Sinn Fe… I mean Andersonstown News and Censorship
My blog has now adopted another function…. to report weekly on the Andersonstown News and it’s coverage. Why?
Over a year ago I decided to refuse an award from Belfast Media Group in protest of the Squinter/Adams stuff and ever since then the paper has censored me from their pages. Literally, cut me out of press releases and cut me out of photos when they printed them (but then published the full photo on their website)
If I’m being honest the paper, as a NEWSpaper just doesn’t measure up. They need exposed for what they are: unprofessional, poor, partisan, stalinist, spineless with amateur editing. The paper is a farce if ever there was one.
Take today for example, 14th May. I am taking part in the Lisburn Half marathon, along with Alex Attwood in aid of Tiny Life.
Now that’s a nice story isn’t it? The paper has the head line, ‘SDLP members going on the run’ (fair enough) but it’s print only mentions Alex, why does it say ‘members’ and then only mention one?
Well that’s because it’s been censoring me for over a year for having the ’cheek,’ as one person put it, to criticise the paper over it’s handling of the Squinter/Adams farce.
The SDLP has been recording every instance of censorship that the paper shamelessly and regularly indulges in, including altered photographs. The report will soon be launched.
The paper should be exposed. Anyone who has been censored by the paper, who dislikes it’s partisan view of the world, who believes it’s a waste of tress should comment.
P.s. did they run the story about SF claiming excessive expenses from your pockets… what do you think?
May 14th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Shame on them! Hope the fundraising is going really well for Tinylife, yourself and Alex are to be equally commended for your charitable efforts!!
May 14th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Cllr Matthew McDermott
you have too much time on your hands… get a life…!
good readin in the andytown today!
May 16th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Matt
this is excellent work - using the web to get across information that otherwise would be covered up. The likes of the Andersonstown News will have to learn that the days when controlling a local paper meant you could control local thought are hopefully coming to an end. It’s a big task but good luck.
And we thought we had problems with the Derry Journal up here! Not exactly a great read (unless you want a sloppily composed Sinn Fein newsheet!).
May 16th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I actually have never heard of you. Maybe thats why they dont print your pic! Just a thought.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Good man Matt - I will sponsor you ! Shame on Andersontown news. I think you have a valid point about the censorship of you -The SDLP are working hard on behalf of people in West Belfast.
June 1st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
The Andersonstown News seems to be a mere Sinn Fein propaganda tool and is complicit in a mainly uncritical support of the party, its policies and its leadership. This is not healthy for democracy as the newspaper is patently failing to publicise legitimate alternative views to allow the people of West Belfast a more balanced view of the goings on in the area and let them to make more informed decisions.
June 4th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Not really sure what you expect. Most newspapers have their own political alignment and agendas. The recipients of these media outlets are capable individuals. They will read what they choose and interpret these publications accepting and rejecting as they see fit, (in otherwords, people are capable of making up their own minds and do not necessarily believe all they read or need to be told its total nonsense). And to be honest it is only the Andytown news…. shouldnt you be seeking solutions, not headlines….?
June 10th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
you mentioned a report on the censorship. has this been released yet? If not, when do you plan to issue? Would be interested in reading over this if/when available…