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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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I believe very strongly that the BBC radio, particularly Radio 4 and it's 'World Service' is by far the best in the world; But have to agree with Terry Wogan's comments on BBC television. As a license payer, it is a bleak time for such things as 'Good Drama' . I'm not suggesting that they are not making new programmes, but it is a far cry from 15-20 years ago;Of which they keep repeating,naturally suggesting that not much new is happening.Love BBC3 etc and will always remain an AVID Radio 4 listener.Mr. Michael Clare, Suffolk.
Posted by: spinster on Tue Aug 12 01:01PM | Report abuseE
Posted by: paulinestalbot on Tue Aug 12 01:01PM | Report abuseI totally agree with Terry. Am I the only person inthe UK who couldn't give a @#$% about Doctor Who and who his latest partner is and how long it takes to make up a Dalek! I resent the amount of space given over to this character every week in the Radio Times and to regularly award "drama of the week" to this ex- childrens programme now dressed up as adult fare, is a travesty that only illustrates the lack of quality drama provided by the BBC nowadays. Please feel free to publish this reply in the relevant section of the RT and let's see how many other people either agree or disagree! Stuart Hammond, Fordingbridge Stuart Hammond
Posted by: hammond317 on Tue Aug 12 01:01PM | Report abuse800k a year! Bloody hell thats rediculse!!! Well they get paid too much flipping money aswell by the sounds of it! Trouble is we are the idiots paying for there wages yet we still get @#$% programs!!!
Posted by: scott.mar on Tue Aug 12 01:02PM | Report abuseThat is a bit strong to say that about an employer? and earning that much...
Posted by: didi6707 on Tue Aug 12 01:02PM | Report abuseThe more left wing the better, and believe me, the BBC is far from left wing.
Posted by: stee_monkey2000 on Tue Aug 12 01:02PM | Report abuseall repeats the licence fee should be s@#$%ped and the option to subscribe just like sky as for 800k for wogan it is about 10 times what he is worth so if I was him I WOULD KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT
Posted by: lister5000 on Tue Aug 12 01:02PM | Report abuseThe Establishment otherwise known as the BBC is as biased as it ever was and the poorer for it.
Posted by: gileswynne1943 on Tue Aug 12 01:02PM | Report abuseTotally agree with Terry and I'm sick of these grossly overpaid ?personalities with Jonathon Ross at the top of the list.
Posted by: t.shaw034 on Tue Aug 12 01:02PM | Report abuseI think Terry Wogan has always been two faced and only presented items that were popular for his image. as for the "Best in the world" comment I disagree but the BBC is presenting far too many repeats.
Posted by: vision.graphics on Tue Aug 12 01:02PM | Report abuse