noted that you were particularly concerned by '9/11: The Conspiracy Files'. The programme has written a blog which we hope will outline the difficulties in producing a programme on such a controversial topic. It is located here:
>
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theeditors/2007/02/conspiracy_on_conspiracy .html
>
> Please be assured that your comments have been registered on our audience log. This internal document is available to our programme makers and senior management.
>
> Feedback of this nature helps us when making decisions about future BBC programmes and services and your comments will play a part in this process.
>
> May I take this opportunity to thank you again for taking time to contact the BBC.
>
> Regards
>
> Elaine Hunter
> BBC Information
> ______________________________________
> Watch Saving Planet Earth from 24th June
> Together we can help save the world's endangered wildlife
> You can donate to the new BBC Wildlife Fund at www.bbc.co.uk/savingplanetearth, or by calling 08705-100-700
> Thank You
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> From: Ian Fantom [mailto:ian@fantom.org.uk]
> Sent: 16 July 2007 18:41
> To: zzMark zzThompson-DG
> Subject: Re: Mark Thompson's request for comments
>
> To Mark Thompson
> Director-General of the BBC
>
> Dear Mr Thompson,
>
> I am delighted that, as Director General, you are asking for comment on
> lapses in the BBC's standards.
>
> My confidence in the BBC's unbiased news reporting was severely shaken
> in February when I watched the Conspiracy Files programme on 9/11.
>
> Goebbels could not have done better.
>
> Since then, I have been much more selective and critical of BBC
> programmes, and have turned more and more to Channel Four when I wanted
> well researched documentaries.
>
> You should be aware of the following:
>
> <http://www.infowars.com/articles/sept11/bbc_hit_piece_tissue_of_lies. ht
> m>
> <http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1882365905982811133>
>
> Yours sincerely,
>
> Ian Fantom
>
>
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/
> This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views which are not the views of the BBC unless specifically stated.
> If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system.
> Do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender immediately.
> Please note that the BBC monitors e-mails sent or received.
> Further communication will signify your consent to this.
>

[TonyGosling]

For Elaine Hunter's waffle read....
'We have passed your subversive credentials on to our friends at the NSA.'

[IanFantom]

Sounds about right. That's the National Sheep Association, isn't it?

I've just suggested to the BBC Today team that they interview the relevant people on confidentiality in replies to the public by the BBC. There must be some way of arousing the wrath of John Humphries!