eltonioni wrote:resumably these would be the same media that get a free seat in the same aeroplane as the VIP when they do the big political / trade trips? Maybe if they made their own way .. Beggar the media, let them buy their own tickets...
Aiui, for Ministerial trips, the media are charged, a full 'airline' rate too, and extra for bulky luggage eg camera gear. This was started aiui in 1997 on change of Government and new frugal Chancellor
as a result, some trips actually covered their costs for the taxpayer
Media folk then have a dilemma:
Pay up (and by being on board having the chance of an interview or useful eavesdropping), or
Find a cheaper commercial flight at short notice (running risk of landing at the wrong airport, or wrong time, or being caught out by change of Ministerial plans); if there is one at all (tricky to get to Falklands without RAF!), or
Find alternative surface transport within time (tricky outside near Europe), or
Rely on local correspondents or stringers at the far end (who may not be abreast of subtleties of UK domestic interests), or
Not cover the visit
Having seen how boorishly and demandingly the press pack can behave, while waiting and on board, when returning with RAF from a combat zone, I am all for making them pay through the nose
(mere guide at) Jet Age Museum, Gloucestershire Airport
http://www.jetagemuseum.org/TripAdvisor Excellence Award 2015
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction ... gland.html