Leading article: Brand values
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nothing demonstrates contrition as emphatically as a resignation. So we should give credit to the comedian Russell Brand for bringing his relationship with the BBC to a sudden end yesterday.
The comedian had already apologised to Andrew Sachs for his obnoxious treatment of the elderly actor on his Radio 2 show. But words, though they can be hurtful, can also be cheap. Mr Brand has demonstrated that his regret is genuine by making a personal sacrifice to prove it (although we should not forget that he has lots of other commercial outlets for his talent).
Mr Brand also expressed the hope that his departure will ease the pressure on his fellow BBC broadcaster and partner in that distasteful episode, Jonathan Ross. That hope seems unlikely to be fulfilled. Mr Brand's decision to do the honourable thing will surely, instead, cause the public to wonder why the hugely well-rewarded Mr Ross does not follow his younger colleague's example.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments