gc, I'm not sure that the young will grow up to pay the license fee unless they have Sky. They will be used to free stuff,
Jan 16, 2020 at 12:51 PM TinyCO2

For the younger generations, the concept of a TV Tax to pay for the BBC is more weird and old fashioned than most older people and the BBC realise.

There are adverts on every other TV Channel and Radio Station, plus You Tube, Satellite, Cable etc. The younger generations tend to be aware that there are monthly subscriptions for phones and Internet. What makes the BBC so special?

Why does the BBC need so many Guardian readers in positions of power, now that BREXIT is happening? What will they be doing with Taxpayers money?

I suspect that the BBC is on Dominic Cummings "To Do" list. If something is to be done, instigating it in 2020 would seem more sensible than leaving it until the next General Election comes around.

Re the Big Ben bongs - couldn't they rig up some massive speakers and play recorded bongs?

"The BBC has announced plans for a year-long series of special programming and coverage on climate change."

Given the constant outpouring of climate change cr*p from the BBC, will anyone who actually watches the BBC notice any difference?

As for St David, I'm afraid his credibility has totally bombed IMHO. He should just shut up and retire for good from the public eye.

stewgreen I watch Talking Pictures from time to time but I probably watch Dave, Yesterday, Film 4 and Sony Movies most. I still have a TV license for convenience, not being pestered by the payment team and because my sister and her husband would give me earache when they visit. They're true BBC drones but maybe one day it will insult them once too many times.

gc, I'm not sure that the young will grow up to pay the license fee unless they have Sky. They will be used to free stuff, legally or otherwise. The other subscription options will give them a lot more things they want to watch. Stuff without the preachy, anti Brit subtext. The BBC can't do stuff without a miserable back story.

Jan 16, 2020 at 11:40 AM TinyCO2

The BBC is getting very good at misjudging the mood of the Nation, despite going to great lengths to mould the mood of the Nation.

Appealing to the yoof/teans/students of today is OK, but then they have to get jobs and grow up, and for most, priorities change as reality kicks in.

Mid teens may campaign against Global Warming because it is socially responsible, but by late teens want a Driving Licence and access to a car, as they provide more sociable activities.

"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51127949
Around 60 tractors and dozens of other vehicles descended on Dublin in a 24-hour protest over beef prices.
Mark Hodgson "

If only farmers could turn up in city centres with their tractors and attached muck spreaders, ploughs, harrows and sprayers whenever XR pests appear

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/15/bbc-will-shift-spending-shows-reflect-lives-passions-young-people/

BBC is (yet again) making the M&S mistake of kicking its existing audience in the teeth and chasing the youth market, because it fears that they won't pay the license fee. I've got news for them, no matter how much the BBC spends on pre generation X, they still won't pay the TV license and not only that, the rest of us are moving in the same direction.

Apparently 'Sources insisted that existing shows enjoyed by an older demographic, such as Call the Midwife, Death in Paradise, Last Tango in Paradise and Antiques Roadshow, will continue. But older viewers are unlikely to see new programmes commissioned with them in mind. An insider said that they will be served by shows with broad appeal across the generations such as His Dark Materials and Killing Eve.' wasn't the original BBC remit to produce progs with broad appeal? I invariably find that programmes for specific generations are patronising and formulaic. As if the BBC knows what anyone wants to watch. They're in their own bubble.

I've started collecting my favourite old series because eventually they won't be available without paying. I am surprised at how small the collection is.

pull their funding.
Jan 16, 2020 at 10:53 AM tomo

We are in the phoney war stage of decisive conflict between Government and BBC. Both sides know it is inevitable, but only the Government knows when.

The BBC are now preparing the UK public to view them as the victimised underdogs.