August 26, 2003

You gotta love the Beeb

I could have an entire category with that title and well you just gotta! They've started name-calling and not a moment too soon. The controller of BBC1 has called Rupert Murdoch a "cultural imperialist". Apparently Murdoch's British Sky Broadcasting thinks that the Beeb should be forced to sell its most successful programmes to commercial channels. Yes Rupert, and which ones do you want to get your slippery hands on? (Interestingly, and I guess evidence to support the fact the Beeb isn't perfect, I couldn't find any mention of this story on their own site.)

The linked Independent article also talks of the "increasingly close relationship between the Government and Mr Murdoch's British newspapers", something I do have a great deal of trouble stomaching. I appreciate Blair thinks he is fighting for his political life, but to get into bed with your enemy smacks of desperation. Leave the Beeb alone!

Posted by Joe at August 26, 2003 08:49 AM
Comments

http://www.whois.sc/freethebeeb.com

Posted by: DJ at August 26, 2003 06:51 PM

i seem to remember seeing this story on the BBC last week sometime.

Posted by: Lisa at August 26, 2003 07:10 PM

The article says she (BBC1 controller) gave the interview to the Independent yesterday (probably the day before by now).

"Her controversial comments, in an interview with The Independent, are believed to be the first time a senior BBC executive has publicly attacked the motives of the media tycoon. They follow an intensification of anti-BBC rhetoric from Mr Murdoch's side."

I did a search on the BBC's website but I couldn't find anything on Murdoch and Sky related to this matter, but I'm not known for my patience during searches so I could be wrong.

Posted by: Joe at August 26, 2003 10:25 PM

Just seen that freethebeeb.com is available, but the fact is the Beeb _is_ free and _every_ incumbent administration wants to shackle it. keepthebeebfree.com would be more appropriate, but then you'd get the "the TV license isn't free" brigade on your back. How about leavethebeebalone.com?

Posted by: Joe at August 26, 2003 10:30 PM

oh, right. I read the article about sky wanting the beeb to sell their popular shows last week at the beginning of the festival. Didn't see the response, you're right (other than Greg Dyke dismissing it out of hand).

leavethebeebalone.com sounds good to me. Maybe there could be some sort of written constitution and they could make the first amendment the right to keep televisions advert-free. Or something.

Posted by: Lisa at August 27, 2003 02:14 AM

I'm quite aware that leavethebeebalone.com is more appropriate. Just thought freethebeeb.com was more likely to incite to action. It would certainly have a greater impact with your American readers ...

Posted by: DJ at August 27, 2003 05:05 AM

In best Foghorn Leghorn voice ... now h-hold your h-horses there mistuh! Who's going to do what with the .com registration?

Posted by: Joe at August 27, 2003 06:04 AM

On second thoughts, we might need to get that site up quick:

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/media/story/0,12123,1029611,00.html

Posted by: Joe at August 27, 2003 06:44 AM

bustards. I don't *think* so!

Posted by: Lisa at August 28, 2003 02:05 AM