Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

In February 2009, five business journalists were questioned by the government's Treasury Select Committee about how far the media affected, as well as reported upon, the ongoing financial crisis.

All five, including the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Robert Peston, defended their reporting and claimed the media acted responsibly.

The familiar pink sign

Robert Peston says he doesn't believe his reports led to the collapse of Northern Rock, specifically by causing a run on the bank.

He also points out that Northern Rock's troubles were already evident and that its collapse was not simply caused by savers taking out their money.

Answering critics

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Tyne and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wear users and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Newcastle listeners had a chance to question Robert Peston directly when he appeared on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Newcastle breakfast show phone-in on Friday 13 February 2009.

You can listen again to the debate using the link below.

The business editor also gave his view on how the region's economy will fare during the recession and was challenged by the head of the Northern Rock Shareholders' Action Group, Dennis Grainger.

Recording the show at the Sage Gateshead

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Look North also filmed Robert Peston meeting some of his critics face to face. You can watch the report using the link below.

On Sunday 15 February, the Politics Show featured Robert Peston meeting his critics face-to-face in a programme recorded at the Sage Gateshead.

More information and video of the programme is available by clicking on the link below.

Mark Lobel from Newsnight travelled to Newcastle with Robert Peston. Read his account of the visit below, including their taxi ride with a driver with a sad Northern Rock connection.

Watch a behind-the-scenes video of Robert Peston's visit to the North East: