News of the World – Not in my name

The revelations of the last week have sent me into a self loathing, guilt- ridden slump. No I’m not talking about Imogen Thomas reportedly dating Mr piss on Kim Kardashian in a sex tape Ray J but the unravelling of the illegal and seedy underworld of the News of the World.

For the past three years or so, since I’ve started really sinking my teeth into celebrity goss I have to confess that I have been an avid reader of the paper. I am ashamed to say that I would love nothing more on a Sunday than to crawl hungoverly to the newsagent, or more likely send my boyfriend and then sit trawling the pages seeing which unlucky celeb had been named and shamed that week.

I did not for one second stop to think about where these stories came from and the emotional impact it would have on the people involved to see their lives splashed on the front of a one pound paper. This was perhaps naive on my part or a subconscious decision to ignore any niggling suspicions or feelings of unease about reading it. If I had stopped to think about it rather than being consumed with this unhealthy desire to know about people’s private lives then I don’t suppose I would be feeling like this now.

I feel like a bad person. It is someone like me who drives these papers, I am a part of keeping Murdoch’s wallet brimming over with cash and I have given him a small bit of power a man like him should not be allowed. Growing up my parents always instilled Murdoch hatred in me. While all my other friends were watching Sky, we weren’t allowed it as my parents refused to let Murdoch play any part in their lives. And look at me now, I’m a disappointment to them and to myself.

Watching Steve Coogan on Newsnight last week was the final straw for me. I was surprised that I felt such pain for him and he’s a man who, let’s be honest, doesn’t seem particularly likeable. But why should his life be dragged out in the press in the way it is? People like Coogan should be lauded for their talent. Who cares if he sleeps with prostitutes while snorting coke or whatever it is. It’s got nothing to do with me and nothing to do with you and it certainly doesn’t affect his ability as a comedic writer and actor. Furthermore it is never acceptable to use illegal methods in order to uncover these bits of tittle tattle.

And so from this day on I promise to search out only positive news regarding celebrities and read nothing Murdoch owned. I promise to avert my eyes when I see stories of affairs, alcohol abuse or drug use. I am beginning a crusade to bring people happy, positive and talent-praising news. Celebrity gossip doesn’t have to be bitter and full of hatred but rather a celebration of that person and their achievements in life.

Wish me luck.