SacredFacts

Off topic

The most extraordinary thing about the whole England football farrago this week is to learn that 18 months ago the FA had the opportunity to appoint Martin O'Neill - one of the most inspirational managers in the country - and turned him down for Steve McLaren. And now, of course, they've missed their chance. Sheesh ...

The Big Prize

So yes, as a Liverpool fan, I did get a ticket to the match. And for both readers who might vaguely be interested...the best team on the night won. But Liverpool could have taken it. Gerrard was tied down and off form missing at least 3 opportunities that on other occasions he would have put away. It wasn't working in attack - balls being crossed into empty space with no-one there. And Rafa should have brought Crouch on 20 minutes earlier. Still, two European finals in three years isn't so bad...and money to spend on new players for next season...

Bad Karma?

I'm in Athens for a meeting of the EBU. The politics of european broadcasting closely mirrors all other aspects of european politics and reform - on today's agenda - is difficult to deliver. The trip did not start well when my plane arrived at 3am, the hotel had no trace of my booking, the city was full of football fans for the European final - and there was not a room to be had. But I found a hospitable floor in a cafe for three hours. Liverpool's failure to capitalise on their opportunities against AC Milan also bodes ill for the trip. Sometimes, there's just bad karma.

Got to start somewhere...

I have been blogging for a couple of years within the BBC, where I work, and it's proved to be a better experience that I could have expected. I have met interesting people, had great discussions and learned a lot. So time to come out from behind the curtain. This is, of course, a personal blog. All views are strictly my own (and subject to change and revision) and have absolutely nothing to do with the BBC.

Having said that, you won't find me holding forth or being unduly opinionated - or discussing the BBC. A quarter of a century in an organisation committed to objectivity (based on evidence and fact) and impartiality (an absence of bias) have left their mark and formed strong habits and some discipline.

My work blog has been about global issues, journalism, technology and the media. This one will touch on those issues I'm sure - but will have the freedom to stretch out into culture, sport and all those things that are more than work. Let's see how it goes.

And the title? Well, of course The Guardian has properly appropriated the first part of C.P.Scott's famous quote. But I actually prefer the rest of it:

Comment is free, but facts are sacred. "Propaganda", so called, by this means is hateful. The voice of opponents no less than that of friends has a right to be heard. Comment also is justly subject to a self-imposed restraint. It is well to be frank; it is even better to be fair. This is an ideal. Achievement in such matters is hardly given to man. We can but try, ask pardon for shortcomings, and there leave the matter.