Ben Fenton
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benfenton.bsky.social
Ben Fenton
@benfenton.bsky.social
Media/politics(Washington Corr covered 2 US presidential elections); Fairness - Author of TO BE FAIR https://menschpublishing.com/books/to-be-fair/ Formerly: Chair, Orwell Journalism Prize; FT chief media corr; Telegraph Senior Reporter & DC correspondent
Years ago I saw a brand-by-brand trust survey. The correlation with titles which are now in dire financial straits or have disappeared was marked.
February 10, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Having worked on these in the past, I reckon the UK figure is artificially inflated because it includes BBC, C4 & Sky News. Press-only figure (also inflated by FT, Guardian, Times) I would guess is below 20%.

So below a country (Japan) in which the press is regarded as in thrall to big business.
February 10, 2026 at 10:31 AM
I'd vote for it if it included significant affordable housing, a small community centre for asylum seekers and a miniature open prison (just to remind members to behave themselves).
February 6, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Stupidity is the only explanation for the failure of Farageists to realise that Trump is toxic to most British voters.

Maybe it's in the contract they signed with Putin? "I will faithfully support the actions of other members of the Comintern no matter what."
February 6, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Steer clear of the tables where the bloke has ordered the second cheapest bottle of white wine in the house.
February 4, 2026 at 1:55 PM
You have a point, but what if someone there is having a special dinner for which they have saved for months and in the normal course of their lives could not afford to eat in such a place. Do they deserve punk anarchy?
February 4, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Blurt - "My Mother Was A Friend Of An Enemy Of The People"

or

Pink Floyd - "Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict"
February 4, 2026 at 12:57 PM
When Epstein tells you that you're faithless, you really should be questioning yourself.
February 4, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Got to say I am in favour with anything that reminds people that the passage of time brings profound change in norms.
February 3, 2026 at 10:55 AM