And so let the media bashing begin. It's so very easy when things are not reported the way we would like to say "it were the media that done did it". As one side complains of bias, simultaneously the other side will glaring point the finger with the same accusation. It's easily to be blind to the times when our views are broadcast, preferring to only recognise that which we disagree. Only last night did the BBC news feature politicians calling such a lavish funeral ludicrous and undeserved. It's easy to ignore that and continue to yell "BIAS!" because it supports theories held dear.
Again, the media is lumped in together. I hate to break it to you kids but there isn't a matrix that we plug into at the end of the night. Special cookies laced with barbiturates aren't passed around at nightly underground meetings to make us more susceptible to the Leader's message. The 'Media' is compromised of many people just like you. We are not robots. Articles, news pieces, programmes are all a result of experiences borne by the individual. Unfortunately a valid criticism that is often mounted is that the media tends to be comprised of white, middle class males. It's true. If anything this is the great failing of the mainstream media. And so what is reflected is the world seen through those eyes.
A great conspiracy is baseless. To report that the 'Ding Dong' failed to reach number one is the correct way to state that fact. After all, wasn't that the aim? Shouldn't it be reported in that context? To report that the song succeeded in reaching number two would mean editorialising the news which of course would only lead to more grumbling - this time of a left wing bias.
Admittedly, my own personal feelings is that the BBC treated the whole debacle badly. In trying to please everyone, they pleased no one. But that is the great failing of the BBC. It is there to speak for everyone. Its remit is not to be controversial or to provoke. That was the breach that Channel 4 once tried to embrace. The BBC's role is not to be anti-establishment. It is there to provide information impartially. You will find very few polemics there. It is to inform, educate and entertain. On the whole it takes the view that it is there to reflect the voice of the majority. That's where the problem lies. Unfortunately Morrissey fans, the majority of this country is not anti-establishment. Thatcher was genuinely loved by many. She was voted in three times by the electorate. Her popularity amongst Middle England should not come as a surprise. Additionally, time has also dulled the memories of a great many leaving them a fondness for the UK's first female PM.
You may not agree with them but they are there. The situation we are left to deal with is a mix of social conventions which dictate it is tasteless to speak ill of the dead, twenty plus years to let bygones be bygones and a broadcasting corporation who always, always, always errs on the side of the inoffensive.
With all that said, this will fall on deaf ears and people will continue as on the path they feel most comfortable. Don't let the truth get in the way.