Radio journalist saluted for ‘car crash’ Truss interview
BBC Radio Bristol’s James Hanson is among local radio journalists who are set to be recognised by the Broadcasting Press Guild for their “car crash” interviews with former prime minister Liz Truss.
Local radio journalists working across the UK, including in Leeds, Stoke and Lancashire, will be honoured with the BPG Jury Prize at an awards ceremony today.
It follows a proposal announced by the BBC in October that would see local radio stations share more content and broadcast less programming unique to their areas.
Many journalists took part in strike action earlier this month in response to the proposed cuts, which the broadcaster previously confirmed would lead to the loss of 48 jobs across local staffing in England.
A total of eight journalists will receive the award in recognition of their interviews with Ms Truss during her short time as prime minister.
Chairman of the BPG Grant Tucker said: “As an organisation of journalists, the BPG is always among the first to see the value of great interviewing and these BBC radio interviews were game-changing for Liz Truss and her doomed government.
“There is no doubt that the PM’s feet were held to the fire in these eight radio sessions in a way that stood out among so much drama that was happening in British politics last summer.”
During Ms Truss’ interview with BBC Radio Bristol, Mr Hanson began by saying: “It’s hard to know what is falling more since you entered Downing Street – the value of the pound or the Tory poll rating, but on a serious note no one can deny you entered Downing Street with a difficult job on your hands, but you’ve made the situation worse, haven’t you?”
To which Liz Truss replied: “Let’s remember the situation we were facing when I entered Downing Street – people were facing bills of up to £6,000 this winter for their energy. We were facing very high inflation and an economic slowdown and I and the Chancellor have taken decisive action to deal with that.
“From this weekend, the energy bill price guarantee comes in, so people will be facing no more than £2,500 from a typical energy bill. We’ve also taken action to reduce our tax burden and spur...”,
However, before she could continue further, the presenter called her out for giving “the same scripted answer” she had given “to every other local BBC radio station this morning”.
He went on to tell the Prime Minister: “You’ve got the Bank of England stepping in now to try and clean up a mess a government has caused. That’s never happened.”
It is the first time the BPG Jury Prize has been awarded to multiple winners.
It’s hard to know what is falling more since you entered Downing Street - the value of the pound or the Tory poll rating James Hanson to Liz Truss