This is a perfect example of what I mean by calling for fuller reporting and what others mean when they say the media should stop relying on handouts so much. The New Lodge and Mount Vernon are integrating! Huge story, Northern Ireland is saved! If it can happen here it can happen anywhere. What I’m now itching to read is the news backgrounder describing how integration – ok, let’s stick with sharing – is really being advanced. It will win a Pulitzer prize. Or might the story be about making claims for much needed public dosh under any convenient label? The Shared Neighbourhood programme seems laudable but what is actually delivering? How does it work? Close observation required. Have I missed the positive results? Real evidence welcome.
And no, I’m not looking for failure.
I wish it very well.
Former BBC journalist and manager in Belfast, Manchester and London, Editor Spolight; Political Editor BBC NI; Current Affairs Commissioning editor BBC Radio 4; Editor Political and Parliamentary Programmes, BBC Westminster; former London Editor Belfast Telegraph. Hon Senior Research Fellow, The Constitution Unit, Univ Coll. London
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