Aaron Ackerley
@aaronackerley.bsky.social
Modern British History. Press and Media. Empire. Economics. Knowledge and Power.
Lecturer in British Studies, University of Oslo
Lecturer in British Studies, University of Oslo
Pinned
Vol. 19 No. 1 (2025): Journalistica 2025
| Journalistica
tidsskrift.dk
Happy to see my article 'Editorial control, the division of responsibilities, and journalistic autonomy' in Journalistica is now live.
Available open access here: tidsskrift.dk/journalistic...
#mediahistory #journalismhistory
Available open access here: tidsskrift.dk/journalistic...
#mediahistory #journalismhistory
"The BBC’s most vehement right-wing critics are like arsonists pretending they’re writing fire safety pamphlets."
brokenbottleboy.substack.com/p/arsonists-...
brokenbottleboy.substack.com/p/arsonists-...
Arsonists cosplaying as fire fighters: Why the right-wing war on the BBC is succeeding
The resignation of Tim Davie as BBC Director-General is the next stage in the corporation's collapse into cowardice.
brokenbottleboy.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:22 PM
"The BBC’s most vehement right-wing critics are like arsonists pretending they’re writing fire safety pamphlets."
brokenbottleboy.substack.com/p/arsonists-...
brokenbottleboy.substack.com/p/arsonists-...
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
This is ever more the case now the BBC’s current affairs output has increasingly become, simultaneously, trivialised and dominated by right-wing talking points. To do one of those two things might be an accident. To do both is unforgivable.
If the BBC licence fee could somehow be disconnected between news and non-news output, I suspect the number of people willing to pay to watch its news output would be tiny
November 10, 2025 at 3:14 PM
This is ever more the case now the BBC’s current affairs output has increasingly become, simultaneously, trivialised and dominated by right-wing talking points. To do one of those two things might be an accident. To do both is unforgivable.
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
Michael Prescott's report makes vital points about the importance of being accurate, and also how difficult that is. For instance, he describes himself as having been Political Editor of the Sunday Times for 10 years, which is not what the Guardian reported when he left the job.
November 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Michael Prescott's report makes vital points about the importance of being accurate, and also how difficult that is. For instance, he describes himself as having been Political Editor of the Sunday Times for 10 years, which is not what the Guardian reported when he left the job.
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
This is really scary: even former Tory Davie, the disproportionate coverage of Reform and relentless attention to right wing anti-immigrant talking points have not been enough. Right wing networks want complete capture.
Davie and Turness resignation statements in full www.bbc.com/news/article...
Davie and Turness resignation statements in full www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tim Davie and Deborah Turness resign: BBC statements in full
Director general says "mistakes have been made" but "allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong".
www.bbc.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM
This is really scary: even former Tory Davie, the disproportionate coverage of Reform and relentless attention to right wing anti-immigrant talking points have not been enough. Right wing networks want complete capture.
Davie and Turness resignation statements in full www.bbc.com/news/article...
Davie and Turness resignation statements in full www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
October 29, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
Elon Musk is once again inciting violence on British streets because the government has taught him there are literally no consequences for doing so.
They even carry on using his far-right social network to promote government policy as he does it. The absence of backbone is *astounding*.
They even carry on using his far-right social network to promote government policy as he does it. The absence of backbone is *astounding*.
October 29, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Elon Musk is once again inciting violence on British streets because the government has taught him there are literally no consequences for doing so.
They even carry on using his far-right social network to promote government policy as he does it. The absence of backbone is *astounding*.
They even carry on using his far-right social network to promote government policy as he does it. The absence of backbone is *astounding*.
Happy to see my article 'Editorial control, the division of responsibilities, and journalistic autonomy' in Journalistica is now live.
Available open access here: tidsskrift.dk/journalistic...
#mediahistory #journalismhistory
Available open access here: tidsskrift.dk/journalistic...
#mediahistory #journalismhistory
Vol. 19 No. 1 (2025): Journalistica 2025
| Journalistica
tidsskrift.dk
October 29, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Happy to see my article 'Editorial control, the division of responsibilities, and journalistic autonomy' in Journalistica is now live.
Available open access here: tidsskrift.dk/journalistic...
#mediahistory #journalismhistory
Available open access here: tidsskrift.dk/journalistic...
#mediahistory #journalismhistory
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
I wrote a piece last week about how the Far Right since Trump/Brexit have normalised discussing in public previously unacceptable things.
Tonight’s Peston show: “Is the Reform MP who says she’s driven mad by TV adverts full of Black and Asian people a racist or realist?”
Tonight’s Peston show: “Is the Reform MP who says she’s driven mad by TV adverts full of Black and Asian people a racist or realist?”
October 27, 2025 at 8:49 PM
I wrote a piece last week about how the Far Right since Trump/Brexit have normalised discussing in public previously unacceptable things.
