Think ‘cancel culture’ is real? We dive into why some controversial media figures just keep reappearing, no matter what. From notorious editors to surprising radio comebacks, the lines between accountability and public forgiveness are blurrier than ever. What does it really take to be ‘cancelled’ in today’s media landscape?
The persistent presence of controversial figures in the public eye challenges the notion that “cancel culture” effectively removes individuals from media platforms, raising questions about accountability and public memory.
A recent Radio 4 “Reunion” series segment brought this into sharp focus, revisiting the tumultuous era of L!VE TV, a late-1990s cable channel helmed by the notoriously controversial Kelvin MacKenzie, former editor of The Sun. This exposé highlighted the enduring influence of personalities whose past actions have drawn significant public condemnation.
MacKenzie’s career is marked by several high-profile incidents, most notably his role in the infamous “The Truth” headline following the Hillsborough tragedy, which egregiously misrepresented Liverpool fans. His tenure at The Sun also included a substantial libel payment to Elton John and his eventual dismissal as a columnist for a racially insensitive comment about footballer Ross Barkley, demonstrating a pattern of controversial conduct.
Despite these significant ethical lapses, the programme largely portrayed MacKenzie as a dominant voice, recounting his efforts to reshape L!VE TV with a sensationalist blend of rugby league, topless darts, and the bizarre “News Bunny.” This narrative arc underscored the often-unquestioned authority of certain media personalities.
The absence of dissenting voices, particularly that of former L!VE TV colleague Janet Street-Porter, who was reportedly pushed out by MacKenzie, left the programme unbalanced. Many potential interviewees declined participation due to unpleasant past experiences, inadvertently creating a platform for MacKenzie to largely control the historical narrative.
In a separate, more reverent media observation, Radio 2 recently aired a tribute to the late DJ Steve Wright. While intended as a celebration of his career, the program highlighted a peculiar haziness surrounding Wright’s personal presence, with carefully curated anecdotes suggesting a guarded public persona even in posthumous tributes.
The broader media landscape also offered a brighter note with a recommendation for Garrett Millerick’s Radio 4 workplace comedy, set in an Alzheimer’s charity. Featuring a notable cast including Fay Ripley and Frank Skinner, this programme illustrates the diverse and evolving nature of audio entertainment, offering a contrast to more contentious media portrayals.
These varied media events collectively reflect on the complexities of journalistic integrity, the lasting impact of public figures, and the selective nature of media memory. They compel audiences to critically examine how controversies are addressed, if at all, and the mechanisms through which figures navigate and endure public scrutiny, prompting further discussion on media accountability.
