Post by Teddy Bear on Mar 30, 2008 21:50:01 GMT
After recognizing that they (The BBC) lack the imagination and qualities to generate attractive creativity that would enhance their viewer figures, relying instead on outdated shows that the general public seem to enjoy, their strategy to boost ratings appears to be spending much of their license fee on sports that already enjoy popularity, even to excess.
BBC Olympic staff to outnumber athletes
By Ben Hazell
Last Updated: 1:12am GMT 29/03/2008
The army of BBC staff being sent out to cover this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing will outnumber the British athletes competing in the games.
Why BBC Radio 4's Charlotte Green got the giggles
The corporation has revealed that 437 employees will be flying out to cover the games, compared to around 300 athletes who will actually take part.
The BBC was forced to reveal the figure after having to call in detectives to hunt for missing travel documents for all 437 staff.
A BBC statement said: "We believe these files may have been stolen."
The long list of those being sent is believed to contain a number of household names, including Sue Barker, Gabby Logan and Ten O'Clock News anchor Huw Edwards.
The lost staff information includes passport details, home addresses and hotel details for staff, but the BBC believes it does not include sufficient detail to pose a risk of fraud.
The BBC will be sending 33 more staff to these games than to the last, but has promised to double its output compared to the Athens games.
This comes at a time when the BBC is being criticised over its spending on sports coverage, despite pleading poverty after the lower than expected license fee settlement and major cuts being made elsewhere.
Last week it was revealed that the corporation had spent £200 million to secure broadcasting rights to Formula One, £50 million more than ITV had previously paid, despite having no rival bidders.
By Ben Hazell
Last Updated: 1:12am GMT 29/03/2008
The army of BBC staff being sent out to cover this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing will outnumber the British athletes competing in the games.
Why BBC Radio 4's Charlotte Green got the giggles
The corporation has revealed that 437 employees will be flying out to cover the games, compared to around 300 athletes who will actually take part.
The BBC was forced to reveal the figure after having to call in detectives to hunt for missing travel documents for all 437 staff.
A BBC statement said: "We believe these files may have been stolen."
The long list of those being sent is believed to contain a number of household names, including Sue Barker, Gabby Logan and Ten O'Clock News anchor Huw Edwards.
The lost staff information includes passport details, home addresses and hotel details for staff, but the BBC believes it does not include sufficient detail to pose a risk of fraud.
The BBC will be sending 33 more staff to these games than to the last, but has promised to double its output compared to the Athens games.
This comes at a time when the BBC is being criticised over its spending on sports coverage, despite pleading poverty after the lower than expected license fee settlement and major cuts being made elsewhere.
Last week it was revealed that the corporation had spent £200 million to secure broadcasting rights to Formula One, £50 million more than ITV had previously paid, despite having no rival bidders.