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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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Good on ya Tel! Keep the Beebs boys on their toes, Asking viewers what they want may be history, but at least somebody can argue a case on the viewers/earwiggers behalf. Tel, there is always a place on IrishVision. Happy birthday, me ol' Limerick mate.
Posted by: e_hruk on Tue Aug 12 07:43PM | Report abuseUnless the comment by Sir Terry has been edited then his comment it about right, and a sad reflection of the times, when Terry started at the BBC there was a different world order, people had self respect even if it meant low pay, now in these days of political correctness and pressure from above not to offend the vocal minority of "do-gooders" everything must be dumbed down to the lowest common denominator. Each and every large organisation has gone the same way not just the BBC, and I also agree with other comments - there is absolutely nothing to watch not just on the BBC but TV generally, they all seem to revolve around mindless "soap operas" and who in their right mind wants to watch that drivel?
Posted by: rgould06 on Tue Aug 12 07:49PM | Report abuseI agree with the comment. Perhaps the BBC could improve its image by sacking some of the overpaid, undertalented presenters they use. Start with Wogan perhaps?
Posted by: pignot on Tue Aug 12 08:03PM | Report abuseterry is correct in his comments ,the bbc is now biased ,with reporters,giving opinions instead of news , every bulleting is sensation & often the actual news is far from the headline suggestion, STUART
Posted by: stuart.rande on Tue Aug 12 08:03PM | Report abuseIt doesn't sound as if Wogan said that BBC is not world class, he is having a go at some staff and management and lack of care and proffessionalism. There again "Wogan says that some staff at BBC are no longer caring" is not much of a headline. In fact why the hell is this a news item?
Posted by: c.warlow on Tue Aug 12 08:39PM | Report abuseWogan has made a lot of money from his employmnet by The B.B.C. In that employment he has the knowledge to give a educated criticism. As for the eurovision song contest.............its about time he woke up and smelled the coffee
Posted by: parrott180 on Tue Aug 12 08:40PM | Report abuseTerry Wogan is stating what most people feel.Certain presenters are well below the standards that should be used by the BBC.After all these people are also role models to many younger viewers,and personally I feel that the need to shock,and to have some special accent is now the norm????.The BBCs programmes are still the best generally.it is just a shame they do not apply the same standards to their presenters.Well done Terry
Posted by: gtdriving on Tue Aug 12 08:44PM | Report abuseI think sir Terry is right and the director general should come out of his ivory tower and talk to people like Terry who want the BBC to go back to being the best and not bow down to the pollicital correct or equal rights brigade. Be a daring BBC again and give value for licence money and not the dross we get now. The warden
Posted by: barry.edmonds2 on Tue Aug 12 08:50PM | Report abuseDB
Posted by: barbaracrickley on Tue Aug 12 08:53PM | Report abuseThe BBCis awash with mindless chat, reality, and cookery programmes. Whatever happened to the good drama, and interesting do@#$%entary's? Thank goodness for DVDs.
Posted by: barbaracrickley on Tue Aug 12 08:57PM | Report abuse