Recent articles
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...
Comment on this article
Please sign in to add your comments.
User comments
No earning much.How about the £1200 per hour he gets for doing children in need !
Posted by: sgafleming42 on Tue Aug 12 07:25PM | Report abuseIts so sad. I remember visiting a museum in holland and seeing a radio, hidden by its owners during the war who used it to listen to the BBC. It's tragic when such an organisation has become a government mouthpiece and a purveyor of dross masquerading as entertainment. I think the rot set in when the government savaged it over Iraq and the David Kelly affair. It never quite got its confidence back...
Posted by: bisk8lad on Tue Aug 12 07:25PM | Report abuseI agree with him and his comments about the eurovision. plus I hate how the bbc makes people pay a tv license because of them.
Posted by: simpleprincess3 on Tue Aug 12 07:27PM | Report abuseHe's not wrong!
Posted by: iamnotanumber8885 on Tue Aug 12 07:27PM | Report abuseThe BBC has, over the last 35 years been partly responsible for the dumbing down of the population.The quality of programming has reduced, due to competition and being a slave to viewing figures.They are responsible for the nations obsession with everything celebrity,producing visual fast food to be consumed by the brainwashed in our society.They represent the view of which ever government is in power,not wanting to bite the hand that feeds it.I used to trust what was said on BBC news,not anymore,they are merely a mouthpiece for the 'real' people behind the sham,which is,'Democratic Government.
Posted by: ptrwlmsly on Tue Aug 12 07:27PM | Report abuseMaybe he is correct.But after all that the BBC have done for him.I think he ought to go himself very quickly if he is not so happy.He is neither the person he once was. A pity he attacks the people who pay his massive wages.I would not keep my job after saying such things.But then again he can afford to be so abrupt now.
Posted by: spikc2004 on Tue Aug 12 07:28PM | Report abusefor someone who thinks the BBC is no longer the best in the world, he doesn't mind taking home a huge pay packet. not complaining about that is he????
Posted by: gwpjnr on Tue Aug 12 07:33PM | Report abuseIn the greater scheme of things, this may seem of minor interest. I am just watching the news about the Russia/Georgia conflict and am in agreement with Sir Terry about the political nature of the voting system. Not only that, why is Russia competing in `Eurovision` anyway?! It seems blatantly obvious that Russia should not be participating as it is not part of Europe. No wonder the Russians won; so many of the other participants were too frightened not to vote for them!!!
Posted by: simpro on Tue Aug 12 07:33PM | Report abuseI disagree with Wogans comments. The BBC is still by far the best, e.g. look at how many people in the world listen to the BBC World Service and learn to speak English.
Posted by: david.webb1415 on Tue Aug 12 07:36PM | Report abuseMy happiest dream is Wogan, Ross, Moyles and Evans on a free fall jump and I packed the chutes, now thats what I call saving money.
Posted by: wrenn4sale on Tue Aug 12 07:42PM | Report abuse