"Has Sky TV ever produced or commissioned a programme worth watching?"

I hold no candle for the Murdoch empire, but nor for the BBC, either. However, the former is where it is now as a result, presumably, of giving its customers what they want; the same cannot be said for the BBC, which casts into gaol those who avoid its television tax.

I think young James has a point. Given its hypothecated tax revenue, the BBC should concentrate on high-quality output, not be chasing commercial rivals into the slime at the bottom.

Murdoch senior is reportedly wanting to start charging for news content. He can hardly do that while the BBC offers a "free" alternative. Does the EU have nothing to say about this restraint of competition? (Normally I despise the EU; if it is indifferent here, too, in the one area where I acknowledge it might have a role to play -- ie competition -- then my despite seems justified. Is "despite" the noun from "to despise?")