The Sweeney

Let's kick things off with this.



Here's some background from The Daily Telegraph:

An experienced BBC reporter has been severely reprimanded by his bosses after his 30 second outburst at a member of the Church of Scientology was caught on camera and shown around the world.

John Sweeney, who was investigating the controversial religion for Panorama, lost his temper in a rant that was then posted on the video-sharing website YouTube.

In his defence, Mr Sweeney said that after seven days with the Scientologists he felt he was being brainwashed, while his crew were allegedly followed continuously during filming.

The Telegraph asks: "Is Scientology winning its propaganda war with the BBC?" Some responses:

I wish that *someone* could win a propaganda war with the BBC.

The British people, for instance.
Posted by Jim Good on May 14, 2007 11:05 AM

It's a bit rich of the BBC to accuse others of propaganda and brainwashing. All my life this organisation run by pseuds and liberal intellectuals has claimed the right to set the agenda in this country and shape public opinion. I can't stand Scientology, but I don't have to finance it. I'm stuck with the BBC.
Posted by John Ledbury on May 14, 2007 10:14 AM

Scientology and the BBC are similar in many ways. They are both victims of the fanatical one tracked minds of their staff/adherents. They can't accept views other than their own narrow minded ones. They deserve each other.
Posted by Ben in New Zealand on May 14, 2007 7:43 AM

The BBC has its own agenda just like the scientologists.Both are out to feather their own nests.The BBC has long given up producing news worthy reporting prefering instead to push its own politically correct waffle.As for the scientologists, to me they are akin to the moonies and every other whacko pseudo religious money making machine.
Posted by zorro on May 14, 2007 7:26 AM

I never thought I'd find myself sympathising with Scientologists either, but BBC journalism has just become so prejudiced and unethical in the last 10 years that I'd now be more inclined to believe the Scientologists' version of events than the BBC's. Question: do you think they'd carry out a similar investigation into British Muslims?
Posted by Leo Enticknap on May 14, 2007 7:18 AM