Misha Glenny wants less pressure, more informed hacks

Blogging from the International Press Institute world congress in Belgrade, Roy Greenslade reports on a talk by former BBC correspondent Misha Glenny on the changing work pattern for BBC foreign correspondents. Misha calls for more informed journalists and less pressure to report on multiple platforms,

“When I started at BBC, the model of a foreign correspondent was of a slightly detached boffin,” he said. “These people were like the Mark Tullys of this world, who knew everything about India and everybody worth knowing in the Indian elite.
“That’s all gone. The reporters who know their country now are rare phenomena. What the BBC needs now are young, enthusiastic, energetic people prepared to speak to the World Service one minute, then file 600 words for online and go on to Five Live straight after for a two-way. In such conditions basic reporting, let alone investigative reporting, is impossible.” link

Misha will be talking about Mcmafia, his investigation into organized crime, at the Frontline Club on July 8 and we’ll be streaming the event live on the Frontline Club ustream channel.