A Funny Kind Of Freedom

Following on from Russ� post below about the Campaign For Press and Broadcasting Freedom�s decision to start an Ofcom Watch section on their site�

I read with interest Granville Williams (Editor of the CPBF’s Magazine) call to arms letter in the Guardian a few weeks ago. He suggested establishing an Ofcom Watch site/organisation to keep an eye on the new regulator. Good idea!

After reading the article I sent Jonathan Hardy, the CPBF�s Secretary, an open invitation to blog with us here. I have been wanting for some time to get more balance and range of opinion onto this site. The invite stated that he was free to blog his opinion without stipulations (other than the usual libel, slander and copyright legalities). It also suggested that he have other people � such as Granville � contact me if they wanted to blog. No hassle. No stipulations. No restrictions!

The intention here was to get a debate rolling, a debate with more than one side. But Jonathan never replied. The CPBF have decided to forge ahead on their own, their own site, their own view, their own take on things. Of course, I doubt they will be sending me, or anyone else an open invitation to offer an opinion that differs from their own.

And here is the problem with �freedom� fighters like the CPBF. Their freedom is just a set of terms that only they agree with. The truth has one side in this realm. Certainly, I will pop by the CPBF�s new site in September and take a look � a sort of �Ofcom Watch Watch� perhaps. And my invitation will remain open to them as it remains open to anyone else. No hassle. No stipulations. No restrictions!

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