Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Tuesday’s front pages are dominated by images of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the scene of alleged war crimes in Bucha, Ukraine – where hundreds of bodies, believed to be civilians, were seen in the streets.
Another lead story for Tuesday’s papers is the privatisation of Channel 4 which has seen a ‘fierce reaction’ from some in the media industry over the sell-off plans. The front pages pay tribute to British actress June Brown, best known for playing Dot Cotton in Eastenders, who died on Sunday at age 95.
Bucha massacre – Zelensky visits site of war crimes
“Hero leader comes face to face with horrors of Putin’s war,” says the front page of the Daily Mail, while the Daily Express says Zelensky was “overcome with emotion” as he saw first hand “the horrific fate of innocent civilians butchered by retreating troops.”
The Daily Mirror publishes an open letter on the war in Ukraine – written in Russian. The headline reads: “A message to the Russian people…” with “you need to know,” written in both languages. The letter urges Russians to believe the war is an “illegal war” and to ask why young men are being sent to their deaths and who is benefiting from this war.
The Daily Telegraph says its reporters in Bucha witnessed mass graves being filled with bodies so badly decomposed residents were unable to identify them.
Whilst the Times reports the PM is close to making a formal statement about processing asylum seekers in Rwanda after a surge in the number of people attempting to cross the Channel.
Privatisation of Channel 4 – ‘fierce reaction’
The i says officials are expecting “substantial interest” from companies wanting to buy Channel 4. Whilst the Sun claims the price for the broadcaster is at £1bn and says any deal should be completed by 2024.
The Daily Telegraph says ITV is understood to be keen to take over. And the Guardian reports there has been a “fierce reaction” from some in the media to news of the sell-off.
Eastenders’ Dot Cotton – June Brown tributes
Most of the papers feature a front-page tribute to Eastenders actress June Brown who died on Sunday at the age of 95.
The Guardian says as Dot Cotton, Brown “created a great Dickensian character of detail, humanity and colour”.
The Daily Mirror calls her a “national treasure” and “as dependable a fact of British life as fish and chips or April showers.”
Whilst the Sun says her 35-year career as Dot Cotton was “the PUFF of legend.”