You might be interested to know that the Alex Salmond Show have issued a press release that deals robustly with a couple of taunts that have been directed against the programme - firstly that it hasn't been a ratings success, and secondly that it's struggled to attract prominent guests because of the reputation of RT. On the latter point, it's stressed that over the first few weeks the show has already interviewed two heads of state (President Michel Aoun of Lebanon and President Carles Puigdemont of the new Republic of Catalonia), two knights of the realm, a former member of the Scottish Cabinet, four Westminster MPs, and also Alastair Campbell, who has recently reinvented himself as one of the leading anti-Brexit commentators. I'm not totally convinced that the BBC's Andrew Marr or Sky's Sophy Ridge could claim to have beaten that line-up over an equivalent time-frame.
As far as the ratings are concerned, they've actually increased significantly since the triumphant headlines about "Alex Salmond's Kremlin TV show getting the same number of viewers as a Taggart repeat" (which on the face of it struck me as an accolade rather than a mark of failure). The 6.30pm showing on 7th December attracted 19,000 viewers, up around 20% since the first episode in November. If anything, the improvement is a surprise, because a programme launched in a blitz of publicity will often lose viewers after the initial novelty wears off. Presumably it remains the case that the overwhelming majority of the show's UK audience live in Scotland, which means roughly 1 in 300 of the entire Scottish population were watching at just one moment in time - pretty healthy for a minority TV channel that not everyone has heard of, and that some don't have access to. But more to the point, the 19,000 figure doesn't even include viewers for the other two broadcasts on the same day, or those who saw some or all of the programme on YouTube - which in reality is most people's point of contact with RT.
By the way, if like me you have a TV package like Virgin Media that doesn't include RT, the channel is live-streamed for free on the website HERE. The next Alex Salmond Show is tomorrow at 7.30am, 6.30pm, and 11.30pm.
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It looks like the Catalan election tomorrow is going to be a frighteningly close-run thing. Barring widespread voting irregularities (which admittedly can't be ruled out), there's not much risk that the anti-independence parties will win a majority between them - but of course this is not really a fair contest, because the pro-independence parties effectively need to clear a tougher hurdle than their opponents do. It's not enough simply to be the bigger of the two camps - only an absolute majority of seats will be interpreted as reinforcing the mandate for independence. The estimates of seats in most recent opinion polls suggest that the majority is on a knife-edge, with potentially just one or two seats tipping the balance in either direction.
There's also an intriguing battle within the pro-indy camp - both the left-wing ERC and Puigdemont's centre-right Junts per Catalunya are vying the be the largest single grouping. Puigdemont has made up ground recently, but still hasn't quite drawn level with the ERC. It's possible (perhaps even probable) that the split in the pro-indy camp will allow the virulently anti-independence Ciutadans to come through the middle and claim 'victory' - although that won't really matter as long as Junts per Catalunya, the ERC and the smaller CUP have a combined majority between them.
Surely it's a majority of the vote that the Catalan independence bloc needs. The distribution of seats is affected by the fact that it takes less votes to get an MP in Girona and Lleida - where the indy movement is strongest - than in Barcelona - where it is weakest. If they get 50%+ of the vote, then there can be no argument and Rajoy will have lost and should probably resign. If they get a majority of seats, but not a majority of votes, then the stalemate continues.
ReplyDeleteActually, I don't see why they should need an absolute majority of either seats or votes. With a significant minority of votes going to an alliance that doesn't owe allegiance to either camp, what really matters is which side outnumbers the other. But at the end of the day, it's hard to see how an absolute majority of seats wouldn't be enough to declare victory in a parliamentary democracy.
DeleteObviously, they can declare victory (though they are running as separate parties with separate programmes this time). But to get a serious change in prospects what they need is 50% plus of the vote. That will create credibility internationally as it will be indisputable that the Catalan electorate in its totality has backed parties that favour independence. It is the international angle that is now vital - Rajoy needs to start being pressured at EU level (if he survives).
DeleteWhat you're talking about is to all intents and purposes a supermajority requirement. Would anyone have accepted that for the EU referendum?
DeleteHello Southam, interesting that you don't use the word 'separatists' on this site as you do on PB. Playing to the gallery here, or there?
DeleteNot playing to the gallery - I just don't want to get into a debate about the difference in being pro-independence and being a separatist.
DeleteYes but you use the two words to describe the exact same people (Puigdemont and the pro-independence Catalans).
DeleteI would argue that once you have advocated declaring independence unilaterally - or have done it - then you move from being pro-indy (which is constitutional) to becoming a separatist (which is not). But it is not an argument that is particularly helpful on this site given that it is a sensitive subject here whereas it is not on PB. There are more interesting things to talk about. But if you want to discuss it I am happy to do so.
