Editorial comment from Matthew Steeples.
Our editor tells it like it is and he rarely minces his words
Diana, Princess of Wales gave royal phone book to News of the World
Revelations that Diana, Princess of Wales gave a royal phone book to the News of the World royal editor, Clive Goodman, in 1992 are not surprising but provide yet more indication that the whole phone hacking trial is descending into utter farce. (more…)
The Steeple Times offers 15 pairs of tickets to Hope Springs concert
On the 18th March, the amazing savant and “superhuman” known as “the human iPod” Derek Paravicini will perform at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea as part of the Hope Springs charity concert organised by Miller Philanthropy. The Steeple Times has 15 pairs of tickets (worth £120 per ticket) to give to our readers. (more…)
Baroness Marie-Claire von Alvensleben gets off with a suspended sentence
“Don’t kick a dog when it’s down” is a commonly used phrase, but in the case of ‘Baroness’ Marie Claire von Alvensleben I’ll make an exception given that she only received a six week jail sentence, suspended for twelve months, for her racist tirade last December. (more…)
Rebekah Brooks sees off the first of five charges
I am by no means an apologist for Rebekah Brooks but, equally, I have repeatedly argued that she ought not to be the sole scapegoat for phone hacking. Yesterday, after the first of five charges in her trial was dismissed, a milestone was reached and it is one that I suspect may set the way for what is to come in the phone hacking trial. (more…)
Public relations is a business built from hot air
They promise the earth and deliver zilch. Everything’s “the best thing ever” and “better than the best” but don’t hold your breath (as they’ll charge for that too). Monthly retainers are their remit and expense accounts are their guiding forces. Enter the world of PR at your peril. (more…)
Piers Morgan questioned over phone hacking
For too long Operation Weeting has focused on Rebekah Brooks. Now, with the revelation that Piers Morgan has been questioned under caution over alleged phone hacking, Scotland Yard are finally starting to wake up and smell the coffee. (more…)
Bob Crow’s stranglehold on London should cease
This week’s strike action by London Underground staff is illustrative of the arrogance of union barons and reflective of their having too much power rather than being in the interests of the public and even their own members. (more…)
Matthew Steeples suggests that the Conservatives should stop attacking one another and focus on getting out of the coalition
The Conservative Party needs to get its house in order instead of allowing in-fighting to dominate the headlines. The priority for David Cameron has to be ending their coalition with the wishy-washy Liberals, beating Labour and winning an overall majority. (more…)
A call to communicate properly
Today, Monday, is my birthday. I share it with Mohamed Fayed, Mark Owen, Rosamund Pike and Andy Coulson (who cannot be amused by having to spend it at the Old Bailey). On this day in 1606 the trial of Guy Fawkes began and in 1984, Michael Jackson suffered second degree burns whilst filming a Pepsi commercial. In times past, people sent me birthday cards. This year, instead, I’ve received over 200 Facebook posts and it got me thinking about how such mediums have truly changed the way we communicate.
Charles Saatchi launches bizarre attack on Taki
The saying “older but wiser” certainly doesn’t apply to Charles Saatchi who has launched a “furious attack” on socialite journalist Taki Theodoracopulous. (more…)