Andy Malone
The Observer
’The great white shark off Cornwall that prompted Amityville scenes on
the beaches. Anne Widdecombe, the virgin Tory minister, talking about
everything from sex education to asylum seekers and being taken
seriously by the press as a future leader. Oasis splitting up and
getting pages of coverage, when everybody had forgotten about them
anyway. The eclipse - nothing much happened except a minute of darkness,
but we all filled pages with it in desperation. Wills and his
sunglasses, pashminas and Posh and Becks.’
Catherine May
Luther Pendragon
’I am tempted to nominate the Premier League, since football has on some
days dominated home, business and sports news. However, my vote has to
go to Anne Widdecombe, not least because the product she has to sell is
so unpalatable. From prison workhouses to asylum seekers, she has
created a stream of positive Tory headlines.’
Beverley Kaye
The Rowland Company
’Marriage. The umpteenth Posh’n’Becks exclusive; Sue Barker’s reporting
hairdo at the Wessexes’ continental-style ’do’; Channel 5’s own
headliner, Kirsty Young. At the rear was Zoe Ball, who hit the headlines
dressing down, which resulted in her securing her own wedding
documentary. However, the one that didn’t make Hello! was Paddington
station for getting its wedding licence too. So next time you’re waiting
for a train ...!’
Rob Kirk
Sky News
’Anne Widdecombe won the ’while the cat’s away’ award, for firing on all
cylinders, while John Prescott engaged in damage limitation. The eclipse
(the great anti-climax), Prime Ministerial jaunts to the Italian seaside
and any cricket, rugger or football teams called ’England’ share the
wooden spoon for the worst mileage.’
Jon McLeod
Shandwick public affairs
’Stephen Byers picked the consumer debate over whether football clubs
should have exclusive rights over replica football shirts just before
the start of the new season, when many families are forking out pounds
40-plus.
The issue was well-timed and well-covered - outside the silly season, it
would have been a story, but it was the lead story of the day.’
