I was flicking through the Guardian the other day (yes we do actually buy it) when I came across this article. It’s quite long but well worth reading, even if the result is to make you spitting mad, like me.
The upshot is that the BBC is having to pay Rupert Murdoch £10 million a year to have the privilege of BBC programmes being shown on Sky. I feel as if I’ve wandered into an alternative universe again. I thought that we lived in a Capitalist society which is very simple to follow. If you have something which someone else wants then they have to pay you for it, if you want them to have it. So why isn’t Murdoch paying the BBC £squillions to be allowed to broadcast BBC programmes?
I have always prided myself that I haven’t knowingly added any money to the Murdoch coffers. I’ve never bought one of his newspapers and I don’t have Sky, so I’m more than a wee bit peeved – actually I’m incandescent – that my licence fee money is going to Murdoch.
I’ve always thought that the TV licence is just about one of the best bargains around. I would even be quite happy if Auntie Beeb didn’t block the internet viewing so that people in other countries could look in. That would stop Murdoch in his tracks, which could only be a good thing.
Please BBC, stop giving money to Rupert Murdoch et al!
Square up to politicians. Nothing is perfect but the BBC has a place in the hearts of most Brits which is second only to the NHS.
Why am I not surprised that this whole situation came about through Maggie Thatcher’s sucking up to Murdoch. Cakes and ale anyone?!
I could go on at length but I can already see that 2012 is going to be a year of grumping and groaning. Now, does anybody know how I go about setting up an online petition to support the BBC?
I realise now why the BBC only have half the good output than they used to do. The money they spend has been going to him and not on good quality to programmes. Now i know why I spent more time over Christmas watching Morecambe & Wise than I did new stuff.
Not sure where you begin with such a petition but I think the fact the BBC are paying someone else to broadcast their programmes sums up the state of this country.
Jo,
The Christmas TV was pretty dire. I wasn’t even all that keen on Morecambe and Wise when I saw them originally. There were loads of cookery programmes on, I suppose because they’re so cheap to make.
Everything seems to be upside down nowadays so it’s no wonder we’re going to Hell in a handcart!
What a shame! It seems totally backward to have to pay someone to show your programs.I think it’s supposed to work the other way around!
Anbolyn,
It’s all Maggie Thatcher’s fault – surprise surprise – I won’t be going to see that film!
Would this be of any use? http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/
No I won’t be going to see the film on Maggie Thatcher’s story either.