BBC - "You make it what it is"

[AlterEgo]

This is only vaguely off-topic, but, having watched the debate on the NHS Bill this week, I strongly disagree. Most of the speeches were reasonable and well-informed, weighing up the pros and cons admirably, with none of the confrontational heckling of the other house. The worst contributions were from former health ministers, who were hell bent on simply saying the other party is wrong. This is the true British Establishment at work - not the jumped-up oiks in the Commons - an amazing congregation of true experts working towards what is best for the country. And broadcast by the BBC!

I can't help but agree with you!

Whilst unelected representatives do not sit well in my mind, I admit that the Lords do a very good job. They moderate a lot of poor Acts that come from the Commons and invariably use more common sense. I suspect that's entirely down to the fact that they are unelected, and therefore have no obligation to pander to anyone.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I don't watch much TV, but when I do it is nearly always on the BBC or Channel 4. It's very rare there is something of interest to me on Itv or Five.

I do however listen to the radio every day and it's Radio 2 all the time for me. A fair mix of talking, with some funny DJs, and good music.

Despite this, BBC's broadcasting of political matters frequently displays bias, for example Sarah Montague's introduction to the recent Conservative party conference on the Today programme.

Radio Two is excellent except for the awful Steve Wright. Vine and Mayo are excellent though.

Anyway, I agree with your other two points, Dispatches is quite good on Channel 4, as are some aspects of the Beeb. What I will say for Channel 5 is that they have some good football coverage, obviously that only appeals to some though. As for the BBC's political coverage, I do agree that it is biased, a bit too much Leftism for my liking at times. As for Question Time, I swear they just get in local socialist clubs as the audience.

 

[SS4]

This is only vaguely off-topic, but, having watched the debate on the NHS Bill this week, I strongly disagree. Most of the speeches were reasonable and well-informed, weighing up the pros and cons admirably, with none of the confrontational heckling of the other house. The worst contributions were from former health ministers, who were hell bent on simply saying the other party is wrong. This is the true British Establishment at work - not the jumped-up oiks in the Commons - an amazing congregation of true experts working towards what is best for the country. And broadcast by the BBC!

You raise a good point but do we really need bishops in this day and age? At least they got rid of hereditary peers though

 

[Butts]

One of the frequent asides you hear in connection with the BBC/ITV divide is that "ITV is free" - it may be in theory but obviously relies on advertising revenue to survive.

This advertising budget is built into the cost of goods - it may be invisible but it is there.

The obvious benchmark is when BBC and ITV go head to head transmitting the same event -ie Football or a State Occasion.

There is only one winner and it's normally a massacre

 

[Mojo]

Steve Wright is the best show of the day!

 

[Butts]

Steve Wright is the best show of the day!

He's a good DJ but last time I saw a picure of him I couldn't believe how much weight he'd put on since his Radio 1 days.

Just as well he's now on the Radio and not TV

 

[SS4]

Just watched TV Burp.

For a show allocated the slot 19:15-19:45

It started at 19:14
The middle ad break was 3:53.89 mins
It ended at 19:39

Running time: 30 - (6 -1 +4) = 21 minutes