BellaOnline Forums TV and Movies British Television Murdoch attacks the BBC - don't let him destroy it

James Murdoch, son of Rupert, recently launched a vicious attack on the BBC calling it bloated and anti-competitive. The BBC is the most trusted media institution not just in Britain but the world. Do we really want the Murdoch family version of 'news' ie Fox News? Murdoch wants to destroy BBC as it a rival to his empire but it is far far too precious for the world to lose. Don't you agree?

I think the BBC's news reporting lately has become more and more biased and is losing the public's trust (and someone who does the news captions really can't spell) Having said that I do want it to pull it socks up so to speak and not be destroyed

Yes, of course it can improve. Some of the pay of the 'celebrities' can be cut. but in general I haven't noticed any bias. The fact that both Labour and Conservatives governments have complained about the BBC is a good sign. But it's not just news, it's all the drama, comedy, reality shows, radio and the website the BBC offers.
Also, it's a bit rich of James Murdoch to claim it's anti competitive - a man who is only in the position he is in because of his father and grandfather. Heredity power is not very competitive.

All programs on BBC have got worse or don't seem to know where its aiming at. Eastenders repeat storylines and bring back old characters as the writers seem incapable of writing something new. Stricty come dancing doesn't know if its a serious dance show (in which case scrap the celebrities and stick with the pros) or light entertainment. There are no programs of note on the BBC at the moment, and that is their problem. They have to save theirselves by proving their worth. Yes he inherited his business...lucky him. Hardly like his family have ever been popular!!!!!! Not sure having the name Murdoch helps!! Remember Rupert and what people thought of him! I can't stand the family....but his business does what it does well...better than the BBC its easy to destroy even inherited companies (believe me I can name another big British company that is in serious trouble because the person who inherited it is silly) If your going to use the inherited argument shall we also mention the number of related people working on tv including the bbc? Loads of people in tv and every other business in this country get where they are due to who they are related to

I mentioned James Murdoch only because he is do the attacking!
I go to Poland regularly and, like the rest of Europe, the television is terrible. I lived in Australia for two years where it is very poor, and I lived in the US for five years where although there are some good shows, the constant adverts and general low standard was depressing. I came back after seven years away during the summer, when everyone here claims how bad television is, and I couldn't stop watching as it all was so good in comparison.
I worry that people will succeed in destroying the BBC by not appreciating its worth. I know it's un-British to praise anything British - but I do with this institution. My favourite shows are or have been:
Most of Radio 4
QI
The Office
Dr Who
Cranford, Bleak House, Pride and Prejudice
Life on Mars
Mock the Week
Never Mind the Buzzcocks
The Choir
Newsnight
There are too many to mention but then I do write about them every week!

No programmes of note??? C'mon!! Methinks you exagerate a teensey bit

I don't watch much telly but there are a few programmes on currently that I make time for: Deagons' Den, New Tricks, The Tudors. And there's a little jewel called Wainwright's Walks ...

Just finished, Desperate Romantics was a glorious romp, and before that Torchwood was a stunner...

Now, I cannot think a a single programme that I have watched on Sky at anytime this year or last. What is the points of Sky1? If that is what Murdoch sees in place of BBC1 then I despair.

No sorry Peter that is my view and I am entitled to it. So please respect it. There has been NO BBC show that I have watched properly for over 5 years. (Obviously I have tried to watch some programs and given up with them) SKY isn't perfect, nor is it the sole competitor to the BBC. Its not a discussion about SKY though as thet run in a competitive market (lol remember at one time it was SKY or BSB and it wasn't clear who would win) BBC is funded by the license payer, its different and unique. I'm not saying get rid of it I'm saying it needs to sort itself out. Being blind to its faults will destroy it

If people don't like SKY advertisers don't pay for advertising. SKY ceases to be If you don't like SKY vote with your remote....Don't watch If you don't like BBC you still pay for it. Every company can improve, everybody including me and you can do things better than we do. You can only improve by seeing the faults

Note: I'm not wanting an argument...especislly about if I really think what I write :-) Nor did I think this was a topic over our views on SKY....which is what it seems to be more about So I bow my hat and leave this thread be (Nothing against anyone, but I've said what I have to say and we seem to be getting more onto SKY then the BBC)

That's absolutely fine Samantha and thank you very much for your comments. It's all about debate - that's the point of a forum. If you have any thoughts on Sky programmes please let us know as this site is about British telly (not just the BBC) so they are welcome. If anyone else has any input on this debate, please feel free to express any view you wish!