The BBC

[Mervyn and Trish]

Another drama we've enjoyed is Cardinal. Presumably an import as the length and some of the edits suggest it was originally on a commercial channel. I guess in Canada as that is where it's set. In a city with a murder rate to rival Midsomer. We've not spotted it before but having finished the recent six parter discovered it was series 4. Now watching 1 to 3 on iplayer.

Not particularly keen on Cops 'n' Robbers at Chez Moby ( bar Endeavour ) ... is that the basic genre / story line ?
.

It is. And pretty gory at that.

[Manoverboard]

Another drama we've enjoyed is Cardinal. Presumably an import as the length and some of the edits suggest it was originally on a commercial channel. I guess in Canada as that is where it's set. In a city with a murder rate to rival Midsomer. We've not spotted it before but having finished the recent six parter discovered it was series 4. Now watching 1 to 3 on iplayer.

Not particularly keen on Cops 'n' Robbers at Chez Moby ( bar Endeavour ) ... is that the basic genre / story line ?
.

It is. And pretty gory at that.

Thanks for the heads up, Mobietta doesn't do gory

[towny44]

Another drama we've enjoyed is Cardinal. Presumably an import as the length and some of the edits suggest it was originally on a commercial channel. I guess in Canada as that is where it's set. In a city with a murder rate to rival Midsomer. We've not spotted it before but having finished the recent six parter discovered it was series 4. Now watching 1 to 3 on iplayer.

Not particularly keen on Cops 'n' Robbers at Chez Moby ( bar Endeavour ) ... is that the basic genre / story line ?
.

It is. And pretty gory at that.

As well as being extremely cold, northern Canadian winters are not suitable for Southern softies.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Not particularly keen on Cops 'n' Robbers at Chez Moby ( bar Endeavour ) ... is that the basic genre / story line ?
.

It is. And pretty gory at that.

As well as being extremely cold, northern Canadian winters are not suitable for Southern softies.

Indeed. Series 4 was set in the snow. As was series 1. We've just started series 2 and it's summer. So southern softies start here.

[Manoverboard]

Not particularly keen on Cops 'n' Robbers at Chez Moby ( bar Endeavour ) ... is that the basic genre / story line ?
.

It is. And pretty gory at that.

As well as being extremely cold, northern Canadian winters are not suitable for Southern softies.

Chums live in Canada and they say they can have temps of minus 60 >>, albeit not as cold as sunny 'Uddersfield

[cruisin_duo]

Another drama we've enjoyed is Cardinal. Presumably an import as the length and some of the edits suggest it was originally on a commercial channel. I guess in Canada as that is where it's set. In a city with a murder rate to rival Midsomer. We've not spotted it before but having finished the recent six parter discovered it was series 4. Now watching 1 to 3 on iplayer.

Watched all four seasons of Cardinal, and really enjoyed it. Another series, actually recommended via a BBC email is “Wisting” a Norwegian series with subtitles. Believe it’s on the player for 6 months.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Another one we're enjoying is the new productions of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads. Some excellent actors and apparently filmed on the currently quiet Eastenders sets. AB was quite talented for a Yorkshireman.......

[towny44]

Another one we're enjoying is the new productions of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads. Some excellent actors and apparently filmed on the currently quiet Eastenders sets. AB was quite talented for a Yorkshireman.......

He no longer lives in Yorkshire and with his political and remainer views he certainly would not be welcomed back by me

[screwy]

I used to quite like Maxine Peake until I discovered she is an out and out Left Winger....

[towny44]

I used to quite like Maxine Peake until I discovered she is an out and out Left Winger....

Ditto.

[Manoverboard]

There were calls for the BBC to make savings ... Here's the start of them.

[towny44]

I doubt that any changes to regional TV programming will have an impact on my enjoyment of them or not.
However I do wish the Beeb would find some way of integrating Leeds Look North onto the normal HD BBC1 service. If they can show old football matches and films predating even colour TV satisfactorily on the HD channel, why can't they use the same software to upgrade the SD output from Leeds, thus avoiding us having to switch channels to watch our regional news.
Over to you Sir Merv.

