“Sangita“ - Marsh Family adaptation of “Maria“ by Debbie Harry and Blondie, on Sangita Myska and LBC

This song is about the British journalist and presenter, Sangita Myska. On Friday more than 100 media personalities, activists, broadcasters and lawyers signed a letter in support of her, and there is a petition circulating () that has more than 37,250 signatures requesting her reinstatement to her radio show at the commercial phone-in and talk station LBC – part of the dominant Global media consortium. Myska, an award-winning former BBC journalist, had her weekend show contract abruptly terminated and was ‘disappeared’ with no explanation on 20 April – suspiciously soon after a robust interview with an Israeli government spokesperson. The fact that no-one offered a plausible justification for her treatment, and that she was not allowed a final show, is in keeping with the brutal reality that the commercial media world (like others) is gagged by the plague of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Details of the background here: The classic original by Blondie, of course, which puts a three-syllable female name at the centre of the song, felt a great fit – not least because one of Myska’s early interventions was a programme, “What’s In A Name?” (2012) that considers names, fitting in, and labelling. Debbie Harry sang the original in 1999 which was a No. 1 in the UK, written by keyboardist Jimmy Destri. ___________________________ Support us here: - Kickstarter for our summer 2024 campaign: - PayPal to leave us a tip jar: - Patreon for ongoing support & bonuses: Find our other channels here: Follow us here: - - - - - @marshfamilysongs - ___________________________ LYRICS: The others seem all there! You’ve been kicked off the air Ooh, it makes us wonder why They’ve all signed NDAs And it’s awkward cos no one can say Ooh, degrading James O’Brien! Ooh, don’t you wanna hear her? You wanna reach her on the phone? Sangita You’ve got a censor Can’t explain, just dumped and maligned It’s been a Bad spell for media A corporation stifling rights We’ve seen this thing before It starts with one, then they’re at YOUR door Don’t ask questions, don’t inquire So Global should explain: Is the Stasi coming back again? If not that, then why d’ya fire her? It’s not just about her… Ooh, it’s the way the media’s owned… Sangita Did they mistreat her? Petition that thousands have signed We see ya! Sangita Myska There’s thousands concerned ‘bout your plight Ooh, do her colleagues hate her? Ooh, will she find another home? She talked nice and was fair Put tough questions everywhere Ooh, it’s what more hosts should try Sangita They’ve got to free her It’s insane she can’t speak her mind Obscene - a Free speech controller We need a fourth estate that’s not blind Sangita You’ve got a censor Can’t explain, just dumped and maligned It’s been a Bad spell for media A corporation stifling rights [repeat] ___________________________ Special thanks as ever reserved for our magnificent Howlers (the top category of supporters on Patreon): Alyssa Sangeeta Jacobson Memorial Fund Sandra Vernooy Dan Mccolm Patricia Saucier Ronald Slye Todd Jim the Magician Douglas Lind David Ryan Simon Haslam Dave Lee Lew Mike Smith Andy Riches Cliff Hope Carol Leff Derrick Brown Grandad David Patrao Geeta & Karen