THIS is a story of our times. I make no claim that it is unique, merely that it demonstrates in a small way how social media is reshaping our world.
On May 1 this year, I got together with Kevin Gibney of IndyLive to set up the TNT (The Nation Talks) show.
We had a few ideas about what we wanted to achieve, but nothing terribly concrete. So, we looked to see what was missing. What could we add to an exciting and growing independent social media scene in Scotland? We were under no illusions. The independence media scene is vibrant and there are many great offerings there. Do check them out. It would be difficult to compete with these productions.
Instead, we looked at who is doing it poorly. Naturally, our collective eye fell on the BBC and in particular BBC Scotland. Despite spending many millions every year, their political output ranges from lousy to godawful, especially on constitutional matters. Also, we did not see many mainstream shows that did not also include a hectoring interviewer. All at once we had ourselves a gap in the market, but could we even attempt to fill it?
Where would we find interesting guests prepared to give us 60 precious minutes? Should the show be live or recorded? What technology to use – Skype, FaceTime or Zoom? We opted for a live show with audience questions taken before and on air. That said, a recorded show is much easier to do. Mistakes can be edited out – ums and ahs removed – and any long pauses attenuated. But the cost is a loss of spontaneity, and we felt this was not a price worth paying.
Well, we have now come of age with 21 TNT shows under our belt, and a sparkling guest list, including Hollywood legend Brian Cox; Andrew Wilson, head of the Growth Commission, and Richard Walker, editor of this esteemed publication. Not all guests have been independence supporters, because we took the view that it is important to reach out beyond constitutional silos to those with very different views. Councillor Linda Holt is a candidate for Alliance 4 Unity party, and she proved to be a lively guest.
Along the way we learned about the world’s first black footballer Andrew Watson, who was capped three times for Scotland. We found out, too, how to set up a newspaper from scratch, thanks to The Orkney News and Fiona Grahame. To do justice to the other outstanding guests would need many more columns, however TNT recordings are on YouTube.
Happily, we got a warm reception to our invitations. Guests were quick to agree to appear. And we have an exciting list of future interviewees including Ian Blackford MP, leader of the Westminster SNP group, and playwright Alan Bissett.
It is not a record of unalloyed success. We still have one holdout. One organisation that resolutely declines or ignores invitations. Can you guess what this is? It’s the BBC. For a communications business they are coy.
Strictly between ourselves, BBC staff have told us that, while they are personally happy to take part, bosses would be furious, and retribution would be exacted on anyone who dares step out of line. “Mortgages are at stake”, we were told. If so, it is deplorable, and speaks to a culture of menace and low corporate ethics.
Of course, if those we spoke with have misrepresented it and the BBC would like to put the record straight, there is a guaranteed slot for them on the TNT show. We await their response more with hope than expectation.
Talking of the BBC and broadcasters, it is interesting that whilst their audience figures plummet, social media is flourishing. Partly, this is down to trust. Now that folks have a real choice of providers, they increasingly question why they are spending millions funding communicators that may not share their values or aspirations.
Social media is far from perfect. Twitter can be a swamp, while Facebook and other outlets also have their critics. But so, too, does the mainstream media. The big difference now is that people have a choice. The days of lumbering, unresponsive mass media may be ending. It almost goes without saying, of course, none of this applies to the Sunday National. Indeed, this fine paper and The National frequently resemble two diamonds on a media dung heap.
As for the future, if Scottish broadcasting is to recover it must be in a form determined in a written constitution; with oversight vested in the sovereign people of Scotland, not an unrepresentative, unelected bunch of political appointees.
This column welcomes questions from readers Look out for next week’s TNT show at 7pm on Wednesday. Kairin van Sweeden is our guest https://independencelive.net
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel