Last week, I watched a very aggressive journalist named Faisal Islam interview Michael Gove on Sky TV. He interrupted constantly, wagging his figure and was clearly highly animated. Tonight, I watched a journalist also called Faisal Islam interview the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, on a Sky debate. His style and demeanour was utterly different. There was little challenge, no finger jabbing and a moderation that distinguished him utterly from the Michael Gove debate.
Shortly after Corbyn’s turn, the “old” Faissal Islam returned to the Sky screen when he interviewed Nigel Farage. Here we were back to the aggression and finger jabbing style. I conclude that there is only one Faisal Islam and that we have not all viewed a Jekyl & Hyde character. What I think we have seen is a lefty journalist who has used his position to support the Remain cause and has allowed his political prejudice to shine through his TV appearances. Now, this is Sky which is not subject to the requirement for the BBC to present a balanced view but neither is it Channel Four which is clearly there to present a view from the left.
So, what has happened to the Murdoch empire which has traditionally been anti-EU? Is he allowing editorial freedom which I doubt or is he trying to face both ways. I suspect this would not be entirely out of character. We shall see, I hope!