Briefings – David Attenborough
Probably as out of step these days as you could be and with several BBC Directors looking on in the front row this is a sober and welcome reminder of Reithian/Carleton Green values from the BBC’s longest serving employee (1952 and counting)
This lecture from David Attenborough and commissioned by the BBC as part of Ofcom’s never ending PSB review , it hit the headlines last week for its passing criticism of the BBC’s reliance on makeover shows. It is in fact a 30 minute canter through hammocking, the impact of ITV, and a withering dismissal of “niche” channels which “have their place” but …. And in a piece of supreme ironic scheduling the BBC have tucked this spirited defence and history of public service broadcasting on BBC Parliament on a Saturday night. You really will not see his like again.
That’s a real find, Mr Stone. Really fascinating to learn the origin of some of our most treasured institutions and the habits that sustain them. I found myself alternately loving and hating the old geezer.