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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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I think Wogan is right. Most of the programmes are utter dross- but the same can be said for commercial TV. It's no-longer worth paying the licence fee. T. Jones, Glos.
Posted by: tjones34 on Tue Aug 12 12:54PM | Report abuseThe bbc has lost it's impartiality and also is run to satisfy the ego's of a few. It should concentrate on less areas of entertainment and do what it was good at; Reporting news FACTS Making cutting edge Drama and funny Comedies It still makes the best wild life do@#$%entaries.
Posted by: r.williams98 on Tue Aug 12 12:54PM | Report abusee...e...
Posted by: margaret.m.woods on Tue Aug 12 12:55PM | Report abuseI totally agree with Sir Terry but it is not only the BBC. Since satellite TV standards have taken a dive.
Posted by: anthonygbentley on Tue Aug 12 12:55PM | Report abuseThe BBC is no longer the bastion of common sense and decency that it once was.It is seriously biased against christianity, promoting the negative rather than the broader picture and we no longer expect to see any kind of broadcasting that reflects the values that built this country.Sad.
Posted by: rachel.pugh3 on Tue Aug 12 12:55PM | Report abuseAn example is the breakfast show where wrong captions are used for the person being interviewed, confusion over which camera is in use and links between articles failing. It demonstrates that the professionalism which used to be the byword of the BBC is missing. How the presenters cope with those controlling from the gallery is a testament to their professionalism. This is a shame because the quality of much of the output is first class.
Posted by: patrickmccreanor on Tue Aug 12 12:55PM | Report abuseI think the BBC need to talk a long look at themselves, why are we paying money to them and get so much free, good entertainment elsewhere. They need to wake up and get to grips with the 21st century!!!
Posted by: fairyned on Tue Aug 12 12:57PM | Report abuseIt is T W that is past his best not the BBC. It is about time he took leave and give someone else a chance.;
Posted by: maxfieldmerle on Tue Aug 12 12:57PM | Report abuseFully agree with Sir Tel, we should do as the aussies did a few years ago when the government tried to impose a tv licence, they said 'on yer bike', -- never did catch on. We pay far too much for a very mediocre service, let them pay their own way through sponsors and advertisers
Posted by: mjones76 on Tue Aug 12 12:57PM | Report abuseTW may be correct, but having made a very good living out of the beeb he should not be airing his comments in public. "You don't bite the hand that feeds you!)
Posted by: aheyworth on Tue Aug 12 12:58PM | Report abuse