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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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yes he is right, we pay to much to wach repeats
Posted by: speedy1066 on Tue Aug 12 01:04PM | Report abuseIt is ironic that Wogan's salary and continuing employment is indicative of the drop in standards and increase in expenditure for a lesser return.
Posted by: jimbomurray on Tue Aug 12 01:04PM | Report abuseI totally agree with Terry Wogan.
Posted by: jeffdunning26 on Tue Aug 12 01:05PM | Report abuseNot many programmes worth listening to these days. I really lost interest when Jonathan Ross began Saturday morning broadcasting and then along came the Ginger Whinger so I reach for the "off switch" For goodness sake can you stop Steve Wright singing....it spoils an otherwise good programme.
Posted by: edwardf.harrison on Tue Aug 12 01:05PM | Report abuseFirst and foremost I think he has a brass neck considering the good living the BBC has given him over the years him and his ilk should try and live on what other people have to make ends meet on he and many like him should take a reality check James Quinn j.m.q@btinternet.com
Posted by: j.m.q on Tue Aug 12 01:05PM | Report abuseThey would have done us all a favour if the tape he refers to was simply dumped in the waste paper bin. He is well past his sell by date together with Bruce Forsyth. It's time the youngsters had a chance on network.
Posted by: dickhebborn on Tue Aug 12 01:05PM | Report abuseTerry Wogan is turning into a diva like bitter old man. The BBC (ie - us) have paid him handsomely for his work. You cant put an organisation down as much as he has been doing and then expect them to dig deeply into their pockets (very deeply in TWs case) to pay you when you feel like floating in at your own liking.
Posted by: ktjbhome on Tue Aug 12 01:05PM | Report abuseIts given him a bloody good living
Posted by: smite110144 on Tue Aug 12 01:06PM | Report abusewell well well, is this deluded fool ''terry wogan'' trying to tell us something, we have known for years that the BBC has gone downhill, as for him quitting the eurovision contest, ?? well its the best news we have heard yet,, his snide remarks did nothing for the BBC coverage of the song contest, he has brought the ratings down,and as far as his £800k goes he isn't worth it,' yours sincerely.. MR & MRS W Middleton.
Posted by: bll_mddltn on Tue Aug 12 01:06PM | Report abuseThe BBC is now the home of has beens and second raters who cannot get jobs anywhere else. The sooner this dinasour of broadcating is completely revamped, with standars raised and 90% of the second rate, yobbo, illiterate, ill educated, badly spoken staff being dismissed. JJ
Posted by: mccurdypeter on Tue Aug 12 01:06PM | Report abuse