The Press & the People, Part I

And now: a party-political broadcast on behalf of Hacked Off. You know the ones, they campaign for what they refer to as “a free and accountable press”. Does that sound like I disapprove? I hope not. Because – and I think it important to stick this up as disclaimer right at the beginning – I have worked with them. I support their campaign objectives. I have even consumed canapés at Hacked Off events.

Though, to be fair, I have also consumed mini-burgers and vodka cocktails at a Liam Neeson preview. And evil-themed sweeties at the Maleficent re-launch. Sadly, lockdown, which continues to impact, has put an end to my film-snacking days.

Still, it would be wrong to review with you not knowing my views on the topic and given that this is very much a propaganda film albeit well-intentioned, that is all the more important.

In sum, The Press & the People, Part I is a short, no more than 15 minutes with a very party political broadcast feel to it. Three interviews with three sets of people who have had their lives turned upside down by a dreadful life event – a tragic death, abuse – and for whom the tragedy has then been raised to another level by the way the media have intruded. Individually, because individual journalists and titles seem to feel they have a right to their story; and collectively, because there is a world of difference between one journalist ringing up politely to ask questions…and the media with its blood up, hunting as a pack.

Three interviews, three stories, told in part directly to camera, part in voice-over. The mood, as you would expect, is sombre, serious. The message clear. All creds to director Laura Fairrie, who has a long history of impressive documentary making, including Lady Boss, a feature documentary about iconic British novelist Jackie Collins, and Spiral, about anti-Semitism in France.

My single criticism, which applies, in part to all such works which leverage a particular abuse to highlight the evils of that abuse, is that the film could be accused, in part, of perpetuating the ill it claims to be against. Surely, I hear you saying – or if not you, some Fleet St editor – if these individuals have been so traumatised by the press reporting their stories, why are they repeating them one more time on camera? For a pressure group?

To which the simple answer is: it’s complicated.

I think this is a worthwhile film. It won’t take up much of your life. And if you haven’t thought about these issues before, perhaps it will prompt you to do so.