Censorship on the ticket of "Don't offend"

[The BBC will use delay to cut distressing live images]

In the name of Truth I ask of the BBC: What do you think are you doing? Now the BBC do not want to offend the viewer. Do not show the truth, if the truth offends. Show not reality in its often gruesome brashness. No, keep them comfy in their armchairs. Let them idle over the perils of mankind; the crimes committed against humanity by brutal dictators; the vile actions of ruthless criminals and sly manipulators. Do not disturb with the cruel reality of the Third World, the illusion of peace and tranquility of the living room in up-market London and New York. Show not the abuse of leaders in the name of freedom. Keep them calm and happy: One could just as well serve viewers a palate of Prozac.

Confirming the validity of news feed is one thing. Parading censorship on the ticket of "Don't offend" is quite another. The BBC has been a notably acclaimed bastion of independent and neutral reportage of the highest standards. I am afraid the age of information control has caught up with the BBC: The hero of news casting has feet of clay after all. The recent heavy-handedness of the British government over the David Kelly affair has scared the pigeons, it would seem.

Woe on you, governors of the BBC. I expected more backbone form you than this pitiful whimper.