This evening at 7pm, we finished supper and then I went up to the attic to enjoy Channel 4 News. I watch it every day. For 40 years, I have thoroughly enjoyed the breadth of knowledge it imparts from across the globe. So much better than the BBC or ITV.
It is through the news that I get my information. I learnt to read when I was three, looking over my dad’s shoulder as he read his newspaper. Later, I listened to our wooden wireless. Even as I write now, I am listening to the radio. The only time I missed was when my son was born. A few days later, I discovered that I had missed a volcanic eruption in Italy.
This evening I carefully listened to every article on Channel 4 News. As ever, there was a mix of pieces from all over the world.
National
The main headline was about the new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Sunak isn’t an Eton boy, at least. He went to Winchester College.
Earlier, at Prime Minister’s Question Time, Keir Starmer had greeted Sunak very pleasantly and then pulled out the six questions out of the hat for the new PM to answer. Sunak did well for the first three answers, but looked a tad adrift during the last three. Starmer also mentioned the famous lettuce! I suppose it is now just rotting, like the tenure of the previous PM, MisTrust.
Caroline Lucas also spoke: “This is turning out to be a terrifying ultra-right-wing government. Where is the competence, compassion and integrity the PM pledged just a few hours ago?”
Channel 4’s second article was about Suella Braverman, Home Secretary one again. Rather amazing that Sunak has reappointed her just six days after her resignation on a point of national security. This has caused rather a lot of arguments. Braverman’s probably the furthest right of the entire cabinet, similar to the previous Home Secretary, Priti Patel.
And international
World news included coverage of the extremely sad murder of Mahsa Amini in Iran. Tens of thousands demonstrators were yesterday shot at in cities and on university campuses whilst the mantra ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ was chanted by women tossing their hijabs onto bonfires.
Inevitably, the Russians are flexing their nuclear muscles. The reporter, Paraic O’Brien is currently in Odessa and he described the Russian ‘game’. Russia tries to frighten Ukraine and the West, which maybe discourages both. Preparation for nuclear battles and activism are winding along.
The most encouraging yet heartbreaking article was about the people of Mykolaiv, a south Ukrainian town which has been brutally attacked by Russians. A nameless cheery woman was constantly supporting people who were living in impossible conditions.
As ever on Channel 4 News, US news appears near the end. This time, it was about the Arizona Race for Trump. The Republicans are fighting, wishing and praying. Ex-TV news anchor, Kari Lake, is now a staunch Republican and running for Governor of the state.
It’s amazing how much information we can glean in 50 minutes. May Channel 4 provide us with news as interesting as it is informative.
