by Iain Purdon » Sat Oct 10, 2020 5:11 pm
Having worked with pride for the BBC for 43 years in total, I find all this BBC-bashing a bit wearing. But I can't do much about it.
I would only say that the term "watch the BBC" suggests a TV channel and nothing much else. It is actually a world-wide newsgathering operation feeding outlets on TV, radio and online. As well as 4 national TV services, it has a regional service for each substantial area of the UK and an international TV service across the world. This provision is duplicated in radio with BBC World Service radio broadcasting internationally, with local variations in 39 different languages as well as English. There are 5 UK radio networks, national radio services to Scotland, Wales and NI, plus local radio stations the length and breadth of England. Through podcasts and the iPlayer it also provides copious opportunities to consume programmes outside their transmission hours. There is a multipage website covering a wealth of different interest areas.
Its mission is to inform, educate and entertain. Its editorial guidelines require fairness, accuracy and impartiality. It is independent of Government and operates by Royal Charter of HM The Queen.
It is a huge organisation using a large number of human beings and, with the best will in the world, humans are fallible. So you will often be able to find an example of something you think it got wrong. I can tell you – because I know - it spends an inordinate amount of effort trying to get things right.
If I hadn't been convinced of this ethos and of the ability of my employer to strive for the best at all times, I would not have devoted my working life to it.
Iain Purdon
site admin group