BBC News?..... or discussion?

[SideValve]

She was indeed found at fault. They said:
"While we believe the programme contained fair, reasonable and rigorous journalism, we feel that we should have done more to make clear the introduction was a summary of the questions we would examine, with all the accompanying evidence, in the rest of the programme. As it was, we believe the introduction we broadcast did not meet our standards of due impartiality."

My comment on that is that yes, she could could have worded it better. I'm sure a lot of people were disgruntled, we know how many complained. We dont, of course, know how many heartly agreed. Either way, she should have worded it more carefully. If nothing else it has added fuel to the Murdoch media's pressure to stifle the BBC.
Its another matter as to whether our only independent news source should be careful of what it says in case it raises the ire of foreign news organisations - no matter what their influence within the government of the day.

I sincerely believe that the BBC is as even handed as it is possible to be. Many people believe it is actually too balanced. And then there is the number of times its quoted as a case of political correctness gone mad.

Regarding the license fee. Yep, its a throwback to its formation in very different times. I wouldn't like to see it depend on subscriptions - I think that would be the death of all the peripheral services they provide, local news, radio, documentaries, archives, educational content as well as being the start of moulding content to match their new audience of those that can afford the fee.
I would also be nervous of it being funded out of general taxation - there is a real danger it would literally become the voice of Government. So, the current model isn't great but it helps to preserve the level of service and the level of independence.

I certainly do not have the view that the BBC can say what it wants as long as it says what I feel. There is that famous quote "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." So yep, if they (or anyone else for that matter) say something I dont agree with I try to question both why others might agree and why I dont. As a last resort you can always switch channels or turn it off.
The BBC may not be perfect but I am happy that it does its best to give a platform to all sides of arguments and its that level of debate that gives us the opportunity to consider things in the round and make up our minds. I try to make sure I look at stories of interest from as many sources as possible (except those that put up paywalls) and I have to say that while I remain a fan of the BBC I am also often impressed by Sky News, CNN and Reuters. However, the knives are clearly out for the BBC and none of the others could come close to replacing it. That's my opinion, others are of course welcome to theirs :¬)