'There has to be more to it than fatigue?’: James O’Brien is baffled by the media’s silence on continued train strikes

31 May 2023, 12:44

James O’Brien baffled by media’s silence on continued train strikes

By Alice Bourne

James O’Brien suggests that the reason there is so little media coverage of the ongoing train strikes is that ‘it’s not pushing the same buttons’ that it used to.

As the first of another three major rail strikes began today, James told his listeners: “There has to be a little bit more to it than fatigue, because the Mail and the Murdoch media don’t care whether you’re tired.”

Members of the train drivers’ union Aslef staged their latest walkout, meaning operators such as Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London Northwestern and Thameslink could not run services as usual.

Giving evidence that the rightwing media don’t get tired of certain issues, James said: “Look at what they’ve done with trans issues.”

Read More: Rail walkouts to bring further disruption with strikes impacting Epsom Derby and FA Cup Final

Read More: Tory fury as civil servants threaten strike as they ‘fear being forced to break the law’ over Rwanda policy

He continued: “It never makes the phones ring the trans conversation on any show- but if you’re desperate to torment some culture war and if you're desperate to give the Tories something to hide behind...

“If you’ve been cheerleading for them for 13 years you’re going to be desperate for the transgender story to attract a hell of a lot more attention than anybody in real life gives it."

“It’s insane…so when the unions come along, when this comes along why isn’t it getting more attention?”

James answered his own question: “Because it’s not pushing the old buttons, it's not as easy as it used to be and people don’t hate the unions anymore.”

Trade deals, conclave and Reform UK: LBC’s best callers of the week

Trade deals, conclave and Reform UK: LBC’s best callers of the week

'Vance saw Francis... we might be onto something'

LBC caller jokes that JD Vance's visit to the late pope might've paved the way for an American pope

"Things have to get a little bit dirty"

Caller Alexander thinks that "things have to get dirty" to stop Reform

'They've alienated every single subsection of society'

Caller Phil ruthlessly describes a Labour Party that 'doesn't appeal to anyone'

Caller Peter shares why 'we must remember VE Day'

Caller Peter shares why 'we must remember VE Day'

James O'Brien asks: ‘how does Nigel Farage get away with it?’

James O'Brien asks: ‘how does Nigel Farage get away with it?’

James O’Brien is ‘fascinated’ by caller Will’s story on finding faith

James O’Brien is ‘fascinated’ by caller Will’s story on finding faith

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien and listeners with her analysis of the 'new world order'

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien with her analysis of the 'new world order'

Should the UK take a Canadian approach to dealing with Trump?

LBC callers: Should the UK take a Canadian approach to dealing with Trump?

20,000 Brits die each year because of ultra-processed food

LBC callers give their reaction to findings that 20,000 Brits die each year because of ultra-processed food

LBC caller in Lviv explains how Ukrainians feel betrayed by America

LBC caller in Lviv explains how Ukrainians feel 'betrayed' by America

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien with her take on the state of the West

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien with her take on the state of the West

James O'Brien

Caller John: 'The best way to understand Trump tariffs is Red Dwarf'

James O'Brien

James O'Brien challenges caller to provide evidence of Israeli accountability

James O'Brien

LBC callers share landlord horror stories

Man whose parents were murdered by Hamas on October 7 says: We are on precipice of global war— Peace is possible.

Man whose parents were murdered by Hamas on October 7 says: We are on precipice of global war— Peace is possible