Newsnight and the Naked Prince

I recently applied for a work experience position on Newsnight's production team. During the online application they invited me to write a critique of a recent episode. I took it upon myself to liberally slag them off. I'll let you know how it goes.

In responding to your prompt I feel compelled to address the issue of the naked photographs of Prince Harry, a discussion about which was broadcast on 22nd August.

The issue here was threefold. First, what are the general implications of Prince Harry’s actions in Las Vegas with regard to the monarchy’s domestic and international reputation? Second, further to the public’s perception, do media outlets like the BBC, alongside tabloid and broadsheet newspapers have a responsibility to reprint the pictures not only as a public interest piece, but also given the constitutional relationship between the British citizen and the royal family. Third, what ramifications has the Leveson Inquiry into Press standards had for newspapers and publishing groups?

A roundtable debate of the topic was introduced by a video link narrated by Kirsty Wark. Markedly, the BBC on this occasion elected not to show the photos of Prince Harry. Indeed, not only did they choose not to broadcast the images, which, I will argue, they had a responsibility to do, but they similarly failed to acknowledge or explain their decision.

And so, while the viewing audience was challenged by the vocal swipes of Vanessa Feltz and Max Clifford (in sandals and Bermuda shorts), over the table hung the essential problem of not having actually seen the images of which the guests spoke.

At the core of the BBC’s values stands the proud declaration of honesty, independence, and impartiality. In this case, the Newsnight team demonstrated an inexcusable lack of courage and conviction in failing to show the images; impartial and independent they were not. What’s more, by ignoring the matter, and remaining silent about their decision, they showed inexcusable dishonesty, totally averse to the values, guidelines, and reputation of the organization.

Prince Harry, a member of the royal family, to which the general public pay a not inconsiderable amount in taxation, is potentially a future king of the British Commonwealth. In so doing, he would become the head of the state, the head of the armed forces, and the head of the church. Newsnight were right to question their guests about the rather irresponsible actions of the prince, but they would do well to question their own actions concerning their obligations to the fee-paying audience.

To conclude I would argue strongly that whether the decision to withhold the photographs was borne out of reverence towards the prince, a reaction against the scrutiny of the Leveson Enquiry, a choice taken in light of the ready availability of the images online, or simply a show of respect for Harry’s privacy, the decision ought to have been expounded and opened for discussion to the guests on the show.