Forum for former BBC staff

Forum for former BBC staff
http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> News and Comment >> Birt's view. http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1418905411 Message started by Administrator on Dec 18^th, 2014, 12:24pm

Title: Birt's view.
Post by Administrator on Dec 18^th, 2014, 12:24pm

A Conference on the BBC's future has been held at London's City University.

"The Guardian"'s report (by John Plunkett) on former DG John Birt's speech is here.

"The former BBC director general John Birt has criticised the corporation’s current affairs output, which includes Panorama, saying it is not doing enough to address “awesomely difficult questions” about issues including Europe, the UK economy and the threat from radical Islam........

However, Birt said the major part of Harding’s BBC News division, the day-to-day news operation, was “in really good shape; as good as it’s ever been”."

Title: Re: Birt's view.
Post by Annual Increment on Dec 19^th, 2014, 9:14am

Yes indeed-I suspect this is mainly due to the experience and gravitas of the journalists. Having said that- Although I am sometimes struck by the lightness in journalistic approach when world affairs are covered by Panorama and Newsnight-I applaud the coverage of the Radio 4 18.00 bulletin, which is the only 30 minute slot devoted purely to news and a relevant news report-the latter only broadcast when appropriate.

Title: Re: Birt's view.
Post by JohnW on Dec 19^th, 2014, 4:49pm

Oh God, forgive us if that man can cause the BBC any more grief!
The problems all started under his tenure anyway!

Title: Re: Birt's view.
Post by chris west on Dec 21^st, 2014, 10:59am

Oh John how I agree and more....why do we give this Yesterday's Man any credibility? He was the person who invented the old BBC management maxim "if it ain't broke, fiddle with it until it is".

Come to think of it, was he ever Yesterday's Man - even yesterday?

Happy Christmas to all

Title: Re: Birt's view.
Post by Roundabout on Dec 22^nd, 2014, 2:38pm

In one Chris!

Title: Re: Birt's view.
Post by Bill_M on Dec 24^th, 2014, 9:37pm

"Birt" is a four letter word.