Calm down dear,
I have been involved in organising similar 'public recognition of our staff' events. I know first-hand what the underlying motives were in both of those cases. While the public/publicity face was similar to this, all the planning meetings were far more revealing. In those cases the highest priority was always to present the STATION in the best light, not necessarily the individual. When one of our awards might have possibly implied that the Station had erred and the individual had 'gone the extra mile' to correct the situation, that award was quietly dropped from the proceedings. In this case, I'd rather have seen the event budget spent on something that could provide tangible reward to ALL the Brize hard-workers - I'm sure a request for suggestions from the Brize personnel could have found something suitable (although it would obviously need to include the chance for the Station exec to don No5s and get the 'grip and grin' piccies into the media
cynical, moi?).
Just my opinion - but if you don't want other's opinions then don't post links to articles on a public forum!
Edited to add - anyhoo, I thought the 'millies' were supposed to cover this role (and they are voted on by the public)?