Who shouts for us on national stage?
DEAR Editor, Boris Johnson’s first appearance outside London on becoming PM was in Birmingham. But that barely registered nationally.
However, the very next day we saw the national press and the BBC drooling over his appearance in Manchester and his speech there.
It led news bulletins throughout the day and front pages of newspapers.
Why does the national media have next to no interest in Birmingham – a city with more than twice the population of Manchester?
More importantly, where are the city’s MPs and local leaders, including those in the local media, who are supposed to be challenging the national Birmingham blind spot?
The modesty and laidback attitude of most Brummies is endearing.
But if the city is to thrive there needs to be a dynamic and sustained effort by local leaders to demand and secure more respect for the city from broadcasters, particularly the BBC which milks Birmingham licence fee payers in order to subsidise the economies of London and Manchester, whilst treating the city and wider region with contempt.
Previous lobbying by local MPs has been ineffective, short-lived and easily shrugged off by the BBC.
Our MPs and the West Midlands Mayor do not appear to be the answer. Until the BBC and wider media recognise the special characteristics of the city, reflect the people of the city, and invest in the city, it is difficult to be optimistic about its future.
Anthony James, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield