In the latest episode of Oh God, What Now?, host Ros Taylor delves into the prickly relationship between Labour leader Keir Starmer and the British media amidst ongoing scrutiny from the press over issues around ethics and accountability, particularly the so-called "Swiftgate" scandal. Joining her are broadcaster Adam Boulton and political correspondents Ava Santina and Rafael Behr, who offer their expertise on the current state of British politics and the media landscape.
The Media's Perception of Labour
Continual Pressure on Starmer
Starmer has faced intense media pressure, with accusations of hypocrisy and ethical missteps swirling since he took office. The media's portrayal casts him as someone who espouses high ethical standards while simultaneously indulging in perks that contradict his messaging. Adam Boulton emphasizes that while the alleged "freebies" may appear trivial, the optics are detrimental:
- Unfavorable Comparisons: Starmer's acceptance of gifts like concert tickets has led to comparisons with previous Labour leaders who faced similar scrutiny, amplifying perceptions of hypocrisy.
- Mismanagement of Media Relations: Starmer's team has struggled to control the narrative effectively, leaving room for the media to persistently question their integrity.
Comparison to Past Labour Strategies
Boulton draws parallels to New Labour's media strategy in the late '90s:
- Proactive Engagement: New Labour was adept at courting the press, understanding the importance of creating relationships with journalists. Starmer’s approach seems less connect, leading to unfavorable press.
- Transparency and Accountability: During Tony Blair's time, transparency following scandals helped quickly turn the narrative. Starmer’s administration seems to falter under similar scrutiny due to a lack of a cohesive response plan.
The Changing Landscape of Journalism
Current Media Dynamics
The discussion moves on to the broader changes affecting journalism in the UK:
- Revenue Losses: Traditional media outlets face significant financial pressure from digital platforms. This has created an environment where quality news gathering is under threat.
- Shift Towards Commentary: There’s growth in the influence of commentary-led platforms, with less focus on traditional news reporting, posing risks for informed public discourse.
The Role of Social Media
- Misinformation Risks: The rise of social media as a primary news source has increased the prevalence of misinformation, complicating the task of holding political figures accountable.
- Accessibility vs. Quality: While social media provides more diverse viewpoints, it can breed polarization and reduce the quality of public debate.
Labour’s Handling of Scandals
Swiftgate and Its Implications
The so-called "Swiftgate" issue highlights Labour's media relations pitfalls:
- Conflicts of Interest: The controversy involves questions of whether accepting concert tickets from the Premier League while planning regulatory oversight constitutes a conflict of interest.
- Public Sentiment: The public reacts to these stories, creating a narrative that distracts from the party’s policy goals and achievements.
Labour's Response Strategy
The panel discusses potential strategies Labour could adopt to improve its media relations:
- Better Communication: A more aggressive media strategy could help the party articulate its policies effectively, rather than allowing the press to dominate the narrative.
- Building Trust: Establishing trustworthy relationships with journalists is essential to ensure that the party's messages are reported accurately.
Engaging the Public
Can Public Consultation Work?
In the episode's extra segment, the panel critiques Labour's recent public engagement initiatives requesting suggestions for improving the NHS:
- Receptiveness to Ideas: While public consultations can yield helpful suggestions, some ideas can appear trivial or impractical, complicating the genuine discourse on public services.
- Potential for Frustration: The risk remains that such initiatives can frustrate the public rather than engage them positively.
Conclusion
The episode reveals a nuanced picture of the challenges facing Keir Starmer and the Labour Party in navigating a hostile media landscape. It suggests that without a proactive and structured approach to communication and transparency, Labour risks continued struggles against a backdrop of skepticism and critical media narratives. The panel's insights emphasize that reconnecting with both the media and public will be crucial for Labour’s effectiveness as they move forward in their parliamentary agenda.