In an age where the consumer is supposedly dominant just how relevant is the BBC today?
Do we need a “public service” broadcaster anymore when most of the things it did so well are now done even better by the commercial channels or it simply can no longer afford to compete. I admit that I find the annual demand for a licence fee totally frustrating, especially in view of the lack of regional relevance in an age where increasingly the regions are losing their voice.
I am not suggesting that the competing channels are vastly superior nor that they pay any more attention to the regions but simply that I have a choice whether I subscribe; not for one minute would I trust Rupert to tell me “the whole truth and nothing but the truth” but, then again, I have little faith in most of the media or indeed the ruling classes. Leveson is an expensive charade of dirty doings and, no matter what it costs will change little, leaving most of us dismayed, lacking faith and feeling hopeless.
The BBC has become ever more London-centric as, indeed, has most of the media which cannot be healthy. As an example the recent enforced “move” of various departments to Salford’s Media City has been met with fierce internal resistance resulting in huge additional costs in relation to transporting “stars” up North which we all bear; it is scandalous that we have to subsidise these luvvies. Only a handful of local jobs have been created which is shameful, especially when the regional media is under so much threat. We need more regional representation in print, radio and television and the lamentable response that it is now hard to fill the breakfast sofas with guests should be a cause for joy.
Years ago I read that more people were employed in media than in manufacturing; the BBC makes the case, indeed it will have more staff at the London Olympics than Britain will have competitors totalling 765 against approximately 550 athletes. Take football, for instance, which the BBC clings to via scraps from Sky. A recent Match of the Day “highlights package” featured three pundits offering “critical insight” into the day’s diving contest; none of the expensive “big guns” such as Hansen, Lawrenson, Lineker or Shearer were present but, doubtless, the bums on seats were not cheap; but what value do they add?
Rugby fares little better; in addition to the above we have the wonderfully pointless touchline reporter, often in the guise of Sonia or Jill, with mind-blowing touchline interviews as they incisively enquire of some eight foot forward with a bent nose “did that hurt?” This is job creation on a scale Gordon Brown could barely emulate.
The BBC is simply awash with irritating, self-promoting presenters and the serious stuff is no better. The Business Editor, Robert Peston, is clearly very well connected and extremely bright but his theatrical style often makes it hard to take him seriously. Question Time, supposedly representative of the nation, has become an irrelevance and week after week politicians are allowed to avoid answering any questions; small wonder they behave with such contempt for the electorate.
As for radio, take Five Live which used to be a pared down version of Radio Four; frankly, it might as well be renamed Football Live. Waking up in the hope of a balanced, intelligent, lively news and sport offering to start the day is now impossible and you don’t have to wait long for the day’s first phone-in. This particular form of “entertainment” now dominates Five Live yet each programme still seems to need several presenters plus the mandatory weather, traffic, sport and general nonsense correspondents.
As far as the music offering goes, at my age I should be nestled in the comforting bosom of Radio Two for life, but those in charge of the former haven of easy listening have turned it into a retirement home for ex-Radio One DJs and camp comedians. The resurrection of Chris Evans, at the licence payer’s expense, is baffling; he’s way past his sell by date but the BBC suits have him everywhere; Steve Wright continues to tell every guest on probably the worst show on radio that they are “great”. The weekend schedule is dominated by an endless stream of so called comedians including Norton, Winton, Carr and Lily Savage; who tells them we want to listen to this?
The BBC has become a bloated dinosaur and represents extremely poor value for money. It has little relevance outside the M25 and my argument is that I should have a choice as to whether I wish to purchase as I do with regard to this newspaper. Sky is far from perfect but all I have to do is cancel; I would do so tomorrow with regard to the BBC. Surely it is time for it to enter the real competitive world?
David Bell says
Hi Steve, read your article in the YP last week. It confirmed my long held views that the BBC now simply exists to satisfy itself and its vast entourage of staff. I see they have just renewed the MOTD contract for £200m of tax payers money – it is beyond belief!! Best regards, David
Alan Hind says
Steve, you’re now a YP columnist?! I’ve sent the BBC a copy and they are interested in hiring you as their Olympics correspondent for Bradford. But you have to spend the whole fortnight in Centenary Square next to the big telly.