Why BBC could still ‘do better’ after 100 years

LIKE Peter hitchens (Mail), i see nothing to celebrate in the centenary of the BBC.

When i gave up watching EASTENDERS recently, i realised i was paying my licence fee only for the news (which i switch off whenever a self- important journalist can’t conceal their glee at the Government’s problems).

As a child and a young man, i was both entertained and educated by the BBC, as the first Director General Lord Reith intended. i loved Jackanory when it attracted great figures such as sir Compton Mackenzie.

I looked forward to each new classic serial — faithful adaptations of great works of literature, not ‘ sexed-up’ travesties. There were films, harmless quiz programmes such as Face The Music, documentaries in which the subject was more important than the presenter, and light entertainment shows such as Come Dancing, when it still featured real members of the public.

I know times and tastes have changed. But am i a snob to think the BBC nowadays should be setting its sights higher than RuPaul’s Drag Race?

There is little point in complaining or even in expressing my views. The BBC will write me off as an old fogey who probably watches Talking Pictures TV and used to enjoy the Black and White Minstrel show. What does it care, as long as it gets my money?

Name and address supplied.

WHENEVER the BBC has an issue it wants comments on, such as Liz Truss’s resignation, it always gets a quote from scotland First Minister Nicola sturgeon but never seems to request comments from the leaders of the other two devolved nations, Wales and Northern ireland.

GEOFF COOLING, Sleights, N. Yorks.