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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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Sir Terry's opinions relate only to the world of entertainment. Inthe world of politics, society, sciences and essays there is no other organisations in the wrld as good as the Radio4 or the bbc world service. They are unequalled in objective inpresentation and very knowledgeable. Thank you. Venkat Iyer Basildon 12Aug2008
Posted by: venkat.iyer on Tue Aug 12 12:49PM | Report abuseYes I agree with everything Terry has said.
Posted by: hilary_jean on Tue Aug 12 12:50PM | Report abuseTerry,it must be awful for you to see how much the BBC "overvalue" some of their staff&yet totally undervalue yourself &others-in the name of fairness &politcal correctness & all the rest of the drivel which you yourself have been so prescient in pointing out with such humour.Unfortunately,Britain is going through one of it's"shooting itself in the foot phases"What CAN we do?
Posted by: clevant on Tue Aug 12 12:50PM | Report abuseSpot on.
Posted by: annwilkins on Tue Aug 12 12:51PM | Report abuseThe BBC has lost its way and the need for a licence funded service has gone. Why am I taxed to provide an income for the BBC talent? Jonathon Ross et al could quite easily entertain me for free on ITV or Channel 4. The BBC also bid for sporting events and, as a result, they bid up the price - so they tax me to pay over the odds to watch something that other broadcasters could quite easily provide for nothing. Its time to privatise the BBC and get rid of the licence fee.
Posted by: lakin.tia on Tue Aug 12 12:51PM | Report abuseI think Wogan is right on this one but then he never has much good to say about anyone or anything bar himself of course.
Posted by: graham.tiley on Tue Aug 12 12:53PM | Report abusee
Posted by: scottearlam on Tue Aug 12 12:53PM | Report abuseWogan sounds like a Grumpy Old Man - just like I think I am becoming. Perhaps it is time he retired and let someone fresh and more relevant to today and the future have a go.
Posted by: geoffrey.raistrick on Tue Aug 12 12:54PM | Report abusei strongly dissagree with mr Wogan,the BBC is still a fresh breeze in a commercialised broadcasting system.I base this opinion on observerving several tv stations around the world during my travels.Mr Wogan probably needed some publicity by ventilating "his" opinion.
Posted by: drjohndykslag on Tue Aug 12 12:54PM | Report abuseits the old farts in the ivory tower syndrome. bj
Posted by: williamannan on Tue Aug 12 12:54PM | Report abuse