Defund the BBC chief labels government ‘tone deaf’

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The BBC has announced plans to introduce “bespoke” regional voiceovers between programmes in a bid to make the corporation feel less London-centric. BBC1 shows broadcast in the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire will feature announcements made in local accents. But social media users have heavily mocked the plans, with several saying the move shows the BBC are still out of touch with its audience.

Dozens of people have criticised the plans on Twitter, with several pointing out the BBC should instead focus on its reporting.

One person wrote: “More condescending crap from BBC.

“Just give us unbiased reporting. The accent doesn’t matter.”

Another person said: “It’s the attitude NOT the accent that matters! BBC News still don’t get it.”

A third wrote: “If the condescending lefties at the BBC understood northerners, they would realise they don’t need broadcasters speaking to them ‘in their own accent’.

“These are proud people who wear jacket and tie in the club.

“They just want a patriotic, British BBC.”

Another person said: “They don’t get it….licence payers want objective, unbiased reporting not patronising local accents #DefundTheBBC.”

JUST IN: Sturgeon fury over campaigner’s ‘England get out of Scotland’ banner

Journalist Colin Brazier, who will be a presenter on Andrew Neil’s GB News when it launches later this month, also criticised the move.

He wrote on Twitter: “This is window dressing.

“It doesn’t matter how many regional voices the BBC employs, the guiding mind is metropolitan.

“What matters is diverse opinion, not accents.”

DON’T MISS:
Scotland tsunami warning: Scientists warn towns could be swamped [DETAILS]
BBC Exposed! News anchor caught wearing shorts and deck shoes in gaffe [PICTURES]
Brexit: Dutch leaders asked people would boycott UK goods? [INSIGHT]

The plan to use regional accents was announced by the BBC’s director of nations, Rhodri Talfan Davies.

The move forms part of the corporation’s “across the UK” initiative.

Mr Talfan Davies said: “We are tailor-making the feel of the channel for more areas.”

In an interview with Sky News, the BBC boss was quizzed on whether the move was “a little bit condescending and superficial” but he denied the claim.

He said: “It would be superficial if we weren’t also radically shifting our focus across network television – if I was to say: ‘Let’s give BBC1 a northern voice.'”

Mr Talfan Davies also revealed programmes such as BBC2’s Newsnight and Radio 4’s Today will go on the road to different cities.

He said: “If we’re all living within the M25 bubble, that inevitably has an impact on the editorial choices we make.

“So I believe it will make a difference.”

Source: Read Full Article