POST-graduate journalism student, Orla Ni Sheaghdha, from Edinburgh Napier University, reviews the media stories in today’s newspapers…
Marvin Baird, who featured in the BBC Scotland documentary, The Scheme – about life on a Kilmarnock housing scheme – is in the papers this morning, blaming his ‘new-found fame’ for his being charged with carrying a knife.
The Daily Record reports (page 11): “Drug addict Marvin Baird yesterday admitted carrying a knife – but blamed the offence on his BBC documentary fame.” The article continues: “His lawyer told the court that Baird had to grab the blade from a jealous boyfriend whose partner was one of a crowd of girls asking for photos and kisses.”
The Daily Record reports that Baird was on a night out with a friend when the incident happened.
The Scottish Sun also reports on the story (page 7): “Reformed junkie Baird, 31, claimed the yob pounced as he signed autographs for fans and well-wishers outside a pub.”
Meanwhile, The Scotsman (page 2 of the Business Section) looks at the appointment of Steven Walker – as reported yesterday on allmediascotland.com – to oversee the classified businesses of STV. The story is also featured on page 26 in the business Section of The Herald: “Steven Walker, the former general manager of publisher News International Scotland has resurfaced at broadcaster STV as director of corporate development.” It goes on to say that he will “focus on growing its classified business and its hyperlocal STV local web service”.
The Herald (page 20) features an article by Jeremy Peat, reflecting on his years in office as BBC national trustee for Scotland, as he steps down from the role. He focuses particularly on the launch of BBC ALBA and its continued development: “I was very fortunate to be involved with the launch of BBC ALBA. Indeed my final involvement as Scottish trustee was to announce the Trust’s decision to approve transmission of ALBA on Freeview.” Peat goes on to talk about further developments of Scottish interests within the BBC and what there is still to be done by his successor.
Elsewhere, the Scottish Daily Mail (page 66) draws attention to MySpace reportedly getting rid of their overseas operations: “MySpace is poised to drop the axe on its international business in a fresh blow to owner News Corp’s online ambitions.” The article continues: “In the space of just three years, the former internet darling has become a social networking has-been after being eclipsed by the likes of Facebook and Twitter.”
Meanwhile, The Scottish Sun reports (page 8) BBC Scotland reporter, Samantha Poling, was attacked while filming an exposé on counterfeit cigarette trade: “One yob yielded a metal pole as the gang targeted the brave BBC reporter and her team at Glasgow’s Barras market.” Poling sustained bruising to her hand. Her work on the documentary continues.
And finally, STV appears to be getting flack from football fans for declining to screen Sunday’s FA Cup tie between Manchester United and Liverpool. Reports the Scottish Daily Express (page 26): “Their [STV] cost-saving decision not to show Sunday’s match, when [Kenny Dalglish] the former Celtic captain’s Liverpool side went to Old Trafford to take on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, has angered football fans.” A film, The Mummy, was screened instead.
A spokeserson for STV is quoted, as saying: “STV made a decision in 2009 not to take FA Cup matches. We are committed to a more relevant schedule for Scotland, which we will continue to roll out in 2011.”
