Petition to Save the BBC (Debate)

Thu 19 Mar 2020, 16:00

I think that the Covid-19 situation is illustrating the value of a trusted public service broadcaster.  And the role of the state in preparing and delivering a strategy which is heavily dependent on the effective functioning of a public health system.  It is also exposing the terrible income insecurity with which millions have to cope in this country, including having to keep schools open to provide a safe haven for children who would otherwise go without food.

Fri 21 Feb 2020, 16:36

I too support this petition.

As a result of the sustained attack on the BBC by successive governments over the last ten or so years, including ridiculous accusations of "political bias", they are now running scared. And I do not blame them. I would say now that they are marginally biased towards the right, in every likelihood due to these attacks and accusations. In fact, some would call it bullying. And I would agree with them.

I believe a good "barometer" of whether or not the BBC is biased is my forty or so years of listening to Radio Four's "Today" Programme. And over those years I have witnessed intense yet fair questioning of government ministers from *both* of the main parties. But the present government is very indiscriminate with its accusations of political bias, so much so that, but for the support of the right-wing press it would be laughed out of existence.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE BBC! DO NOT allow them to be hamstrung by this nasty attack on their integrity! 

Wed 19 Feb 2020, 18:10

According to "The Times" it's not a spending review:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51555299

If Cummings is behind it, it will happen.

On the other hand, I also subscribe to Netflix and Prime and suspect that the blanket imposition of a universal licence fee is now anachronistic, and probably unfair. I have 3 (adult children) and 5 grandchildren, none of whom watch or listen to the BBC. 

I only listen to R 4 WATO.  I don't watch the BBC channels or indeed any TV.  I prefer to choose a film.  So, from an egocentric point of view, it would suit me.

Poor Lord Reith!  He must be turning in his grave.  Mind you, he was never a happy man...

Tue 18 Feb 2020, 22:06

It's a spending review, not an attack. And it's valid, you have to bear in mind that not every consumes linear media anymore so it's high time this was reviewed. I would personally much rather subscribe to the aspects of the BBC I chose than be forced to pay the same I do for Netflix and Prime combined. 

Tue 18 Feb 2020, 17:04

I have just signed a petition to save our BBC through Robin Priestly via 38 Degrees.  I would urge everyone in Charlbury to do the same!  Whatever its faults, we must not lose our BBC.

Mon 17 Feb 2020, 15:14 (last edited on Tue 18 Feb 2020, 23:08)

It's clearly controversial, so that's why I'm posting it here under DEBATE. 

There's a petition to save BBC from proposed Government attacks. You can find it here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-our-bbc-1