BBC Radio 4's current affairs programme You and Yours discussed yesterday (26th February 2008) issues raised by Nick Davies' new book 'Flat Earth News'.  In the book, Davies claims to expose falsehood, distortion and propaganda in the global media.

"Finally I was forced to admit that I work in a corrupted profession." Davies claims. 

Blaming the cuts in editorial departmental staffing levels which are occurring at the same time as the media is forced to output more and more information (he claims three times more 'space' than in the 1980s) - and this doesn't even include the internet.  Labelling it churnalism, Davies feels that there is too much influence now held by the PR function and believes that only 12% of stories are factually checked.

Listen again to the show here. (Real Player required)

And if you're interested in reading the book, buy it here.

We would love to hear your views on his arguments.