Disablement protesters stage demonstration outside BBC Broadcasting House
Disablement protesters yesterday protested outside BBC Broadcasting House in London over the corporation’s lack of coverage about the effects of government cuts.
The BBC, and other broadcasters, have failed in recent times to report on major demonstrations concerning Tory policy such as ‘bedroom tax’ and ATOS decision making.
There is a belief with a large section of the working class and those unfortunate enough to be unemployed that ‘middle class’ luvvies running the beeb don’t cover the truth of Britain as it simply doesn’t effect them. Others feel they’re scared of what the Tories may cut at Aunty Beeb if they actually did cover the harsh reality of a Conservative Government on millions of vulnerable people – TV Critic Queenie
Demotix report that a mix of protesters, some in wheelchairs, staged a protest outside of the corporation’s London HQ over the broadcasters failure to report truthfully the effects of government cuts, particularly on the disabled.
The protest was organised by Disabled People Against the Cuts (DPAC) and the Scottish Black Triangle anti-defamation campaign in defence of disability rights. Around 15 people, including four in wheelchairs, met at a nearby cafe to discuss final plans before making their way with legal observers and a few photographers unnoticed to the main entrance of the BBC building. – Demotix
The protest saw virtually all the main doors to the corporations complex blocked as protesters spread across the front of the buildings entrances with banners and speeches. Issues raised centered on the lack of coverage by the BBC to report in news programming the ‘real hardship caused by ATOS assessments’ and ‘benefit cuts and caps and the bedroom tax’.
It’s like when all media outlets report ‘unemployment is down’ how many have actually died? Or are still claiming but are in ‘training’ (such as A4e and the like) where they’re still paid benefits but are not listed on the figures? There is a culture of people who are ‘benifits for life’ but that is the minority – most want to work and this unelected government seems to be just about filling their pockets, and their pals companies pockets, while they can – because they can. – TV Critic Queenie
Demotix also note that the protesters wanted to get across that they are not asking for special treatment for the disabled, but for full, accurate and impartial reporting. Despite requests for talks to be held with the BBC by Disablement the beeb declined to engage in discussions about the lack of their coverage, mainly nationally, of protests.
Figures show that many poor and disabled people are having to turn to charities and food banks for assistance. And while Britain can offer assistance to overseas countries, I feel maybe we should make sure our own are safe and well first before looking to try and impress on a global stage. The cuts have shown just how selfish as a country we’ve become with an ‘I’m alright mate’ attitude by many who currently are unaffected by the Tory profiteering. – TV Critic Queenie
Photographs from the protest can be seen here at the Demotrix site.
