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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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To improve the standard, start by getting rid of Wogan
Posted by: kenneth.ford on Thu Aug 14 07:30AM | Report abuseThe BBC could start by allowing free speech on their comments page and not editing and omiting viewers comments and views.
Posted by: kenneth.ford on Thu Aug 14 08:05AM | Report abuseOf course all the comments agree with Wogan, you do not print those that dare disagree.
Posted by: kenneth.ford on Thu Aug 14 08:19AM | Report abuseOf course all the comments agree with Wogan, you do not print those that dare disagree.
Posted by: kenneth.ford on Thu Aug 14 08:19AM | Report abuseAbsolutely 'spot-on'. The BBC has lost it's way, too concerned now with PC, left wing politics and drivel.
Posted by: paul.maguire32 on Thu Aug 14 11:26AM | Report abuseUnfortunately yes I do agree there has been some shocking blunders with sound output being inconsistant and where mikes haven't been working - however apart from the fly on the wall type programmes and such like most programmes are of good qulity content unlike other TV broadcasting channels where it seems they have run out of good quality ideas
Posted by: valerie.bennettokay on Thu Aug 14 05:29PM | Report abuseTerry has told you from an internal perspective. His view reflects mine as a receiver of radio and T.V. I have no problem with dialect, mine is Yorkshire, but the spoken word must be audible not jumbled together like machine gun fire or backed by discordant noises or music. Some of the traffic reports are not worth the effort of broadcasting because they are so indistinct and may even be a danger to the motorist.
Posted by: george.h.wright on Fri Aug 15 07:06PM | Report abuseTW is right the euro contest is a farce and the only thing that makes it worth tuning in is the TW comments he is worth what you pay him but Jonathan Ross ? I wodnt pay him with tap washers
Posted by: thompson965 on Mon Aug 18 04:21AM | Report abuseDoes anyone think it a bit funny he is making this comment just a week or so before his new show on Channel 4 starts?
Posted by: nataliecurran on Wed Aug 20 09:39AM | Report abuseWell now,good old Terry fancy biting the hand that fed him and made him very very rich over many years. Goes to show you cannot trust anyone once they have made it and retired. I for one still rate the BEEB highly they still turn out some fab programmes,and despite its licence fee knockers long may it continue.
Posted by: arcwall on Sun Aug 24 10:04PM | Report abuse