A CCTV programme on BBC1 as I write…
…billed as an investigation into how the UK is the most watched nation on earth, and all the other CCTV soundbites, but seems to rather more of a promotion of it.
Here is a link to the listing on the BBC website.
Fifty minutes in and we get one comment about a potential impact on society (from Assistant Information Commissioner Jonathan Bamford).
UK Liberty 
This has to be the nearest we have seen so far to a classic Big Brother propaganda film.
If Bamford’s comment was supposed to be the balance, it leaves a lot to be desired of the BBC.
I feel compelled to agree.
His was the only comment that could be deemed negative, and how long did he get? Say, a minute at the most?
So, fifty minutes of for, one minute against, and another nine minutes for.
I wonder if part 2 will even things up.
I doubt it.
Yes I thought it was very one-sided – it was almost a ‘posh’ version of umpteen other police-and-CCTV shows. Very disappointing, not enough balance.
Not that I watch it, but I seem to recall Jamie Theakston doing the voiceover for a regular BBC1 programme on CCTV/police in a half hour slot.
A Google search didn’t reveal the title but this review of a similar programme to tonight’s was among the results.
This I fear is a sign of things to come, social conditioning by TV.
I’ve been working on a much more critical and extensively researched documentary about CCTV in Britain for over two years – it premiered last March at an Austrian film festival, and it was a huge success, considering that this was a no budget film: It became one out of five most popular films of the festival.
You can check out the trailer on the official film website http://www.EveryStepYouTake.org
The film will come to a film festival in Britain this year, but I cannot yet confirm a specific date or location. It will be available for download later this year.
Please feel free to leave comments or questions on the website! I’m happy to answer all your enquiries.
Regards
Thanks Mr Leitner, I watched the trailer – I look forward to seeing the full documentary.
As someone that works within the CCTV industry, I have to admit I found the programme positively embarassing.
The subject of video surveillance, good or bad depending on your viewpoint, is worthy of a far more informed and accurate interpretation, and this regrettably was not it.
As a less than balanced promotional piece for the wonders and benefits of CCTV, it just about hit the spot.
In terms of presenting a truthful representation of the current situation, the few learned talking heads failed to provide the level of informed comment and interpretation, that the british public have a valid right to expect.
We live in hope for part two, but I for one will not be holding my breath.
Has anybody seen or recorded the second part that was broadcast yesterday?
Tim Aldrich saw it.
get stufed