Post by Teddy Bear on Oct 29, 2010 15:45:56 GMT
An article in today's Telegraph that might well describe the dynamics between the BBC and the Torys.
David Cameron finds BBC cuts 'delicious'
By James Kirkup Politics Last updated: October 29th, 2010
Taking some time off European negotiations, David Cameron has just spoken of the “delicious” prospect of cuts in the BBC, and implicitly criticised the Beeb for sending so many journalists to big international events.
In his press conference here in Brussels, the PM couldn’t help noting that several of his questioners worked for the corporation.
Mr Cameron: “Good to see that costs are being controlled everywhere – let’s take the third question from the BBC.”
So Michael Crick of Newsnight asked the Prime Minister how he would explain to British taxpayers facing painful spending cuts that the EU budget is still set to rise by at least 2.9 per cent next year.
Mr Cameron replied: “I would explain patiently – as I hope you will on Newsnight — that we were facing a 6 per cent increase. We’ve pegged that back to 2.9 percent.”
“At the same time, I will say, we’re all in it together, including, deliciously, the BBC, who in another negotiation agreed a licence fee freeze for six years. So what is good for the EU is good for the BBC.”
Mr Crick interrupted, shouting: “We’re getting a freeze. We’d love 2.9 per cent.”
Mr Cameron replied: “Well, I’m afraid it’s going to be a freeze. I am sure there are some savings available.”
From Mr Cameron’s expression and manner during all this, I’d say it’s fair to suggest that he takes a certain pleasure in both the BBC’s financial discomfort, and in taunting its staff about that.
David Cameron finds BBC cuts 'delicious'
By James Kirkup Politics Last updated: October 29th, 2010
Taking some time off European negotiations, David Cameron has just spoken of the “delicious” prospect of cuts in the BBC, and implicitly criticised the Beeb for sending so many journalists to big international events.
In his press conference here in Brussels, the PM couldn’t help noting that several of his questioners worked for the corporation.
Mr Cameron: “Good to see that costs are being controlled everywhere – let’s take the third question from the BBC.”
So Michael Crick of Newsnight asked the Prime Minister how he would explain to British taxpayers facing painful spending cuts that the EU budget is still set to rise by at least 2.9 per cent next year.
Mr Cameron replied: “I would explain patiently – as I hope you will on Newsnight — that we were facing a 6 per cent increase. We’ve pegged that back to 2.9 percent.”
“At the same time, I will say, we’re all in it together, including, deliciously, the BBC, who in another negotiation agreed a licence fee freeze for six years. So what is good for the EU is good for the BBC.”
Mr Crick interrupted, shouting: “We’re getting a freeze. We’d love 2.9 per cent.”
Mr Cameron replied: “Well, I’m afraid it’s going to be a freeze. I am sure there are some savings available.”
From Mr Cameron’s expression and manner during all this, I’d say it’s fair to suggest that he takes a certain pleasure in both the BBC’s financial discomfort, and in taunting its staff about that.