DeleteThat presumes that the pro-independence Catalans can realistically and reasonably pursue their desire for independence constitutionally. Recent events rather suggest otherwise. Constitutions are not always reasonable or rational.
DeleteI think the Spanish and EU will want a clear, stable and settled majority in order to give independence - whether that means a supermajority like Montenegro in 2006 and/or a simple majority, but of the entire electorate, is up to Spain.
DeleteI don’t think this election will settle much as it’s be roughly 50-50 again.
"A simple majority of the entire electorate" - what?! Are you serious?! That's a ludicrous threshold. Not even the Yes vote in the 1997 devolution referendum (with a 3-1 majority) would have cleared that hurdle.
DeleteNo, it's not up to Spain to rig a process of self-determination in the manner of its own pleasing. The people of Catalonia must choose their own future. It's their country, after all.
I honestly think that’s what the Spanish govt will demand and how this will end up - they’ll want to be sure that all the non-voters actually want to split from Spain too.
DeleteThe 90% of 42% turnout isn’t enough. The Spanish won’t want to let go based on that.
That is consistent with self - determination.
"they’ll want to be sure that all the non-voters actually want to split from Spain too."
DeleteThis again? Good luck to them if they want to find out what non-voters think.
How are they supposed to determine what non-voters think?
DeleteAssuming the central govt wants to keep its country together, which I’m sure all central govts do, they might as well keep with the assumption that those people are content with the status quo unless they actively vote against it. You can’t prove it either way, which is why the lower the turnout, the lesser the mandate.
DeleteI rather think you make our point for us: it's politically convenient for the central government to claim a no vote = a vote for Spain. Doesn't make it accurate to anyone interested in truth.
DeleteThe lower the turnout, the lesser the mandate for *everyone* involved.
NDK I’m not saying you’re wrong, only that it’ll likely tsk make that degree of clarity before Spain budges. If there’s room for manoeuvre, the govt defending it’s state will use it.
DeleteIt's not about what I would or would not accept, it's about how the independence movement in Catalonia moves forward. For as long as the EU and others remain steadfast in saying that it is an internal Spanish issue, things are not going to change. With a demonstrable, inarguable majority they have a much better chance of building external pressure on Madrid; and if the PP continues to be the PP they will respond in the same destructive way as usual, which will in turn build more international support for independence - you'll start to see national governments and other senior figures call for dialogue and then the process will gather pace towards a definitive referendum.
ReplyDeleteThe EU referendum was a ridiculous exercise whose roots lay in internal Tory party conflicts, which it has done nothing to resolve while substantially weakening the UK. I would never have held it in the first place. I think it was a very different beast to an independence referendum. That said, I think there may be a case to be made for huge, unalterable change to be subject to some kind of supermajority - if only because otherwise the change may not work. But that is not something I have thought too deeply about.
I think you're looking at this issue upside down. First of all, if there is an absolute majority for the pro-independence parties, Rajoy has a problem straight away regardless of what the EU may think. The legally-constituted Catalan parliament will revert to being a 'rebel' body - does he learn to live with that, or does he suspend the parliament and call yet another election? If the latter, how many elections can he realistically call before his whole approach becomes obviously unsustainable?
DeleteI agree about Rajoy absolutely. I don't see how his position is tenable if the indy-bloc gets a majority in seats and votes - but he'll carry on regardless because he is a pig-headed fool (who has done more than anyone else to create the current problem in the first place). What would really help is a Spanish election to get rid of him.
DeleteI am just thinking that as a referendum is where the indy-bloc wants to get to, the quickest way (the only way) to arrive at that point is to isolate Rajoy internationally. That process starts with a majority of the vote. It will still take time, but an inarguable mandate in terms of vote numbers is a significant change to the narrative.
Anyway - long time no speak. For what it's worth, I also think that the EU referendum result makes an inarguable case for a second referendum on independence in Scotland. This is not the status quo that was voted for in 2014.
It will be interesting if that small non-aligned group holds the balance of power.
DeleteI've got Sky and have the show set up to record, does it matter which showing it records from for it to show in the stats? Or does the whole viewing numbers thing still rely on a few folk around the country taking notes on what they watch?
ReplyDelete@Mike - Doesn't matter unless your a special BARB rated household. Ratings are measured much like opinion polls. People may argue but it is the measurement for commercial channels / advertising revenue.
DeleteIt's strange that Leask isn't aware how desperate he sounds with this.
ReplyDeleteIt's like Tom Gordon's articles, they are so petty, he is diminished in every way.
