Spot on, Peter

You can say what you like about TV's the X-Factor, but it certainly gets people talking. Last night's decision by Simon Cowell to reprieve talentless twins John and Edward Grimes at the expense of Welsh songbird Lucie Jones has been the main topic of conversation in many offices this morning.

At least one regional editor was so exercised by Cowell's behaviour as to feel the need to blog on it, although Northern Echo editor Peter Barron does preface his remarks with the words: "I know I shouldn't get so worked up about a TV talent show, but...."

Peter goes on to pose the question as to how on earth Cowell can slag off John and Edward throughout the competition and then bottle the chance to vote them off the show.

"Could it possibly have anything to do with the fact that John and Edward are guaranteed to generate more publicity than Lucie and, therefore, had to stay?"

Spot on. But as Vicky Frost in the Guardian points out, such naked displays of cynicism on Cowell's part risk killing the goose that lays the golden egg.

She writes: "Jedward are still totally ridiculous, but have now seen off a rather good earnest X-Factor singer, and count Cowell among their fans. By saving them, Cowell has not only destroyed Jedward's appeal – he has chipped away at the programme's too."

Coulsongate

Or should that be The Wages of Spin? Thanks to cartoonist Slob for this take on the potential political ramifications of the alleged News of the World phone hacking affair - it was originally posted on my political blog but I thought it merited another outing here.

Meanwhile regional editors have been having their say on the Guardian claims, with the Northern Echo's Peter Barron calling for a new police investigation.

Wrong Lewis

Northern Echo editor Peter Barron announces on his blog the arrival of new columnist Martin Lewis, who has recently made a name for himself dispensing money-saving tips on GMTV.

I have to confess I initially thought he meant Martyn Lewis, the ex-BBC newsreader who fought back the tears as Tony Blair delivered his famous "People's Princess" soundbite at the death of Diana, and sometime author of that ground-breaking journalistic tome, Cats in the News.