Is the BBC leading the charge for the return of good old-fashioned manners? The Londoner hears that Newsnight editor Ian Katz is setting strict new etiquette rules for how to handle possible contributors.
Previously, potential speakers have been shortlisted for inclusion then cut from the programme on the day of broadcast. In February, comedian Helen Lederer took offence when she was brutally dropped at the last minute from a panel on funny women.
Now however, Katz is signalling a change. In an attempt to avoid any hard feelings against the flagship show — which is already suffering flagging ratings — anyone asked on to the programme who does not make it on air must now be thanked, in writing, for their willingness to attend.
Katz has learned the value of impeccable manners the hard way, after publically insulting Labour MP Rachel Reeves last year by referring to her as “boring snoring” in a private message that he accidentally tweeted to his 35,000 followers.
A Newsnight spokesman confirmed that politeness was now the show’s watchword: “Newsnight tries to treat all those we approach as possible guests, as well as those who appear on the show, as courteously as possible.”
Katz himself added: “Some people are always going to be cross with us for one reason or another; I’d rather bad manners wasn’t one of them.” The Londoner salutes this new era of gallant civility — but will it stretch as far as Jeremy Paxman’s infamously brusque interviewing technique?
