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Summary: Book Claims To Outline Story Behind Fleet Street (Press, 31 October 1984)
A new book titled "Lies, Damned Lies," authored by journalist Henry Porter, critiques the state of journalism in Britain's national newspapers, particularly focusing on the practices of those on Fleet Street. Porter's work aims to expose the inaccuracies, biases, and arrogance prevalent in the industry, arguing that many so-called "exclusive" stories are fabricated or misrepresented. He asserts that 1983 marked a significant decline in newspaper integrity, noting critical lapses in fair and truthful reporting. Porter elucidates the political bias evident in the media landscape during the 1983 General Election, highlighting how various papers, including the "Daily Mail," "Sun," and "News of the World," openly supported the Conservative Party. In contrast, the "Daily Mirror" and "Sunday Mirror" remained loyal to Labour, while others like the "Guardian" maintained independence. He calls into question the obsession with Royal stories, suggesting that around 70 per cent of reported Royal coverage is fictitious, using examples involving Princess Diana and Prince Charles to illustrate this phenomenon. In discussing the entertainment industry, Porter identifies the blurred lines between fact and fiction in celebrity coverage, demonstrating how cheque-book journalism and fabricated interviews have become commonplace. He recounts notable inaccuracies in reporting, such as misleading headlines about a young girl's age in a lurid story and a fabricated story about a UFO landing, indicative of sensationalism that often characterises tabloid journalism. Porter's ridicule extends to the manipulation of visual media, detailing instances where newspapers have altered photos or used misleading images to create a deliberate narrative. He accuses both tabloid and ostensibly reputable papers of prioritising sensationalism over accuracy, giving examples of significant errors, such as an unsubstantiated claim made by "The Times" regarding "Hitler's secret diaries." The author also highlights instances of manipulation and deception in political reporting, notably the coverage of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's health, where the truth was obscured by government spin. Despite being aware of the misinformation, Fleet Street's response was generally passive, tacitly accepting the obfuscation as part of the typical interactions between the press and the political sphere. In light of these challenges, Porter expresses hope that readers will become more discerning consumers of news, pushing for higher standards of accuracy and honesty. "Lies, Damned Lies" stands as a call to action, urging a re-evaluation of the trust that newspapers currently demand while exposing their penchant for myth-making and deception.
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