DISCO DAVES TUNNEL GUIDE
The media
Tunnels are now becoming common place. So much so that the media coverage surrounding a tunnel eviction is less than it once was. That said the media attention a tunneller could get may seem a little overpowering. The tunneller thus can either evade the media and hide away or accept them.
Protesters have become justifiably cynical of the way the media constantly ignores the environmental reasons they are there to start with and instead focuses on how a protester lives in a tunnel and up a tree. They may promise to put out a story on the possible environmental damage a project will cause however when they return to their respective editors, he or she will have ultimate control on what's broadcast. Trees, pollution and the environment are boring. A man or woman underground in a dangerous situation isn't. Such is the way of the media world who crave sexy snazzy storys. Just accept it and give them what they want. Talk about tunnels and watch them beam with delight. Then while you're at it why not charge them an interview fee (£70 to 100)? It's quite possible you'll emerge from a tunnel without a penny to your name and with a fine to pay. They've got the cash and are desperate for a story, make them pay my friend, make them pay. As afterall what goes out that evening on the Tv may not be what you want but at least it's coverage of the eviction and has bought you a hot meal.
Prior to eviction it's not unknown for a fresh faced Tv reporter to arrive on site with a video camera and a big smile. After ingratiating themselves with the tunnellers. They will give the camera to someone who seems responsible and dare I say it gullible enough to film the eviction from within the tunnel. Once the eviction is over the tunnellers will be asked to return the cameras and film to the reporter. The reporter in return may buy the tunneller a drink even a new head torch. In hindsight though this generosity will appear more an insult than a gift. As the Tv companies will be able to use then sell the coverage for a huge fee to other TV stations the tunnellers and the campaign in general meanwhile gains almost nothing. Even if the camera has been supplied by the tv company the film footage is legally yours. You shot it you can thus demand a price. The TV company will try to persuade you to hand over the tapes so they can promote the cause you are campaigning for. This may or may not be true. So to avoid a dispute, agree a contract prior to eviction and sign it only when yourself and other tunnellers are decided on the amount that should be paid etc., with a proportion of the funds going back into the campaign.
Not all campaigns will be bombarded with press. So the solitary camera crew that may turn up after over a month shouldn't be hit with demands for money. Instead subtley mention about money for "next time". The media are polite but shrewd and tough. Be the same or they'll walk all over you.