What are the media stories making today's newspapers? allmediascotland dives in….
Not surprisingly, Friday's apology by the News of the World – that it was not just one reporter, and a private investigator, who were involved in hacking into the voicemails of famous people – continues to dominate the news agenda.
The Scotsman devotes almost all of page 8 with claims that as many as 7000 people might have had their voicemails hacked into, according to a lawyer – Charlotte Harris – who is described “representing several celebrities”.
And another lawyer, this one representing actress, Sienna Miller, is reported saying their client does not intend accepting the financial settlement being offered by the News of the World, as part of its apology, preferring instead that all relevant information be fully disclosed.
The Scotsman, the Scottish Daily Express (page 9) and the Scottish Daily Mail (page 30) report fears that Prince Andrew and his two daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, may have had their phones hacked into, following a story in the News of the World's sister title, The Sun, that Eugenie's bodyguard had thwarted thugs who tried to mug her in Cambodia two years ago.
As widely reported, the News of the World apology was “unreserved”. The Herald (page 9) also reports claims that “thousands of people could have been affected” by phone hacking. It quotes Harris too (as does the Daily Record, page 6), plus also mentions Sienna Miller's lawyers confirming she intends to pursue her legal case against the newspaper.
Peter Hain, Shadow Welsh Secretary, is quoted calling for a “full and proper public investigation”, while Coalition Government minister, Danny Alexander, is also quoted, saying the hacking is “a very serious scandal”. In The Scotsman, Alexander is quoted describing the hacking as “outrageous”.
In the Daily Record (page 13), columnist George Galloway – who claims to have been a victim himself of phone hacking and, indeed, was extensively quoted last week saying he had been show, by police, evidence confirming as much – has a pop at News of the World owner, Rupert Murdoch. And, in a separate piece, he asks: “When the police know senior parliamentarians are being hacked by a dirty digging operation for commercial gain, in what kind of democracy is that allowed to go unchecked?”
In The Scotsman – page 36 – the chief executive of STV, Rob Woodward, is the subject of a full-page profile by senior business writer, Erikka Askeland. There's discussion about the station's decision to opt-out from screening network shows such as Downton Abbey. Woodward is quoted describing as “delicate” a legal claim by ITV against STV, about the opt-out policy, and a counter one by STV against ITV. He is quoted, saying: “We are ever searching for ways to come to an amicable solution before we end up in the High Court.”
Askeland adds “he is also leading an aggressive charge to drum up business in the US”. She continues: “But if Woodward had a mantra, it would be 'digital strategy'.”
Elsewhere, radio broadcaster, Chris Evans, is widely reported having been late for his stint co-presenting BBC Radio 5 live's coverage of the Masters golf tournament, which concluded yesterday. The Daily Record (page 20) says he forgot when the show was “due to tee off”. The Herald (in brief, page 12) says he was 25 minutes late. The story appears also in the Scottish Daily Express (page 16).
Following the Grand National on Saturday, the BBC – which covered the event extensively – is reported to have received complaints that a presenter inappropriately described two equine fatalities as “obstacles' on the course. But, says the Scottish Daily Mail (page 10), one presenter, Claire Balding, “appeared close to tears as she eventually told viewers there had been two 'equine fatalities'”.
Also in the Mail (page 18), it's being reported there is “an impressive photographic exhibition extolling the role of women broadcasters” being staged at BBC Television Centre in London's White City, to coincide with the centenary of International Women's Day. But the report also has a dig at the Corporation, as more than hinted at in the headline: 'Has beens? Now they're heroines'. Says the paper: “Pride of place has been given to Miriam O'Reilly, who was presenter of the BBC TV show, Countryfile…..That's the same Miriam O'Reilly who won a landmark age discrimination case against the Beeb in January…”
Other media stories:
* You can be a 'normal woman and a TV success', the Sky Sports News presenter, Hayley McQueen, is reported to be saying, in a page lead in the Scottish Daily Mail (page 25).
* Scottish Sun columnist, Martel Maxwell, is signing off. “This is my last column for the Scottish Sun,” she begins. “So I thought it a fitting time to reflect on a few memories from the past 12 years – the first half in London and second in Glasgow.” She ends, saying: “I've had a ball working for – in my view – the best paper in the world and I'm thankful for the opportunity. I'm a Sun girl through-and-through and will be buying my copy every day.” The Scottish Sun, page 13.
* STV is planning a return of the Rebus detective drama, after a four-year break – Scottish Daily Express, page 15, The Scotsman, page 11.
* SNP MSP, Sandra White, is reported calling for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton to be broadcast not on BBC One, but BBC Two.
* The widow of the late TV presenter, Tom Weir, is to oppose a wind farm plan – The Herald, page 3.
* The new format to the TV show, MasterChef, is said to have been prompted by contestants in the previous incarnation 'cheating' – The Scottish Sun, TV Biz, page 2.
