My apologies about raising this on the forum but I am concerned by this Government Interference and a possible fixed outcome
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33551874
I don't doubt that the BBC may need some checking and streamlining, however I am worried that we will lose the best TV service in the world due to biased political and other commercial interests interfering.
The ruling politicians have a lot to gain by controlling the impartiality of the public media and I hope the public don't fall for their spin.
We have a huge problem in this country with telephone cold callers harassing the vulnerable, I suggest they put maximum effort into sorting out the things that really matter as the telecom provider and enforcing bodies seem totally inadequate in managing this problem.
Soapbox mode off 
(For now)
" and I hope the public don't fall for their spin."
Too late for that, John, they have already voted them in!
Harry
As long as I can remember, the BBC has been accused of political 'spin' in one direction or the other. In recent years, there does seem to have been more accusations of a left wing bias - but not exclusively!
I reckon that, on the whole, the BBC is usually pretty fair, and has largely stuck to its impartial brief when carrying out its 'informing' role.
When 'educating' its not always quite so straightforward, but I still think the BBC makes some of the best documentaries ever. Certainly, some of them would probably never have seen the light of day in a purely commercial environment.
Long may that tradition continue....
When it comes to 'entertainment' I have to agree with those who say the BBC should not try to chase ratings. Obviously they want to make programs to entertain, but there are examples of apparently deliberate shceduling to 'compete' with a commercial prime time offering. There's no need for that.
As it is, the BBC is too big, and without any commercial constraints it can tend to behave like one of those post war nationalised industry behemoths on occasion. Lumbering along like a dinosaur, with no accountability in the commercial sense. I'm not sure for example, that Clarkson would have been sacked from his Top Gear job in any commercal organistion.-- Kill the goose that laid the golden egg, for a misdemeanour that the victim didn't even report? I don't think so !
So it probably needs to be cut down to size a bit. Lets hope that process doesn't destroy the quality of its PSB commitments. We probably could still allow Royal occasions to be broadcast on the radio, without worrying that it might be heard in pubs by men wearing hats. That had apparently worried Lord Reith during his tenure at the BBC...
Quite what he would have made of what his 'baby' has become?........
The BBC Powers that be are on the case.......aren't they? 
The Beeb were very brave to sack Clarkson and the income he generated, Personally I think he's more suited to commercial TV.
The loss of Radio One wouldn't affect me, this is probably a generational issue on my part 
, Radio 2, 3 and 4 provide some excellent programmes
BBC3 going online isn't an issue for me personally, BBC1, 2 and 4 are my main channels.
I cherry pick Commercial TV for something interesting, although ITV have recently upped their game with a few good documentaries, the adverts and summing up after each break are annoying.
BBC iplayer is brilliant, end of, I think this service should be paid for by registering with the TV Licence details, you have to register with 4oD which is fair enough.
What I don't want is interviewers to frightened to quiz a politician who won't answer the question as was often the case in the 60's
I want a BBC that is fair, impartial and educational, giving good value for money without political and commercial interference,
The highest viewing figures don't always equate quality in my book
http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/monthly-top-30
Sorry for the ramble
What I don't want is interviewers too frightened to quiz a politician who won't answer the question as was often the case in the 60's
(Cynical mode ON)
Alas, what politicians want is an interview show on prime-time BBC1 which is arranged so that they score points off Jeremy Paxman and John Humphreys and appear in the most favourable light.
Since they can't have that, a common ploy is to say that they are 'not available' and instead send a 'prepared statement'. However, we all know that what this really means is "I'm too afraid / too embarrassed to answer questions"
(Cynical mood OFF)
T
The highest viewing figures don't always equate quality in my book
http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/monthly-top-30
Looks like a list of programmes *not* to watch.
There are only a very few on that list that I watch - News and HIGNFY mainly
I'm not big on petitions, however this time I am compelled to act due to the planned political interference, the government of the day always complain about political bias which speaks volumes.
Have a look at this:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/protect-our-bbcOur BBC - Blue Peter, Doctor Who, BBC News, Strictly Come Dancing - is under serious attack from our government. Today, politicians are saying they want to scrap some of our favourite programmes, cut its funding and do away with the independent body that keeps it a truly public broadcaster.
The BBC has been a trusted voice in British homes for over 92 years. It’s vital we move fast and show David Cameron that hundreds of thousands of us are ready to rally around to protect our BBC.
Will you add your name to the petition to protect our BBC now? Just click the link and it'll take less than 10 seconds:
https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/protect-our-bbc
Currently 262,528
of 500,000 signatures
Currently 313,782 out of 500,000 signatures
Maybe the commercial consumers are in the majority 