Coronavirus diary, Tuesday 12 January 2021

Shades of Goebbels, Nazi propaganda chief

The studio was ready.  Dummy runs had been made. It was stand by for the launch of a new national television programme that would make political history. But, at the last minute, it was called off. 

Allegra Stratton, journalist and broadcaster, who has been hired as the voice of the government, will have to wait until at least the end of lockdown before going on air.

Boris Johnson has decided that, with the crisis intensifying, it is not the time to experiment. He, his ministers and advisers will continue the daily briefings.

The plan follows the long established US presidents’ practice of televised White House briefings by their press secretary.

It has been met here with some cynicism and concern, including by the media. I agree with them. It smacks too much of propaganda, of government control. Shades of Herr Goebbels. 

It would also prove tricky for the broadcasting organisations. Timed for early evening, just before the major news bulletins, would they feel obliged to report what Ms Stratton offers or deal with it on a strictly newsworthy basis?

She will be trying to achieve ‘breaking news‘ to bolster what the government wants to get across. 

There is no doubt she would outclass most of the ministers and their doleful advisers who, standing behind their lecterns armed with statistics and charts, have become boring.

It could be another step by the government to take more control over our lives.Very dangerous.