Tonight’s Peston show: “Is the Reform MP who says she’s driven mad by TV adverts full of Black and Asian people a racist or realist?”
Tonight’s Peston show: “Is the Reform MP who says she’s driven mad by TV adverts full of Black and Asian people a racist or realist?”
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
That scene of the Welsh BBC correspondent being the only person interviewing Caerphilly's new Plaid AM while the rest of the media interviewed Reform's loser in the background was far too on the nose.
October 24, 2025 at 1:34 AM
That scene of the Welsh BBC correspondent being the only person interviewing Caerphilly's new Plaid AM while the rest of the media interviewed Reform's loser in the background was far too on the nose.
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
Founded as the British Broadcasting Company in October 1922, the #BBC has sought to ‘inform, educate and entertain’ for a century. Facing an uncertain future, what impact has it had on the past?
⌛️ Last chance to read this archive article for free
www.historytoday.com/archive/head...
⌛️ Last chance to read this archive article for free
www.historytoday.com/archive/head...
What Influence Has the BBC Had on History?
www.historytoday.com
October 24, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Founded as the British Broadcasting Company in October 1922, the #BBC has sought to ‘inform, educate and entertain’ for a century. Facing an uncertain future, what impact has it had on the past?
⌛️ Last chance to read this archive article for free
www.historytoday.com/archive/head...
⌛️ Last chance to read this archive article for free
www.historytoday.com/archive/head...
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
While you were momentarily distracted, Israel has full-on trashed last week’s “ceasefire”, because it can.
"The fear now among people here is that the [Israeli attacks] are endangering an already fragile ceasefire across the Strip."
Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud reports on the wave of Israeli air attacks across Gaza after Israel accused Hamas of ceasefire violations.
Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud reports on the wave of Israeli air attacks across Gaza after Israel accused Hamas of ceasefire violations.
October 19, 2025 at 4:55 PM
While you were momentarily distracted, Israel has full-on trashed last week’s “ceasefire”, because it can.
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
In his latest book, historian @tricksterprince.bsky.social reveals the surprising history of the remarkable neighbourhood of Seven Dials in #London in the 1920s and 30s.
The story he reveals tackles issues - race, class and gentrification - that would define the kind of city London would become.
The story he reveals tackles issues - race, class and gentrification - that would define the kind of city London would become.
October 19, 2025 at 5:24 PM
In his latest book, historian @tricksterprince.bsky.social reveals the surprising history of the remarkable neighbourhood of Seven Dials in #London in the 1920s and 30s.
The story he reveals tackles issues - race, class and gentrification - that would define the kind of city London would become.
The story he reveals tackles issues - race, class and gentrification - that would define the kind of city London would become.
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
In the interwar period, a British media magnate set out to convince voters to stop worrying and love protectionism. www.hnn.us/article/the-...
The Daily Grail
In the interwar period, a British media magnate set out to convince voters to stop worrying and love protectionism.
www.hnn.us
October 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
In the interwar period, a British media magnate set out to convince voters to stop worrying and love protectionism. www.hnn.us/article/the-...
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
How a press baron tried to convince voters to say “yes” to tariffs. www.hnn.us/article/the-...
The Daily Grail
In the interwar period, a British media magnate set out to convince voters to stop worrying and love protectionism.
www.hnn.us
October 15, 2025 at 8:28 PM
How a press baron tried to convince voters to say “yes” to tariffs. www.hnn.us/article/the-...
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
Read @aaronackerley.bsky.social on the Empire Crusade. www.hnn.us/article/the-...
The Daily Grail
In the interwar period, a British media magnate set out to convince voters to stop worrying and love protectionism.
www.hnn.us
October 15, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Read @aaronackerley.bsky.social on the Empire Crusade. www.hnn.us/article/the-...
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
I have a piece out in the wonderful @myhnn.bsky.social Newsletter about the propaganda strategy of the Empire Crusade, and Lord Beaverbrook's efforts to implement tariffs via a nationalistic campaign
If it sounds of interest, please do check it out:
www.hnn.us/article/the-...
If it sounds of interest, please do check it out:
www.hnn.us/article/the-...
The Daily Grail
In the interwar period, a British media magnate set out to convince voters to stop worrying and love protectionism.
www.hnn.us
October 15, 2025 at 11:52 AM
I have a piece out in the wonderful @myhnn.bsky.social Newsletter about the propaganda strategy of the Empire Crusade, and Lord Beaverbrook's efforts to implement tariffs via a nationalistic campaign
If it sounds of interest, please do check it out:
www.hnn.us/article/the-...
If it sounds of interest, please do check it out:
www.hnn.us/article/the-...
