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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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The BBC is not what it was, but then none of the channels are, and I dont even watch most of what is aired on any of them, the news has become joke , the morning breakfast show is just a slot for advertising and mindless chit chat the only real reason I have a TV now is to watch DVDs.
Posted by: ruairi37 on Tue Aug 12 01:07PM | Report abuseSir Terry is so right. I rarely tune into the beeb these days. Most of their programming, especially as we are now into school holidays, is repeats or constant soap opera nonsense. My kids enjoy their programming, especially CBBC where a lot of money seems to be getting spent, however a lot of the peak time viewing schedule is taken up by utter dross. The highlights of the year are Doctor Who, Top Gear and at the moment New Tricks. Too much of the schedule is dedicated to rerunning successful programmes years after their original showing in attempt to fill out what would otherwise be quite shallow viewing. It makes me wonder where my licence fee goes.
Posted by: mama_steph2000 on Tue Aug 12 01:07PM | Report abusei dont think that people should say that BBC is the best as they havent seen the other television channels in the world and with the different languages, how could they say that BBC is the best over the worls?
Posted by: ilovehellokitty93 on Tue Aug 12 01:07PM | Report abuseWogan is correct about the eurovision the voting always goes the same way for all the midle-east european countries.
Posted by: emily.garrett on Tue Aug 12 01:07PM | Report abuseThere are both good and bad points about the BBC. I do agree that the standard should be alot higher in general especially with such digital mediums available. They have lost quite a lot of sport coverage in the last 25 years or so. The news coverage can be fictitious. The portrayal of ethnic groups may be inappropriate at times. They have lost the trust in the public due to scams. The good may be sporadic coverage of certain sporting events, drama's which can be entertaining. Overall though the BBC has gone downhill I'm afraid.
Posted by: hurshy78 on Tue Aug 12 01:07PM | Report abuseI think the BBC is a PC, feminist broadcaster these days.
Posted by: sunglassesron53 on Tue Aug 12 01:07PM | Report abuseT
Posted by: jamesdean2002uk on Tue Aug 12 01:07PM | Report abuseThe BBC is still producing world class TV from boradcasters like David Attenborough but he represents a BBC that is perhaps fading away. There are all too few with the gravitas and authority, the thoroughness and professionalism of the likes of him. Most of what the BBC prduces these days just isn't worth the pennies.
Posted by: maguirephotos on Tue Aug 12 01:08PM | Report abusewITH FREESAT and SKY the BBC no longer hold the grip it used to the licence Tax should be s@#$%ped and people given the choice to NO@#$%ch BBC dross
Posted by: geraldifa on Tue Aug 12 01:08PM | Report abuseOf course the BBC is still an excellent service, Terry Wogan should hold his tongue and be thankfull for the many thousands of £s he has earned for what was in his case is a second rate service. Advice to Terry retire.
Posted by: frankdrennan on Tue Aug 12 01:08PM | Report abuse