Ok here is an informed view. I worked for the BBC for 34 years as a radio presenter. I have covered OB work, and live music in and out of Folk and Blues, as well as mainstream continuity work.
The BBC I joined in 1984 was keen to give youngsters like me a chance and supported all minority music interests.
Latterly thanks to Russell Brand and Jonathon Ross and their disgraceful behaviour, we were all retrained in risk assessment (!) and diversity, and impartiality.
Slowly but surely the broadcasting quality declined. The mindless programme pushing became mandatory, and was demanded at quarter past and quarter to the hour, even if you were in the middle of an interview. We ended up with the bloody ridiculous situation of introducing Sherman Robertson live, and interrupting it with a advert for a gardening programme. I asked the muppets in charge 'Are you trying to irritate the listeners into joining the programme?
Back came the Answer 'Yes it works.' The mandatory training became more and more ludicrous. I knew how to present my programme from a middle of a river full of alligators should I go on safari. (Yes Honestly!)
The final straw was when the government and the BBC decided to change the terms of employment. I went one week later.
As if by magic every single value hammered into us by numerous trainers and producers went west. Slowly impartiality became a pretence. The Brexit arguments were undermined right left and centre. Whatever your view, it should be displayed equally by a public service broadcaster. Reports were qualified with 'Despite Brexit this has happened.' 'Despite the strike the other has happened' Brexit for and against guest numbers were drastically unbalanced. When questioned about this live on 'Question time' the presenter sneered 'Just answer the question!'
BBC TV was no better, and the presentation style became embarrassing
to an old school broadcaster like myself. All of the values seemed to have gone, and the bias was even finding it's way into the soap operas.
I am sad disillusioned and bloody angry. The movements to defund the BBC and the non payment of the licence are becoming more understandable, and this by one who was funded by the same for many years.
I now feel the BBC's days are numbered, and it will become a subscription service. That will be a sad but necessary day. They only have themselves to blame.