The Daily Grail
In the interwar period, a British media magnate set out to convince voters to stop worrying and love protectionism.
www.hnn.us
October 15, 2025 at 11:43 AM
I have a piece out in the wonderful @myhnn.bsky.social Newsletter about the propaganda strategy of the Empire Crusade, and Lord Beaverbrook's efforts to implement tariffs via a nationalistic campaign
If it sounds of interest, please do check it out:
www.hnn.us/article/the-...
If it sounds of interest, please do check it out:
www.hnn.us/article/the-...
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
The entire UK political/media narrative on welfare is that it is "burgeoning", "a burden" & "unsustainable". But how high is it compared to others? UK welfare at 10.8% of GDP in 2023 (including pensions). Finland spends 25.7% of GDP; France 23.8%: both double the UK.
July 6, 2025 at 8:44 AM
The entire UK political/media narrative on welfare is that it is "burgeoning", "a burden" & "unsustainable". But how high is it compared to others? UK welfare at 10.8% of GDP in 2023 (including pensions). Finland spends 25.7% of GDP; France 23.8%: both double the UK.
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
Very happy to see my latest article is now out. It offers a reappraisal of Lord Beaverbrook's Empire Crusade campaign.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
academic.oup.com/histres/adva...
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
academic.oup.com/histres/adva...
‘Power without responsibility’, or power without realizing? Reappraising the Empire Crusade*
Abstract. The Empire Crusade campaign, centred on the policy of Empire Free Trade, awaits a comprehensive overview and has often been understood in an over
academic.oup.com
June 30, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Very happy to see my latest article is now out. It offers a reappraisal of Lord Beaverbrook's Empire Crusade campaign.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
academic.oup.com/histres/adva...
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
academic.oup.com/histres/adva...
Very happy to see my latest article is now out. It offers a reappraisal of Lord Beaverbrook's Empire Crusade campaign.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
academic.oup.com/histres/adva...
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
academic.oup.com/histres/adva...
‘Power without responsibility’, or power without realizing? Reappraising the Empire Crusade*
Abstract. The Empire Crusade campaign, centred on the policy of Empire Free Trade, awaits a comprehensive overview and has often been understood in an over
academic.oup.com
June 30, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Very happy to see my latest article is now out. It offers a reappraisal of Lord Beaverbrook's Empire Crusade campaign.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
academic.oup.com/histres/adva...
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
academic.oup.com/histres/adva...
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
I had a lot of fun last week, discussing the private side of British politics @uio.no, at a brilliant symposium organised by the wonderful @aaronackerley.bsky.social!
June 12, 2025 at 8:32 PM
I had a lot of fun last week, discussing the private side of British politics @uio.no, at a brilliant symposium organised by the wonderful @aaronackerley.bsky.social!
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
Really enjoyed attending @aaronackerley.bsky.social's symposium entitled 'The Private Side of Politics in British History' at the University of Oslo this week. Such interesting papers!I gave one on Balfour's First Promise of a New Palestine in East Africa and the Coloniality of Early Zionism, 1902.
June 7, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Really enjoyed attending @aaronackerley.bsky.social's symposium entitled 'The Private Side of Politics in British History' at the University of Oslo this week. Such interesting papers!I gave one on Balfour's First Promise of a New Palestine in East Africa and the Coloniality of Early Zionism, 1902.
Final reminder! CFP: The Private Side of Politics in British History
A one-day Symposium to be held at the University of Oslo, 5 June 2025.
Deadline for abstracts is today, 30 April. Some funding available for postgraduate and early career researchers.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
A one-day Symposium to be held at the University of Oslo, 5 June 2025.
Deadline for abstracts is today, 30 April. Some funding available for postgraduate and early career researchers.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
April 30, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Final reminder! CFP: The Private Side of Politics in British History
A one-day Symposium to be held at the University of Oslo, 5 June 2025.
Deadline for abstracts is today, 30 April. Some funding available for postgraduate and early career researchers.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
A one-day Symposium to be held at the University of Oslo, 5 June 2025.
Deadline for abstracts is today, 30 April. Some funding available for postgraduate and early career researchers.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
Reposted by Aaron Ackerley
Reminder! CFP: The Private Side of Politics in British History
A one-day Symposium to be held at the University of Oslo, 5 June 2025.
Deadline for abstracts 30 April. Some funding available for postgraduate and early career researchers.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
A one-day Symposium to be held at the University of Oslo, 5 June 2025.
Deadline for abstracts 30 April. Some funding available for postgraduate and early career researchers.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
April 25, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Reminder! CFP: The Private Side of Politics in British History
A one-day Symposium to be held at the University of Oslo, 5 June 2025.
Deadline for abstracts 30 April. Some funding available for postgraduate and early career researchers.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory
A one-day Symposium to be held at the University of Oslo, 5 June 2025.
Deadline for abstracts 30 April. Some funding available for postgraduate and early career researchers.
#BSkyhistorians #BritishHistory