Public rejects Murdoch view of BBC, says ICM poll

[Newsjock]

Source: The Guardian

Viewers and listeners are rallying around the BBC, according to a Guardian/ICM poll published today. It shows rising levels of trust in the broadcaster and increased public support for the licence fee.

The results challenge claims that the BBC's growth has a "chilling" effect on consumer choice, made last month in a speech by James Murdoch, European chief executive of News International. His comments opened up debate about the future of the corporation, which is protected by its guaranteed licence fee while some other media organisations are facing sharp falls in revenue.

... An overwhelming majority, 77%, think the BBC is an institution people should be proud of – up from 68% in an equivalent ICM poll carried out five years ago. Most, 63%, also think it provides good value for money – up from 59% in 2004.

... But there is also public support for Murdoch's call for the easing of tight restrictions on what broadcasters can say: 61% agree the BBC and other broadcasters should be free to hold political positions, against 37% who disagree.


Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/sep/04/bbc-icm-poll-james-murdoch

[veritasvg]

1. Problem Is...

...this isn't Great Britain. Fox is going gangbusters here.

[dipsydoodle]

2. The BBC cannot be free to hold political positons

under the Royal Charter which founded it. Wiki confirms that - just enter BBC.

[mwooldri]

3. Unless the Royal Charter is changed.

Which is about as likely to happen as it is for us to find out that the moon is actually made of cheese.

Mark.

[Anakin Skywalker]

4. From the Subject Line, I Thought...

...Rupie Murdoch was jealous of the BBC.

[T_i_B]

5. Stand up for the BBC

Add your name to the Stand Up For The BBC petition!

http://38degrees.org.uk/page/s/BBCStandup

The BBC is a great British institution, respected the world over. We don't want to see it undermined. This means we must:

Protect the BBC's funding by preserving the license fee, and the clarity that comes with the current funding model.

Help the BBC develop by putting first value for money and quality of service for license fee payers, not the commercial interests of rival media companies.

Ensure the BBC's independence by preventing politicians from interfering in its day-to-day running, keeping the corporation impartial and independent, working in the best interests of and accountable to the British people.

[Crowman2009]

6. Wish we could get PBS and NPR to have the same leverage with broadcasting in the US.

Unfortunately PBS is stuck with showing kids shows all morning and afternoon. Plus, NPR is stuck with just one local station per market.

[DCKit]

7. A huge "F.U." to Rupert from this side of the pond, too.

The gall, attacking the quality of both the news and shows the BBC presents. Moran.

Hey Morlock, Faux didn't "make" the Simpson's, the Simpson's made Faux.

[Justitia]

8. Dear British Friends....do not concede a single inch to that insufferable weasel!

You should look at us and learn from our mistakes with the hydra monster known as "NewsCorp".