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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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It may still be up there with the best of the other networks worldwide but that doesnt make it good! Its Dramas are obvious, cliche and tired, its news and current affairs are pompous and yet at the same time on a year 7 level and like every other channel it is relying soley on reality based shows ( just because it may be about choirs or conducting they are still base, worthless shows utilising the cheapest and easiest form of television to fill time). The BBC is still ahead of the worst kind of networks (ITV1) but seems hell bent on dropping as fast as it can to their level and sadly they are succeeeding in this task. BBC= waste of time.
Posted by: simon_285 on Tue Aug 12 01:09PM | Report abuseThe Beeb was intended to provide programming that enriched the public. Whether through education or entertainment by being publicly funded the BBC has the opportunity to take risks abd be the cutting edge as they were when they began making nature programming bacdk in the 50s. Unfortunately they are trying to compete with commercial broadcaters and as such end up giving us the same drivel and trying to have the biggest names by paying ridiculous wages.
Posted by: khikw on Tue Aug 12 01:10PM | Report abusebit rich coming from someone working with the bbc...... and taking 800k for the right... I agree though, the BBC is an unacceptably biased corporation. It has a profoundly pro islamic statement, far beyond what is reasonable.
Posted by: dreenworld on Tue Aug 12 01:10PM | Report abuseStandards at the BBC have undeniably slipped, and the BBC has to take some responsibility for this - the organisation is too management-heavy and is filled with the kind of managers who couldn't survive in a commercial organisation, but cost too much to sack. However, some sections of the BBC - the news, online and radio divisions - are still absolutely first-rate. The Beeb certainly needs to be streamlined, and some departments closed for good, but one only need look at the hyper-aggressive tedium and rolling lies on Fox News to see that losing it forever would be a disaster.
Posted by: willmaclean23 on Tue Aug 12 01:10PM | Report abuseas an irishman ive never felt too much love for wogan, i can tell yous all now he may be loved in england for his "uncle-tomming" but in ireland he is strongly disliked he tries to act as if hes always been british i mean watch eurovision and hes always british and refers to ireland as "they". but i have to say i agreee with him here although his criticism is years too late and not severe enough- i live in the occupied 6 counties and am forced by law to pay a tv license that pays for right wing british s**t! and as a sportsfan ive been forced to pay for satellite to watch any sports worth watching such as padraig harringtons PGA triumph on sunday night!(had to get that in) although as a follower of american sports aswell sky sports and NASN provide great caverage all sason but i have t say the BBC's coverage of last years amazing superbowl was fantastic and well done for that!
Posted by: e.mulgrew on Tue Aug 12 01:10PM | Report abuseAgree about employment opportunities - it's a widespread problem. If you don't tick all the boxes these days you are not even considered - think how much quirky talented people are overlooked. Re Eurovision - I shan't be watching any more - Terry Wogan's comments are the best part of the show.
Posted by: patriciawhybra on Tue Aug 12 01:10PM | Report abuseEven though £800K is an outrage, Wogan is absolutely right and his paragraph '...Somehow, that old-fashioned thoroughness and commitment have disappeared. I suppose no one has time for it anymore...' applies across society. It has reached such proportions that unless parents and schools enter a contract to change pastoral educational values, there is no way back.
Posted by: jeremy.j.stock on Tue Aug 12 01:10PM | Report abuseI agree with Sir Terry,I love BBC radio there is nothing better than Radio Four for a variety of well presented programmes. I was an avid TV fan but often these days find little to watch and those programmes that are interesting have been blemished by past controversy as to their bias. They produce some excellent drama and comedy but far less than there used to be. It is quite common to look at the two main channels and find little of worth. However as with The Land of the Jaguar when they are good they are very good. We need the BBC to keep the standards as the other channels lower theirs drowning in a fight for ratings. Less reality programmes that are purely to generate income and more quality entertainment.
Posted by: margaret.m.woods on Tue Aug 12 01:10PM | Report abusejtgdjfg
Posted by: julie_copin on Tue Aug 12 01:10PM | Report abuseWell done Sir Terry! The BBC is too - as much of society is, do-gooders and the like - left wing. There are shining examples of programming such as Top Gear who kick in the face of our PC society (who cares if they smoke pipes in the studio, even the repeats on Dave are blacked out). Get a grip BBC you are not the towering strength you were in my youth. At least Sir Terry can raise a laugh without resorting to swearing! He'll be well rid of Eurovision and if the BBC decide to pull out maybe, just maybe they can divert the money to making some decent programmes. On a good note, love your Olympics coverage.
Posted by: steve_bxf on Tue Aug 12 01:11PM | Report abuse