[Stephen]

There were calls for the BBC to make savings ... Here's the start of them.

You've seen one repeat you've seen them all, so I won't be losing any sleep over it.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I doubt that any changes to regional TV programming will have an impact on my enjoyment of them or not.
However I do wish the Beeb would find some way of integrating Leeds Look North onto the normal HD BBC1 service. If they can show old football matches and films predating even colour TV satisfactorily on the HD channel, why can't they use the same software to upgrade the SD output from Leeds, thus avoiding us having to switch channels to watch our regional news.
Over to you Sir Merv.

No idea. Irritates me too.

[towny44]

I doubt that any changes to regional TV programming will have an impact on my enjoyment of them or not.
However I do wish the Beeb would find some way of integrating Leeds Look North onto the normal HD BBC1 service. If they can show old football matches and films predating even colour TV satisfactorily on the HD channel, why can't they use the same software to upgrade the SD output from Leeds, thus avoiding us having to switch channels to watch our regional news.
Over to you Sir Merv.

No idea. Irritates me too.

Whoopee something about the Beeb we agree on.

[Mervyn and Trish]

There were calls for the BBC to make savings ... Here's the start of them.

You've seen one repeat you've seen them all, so I won't be losing any sleep over it.

Of course your choice of channel is entirely yours to make. But don't try to justify it with the old repeat argument. First you don't need to. And second it doesn't stack up. Last time you mentioned it I did a quick count up in the TV guide and the BBC was showing more original material than ITV, Channel 4 or Channel 5. In fact one day, if you discount the news and current affairs, ITV only had one programme that wasn't a repeat or a film!

[Manoverboard]

Channel 4, More 4, Even More 4, something completely New 4
.

[Mervyn and Trish]

And even just 4 has more repeats than Auntie

[Stephen]

There were calls for the BBC to make savings ... Here's the start of them.

You've seen one repeat you've seen them all, so I won't be losing any sleep over it.

Of course your choice of channel is entirely yours to make. But don't try to justify it with the old repeat argument. First you don't need to. And second it doesn't stack up. Last time you mentioned it I did a quick count up in the TV guide and the BBC was showing more original material than ITV, Channel 4 or Channel 5. In fact one day, if you discount the news and current affairs, ITV only had one programme that wasn't a repeat or a film!

Hit a nerve have we Merv about your beloved Beeb.
How old was your TV guide, and who's arguing, it was an observation, and a valid one, but because the BBC is your baby so to speak you dislike anyone having an opinion about it that you don't like. Yes I have repeated my comment about repeats in the past, just like the BBC. And you are correct I do have a choice, but I begrudge paying for the TV licence that is the trade mark of the BBC that shows mainly, not all, repeats. You are entitled to your opinion as I am, without sounding condescending.

[Mervyn and Trish]

You've seen one repeat you've seen them all, so I won't be losing any sleep over it.

Of course your choice of channel is entirely yours to make. But don't try to justify it with the old repeat argument. First you don't need to. And second it doesn't stack up. Last time you mentioned it I did a quick count up in the TV guide and the BBC was showing more original material than ITV, Channel 4 or Channel 5. In fact one day, if you discount the news and current affairs, ITV only had one programme that wasn't a repeat or a film!

Hit a nerve have we Merv about your beloved Beeb.
How old was your TV guide, and who's arguing, it was an observation, and a valid one, but because the BBC is your baby so to speak you dislike anyone having an opinion about it that you don't like. Yes I have repeated my comment about repeats in the past, just like the BBC. And you are correct I do have a choice, but I begrudge paying for the TV licence that is the trade mark of the BBC that shows mainly, not all, repeats. You are entitled to your opinion as I am, without sounding condescending.

Oooer. Like I said you are entitled to your opinion and yes it does show repeats. But no more than any other channel. And I'm happy to have them on all channels. .I've discovered many a good programme second time around. You're also entitled to your view on the licence fee. Personally I think it is outdated and needs a rethink but if it is replaced by advertising or subscription and the current diversity of funding ends all the channels will.lose out. And we'll all regret it. Because standards will hit rock bottom across the board.

