[doganjo]

I need to let off steam so bear with me! 

I was at the Macrobert Arts Centre (Stirling University Campus Theatre) last week to see the epic film Noah, and again to day to see The Love Punch.

Both times we were subjected prior to the films to what I can only describe as blatant indoctrination on a captive audience  i.e. I had paid for my ticket and made myself comfortable with my coffee and crisps.

What was it?  A film by the NO campaign on why we should vote NO in September.

I don't intend this as another political thread, so PLEASE do not treat it as such.

What I am commenting on is the BIAS that has been perpetrated by a University which should be totally unbiased - on everything, not just this referndum.

Had there been a second film from the YES campaign I would have found nothing to complain about but am I right in thinking this is just wrong!!!!

I mentioned it to one of the staff on the way out and he said they had written  to the company that provides the film package as they had had so many other complaints, but because their programmes are set so far in advance, and it is a complete package that is sent to all the cinemas it couldn't be removed.

I am disgusted! And if I am honest I am a fair enough and sensible enough person that if it had been a YES campaign film on it's own I'd feel the same.

[Lesley Silvester]

You are absolutely right, Annie. That is just not on.

[bloomer]

whilst i agree its wrong in that environment it is paid for advertising like any other product...
 
they are running in the big cinemas as well apparently often to loud booing or at best stony silence...



i have noticed a lot of NO billboards as i drive around the country as well it appears to be the way that NO are spending there budget...


YES appear to have an army of supporters on the ground Leafleting and Canvassing neighbourhoods...


NO can't get bodies moving on the ground so have to use mainstream advertising...


I haven't seen any yet but I can't imagine the entire referendum campaign running without some mainstream advertising from YES maybe they are just waiting till the time is right for them!!!

[Ina]

I fully agree - it does not have a place in a university theatre.

But as with everything: he who pays the piper calls the tune. Just shows you where the money is; and I must say, the less I have of that commodity, the more suspicious I get of anybody who still has some left for anything that goes beyond the absolute necessities of life...

[john and helen]

Maybe, you should look at it from a different angle, look how on here, you all voted against UKip… yet they did better than anyone expected…maybe it a reversed psychology 

but i do agree with you, if they are going to allow adverts on such an important issue..there should be a balance of both side's…..or better still..none at all in a cinema

[sabrina]

Brain washing.

[Steph Hen]

Assuming anyone is free to buy an advert slot, and it's not because someone high up in Mac.Bob is pro union, I have no problem with this.

I don't see the difference between that or a bill board notice in a train station, bus stop or by a public road. I can choose to listen/look or choose to ignore, laugh or question how I feel about whatever subject a little more.

I think it would be wrong if say the uni put up posters for one side or the other and had endless speakers from only that side. The university is nothing like unbiased about everything.

I also think it's good that you complained because you felt unhappy with it.

[Q]

We should insist then that every time Mcdonalds advertises then a matching burger king advert should appear for balance & if burger king dont like the location or the cost then mcdonalds shouldn't be allowed to advertise. 

[doganjo]

I think if you saw the film you might disagree - this is a captive audience, remember, not a drive thru which you can avoid, and the  tome of the film was very very anti YES, to the extent of using child, actors who probably did not know the implications of what they were being told to say.

[lord flynn]

apparently three major cinema chains are banning all ads to do with the vote i.e. Odeon, Vue and one other I can't remember. Any others will follow.


eta http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-27602601

[doganjo]

Good news.  I have advised the  Macrobert centre accordingly.  Thank you for that.

[ggennett]

I think you where quite right to blow off steam If had been there I would not have waited I would have been very annoyerd that any type of political view was forced on me especially when you had to pay to watch it. If it was free and I was made aware of the bias and what was going to be shown then that would be slightly more exceptable but only slightly.
As you said if both views where giving it would have been a little beter but still these types of establishment should be atleast seen to be unbiased or better still just not even get involved,
Sad that a day at the movies has been corupted hope you enjoyed both the of the movies and the tea did not stick in your throat to much.

[doganjo]

I have since heard that ALL mainstream cinemas have removed all films/adverts relating to the Scottish Referendum and have advised the Macrobert Centre of this.

[Lesley Silvester]

 

[john and helen]

Good for you Annie, you should stick up for what you believe in