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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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What exactly does BBC stand for...Browns Broadcasting Company
Posted by: markdowns_uk on Tue Aug 12 06:27PM | Report abuseI agree, BBC is @#$%! It cant meet world standard
Posted by: ftf20gb on Tue Aug 12 06:29PM | Report abuseWogan is right, I believe too that it is too left wing. Also, Jonathon Ross should not be paid the salary he is, he is never worth it and it is us the licence payers who are paying his salary.
Posted by: sheila.sears on Tue Aug 12 06:30PM | Report abuseHe is right sadly, The BBC is no more than a state braodcaster telling you what to watch and making you pay for it more and more each year...BYE BYE Beeb Beeb Ceeb
Posted by: helenduffy2000 on Tue Aug 12 06:32PM | Report abuseSadly the BBC has been a commercial channel for quite a few years. It even gets away with blatant advertising on shows like Something for the weekend on Sunday mornings. Just to mention one. The news is bias and too much money is wasted on morning chat shows presented as news. It's public money but public opinion as usual, seems not to be reflected. Also the high wages that presenters,both radio and TV are paid is far too high. I agree with Mr Wogan, and if he is paid £800k, that's a lot of our money too! The BBC should not be allowed to put on programmes that advertise commercial musicals, "in the guise of finding a singer" as if we care. If makes some people feel they are involved in the choice. Public money should not be used to pay for auditions! The BBC needs to stand alone.
Posted by: safeasmilk57 on Tue Aug 12 06:34PM | Report abuseThe BBc is still the best terestrial channel, however with the onset of nation wide digital channels I think it will need to up its game
Posted by: tam.white on Tue Aug 12 06:39PM | Report abuseTerry's right, & we have no way not to pay as, so say, the licence is for 'a receiver' but all the money goes, or so we are told, to the Beeb! We are in a downward spiral in society as a whole, respect & control has all but vanished, the government SAYS they want to do something about it yet they still allow the likes of Ross & Brands language & mucky little jokes for the entire world to see. I want to be entertained when I turn on the telly, not feel embarrassed at foul language used for so called entertainment! (& by the way, Im a biker so Im not easily shocked!)
Posted by: warbird01uk on Tue Aug 12 06:39PM | Report abusehes probably right but sadly it extends way beyond the BBC its the things are in general and its SAD
Posted by: thunderchild64 on Tue Aug 12 06:40PM | Report abuseI believe the BBC is still one of the best in the world but then these days thats not saying much. They do still produce some excellent programmes, Doctor Who being one of the best. Perhaps if the BBC were to raise their standards the rest of the world would be forced to follow? Unfortunately I can't see this happening any time soon.
Posted by: laura92_2005 on Tue Aug 12 06:42PM | Report abuseI completely agree. Where are all the exellant programmes the beeb were famous for. Im tired of reality tv as if we all have goldfish brains. GET A GRIP BEEB, and do what you do best
Posted by: eileensmithy on Tue Aug 12 06:43PM | Report abuse