Public rejects Murdoch view of BBC, says ICM poll

[oldironside]

"Trust in corporation grows despite attacks by Murdoch and politicians
Jonathan Freedland: We still love Auntie

Viewers and listeners are rallying around the BBC, according to a Guardian/ICM poll published today. It shows rising levels of trust in the broadcaster and increased public support for the licence fee.

The results challenge claims that the BBC's growth has a "chilling" effect on consumer choice, made last month in a speech by James Murdoch, European chief executive of News International. His comments opened up debate about the future of the corporation, which is protected by its guaranteed licence fee while some other media organisations are facing sharp falls in revenue.

Murdoch criticised what he called the "expansion of state-sponsored journalism" on the BBC's website, but today's poll suggests public respect for the BBC's output is growing.

An overwhelming majority, 77%, think the BBC is an institution people should be proud of – up from 68% in an equivalent ICM poll carried out five years ago. Most, 63%, also think it provides good value for money – up from 59% in 2004"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/sep/04/bbc-icm-poll-james-murdoch

True conservatism in the UK would be fighting to protect the BBC and the NHS - two national treasures that have existed for decades, served the people and had a massively positive effect on the nation. Instead they are only interested in a quick buck.

Oh, and I'm proud to be posting stuff that has nothing to do with the Express or Mail.

"Might is not right. Temper it with justice."
William Shakespeare

He could also have said: "The right has no right. Temper it with justice." But I don't expect multinational corporations to understand the subtlety.

[T_i_B]

1. Join to campaign to stand up for the BBC here

Please sign the petition here.

http://38degrees.org.uk/page/s/BBCStandup

The BBC is a great British institution, respected the world over. We don't want to see it undermined. This means we must:

Protect the BBC's funding by preserving the license fee, and the clarity that comes with the current funding model.

Help the BBC develop by putting first value for money and quality of service for license fee payers, not the commercial interests of rival media companies.

Ensure the BBC's independence by preventing politicians from interfering in its day-to-day running, keeping the corporation impartial and independent, working in the best interests of and accountable to the British people.

[non sociopath skin]

2. Done

The Skin

[LeftishBrit]

4. Done. Thanks!

[LeftishBrit]

3. Glad this is being made an issue!