The BBC’s first Director-General John Reith was reputed to have insisted on its equal representation of all viewpoints. The Corporation continues to claim that it follows his guidelines and annually broadcasts lectures named in his honour, by some prominent expert, chosen by someone dedicated to that principle.
I have heard and watched little on the BBC lately (or any other Western medium) to suggest that there is anybody West of Russia who thinks that perhaps President Putin’s recent behaviour arises from legitimate concern for the security of that much-invaded and despoiled country.
Nor can I recall the BBC giving much of a hearing to Republican, or even Nationalist elected representatives in North-Eastern Ireland during the war imposed on them since 1969.
Anyhow, far from being an upholder of Public Liberty and Private Probity*, Reith was an avid admirer of Adolf Hitler, a tyrant in his own home and a serial adulterer, who, into his 70s paraded vulnerable young women in his office and under his wife’s nose to have his wicked way with them. As a young man he had a long homosexual affair with another young man.
He confided to his Diary (posthumously published) these snippets:-
March 9 1933: “I am pretty certain that the Nazis will clear things up and put Germany on the way to being a real power again. They have been ruthless and most determined.”
After the Night of the Long Knives in July 1934 he wrote-
“I really like the way Hitler cleared up what looked like an incipient revolt. I really admire the drastic actions taken which were obviously badly needed.”
After the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939:-
“Hitler continues his magnificent efficiency”
Reith’s daughter, at the age of 70 wrote a book about him.. She desctibed him as “DICTATORIAL, RUTHLESS AND EXPLOITATIVE”
Though he acquired wealth he was so profligate he left only £75 in his will in 1971.
A monster, if we are to believe what has been written about him.
Although he had a Peerage he had many other GONGS.
He was a KNIGHT OF THE BATH
An honour also conferred on BENITO MUSSOLINI, NICOLAI CEAUSESCU, KEIR STARMER, STORMIN’ NORMAN SCHWARZKOPF (LIBERATOR OF GRENADA FROM THE COMMIES) and others, for services useful to the British State.
*As to Private Probity, Reith had sacked at least one BBC employee for getting divorced.
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