Don't let Aunty starve... (TV Licence)

Member Name: cathy

Product:	TV Licence
Date:	20/07/00 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: At it's best - it's the best

Disadvantages: ...but it's a bit lost at present

There has got to be an on-going role for Public Service broadcasting. Otherwise we will be doomed to an unvaried diet of bland pap that won't offend the advertiser's sensibilities and cheap programming - i.e. more chat shows, more fly-on-the-wall documentaries, (if I knew where this fly was, I'd swat it), more stuff that costs little in either cash or imagination, more quiz shows (handsomely financed through premium rate phone call).

Who else would have committed 6 years and the resources required to produce 'Walking with Dinosaurs'? Who is going to commit any resources at all to meeting minority interests? Who is going to make world beating classic drama? Who else is going to put anything on the radio other than a limited 'pop' playlist and endless, tedious phone-ins.

The trouble with the BBC is that it's running scared and is losing its faith in its own convictions. When it's good, it's very, very good but when it's bad it's.....vets in changing gardens makeover dogs-home disaster.

And some of it is our fault. Where is the equivalent of 'Play for Today' or 'Comedy Playhouse'... not there anymore.

We need to open up the lines of communication. Let the BBC know what you like - ring them up and tell them when you think something is good - or bad. Write and let them know what you're fed up with and what you want more of. If you don't speak up for the sort of service you want - you will end up with whatever averages out fromthe latest focus group.

It is worth paying for a quality service - and it's up to us to demand that.

Summary: