Tony Blair recently offered his opinion of 24 hour news media. In a recent statement, the former prime minister described such organizations as ‘feral beasts’ that ‘just want to tear people in public life apart’.

The speech was delivered at an office of the Reuters news agency. Many would argue Mr. Blair was in the presence of the most tremendous ‘feral beast’ of all (note the “Who Mongers Most” section on this page).

Guy Dresser of Reuters reacts to Tony Blair’s recent statements in a post online. The Reuters editor seems, surprisingly, to be in favor of Mr. Blair’s view. Below is an excerpt from Guy’s blog.

Tony Blair came to the Reuters HQ in London’s Canary Wharf to vent his spleen on the media and finally tell it how it is. His speech, billed as being about public life and leadership in the media age, turned out to be a 35 minute blood letting as he savaged the modern 24 hour news media as a ‘feral beast’ which just wants to tear people in public life apart.

He did pause to admit some responsibility, acknowledging that New Labour had assiduously courted the media and spent rather too much time worrying about what the papers said.

But the overall theme of his presentation was one of damnation. The press was ruining people’s lives, trampling over their personal affairs and making many Front page of the Independent newspaperthink twice about the wisdom of engaging in public life.

As a Reuters journalist I hesitate to wade in with an opinion. In a previous incarnation at Associated Newspapers, home of the Daily Mail, I would not have been so reluctant. Indeed, it would have been expected.

Perhaps the most troubling statement is Guy’s own - admitting he is afraid to express his personal opinions at Reuters, indicating he may be displeased with practices in his industry and perhaps is using Blair’s statements as a way of highlighting shared concerns.

We’ll follow up with Guy and see what more we can learn.

For more media reaction to Tony Blair’s speech, click here.

For a news agency that shares Mr Blair’s sentiments, visit Fearless News.