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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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today ,anything that says british in it logo ,means we are going to @#$% you
Posted by: glenngmorley on Tue Aug 12 12:45PM | Report abuseThe BBC has sunk to being the political mouthpiece for whoever or whatever is in fashion eg. global warming. This trait and the "English" bias drove me to watch other providers.
Posted by: boxster320 on Tue Aug 12 12:45PM | Report abuseI agree completely with Terry Wogan well done to him. That scam with the phone ins proved what a botch job the BBC has become. No one in their right mind would make a wrong decision like that and rip off the viewers. You don't need a solicitor to tell you that it was immoral and unscrupulous.
Posted by: ben.glancy1 on Tue Aug 12 12:46PM | Report abuseReading Terry Wogan's comments suggests to me that his words may well have been twisted to suit the article, for example, he qualified "I'm not sure they feel that any more" with "that it means as much as it used to". One could look at this in the context of people outside of the BBC and even working within the BBC who don't have the same appreciation of it as they used to. And I suspect he's right that, in the cut throat world of international media, people don't have the luxury of 'old fashioned thoroughness' any more. But is that about the BBC? I would suggest it's a comment that would fit pretty much everything happening in the world these days to do with commerce which ultimatley the BBC has to be. It's all about time and money, because of the nature of the 'civilised world' we live in, rather than only about quality. And let's face it, wherever there's a story to make out of nothing much, especially in the silly season, then it will happen..........
Posted by: teri.sayers on Tue Aug 12 12:46PM | Report abuseSir Terry is spot on with his remarks. Although the BBC is still a first point of reference for news and current affairs, much of the programming has been dumbed down, reflecting the garbage provided by the commercial channels
Posted by: martin.driver2 on Tue Aug 12 12:47PM | Report abuseI can't stand Wogan but thoroughly agree with all he says. I used to watch up to four hours TV daily but now only half that, and mainly on other channels. All TV standards have dropped not just BBC. Old Grumpy
Posted by: haydon649 on Tue Aug 12 12:47PM | Report abuseWell said Terry, when an icon of BBc Broadcasting tells you from the inter circle and with a great respect and appreciation for the values, history and broadcasting committment, that the service today is faltering and lacking aspect againts the modern competition, he should be respected and believed. Keep going Terry, the BBC needs your honesty, seniority and clarrity of thought! - Chris Syrda (Maidenhead, Berkshire).
Posted by: chris.syrda on Tue Aug 12 12:47PM | Report abuseWhilst I agree with Sir Terry's comments on the BBC, we have to remember that it is still only funded by the licence fee. With the cost of salaries, operating costs etc increasing beyond the level of the licence fee, you can to a certain extent understand why the standard of the BBC has dropped over the years. However, in comparison with other world TV stations it is still the best non-commercial company
Posted by: sja on Tue Aug 12 12:48PM | Report abuseBroadcasting standards and decency have dropped across the board and the BBC is not exempt in this, though it is still much better than most. I once heard a broadcasted opinion that owning a TV was "like having an open sewer in your living room". This becomes more of a fact as time goes on and another dreadful 'real life' or 'fly on the wall' is launched. TV should entertain, not be a 'bear pit'.
Posted by: patrons.giftaid on Tue Aug 12 12:48PM | Report abuseYes!!! Sir Terry Wogan is ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. He is one of the reasons why the BBC is faltering. He is not funny anymore and his radio show "Wake Up To Wogan" is more stale than month old bread. He should have been put out to pasture a long time ago. It was so refreshing to have Johnnie Walker substitute for Sir Terry on holiday. Roll on the next holiday so we can wake up to a decent presenter again. The BBC should rid themselves of these desperate hangers-on and move into the 21st Century.
Posted by: jordan533 on Tue Aug 12 12:49PM | Report abuse