Whilst I agree that the BBC needs to be trimmed so that it can live within its means, why is Mark Thompson cutting into areas that make the BBC unique and therefore justify the licence fee?
One of these is undoubtedly the Bristol Natural History Unit which, as announced today, will lose 57 from its 180 strong team.  It is a fact that the truly prestigious programmes for which the BBC is known throughout the world, are high cost. Drama, documentaries and news are the cornerstones of the BBC - but if these gems are reduced or lost - then sadly the BBCs days really will be numbered.