Image: Not sure who did original
The original BBC image was shown for a few seconds on Friday 14th October at 6:30pm before a report from the SNP Conference. Ironically, the report was quite positive, presenting the SNP as progressive and liberal in contrast with the Tory government in London. There has been a bit of a twitterstorm and a facebookfuss about the image. To repeat the above, for some reason as yet unknown, BBC Scotland:
- Changed a colour original to a black and white image suggesting the past.
- Adapted the image to enhance a dark shadow on the upper lip suggesting Hitler’s moustache.
- Mirrored the image to make the raised hand salute look like the correct Nazi arm choice
The evidence for 3 is that you can see his wedding ring is now on the right hand when it is clear from other images that he conventionally wears it on his left.
No doubt, complainers will be characterised as paranoid and the image justified on ‘aesthetic’ grounds but the attempted subliminal message is clear to any who have studied propaganda techniques. Remember this earlier example helping to win the election for the Tories?
Image: Conservative Party/PA
The early morning broadcasts, which I am monitoring, on the 14th did not use this image and the report was favourable to the SNP. The report on the 17th did not do damage to or support any of the parties.
Running Total:
Running total 21/9/16 to 17/10/16* Number of reports
Bad news for SG/SNP 17
Good news for SG/SNP 8
Bad news for Labour 1
Good news for Labour 5
Bad news for Conservative Party (CP) 0
Missed bad news opportunities for CP 143 (estimate)
Good news for CP 3
* Monday to Friday only
Talking-up Scotland 
OK OK I admit it, I was wrong
I just didnt think it was worth giving them a chuckle by making something of this,
but I accept subliminal messaging is a powerful tool.
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You’re right, it’s a no win for us
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We can take a positive from this…….. It’s an example of BBC trickery that’s easy to get over to our target voters …… They don’t have to read anything complicated ……everyone can understand a picture…… Good one …….get it shared
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Angus ManNeil SNP MP Retweeted “If they wanted to make Swinney look like Hitler they would have given him hair ” https://www.politwoops.co.uk/p/scottish-national-party/AngusMacNeilSNP/788149696724340736
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I see he deleted it quickly. Surely doesn’t think he has a future. Minister for Youth Policies?
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Complaint submitted:
Complaint title
Use of ‘doctored’ image of SNP politician
Complaint description
The opening background image of John Swinney was shown for a few seconds on Friday 14th October at 6:30pm before a report from the SNP Conference. For some reason as yet unknown, BBC Scotland: 1. Changed a colour original to a black and white image suggesting the past. 2. Adapted the image to enhance a dark shadow on the upper lip suggesting Hitler’s moustache. 3. Mirrored the image to make the raised hand salute look like the correct Nazi arm choice The evidence for 3 is that you can see his wedding ring is now on the right hand when it is clear from other images that he conventionally wears it on his left. What good reasons were there for the above actions? Many commentators on social media have expressed anger at what can be seen as a subliminal message designed to undermine the SNP.
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The response: Dear Professor Robertson
Reference CAS-4054647-DFMGL3
Thank you for getting in touch regarding Reporting Scotland on 14 October 2016 at 6.30pm.
Please be assured that the way the image was used was simply for stylistic reasons for television viewing, and your claims are completely unfounded.
Thank you, once again, for taking the time to contact us.
Kind regards
Stuart Webb
BBC Complaints Team
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Oh, what a tangled Webb we weave
When first we practise to deceive?
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And you cant reply directly to Mr Web. You have to go through the whole make a complaint rigmarole.
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