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John Simpson, BBC World Affairs Editor

It is, as expected from a reporter of such integrity and experience, an intensely fascinating and clarifying insight into the present foggy turmoil.

Tony Koorlander
Newsroom Magazine

Bideford, Devon UK

It’s Never Crowded At The Top

Listen To John Simpson’s BBC Radio 4, The Report

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Playing Time = 27:50 – Broadcast 6/24/2009

For those who believe broadcast journalism has failed, the venerable BBC stands as a beacon for its future. BBC World Affairs Editor, John Simpson, recently produced an insightful report about Iran aired on BBC’s Radio 4, The Report. It revealed a nation  on the threshold of possible transformation. That transformation may or may not happen as Simpson explains, but what one learns from Simpson’s reports go beyond Iran for they demonstrate the superiority of BBC’s probative, relevant and credible broadcast journalism. This is the BBC at its finest. The foundation of BBC News, where the bar is raised high, representing a level of integrity and reporting that has been its hallmark.

“Today’s network news operations produce and stage news programs intended give the illusion of being serious. Absent the requirements of the NAB code, and little attention to ethical and journalistic standards, anything goes.”

Robert Butche
Television News: Deceptive and Fraudulent

Schooled in the BBC tradition, Simpson emerges as the benchmark for BBC values, standards, ethics and methods. Over the course of Simpson’s four decades of reporting, his assignments included every major international news story since the 80s. Twenty-eight years ago Simpson covered the revolution against the Shah, when he flew to Tehran with the Ayatollah Khomeini. He witnessed the fall of Communism, Tienanmen Square, the Gulf War, the wars in Bosnia, and the end of apartheid in South Africa.

In the late 1970′s I had the privilege to work at BBC News. My flatshare ( roommate ) worked closely with Simpson, and told of a man whose tenacity and zeal constantly took him to the front line. Simpson’s first-rate reporting is evidenced by the stories he has covered throughout his career — the Radio 4 report is another milestone in first-rate reporting.

No Substitute For Experience

Simpson, asked why he always seems to be where the action is, said “I really want to see it, I can’t imagine just reading about it.” And, that is one of the primary ingredients required to become a consummate journalist.

John’s excellent reporting gives a startlingly clear view of Iran from inside. He provides the listener an understanding that comes from a lifetime of experience. This level of reporting is achieved within the structure of an independent news agency — one with a vision beyond commercial return.

When Simpson was ejected from Iran, he took stock of what had happened.  In his 6/24/2009 Radio 4 broadcast, The Report, he describes the surreal disparity of sitting in a serene garden at the BBC and the turmoil he recently left.

Simpson had the advantage of being able to assemble his thoughts on two levels. First, the experiences garnered over the last 10 days, the contacts he make,  and the on-site recordings. Coupling  these revelations with his long-term understandings of Iran, Simpson produced a story both personal and compelling.

Upon Reaching The Fork In The Road, We Took It

No Place To Hide

Today’s truth has no place to hide. Tweeting and blogging are second nature to Iran’s under 30 population.

The Western World’s broadcasters have all trundled off along the path of commercialism, betraying their long term visions for short term financial gains. BBC News, despite numerous structural threats and occasional minor misdirection, have managed to stay on a course that continues to produces a startlingly authoritative and credible news reports such as The Report. This didn’t occur by happenstance, it has been a long term approach, based upon stability of purpose and integrity of individuals. True, unbiased reporting, of this class, begins with an unfettered financial and political model. The integrity, character, and real world experiences of BBC reporters is a tribute to the timeless policies of Auntie Beeb coming home to roost. No rush to pick up the latest copy of a story from another broadcaster.

Here lies the truth – World News at a World Class Standard.  Given the choice, would anyone ask for less?