Post by Teddy Bear on Jul 17, 2010 21:29:22 GMT
A Panorama journalist sent an email to his team where he branded BBC One Controller, Jay Hunt 'as shallow as a paddling pool for dumbing down programmes'.
It's a fact that we are all aware of, at least the more intelligent in the community, so no surprise really that some working in the BBC are aware of it too. Most are content to shut their eyes and reap the rewards that this institution offers them. This time however, whether in frustration or anger, one of them spoke out. He obviously regretted his outburst, at least for the possible repercussions that could hit him, as he apologized afterwards.
Why should he apologize? Shows how spineless he is not to stick up for his opinion. Shows how more spineless others are for not echoing his statement. Shows how corrupt the BBC are for stifling opinions from within.
None of which surprises me.
It's a fact that we are all aware of, at least the more intelligent in the community, so no surprise really that some working in the BBC are aware of it too. Most are content to shut their eyes and reap the rewards that this institution offers them. This time however, whether in frustration or anger, one of them spoke out. He obviously regretted his outburst, at least for the possible repercussions that could hit him, as he apologized afterwards.
Why should he apologize? Shows how spineless he is not to stick up for his opinion. Shows how more spineless others are for not echoing his statement. Shows how corrupt the BBC are for stifling opinions from within.
None of which surprises me.
'As shallow as a paddling pool': BBC dumbing down row as Panorama reporter attacks channel boss in email
By Paul Revoir
Last updated at 1:00 AM on 17th July 2010
One of the BBC's most respected reporters has branded BBC1 controller Jay Hunt 'as shallow as a paddling pool' for dumbing down programmes.
In an explosive email, award-winning Panorama journalist John Ware accused her of 'patronising' viewers by assuming they were not interested in 'bolder' programming.
The criticism, sent to colleagues on the flagship current affairs show, claimed the only way to get more 'boldness' on the channel was to have a different controller.
The leaked email has caused a storm at the corporation and is deeply embarrassing to Miss Hunt, who has previously fended off criticism for 'ratings chasing'.
The BBC refused to say whether he had been disciplined, but he is thought to have been reprimanded.
His criticisms were sent to Panorama chiefs and colleagues in response to an email from the show's editor Tom Giles telling staff how bosses had confirmed that the show retained a central role on BBC1.
He also pointed out that the corporation's strategy review called for more 'depth, boldness and ambition' in the show's 9pm slot.
But on reading this, Mr Ware - who has been on the show for 24 years - sent a reply not just to Mr Giles, but also to the entire Panorama team.
He wrote: 'Surely the way to get more depth and boldness on BBC1 is to get a controller in place who isn't as shallow as a paddling pool and who stops patronising BBC1 viewers by assuming that a range of bolder subjects hold no interest for them.'
His email was sent in the early hours of Tuesday last week, and the ensuing furore has involved director of news Helen Boaden. It is also likely to land on the desk of deputy director general Mark Byford.
It follows criticism by the BBC Trust in last week's annual report that viewers wanted more 'ambitious and distinctive' programming on BBC1 with 'fresh' and 'new' shows.
A BBC source said: 'Mr Ware has a legitimate point.
'Why can't BBC1 do hard-hitting, serious, sometimes difficult-to-watch programming in the heart of prime time if the BBC's mission is public-service broadcasting rather than the pursuit of ratings?'
Insiders claim the corporation has been 'desperate' for the email not to leak out as they are sensitive to claims of Panorama dumbing down.
Many staff criticise the trend towards lengthy human-interest interviews rather than global news stories such as Britain's involvement in Afghanistan.
The source said: 'It's not about John Ware, it's about the argument that the BBC is retreating from serious, difficult, uncomfortable journalism in prime time on BBC1, due to a controller obsessed with ratings.
'She seems to prefer lengthy human interest interviews with the mother of children attacked by foxes.
'That goes against everything the BBC was established to do, why it takes a licence fee and it's the very essence of public-service broadcasting. That's something Mr Ware is championing.'
Panorama has a number of guaranteed 9pm slots on BBC1, in addition to episodes that are scheduled later.
But it is claimed producers find it difficult to get Miss Hunt to accept hard-hitting editions rather than lighter subject matter.
Mr Ware, who has also presented Rough Justice, Taking Liberties and Inside Story for the BBC, had threatened to quit the show in 2006 ahead of a relaunch that made it more populist, but decided to stay.
By Paul Revoir
Last updated at 1:00 AM on 17th July 2010
One of the BBC's most respected reporters has branded BBC1 controller Jay Hunt 'as shallow as a paddling pool' for dumbing down programmes.
In an explosive email, award-winning Panorama journalist John Ware accused her of 'patronising' viewers by assuming they were not interested in 'bolder' programming.
The criticism, sent to colleagues on the flagship current affairs show, claimed the only way to get more 'boldness' on the channel was to have a different controller.
The leaked email has caused a storm at the corporation and is deeply embarrassing to Miss Hunt, who has previously fended off criticism for 'ratings chasing'.
The BBC refused to say whether he had been disciplined, but he is thought to have been reprimanded.
His criticisms were sent to Panorama chiefs and colleagues in response to an email from the show's editor Tom Giles telling staff how bosses had confirmed that the show retained a central role on BBC1.
He also pointed out that the corporation's strategy review called for more 'depth, boldness and ambition' in the show's 9pm slot.
But on reading this, Mr Ware - who has been on the show for 24 years - sent a reply not just to Mr Giles, but also to the entire Panorama team.
He wrote: 'Surely the way to get more depth and boldness on BBC1 is to get a controller in place who isn't as shallow as a paddling pool and who stops patronising BBC1 viewers by assuming that a range of bolder subjects hold no interest for them.'
His email was sent in the early hours of Tuesday last week, and the ensuing furore has involved director of news Helen Boaden. It is also likely to land on the desk of deputy director general Mark Byford.
It follows criticism by the BBC Trust in last week's annual report that viewers wanted more 'ambitious and distinctive' programming on BBC1 with 'fresh' and 'new' shows.
A BBC source said: 'Mr Ware has a legitimate point.
'Why can't BBC1 do hard-hitting, serious, sometimes difficult-to-watch programming in the heart of prime time if the BBC's mission is public-service broadcasting rather than the pursuit of ratings?'
Insiders claim the corporation has been 'desperate' for the email not to leak out as they are sensitive to claims of Panorama dumbing down.
Many staff criticise the trend towards lengthy human-interest interviews rather than global news stories such as Britain's involvement in Afghanistan.
The source said: 'It's not about John Ware, it's about the argument that the BBC is retreating from serious, difficult, uncomfortable journalism in prime time on BBC1, due to a controller obsessed with ratings.
'She seems to prefer lengthy human interest interviews with the mother of children attacked by foxes.
'That goes against everything the BBC was established to do, why it takes a licence fee and it's the very essence of public-service broadcasting. That's something Mr Ware is championing.'
Panorama has a number of guaranteed 9pm slots on BBC1, in addition to episodes that are scheduled later.
But it is claimed producers find it difficult to get Miss Hunt to accept hard-hitting editions rather than lighter subject matter.
Mr Ware, who has also presented Rough Justice, Taking Liberties and Inside Story for the BBC, had threatened to quit the show in 2006 ahead of a relaunch that made it more populist, but decided to stay.