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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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terry wogan is the voice of eurovision,, his meloncolic ramblings and little antidotes thrown in here and there make it that little more entertaning,, sureley with these credential,s mr wogan should become a member of parliment,,, he cannont run the country any worse sureley,, at least more people would listen,, gordon brown and david cameron presenting it,s a knockout they could not mess that up,,, or could they,,, ?????????
Posted by: john20072008 on Tue Aug 12 06:43PM | Report abuseAlso - much reflected in the arrogant attitude and composition of the questions fired by BBC News presenters at primetime guests - guests, some of which are in very sensitive diplomatic situations. Of course, this aggrandized pummeling is oft the responsibility of the 'Producer-In-The-Ear'. For Example: Last night, we had a representitive of the Georgian Government on the 9 o'Clock News. This woman was subject to the most outrageous and shameful pummeling by the main lady presenter for the BBC..... 'Do you want Nato to intervene militarily?' 'But....Do you want Nato to intervene militarily?' 'But....DO YOU WANT NATO TO INTERVENE MILITARILY..!!!??' Obviously the producer-in-the-ear's provoking. Thankfully - the Georgian lady representative was able to handel this abuse - despite what is certainly a very emotional and politically sensitive and dangerous time for her country. At a time when media SERVICE! of peace and justice is crutial, this is yet another example of BBC top level churlishness, outrageous arrogance, and Fat-Cat impatience. Imagine what the Russian contigent might have interpreted or could have done with such an interview - had the Georgian representitive said: "Yes, we do want NATO to intervene militarily." A better question may have been - " Do you think NATO involvement militarily would help the situtaion toward peace - or is even necessary now?" And for the BBC interviewer to accept the answer - graciously...... I am also far from in-agreement with the BBCs interpretation of events in Georgia. Left, Left and LEFT - most certainly it is. John.
Posted by: ausbt on Tue Aug 12 06:44PM | Report abuseMoney rules the world and the BBC is funded by us. Trouble is we're stuck in a celebrity loving merry go round with quality supplanted by voyeuristic dumb down cheap to make shows. Thank God they never made Big Brother, X factor or That i'm stuck in the Jungle thingy. TV has generally dumbed down. More sport and not just football, Rugby is far more enjoyable. Do@#$%entaries and costume Drama which are'nt Dickens period too. I thought Rome was Great.
Posted by: pcoltrane101 on Tue Aug 12 06:44PM | Report abuseits ok i surpose
Posted by: roselyn332000 on Tue Aug 12 06:50PM | Report abuseits ok i surpose
Posted by: roselyn332000 on Tue Aug 12 06:51PM | Report abuseI don't agree with Terry because BBC were never best in the world to begin with.
Posted by: vince2uk on Tue Aug 12 06:51PM | Report abuseSir Terry, we were born within minutes, I have grown up listening with such amusement and comradeship to your shows, talk ins, and whatever, you have never failed to entertain me and my family, We realy think of you as a friend, with your wit , your everyday boy next door attitude, what you have said, is long overdue, The BBC is still way in front I think for the majority of programs shown, but the standard and the quality is being debased by the modern attempt to be with it,! style of direction. Please you the BBC, continue to lead, do not try and copy the Other channels who drive us mad with their Blxxdy adverts every ten minutes (soon to be increased!) , why not Terry for director of the BBC??? he has our vote.
Posted by: martini.tony on Tue Aug 12 06:52PM | Report abuseUnfortunately the standards have dropped considerably but the BBC does still offer the best choice as far as natural history and News goes. Sir Terry Wogan is perfectly correct in what he says though and I have to agree with him in much of it.
Posted by: nigel_m0cvo on Tue Aug 12 06:54PM | Report abuseAgree to some extent, but I feel the BBC is let down by too many mediocre presenters finding jobs for their less than mediocre offspring.
Posted by: macraejane2000 on Tue Aug 12 06:58PM | Report abusethe bbc is rubbish terry wogan is correct it is time for the bbc to get its act together
Posted by: w.brewer873 on Tue Aug 12 07:01PM | Report abuse