[Mikeandhersonq]

Was just mulling over this idea and how the BBC could be deliberately creating controversy. Such as the Top Gear ad; never saw the ad but heard the news and now know it's on. All the SCD race things and the scheduling causing a fuss in the papers. Question Time's BNP appearance and stuff like that. I agree that it works with Top Gear or commercial tv but then BBC (especially BBC One) doesn't need that kind of attention does it? Your thoughts?

[PeterB]

Originally Posted by Mikeandhersonq

Was just mulling over this idea and how the BBC could be deliberately creating controversy. Such as the Top Gear ad; never saw the ad but heard the news and now know it's on. All the SCD race things and the scheduling causing a fuss in the papers. Question Time's BNP appearance and stuff like that. I agree that it works with Top Gear or commercial tv but then BBC (especially BBC One) doesn't need that kind of attention does it? Your thoughts?

Always the BBC, never other channels?

[iain]

are you saying, for example, that the BBC shouldn't have had Griffin on QT in case it received any media attention?

having Griffin on QT wasn't a media stunt, it was due to their policy of treating elected political parties equally.

as for the TG ad - they like to sail close to the wind sometimes, and given the number of things they do, i guess on occasion people might complain.

Iain

[iain]

Originally Posted by PeterB

Always the BBC, never other channels?

yeah - its not as though something like The X Factor would ever generate many column inches - the voting of the last couple of weeks has been a bit peculiar to say the least.

Iain

[Tassium]

Originally Posted by PeterB

Always the BBC, never other channels?

It's too often assumed that most people accept that the BBC is a supposed public service funded by a household tax (in the guise of a licence) and therefore that high standards are expected of it.

It seems that there are some people who think the BBC should be judged as if it is just another commercial network.



The BBC are becoming desperate when it comes to ratings, the younger audience is slipping away and they are prepared to do anything to hang on to them.

[slow motion]

Originally Posted by Mikeandhersonq

Was just mulling over this idea and how the BBC could be deliberately creating controversy. Such as the Top Gear ad; never saw the ad but heard the news and now know it's on. All the SCD race things and the scheduling causing a fuss in the papers. Question Time's BNP appearance and stuff like that. I agree that it works with Top Gear or commercial tv but then BBC (especially BBC One) doesn't need that kind of attention does it? Your thoughts?

I agree. I suspect some things may be done to cause controversy, they very quickly become a news item, then there's an increased interest.

these controversies have happened a few times now, and we're getting wise to it and cynical.

But like the boy who cried wolf. When you play this game and something genuine comes along, we're likely to be suspicious.

[Mikeandhersonq]

Originally Posted by PeterB

Always the BBC, never other channels?

The BBC traditionally haven't done this and doesn't work with BBC One. I'm trying to make the point that maybe the BBC haven't thought they might self destruct by doing this.

[iain]

but Griffin was a bad example, and over the years, i'm sure the TG thing isn't the first thing that people have complained about.

its as though you're suggesting there's some deliberate policy at the BBC, which is something i'd very much doubt.

Iain

[KennyT]

WRT the TG ads... they were shown on an episode back in August. Ofcom has just pontificated on them. So, is the OP accusing Ofcom of timing their report to coincide with the new series of TG in order to boost its ratings?



K

[iain]

it does seem odd that the BBC didn't seek to maximise media attention at the time.

they missed a trick there, surely?

either that or this is just another lameass stick to beat the BBC with.

who can say for sure?

Iain

[slow motion]

Originally Posted by KennyT

WRT the TG ads... they were shown on an episode back in August. Ofcom has just pontificated on them. So, is the OP accusing Ofcom of timing their report to coincide with the new series of TG in order to boost its ratings?



K

Don't think people think about timing, except when it's a "news item".

But whether what some may regard as pushing the boundaries or what some may regard as seeking controversy - complaints to Ofcom would undoubtedly raise the profile for a particular show overall. And I don't recall a week that Top Gear or a repeat of Top gear is on one channel or another.

TG has so many complaints over time for one thing or another, I'm beginning to feel they'd think they were past their peak if the didn't have a controversy. Almost as if this disapproval were a seal of approval for some viewers.

think about it.

[iain]

hmm. very philosophical.

or maybe they were just larking around like they always do, and a tiny minority took offence.

one of the two.

Iain

[KennyT]

Originally Posted by slow motion

Don't think people think about timing, except when it's a "news item".

But the OP stated:

"...Such as the Top Gear ad; never saw the ad but heard the news and now know it's on."

Implying that the timing of the news about Ofcom's disapproval of the "sketch" was orchestrated to generate publicity for the new series.

Clarkson has been making "outrageous old duffer" comments for ages now. I'm sure there's a list somewhere going back years. Why the sudden assumption that he's now doing it for "controversy" (when he wasn't before?).

K

[iain]

because 'its A N Other pointless anti BBC bandwagon to jump on'?

that's the bookies favourite...

Iain

[Lawrencetero]

Originally Posted by Mikeandhersonq

Was just mulling over this idea and how the BBC could be deliberately creating controversy. Such as the Top Gear ad; never saw the ad but heard the news and now know it's on. All the SCD race things and the scheduling causing a fuss in the papers. Question Time's BNP appearance and stuff like that. I agree that it works with Top Gear or commercial tv but then BBC (especially BBC One) doesn't need that kind of attention does it? Your thoughts?

hmm not convinced these are deliberate attempts by the bbc to "get attention" for their brand/products.

[mikw]

Originally Posted by Lawrencetero

hmm not convinced these are deliberate attempts by the bbc to "get attention" for their brand/products.

I agree.

Funny thing is, everything about the BBC that appears in newspapers and forums are publicity that money can't buy.

Anyone (whether it be a newspaper editor, media baron or DS poster) who over-reacts to bash the BBC is actually giving them free publicity!

[iain]

pulls up chair to see Lawrence debate this one with Slow Motion....

Iain

[Lawrencetero]

Originally Posted by mikw

I agree.

Funny thing is, everything about the BBC that appears in newspapers and forums are publicity that money can't buy.

Anyone (whether it be a newspaper editor, media baron or DS poster) who over-reacts to bash the BBC is actually giving them free publicity!

ah the old "any publicity s good publicity" line...in which case the bbc would have no issue rebranding the "tvl fee" the "bbc fee" then would they?

[mikw]

Originally Posted by Lawrencetero

ah the old "any publicity s good publicity" line...in which case the bbc would have no issue rebranding the "tvl fee" the "bbc fee" then would they?

What are you on about?