Wogan slams BBC

Tue Aug 12 10:23AM by TV Editor

Terry Wogan

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Veteran broadcaster Terry Wogan has launched an astonishing attack on the BBC saying that it is no longer the best in the world.

In an interview to mark his 70th birthday, Wogan told Radio Times: "When I started, people who worked for the BBC knew they weren't earning as much as people in commercial television, but they did have the satisfaction of knowing that they worked for one of the finest, if not the finest, broadcasting organisation in the whole world.

"I'm not sure they feel that any more, or at least that it means as much as it used to."

He also revealed that when he sent in his first audition tape he had forgotten to rewind it and says if he had tried to join today he would not be guaranteed a job:

"I can tell you, if I was a young chap coming over from Ireland today, they probably wouldn't even listen to my tape, let alone rewind it.

"Somehow, that old-fashioned thoroughness and commitment have disappeared. I suppose no one has the time for it anymore."

The presenter, who reportedly earns £800k a year, also gave his strongest hint yet that he will no longer present Eurovision due to the political nature of the voting. He said: "I've had so much fun, but I think it's time for someone else to take over."

Do you agree with Wogan's comments? Is the BBC no longer a world class broadcaster? Let us know what you think...

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User comments

  • (1)

    I believe that the BBC is still the best in the world but the world standard has dropped.

    Posted by: jdetre on Tue Aug 12 12:26PM | Report abuse
  • (2)

    Wogan is correct : The BBC is too Left Wing

    Posted by: rebship on Tue Aug 12 12:27PM | Report abuse
  • (3)

    A very accurate comment

    Posted by: neil.govier on Tue Aug 12 12:29PM | Report abuse
  • (4)

    Sadly, I think he is right, good Old Auntie BEEB days are over. However, I think it still ranks very highly in the pecking order.

    Posted by: lvc.xpd8 on Tue Aug 12 12:29PM | Report abuse
  • (5)

    Couldn't agree more. As aspirational writer, I sent in a script for a sitcom, but because I forgot to send in a self-addressed envelope it was disregarded, regardless of it's quality (or maybe even lack of it!).

    Posted by: richardmunnings on Tue Aug 12 12:29PM | Report abuse
  • (6)

    Sir Terry Wogan (why have you ignored his title in your article??) is a respected and reliable commentator on the world of entertainment and broadcasting. His views reflect my own and, I believe, those of the majority of tv licence-payers. The BBC no longer produces quality television across the board and has not done so for the past 10 to 15 years; there are some real televisual gems of course, but they are islands in a vast sea of dross. Most evenings I can find nothing worth viewing - and "Bonekickers" is the worst dross ever.

    Posted by: brotherdave on Tue Aug 12 12:30PM | Report abuse
  • (7)

    The BBC still produces some superb programming, Top Gear, Doctor Who and the likes, but is consistently let down by some poor quality programming and sport coverage that is resonably dire. They then try to blame the whole thing on governing bodies who demand too much money when every governing body of every sport ideally wants to see their sport on terrestrial TV. And i still dont understand why there are 2 channels that sit there showing a blue screen for half of the day, and then BBC exec's claiming there is no space in the schedule for things people want to watch (case in point, the 'Match of the Day for Rugby' campaign!)

    Posted by: stephen.pearce on Tue Aug 12 12:32PM | Report abuse
  • (8)

    Sir Terry Wogan is a respected commentator who certainly reflects my own views. A company that can churn out garbage such as the recent Robin Hood fiasco and that dreadful Bonekickers needs a kick itself. Good for you, Sir Terry!

    Posted by: brotherdave on Tue Aug 12 12:32PM | Report abuse
  • (9)

    It's about time somebody in the business spoke out. Over time the BBC has deteriorated to the level of the gutter press primarily due to it’s holier than thou attitude and self opinionated approach.

    Posted by: brianfdavies18 on Tue Aug 12 12:32PM | Report abuse
  • (10)

    This comment echoes what I have heard from BBC associates. Too big to care anymore - It is refreshing that someone of Wogan's calibre can be and indeed is so forthright in his comments... he speaks for thousands of rank and file. who think precisely along these lines. Greatness sometimes breeds arrogance... BSO - Wales

    Posted by: mairlys on Tue Aug 12 12:33PM | Report abuse