[Ray B]

I have to side with Merv on this one, as I have said before, the BBC does put out some very good programs and across the three free view channels there is much to enjoy. Not subscribing to pay TV, across all FV channels plus the catch ups, there is more than enough to keep me going.
That does not include Ant and Dec, watching them is enough to make you want to throw up, don't like them.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I admit gladly I'm a BBC fan. Not of everything they do of course. And there is plenty i like elsewhere too but I don't have and don't want a subscription to Sky or Amazon or Netflix or anyone else. And I fully accept others have different preferences.

I also accept that in the 21st century the licence fee needs thought. But I caution on knee jerk changes. The diversity of funding streams is a major strength of all British broadcasting, not just the BBC, because they're not all fighting for the same pot.

What upsets me is lil informed assumptions driven by the Mail and others. Having worked there I know there is so much nonsense talked.

The BBC is not expensive if you look at all you get for the licence fee. Per hour of output and per viewer it is cheaper and more efficient than its rivals.

Most of its employees are modestly paid. Its stars get less than elsewhere. Because the BBC is transparent it is hard to find the comparisons. But ITVs top paid light entertainment stars get 5 times as much as the BBC's. Chris Evans at Virgin gets twice as much as Zoe Ball at R2 for a quarter of the audience. ITV's Chief Exec gets more than twice as much as the BBC DG for much less responsibility.

The BBC gender pay gap is well below the national average. Etc. The BBC has taken equal opportunities seriously for years. More than 20 years ago it was a constant drummed into management responsible for appointments.

I'll say no more because I know the critics won't be convinced and won't bother to go over old ground again in the future. But that is why I get narked.

[Onelife]

I have to side with Merv on this one, as I have said before, the BBC does put out some very good programs and across the three free view channels there is much to enjoy. Not subscribing to pay TV, across all FV channels plus the catch ups, there is more than enough to keep me going.
That does not include Ant and Dec, watching them is enough to make you want to throw up, don't like them.

i ain't siding with anyone...I want to see a fight

[towny44]

I admit gladly I'm a BBC fan. Not of everything they do of course. And there is plenty i like elsewhere too but I don't have and don't want a subscription to Sky or Amazon or Netflix or anyone else. And I fully accept others have different preferences.

I also accept that in the 21st century the licence fee needs thought. But I caution on knee jerk changes. The diversity of funding streams is a major strength of all British broadcasting, not just the BBC, because they're not all fighting for the same pot.

What upsets me is lil informed assumptions driven by the Mail and others. Having worked there I know there is so much nonsense talked.

The BBC is not expensive if you look at all you get for the licence fee. Per hour of output and per viewer it is cheaper and more efficient than its rivals.

Most of its employees are modestly paid. Its stars get less than elsewhere. Because the BBC is transparent it is hard to find the comparisons. But ITVs top paid light entertainment stars get 5 times as much as the BBC's. Chris Evans at Virgin gets twice as much as Zoe Ball at R2 for a quarter of the audience. ITV's Chief Exec gets more than twice as much as the BBC DG for much less responsibility.

The BBC gender pay gap is well below the national average. Etc. The BBC has taken equal opportunities seriously for years. More than 20 years ago it was a constant drummed into management responsible for appointments.

I'll say no more because I know the critics won't be convinced and won't bother to go over old ground again in the future. But that is why I get narked.

Merv, I accept & agree with most of what you say, the BBC is very good value for the fee it charges, however that is only because it is a compulsary charge on every single household that owns a TV. But making the BBC a paid for service like Sky would lead to fewer contributors and higher charges, and most likely an overall reduction in funding leading to poorer quality programming. Not something I would want to see.
However I just wish you agreed with me that their newsroom is populated by far too many woke, liberal luvvies and EU remainers who are Labour supporters and produce very anti govt programmes. I accept they are not the only left leaning TV media outfit, but they are the national channel and as such ought to be far more neutral in their reporting.

[Onelife]

I think it would be difficult to make a counter argument to what you have said John .....but if anyone can Sir Merv can.