BBC NEWS | Nick Robinson's Newslog

So what's my answer to him? Grow up. It's the job of broadcasters to report politics in the round. Sometimes that means confronting, challenging and probing politicians. At others it involves reporting, explaining and bringing to life what politicians are trying to do for those who elect them. There will always - thank god - be a role for partisan, campaigning or satirical reporting of politics elsewhere. However, it will almost always build on or react to what's on the mainstream media. For example, if they want to comment on what Gordon Brown's planning to do as prime minister they'll rely on someone who can talk to him and those around him to find out. Different folks... different strokes. I'll keep reading Guido and, if he's honest, he'll admit he watches us obsessively and feeds off what we do.

The film can be seen HERE  The Newsnight segment is HERE (starts at 32 minutes)

Pride comes before a fall

Staines made himself look a prat but at least he now acknowledges that fact on his blog (although he seems to blame the editor).  And for all the talk of 'sock-puppets' in the recent blog skirmishes, there are plenty of critical comments being made on his post.  Michael White made him look pretty silly and he even had Paxo coming to his defence. A shame really because as time goes on I dislike White more and more. There was a sneering attitude from the MSM boys who, justifiably on this performance, feel they have little to fear from the likes of Staines/Guido. I almost felt sorry for him!! (I must be coming down with something).

Nevertheless, Staines had a point, as both Paxman and White accepted and there is room for the kind of political coverage he prefers. Indeed it exists and has done for years. Perhaps Staines should read Private Eye a little more often.

UPDATE: There seems to be a bit of sympathy out there for Staines along the lines of - well yes he was a prat and probably shouldn't have done the interview but on the other hand he was mugged by a couple of heavyweights and at least he had a go. The trouble with that analysis is that Staines was clearly driven to do Newsnight by his oversized ego. One commenter said he did well because, after all, he was an amateur against two professionals. That is true and only goes to highlight Staines's poor judgement. No amateur would take on a pro unless he was deluded about his own capabilities. Nuff said.

MORE: Guido's now got a screenshot of himself on Newsnight. It looks eerily familiar...