Leading article: Brothers beyond

Thursday 12 November 2009 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

One hopes that the bullock which knocked out David Dimbleby, causing him to miss chairing his first episode of Question Time in more than 15 years, was suitably ashamed of itself. We are hardly so blessed with distinguished broadcasters that we can afford to have their safety threatened by rogue livestock.

Thankfully, the senior Dimbleby's injuries do not appear to have been too serious. With a bit of luck he will be back where he belongs, surrounded by the big beasts of the Westminster farmyard, before too long.

But, like a memento mori, bullockgate does prompt grim thoughts about the future. The broadcasting phenomenon that is the Dimbleby Brothers cannot carry on forever. There will one day be a hole in our national life which two sagacious, talented, smooth-voiced brothers will be required to fill. Yes, there is an obvious heir. But we must ask ourselves: are Jedward truly up to the task?

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in