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Ingrid Betancourt -- who she?

The parochialism of the UK media plumbed new depths with coverage of the release of the kidnapped Co

By Martin Bright Published 03 July 2008 13:48

I rushed home last night hoping to watch the release of Ingrid Betancourt, the former Colombian presidential candidate held by FARC guerrillas for six years. The story had everything. Revolutionary terroists infiltrated by the Colombian army, government agents disguised as aid workers and the very human tale of a woman who wanted to lead her country almost crushed by years of captivity in the jungle.

Sky News at least covered the event, with their anchor trying gamely to explain what was going on. But as they had failed to secure a Spanish translator it must have been mystifying for most viewers. At one point the poor woman (was it Anna Botting) almost squealed with joy when she thought one of the American hostages was about to speak and completely failed to hide her disappointment when it turned out to be yet another Spanish speaker.

Over on the BBC they didn't even bother covering the event - instead they thought viewers would be more interested in seeing an interview by Stephen Sackur of the fomer head of the Financial Services Authority Howard Davies.

Thankfully, over on CNN, there were some real professionals at work. Clear (and at times emotional) simultaneous translation, footage of Betancourt over the years, experts on the political situation, tributes to the American hostages (who had been spirited out of the country, despite Sky's hopes).

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14 comments

Thu, 2008-07-03 19:45 — knave

I don't know the BBC website on the incident was quite detailed, the trouble Martin you are part of that biased BBC neo con group and anything the beeb does is wrong and is part of the "liberal conspiracy".

Thu, 2008-07-03 21:43 — Robin Lustig1

Martin: you should try listening to the radio more. The World Tonight led on the Ingrid Betancourt story, had an interview with the mother of one of the freed US hostages and a live interview with a Colombian journalist in Bogota.

Fri, 2008-07-04 00:13 — Martin Bright1

Robin -- you are an exception to every rule. I will listen as soon as I have a moment. But meanwhile, you have to admit, the TV coverage was woeful.

Fri, 2008-07-04 00:15 — Martin Bright1

Knave -- no I'm not and no I don't. I have never suggested anything of the sort. I think the BBC is generally great. In this case it wasn't.

Fri, 2008-07-04 10:39 — Palash

C'mon knave, don't stretch that one too far. Web coverage isn't the same as proper coverage on the six and ten. It took a whole day for the Beeb to catch up and place this story properly.

Fri, 2008-07-04 11:18 — genecrabtree920

What a completely pointless waste of pixels this article is. Nothing to say?

Fri, 2008-07-04 13:25 — Petite Anglaise

"What a completely pointless waste of pixels this article is. Nothing to say?"

But we can always rely on timmyAntileft to say less even more! Aren't you at least pleased to see the release of Ingrid and the Americans?

Fri, 2008-07-04 17:59 — knave

I hate to agree with antileft but he is right.

Fri, 2008-07-04 18:39 — genecrabtree920

It is interesting though about what happened. I read Uribe now has an approval rating of 91 percent. Good man, uribe. Im sure that many boneheads here will still dislike him. In 1992 the kidnapping rate was 10 a day. Now its 1 a day. The murder rate was around double what it is today. The economy was considerably smaller, and not growing. It was being classed as a "failed state". Not anymore. Youd have to know absolutely nothing about the situation (or just be a commie idiot) to think that uribe hasnt been good for his country. And yet here we are at the new statesman- let the whining begin.

Fri, 2008-07-04 21:32 — knave

even knave, who can't stand me, and who I can't stand, agrees.
Who said I can't stand you. I feel sorry for you. yes Martin likes Uribe so it hasn't been a complete wste AL.

Sat, 2008-07-05 16:06 — genecrabtree920

Yes, well, who wouldn't feel sorry for someone of superior intelligence? We smart people have a lot more thoughts, and far more complicated lifestyles. Hell, I wish I could enjoy sitting in front of the tv all day watching soap operas and drinking beer. I wish I could be satisfied by "a bit of footie down the pub". Then again, Id rather be pitied than be a moron. Hell, look at you! I bet you dont even have an opinion on Colombia, do you?! I bet you can't even tell the difference between uruguay and paraguay. That's why you and Cybertiger always use such lame, boring come-backs. "I feel sorry for you boo hoo!" You and Cybertiger NEVER mention the subject at hand unless it's something so simple and close to home that it doesn't require any previous knowledge at all. You simply avoid the debate because youre not bright enough.

Hell, it must be pretty sweet being ignorant, but I'd prefer my brain over your useless fluff any day. Go ahead- try debating about Colombia, Knave. Cybertiger? Or just accept the fact that you arent bright enough and do something else. Try Yahoo chat.

Sun, 2008-07-06 09:33 — knave

Antileft
In many ways I have admiration for your beliefs and certainly your conviction. Although your points would be better made without the name calling and your lack of confidence in your own IQ. But you don't threaten unlike our American friends, where it is endemic. Also what would this site be without its own pantomime villain?