DeleteI was wondering how the ratings were doing, and was also worried they would drop off after the first show. Good to hear they're not.
ReplyDeleteI watch here: https://www.tvplayer.com/watch/russiatoday
ReplyDeleteI find I have to allow an inordinate number of scripts to view RT on their website. I'm like you, a Virgin customer. A bit annoying that both Sky and Free to Air carry it.
I was one of those who badgered them to put STV2 on which happened weeks after it started.
I wonder if I shouldn't pester them about RT. It does after all have an Ofcom license to broadcast.
RT is on Freeview and is drivel Russian propaganda. I seem to recall that Kim Jung Eck was a fan of the Soviets and Russia has not changed much since the Soviets. Still killing the opposition.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the pish you come out with moron being from Russia should suit you with you being a Commie and all but as I thought Fuck puss you are Wee fat Ruthie after all I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas except Wee Ruthie and her Nasty Tory mob which includes you G W ARSE! since you are a Tory Bastard!
DeleteTartan Tory + Blue Tory × Greens = Rough Sleeping, Foodbanks and Jock parasites.
DeleteThat's no way to talk about your Blue Tory masters.
DeleteTrump and Farage are smarter than you Nat sis. They recognise what a fascist Putin is.
DeleteYou're an ultra-right-wing authoritarian toady. Now away back to your crayons; those letters to the Dreary Heil won't write themselves.
DeleteI think the show has got better as it has gone on. Campbell and Hoey both articulated their positions well, an interesting debate from the Labour position. If it continues on that road I think it will do OK. It is attracting more viewers that whatever the BBC Scotland political show they were running at one point.
ReplyDeleteFirst time I have ever watched RT. I have caught a few news bulletins either side of Alex's show. It is OK, much better than I was led to believe from all the flak that was being thrown about.
The Nat si mind is easily pleased when the referendum loser Alex make an entrance. Sad fash.
Delete"RT is on Freeview and is drivel Russian propaganda."
DeleteIn exactly the same way that your pathetic dribbling (see what I did there!!) on here is Fascist Tory propaganda, I assume.
Imbecile!
You should google fascist. Then pre war Scottish Nazi supporters.
DeleteOr, halfwit, you could always provide evidence and links. Oh, I forgot, you don't do that; you merely respond with insults and impotent rage...
DeleteSo you agreed regarding RT. Now do explain how a British elected politician is a fascist!
DeleteI didn't mention RT, troll. All you've proven is that you're as bewildered as you are belligerent.
DeleteYou did mention RT! There are so many Anonymous that you do not know who is who. Perhaps anonymous wan or two etc would help.
DeleteI'm not the one who needs help, dearie.
DeleteYou need something dearie with batteries required.
DeleteWhat you and your Tory masters do in your own time is your own business...
DeleteFingers crossed here for the Catalans although the demographics might be against them.
ReplyDeleteAh, the gonad is still functioning.
ReplyDeleteI am sure all the Jock fash and Catalans will be pleased that Israel has restored its ancient capital, Jerusalem.
ReplyDeleteI can't make my mind up as to whether you are genuine or a spoof account to make UKIP/Tory/Unionists (delete as applicable) look like complete and utter tits.
DeleteSpoof accounts on here specialise in concern trolling. I think the troll really is this wilfully ignorant.
DeleteUkranian Russian interpreter (spy ) arrested in Kiev. A real insider!
DeleteAnd here we have jocko Kim Yung Eck in collaboration with a Russian sponsored TV chanel... He never was a NATO supporter!
QED.
DeleteHandandShrimp, the tits are in your hands. If you need a hand I am here for you.
ReplyDeleteWonder why it is the working class in Catelonia who wish to remain with Spain!
ReplyDeleteThe Jock nat si middle class Tartan Tories clearly support the rich and better off in Catelonia.
Fool.
DeleteThanks for the link to the Alex Salmond Show, James.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been watching through the RT app on iPhone which has been a bit dodgy on the video play, but seems to have got its mojo back now and so will happily play both video and sound. I was beginning to suspect outside interference....
I doubt that my viewing will be captured in any figures, so my guess is that the 19k mentioned is wildly pessimistic a figure for the numbers that have actually seen the shows. If you want to see an overweight Scotsman interviewing a huge range of politicians and allowing them space to breathe and form and opinion, then move over Gordon Brewer, make way for Alex Salmond!
Donald
I am sure you the great tonald will carry the overweight coffin of the great anti British pro Soviet salmund tae his grave in Moscow.
DeleteIt stays up half the night posting snark. Sign of a guilty conscience; no doubt selling out its principles to do the Tories' dirty work hurts in the wee small hours...
Delete