Tomorrow's Business Today
Westminster Sources
IPSOS MORI periodically does a survey of hack attitudes to various big companies in return for a few quid. **
Aside from buying a few drinks, the survey serves to remind journalists why we chose a job where we get to be the ones asking the questions, rather than answering.
The latest had a new, unusual poser: what did we think the journalistic profession should do to bolster public confidence in our work?
Off the top of my head, I had little. Now I have thought about it, how about this:
That political hacks stop taking dictation from “sources close to” a particular politician and demand those people go on the record, or shut up.
That method has been particularly noticeable during the Tory leadership race, an endless parade of pieces bumping up one candidate or another without any attribution.
I understand why it happens, but Westminster hacks have been complicit in this for far too long. It would need some brave editors to stick to a revolution.
From memory, at the very start The Independent opted out of the so-called lobby system and refused to take unattributed briefings. This didn’t last long but seemed important at the time.
The effect of the “sources close to” stuff is considerable.
The reason why we have Liz Truss as a possible next Prime Minister is that she is very good at flattering newspaper editors.
Which led to lots of positive, unattributed coverage and in turn MPs’ votes.
She has yet to persuade the public of her merits.
Our Find Out Now poll this week asked which of Rishi Sunak, Penny Mordaunt and Liz Truss should lead the nation.
Rishi came top, with Penny second and Liz some way behind.
Younger people in particular have no truck with Truss. And Mordaunt beats her, or would have done, including among women.
You can see the full results below.
*£200
Press release of the day
More than 30 million Brits are seeking additional sources of income as the cost-of-living crisis bites says this from Avon.
This is rather a shift from the recent “great resignation” narrative – things have changed quickly.
Tracey Powers at Avon says: “Whilst people are continuing to feel the pinch, entrepreneurial Brits are finding ways to make up the financial shortfall, not least to help them afford essential items, but also enable them to continue funding life’s little luxuries.”
Some people have started evening newsletters, apparently.
Stories that will keep rolling
1) What is insurer Beazley’s bill for Ukraine?
2) Can tax cuts really decrease inflation?
3) Who is most to blame for travel chaos?
4) What is the best route out of crisis for Italy?
