The UK’s Post Office Horizon IT scandal was one of the UK’s greatest miscarriages of justice involving IT and the public in Britain. It resulted in more than 700 sub-postmasters and postmistresses charged or prosecuted for theft – even though financial losses were judged much later to be the consequence of a defective Horizon IT … Continue reading Heroes of the Horizon Post Office Scandal
Broadcasting
Trump and the Evolution of Political Communication
All conventions on the norms and practices governing political communication, particularly around presidential communications, have been shattered by US President Donald J Trump. The Israel-US War on Iran provides a recent example. In the first 48 hours of the War on Iran, the US administration gave mixed messages over its rationale and aims, justifying the … Continue reading Trump and the Evolution of Political Communication
CITI MEMORIES by A. Michael Noll
[Colleagues are celebrating Professor Eli Noam's illustrious career as he retires from directing the Columbia Institute for Tele-Information (CITI) and his professorship at the Columbia Business School. I am delighted to post A. Michael Noll's personal reflections on Eli's career with the permission of the author.] CITI MEMORIES A. Michael Noll January 5, 2026 Introduction … Continue reading CITI MEMORIES by A. Michael Noll
Stand with the BBC
As an American living in the UK and a strong supporter of the BBC, let me simply urge the BBC not to be intimidated by anyone or allow criticism of mistakes it made to undermine your morale and visionary mission. You are the gold standard of broadcast news – not just public service broadcasting. Your … Continue reading Stand with the BBC
The Training of America’s Apprentice President
The Training of America’s Apprentice President: An Explanation of the Crisis in American Pluralism? American presidents have come from a variety of backgrounds, from military leaders to lawyers and more. Many local politicians have been real estate agents as both involved working with residents and businesses. Arguably, however, Donald Trump has come into his office … Continue reading The Training of America’s Apprentice President
A Hippocratic Oath for Asking D. Trump Questions
Journalists should consider a Hippocratic Oath before asking Donald Trump anything! I do not own a newspaper or media outlet, nor am I an editor of one. However, as a concerned reader and viewer, may I advise journalists not to ask Donald Trump questions that could have important implications? People or nations could be at … Continue reading A Hippocratic Oath for Asking D. Trump Questions
A New Journalistic Technique, Says Bill
Have you noticed that an increasing number of news items are covering themselves by referencing the source - in the headline? My theory is that the Trump administration has brought in so much chaos, prevarication, and failures in fact-checking that trust in sources is declining dramatically. For example, 20 May 2025 Financial Times headline is … Continue reading A New Journalistic Technique, Says Bill
Is Digital Too Perfect?
This blog is authored by A. Michael Noll, and posted with the author's permission. Two applications of digital are in creation and in recording. Digital can be used for audio and for video. Digital computers were used decades ago to synthesize musical sounds. A violin could be synthesized – or any other instrument. But the … Continue reading Is Digital Too Perfect?
Distributed Resistance
Distributed Resistance to the Trump Administration During the early months of the Trump Administration, the President’s flurry of initiatives, such as hundreds of Executive Orders, seem to have caught those opposing his actions off guard, analogous to the proverbial ‘deer caught in the headlights’. Many began to ask about the lack of opposition: Where is … Continue reading Distributed Resistance
Trump Holds the Cards but Lost His Marbles
As an American, I apologise to Ukraine. I am horrified by the US President and VP trying to bully the President of Ukraine. They invited him as their guest in the White House and Oval Office. They then let him be insulted for not wearing a suit and tie before double-teaming and berating him in … Continue reading Trump Holds the Cards but Lost His Marbles