Stars condemn the Tories over the BBC.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....Tories-plans-BBC.html

Are these stars, really concerned about the BBC being "the most important cultural organisation in Britain and an indispensable part of our society, admired and envied throughout the world".

Or are they more concerned that the trimming down of the BBC, could see the end to their very lucrative gravy boat?

[boxtops]

My dad used to work for the BBC in its very early days and was proud of its maxim that "Nation shall speak peace unto Nation" and its non-biased factual report. It's not the same any more, but we are still paying for it with our licence fees, even thought the majority of what I watch these days is no longer on any of the BBC TV channels.

[Whickerman]

As someone who is from outside the UK and can see just how great the BBC is in the grand scheme of things, I would urge all Britons to ensure the Beeb is ring fenced and protected at all costs.

[Androcles]

The BBC Promise: "Never Knowingly Underpaid"

[craft1948]

To be quite honest I don't particularly value the opinion of these over-rated, overpaid people anyway. The BBC seem to be a bottomless pit for managerial expenses, whilst the same people whinge about lack of money for programme making.

[boxtops]

I agree about the star presenters - people like Jonathan Ross are so full of themselves and so camera-conscious. That's one reason I tend to stick to the radion - and yes I do still listen the BBCR4!

[Zeuhl]

Yes and Yes.

The BBC is a lucrative source of work for many people

It is also incredibly good value for money; £12 a month for a huge range of programming on tv, radio and digital; top quality news coverage etc

Apart from individual programming we could all name as examples of excellence, the funded BBC provides a unique framework for our TV and radio and the development of innovative work and people regardless of its immediate commercial appeal. Other countries (eg USA) may produce excellent product (eg The Sopranos, Friends) but have you ever spent time there and looked at the overall offering - it's dire!

BBC may have political leanings and influences but they can be balanced by its governing bodies. It is a long way better than the insidious controls of Murdoch or other global corporations.

Anyone who thinks saving £12 a month by losing the BBC is a good deal must be an idiot.

[boxtops]

I don't want it to go away, Zheul.

[Zeuhl]

Agreed Boxtops.

Many aspects of the BBC are annoying; the luvvies (I know some of them!) the expenses, the occasional arrogance.

But damaging such an established, successful and unique facility would be the ultimate 'cutting off nose to spite face'

We should remember who asked the most awkward questions of Blair, Straw etc regarding Iraq, Kelly etc

[ItchyMoti]

The BBC tv is of such outstanding quality they could encrypt the signal on Digiboxes and everyone would be happy to pay the subscription.



OK, I am only joking,many people think that the BBC TV is rubbish and they'll only pay for it on pain of a whopping big fine.

[Oneeyedvic]

It is a serious concern.

Murdoch has thrown his weight behind the Conservatives. He controls The Sun, The Times, Talk Sport, Sky News as well as Fox, MGM etc

Every editorial and news story over the last few weeks has been very slanted towards the Tories, and has ridiculed Labour & Lib Dem.

What sort of deal has Murdoch done? Why has he done it?

I really like the BBC - and although people think it has a left wing slant, I don't believe it has - I believe the majority of the press are right wing making the BBC (who are pretty central) look left wing.

Compare the salaries of the BBC stars to other channels, and they are simply paying the market rate.

[anotheoldgit]

Oneeyedvic

Talk Sport slanted towards the Tories????????

Until recently wasn't one of their main presenters, George Galloway, who was not adverse to spouting his extreme Left-Wing views, during every minute of his shows?

[Quinlad]

I think people should be careful what they wish for.

You have to be almost brainlessly unaware of broadcasting to want to castrate an independent broadcaster that - genuinely - is the envy of the world.

Maybe you'd like your sporting coverage interrupted with advertising every 4 minutes? Or maybe you'd like the national broadcaster to be concerned only with ratings in order to please advertisers - so programmes that are bold, challenging, different are sidelined? I could list a dozen programmes that wouldn't have been made on a commericial channel. Or maybe you'd just like the channel to be a mouthpiece for media billionaires?

It may well be that these stars are concerned with their own employment. (Then again, it may be that they don't relish the prospect of working under the say-so of bean counters in suits.)

[Oneeyedvic]

Sorry, Talksport isn't owned by Murdoch - but is in my opinion Tory slanted (look at James Whale and the 2008 London Mayor elections)

[thetruthhurts]

Well said Quinlad. I'm always happiest watching on BBC in the knowledge that my programme won't be interrupted every few minutes by the same annoying adverts. I would rather see twice the current license fee and get rid of commercial TV. I have been known to stop watching a film on itv because of interruptions every 15 minutes

[thetruthhurts]

And of course I didn't awnswer the question posted lol