The BBC, Media in General, Government and Peak Oil

[PowerSwitchJames]

This idea has been buzzing about me in my head...

We know that it is difficult for government to get support for tough decisions but maybe it has realised now the problem of Peak Oil and is encouraging the media, the BBC in particular, to talk about this more, softening up the population over the next few years for the decisions that will have to made.

Maybe I'm giving the government too much credit, and it is simply good editorial decision at BBC, Guardian, Independent etc...

Would be nice to think that the government is approaching this in a strategic way though!

[MacG]

This idea has been buzzing about me in my head...

We know that it is difficult for government to get support for tough decisions but maybe it has realised now the problem of Peak Oil and is encouraging the media, the BBC in particular, to talk about this more, softening up the population over the next few years for the decisions that will have to made.

Maybe I'm giving the government too much credit, and it is simply good editorial decision at BBC, Guardian, Independent etc...

Would be nice to think that the government is approaching this in a strategic way though!

Personally I think we are watching the spreading of the PeakOil-meme. Memes have this tendency to spread gradually, and it could look as if there is some plan to "soften up" people, but I doubt that there is. Just a natural phenomena we are watching from the first row.

[skeptik]

This idea has been buzzing about me in my head...

We know that it is difficult for government to get support for tough decisions but maybe it has realised now the problem of Peak Oil and is encouraging the media, the BBC in particular, to talk about this more, softening up the population over the next few years for the decisions that will have to made.

Maybe I'm giving the government too much credit, and it is simply good editorial decision at BBC, Guardian, Independent etc...

"most of our people have never had it so good"
Prime Minister Harold MacMillan , 20/7/57

Possibly a bit of both, but I think you're spot on, James. Electors vote for politiicians who tell them that 'things can only get better' (remember that one?) not for politicians who promise them 'blood sweat and tears' - as soon as it had the opportunity, the British dumped Churchill, depsite the huge service he had done the country as an inspirational war leader. He was just too connected with 'bad news' in everybody's mind. People wanted a hopeful vision of the future (Labours planned welfare state), not to be reminded of the misery of the previous five years by a fat aristocrat with a cigar.... war does tend to radicalise the population.

I think all groupings within the establishment have their informal channels into the media. When a subject which is thought to be important, but which is basiscally bad news has to be bought to the publics attention, it will be done indirectly, via informal off the record briefings which go on all the time at many different levels. Junior minister has a quiet lunch with old shool chum who is a commissioning editor with a TV company. They discuss topics which are in the news. Energy policy and 'peak oil' are mentioned. Minister makes it obvious that govt. is rethinking policy and needs the topic 'aired' but is not yet ready to go public.. Promises full co-operation from the ministry for any documentary on the subject... "Just call me and I'll make sure all the doors are open"

So... the govt gets the topic including any bad news into the public consciousness without incurring any political penalty, because the BBC or Channel 4 is handling it. Its a useful test of public opinion with no comeback as the govt has not been forced into any corners by the opposition in the House - options are still open.

I think that even the somnolent DTI now realises that the exisiting energy policy layed out in the 2003 White Paper "Our Energy Future" is ( as I've thought since first reading it) complete shite. The recent problem with Russian natural gas to Europe has, I'm sure, also had a bracing effect. New policy is being formulatedbehind the scenes, which I think will involve a decision to build new nuclear plant. This will be spun out as a clean green decision neccessary to reduce CO2 emissions. I doubt there will be any serious effort at conservation as that comes under the heading of 'bad news'. Possibly there will be some 'streamlining' of the planning process to allow the country to be covered in windmills and subsidies for biofuels...what else? just have to wait and see..