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AIBU?

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BBC Anita Dobson presenting lifeline appeal

11 replies

AaarmadillosWhy · 18/03/2018 12:36

I was channel hoping and came across what I thought was a charity advertisement featuring Anita Dobson (remember her?). Anyway turns out it was actual programming - "Lifeline presented by Anita Dobson" but in reality it was a blatant charity appeal for a particular charity with Support text numbers at the bottom of the screen.

AIBU to think that the BBC (With its no advertising platform) should not allow individual charities to have priviledged advertising access like this? It is advertising and its not fair to other equally deserving charities.

I know the BBC supports Children in Need etc but these are overarching appeals that support many different charities not just one.

The charity in question looked like a great one btw so nothing against it at all. I just know lots of people involved with lots of other great causes who could never get a former BBC actress to advertise their appeal on the BBC. It seems really unfair.

Did anyone else see it? I also found Anita Dobson cringey to watch but I couldn't work out why. I think it maybe because it came across to me like she was "acting" sincere and concerned. Lots of nodding head shots. Not saying she isn't of course but it all came across as very hollow. The bit where she high fived a child in a wheelchair and then did dancing next to the child while the child was doing (some excellent!) wheelchair dancing was super-cringe. There was no need for it and to me it seemed very patronising - just my opinion though.

OP posts:
butterflymum · 18/03/2018 12:42

Lifeline on BBC

an explanation of the Lifeline programme.

butterflymum · 18/03/2018 12:43

and in particular:

"Lifeline is a monthly 10 minute programme broadcast on BBC One highlighting the work of a charity and appealing for donations to support its activities. The appeal aims to provide an opportunity for raising money and awareness to a variety of charities. The appeal is a fantastic way for a charity to engage with the BBC's audience.

There are 11 Lifeline Appeals each year and in 2016/17 they raised over £284,480"

Yarboosucks · 18/03/2018 12:46

So clearly YABU then!

AaarmadillosWhy · 18/03/2018 12:49

Thanks for link - didn't know that.

Same point still applies though. It is advertising and restricted to selected charities - only 11. I still think it's unfair because it is advertising and it is very limited.

And I still think Anita Dobson came across badly IMO.

OP posts:
butterflymum · 18/03/2018 13:02

For those interested, some further reading:

History of Charity Appeals on BBC radio and tv

and

About BBC charity appeals

Running since the 1920s, I daresay numerous charities have had the opportunity to benefit from the appeals over the years.

megletthesecond · 18/03/2018 13:05

It's been running for years. Don't have a problem with it really. YABU.

MrsJayy · 18/03/2018 13:06

Lifeline has been running for as long as I can remember I didn't see it today but it is harmless and promoting a charity rather than advertising. Comic relief, sports relief and children in need are all "advertised" by the Bbc

JacksGirl123 · 18/03/2018 13:07

Ah, it really is possible for some people to always find something to complain about.

PuppyMonkey · 18/03/2018 13:08

I was about to say, they’ve been doing similar appeals on the BBC got as long as I can remember, I can’t believe you never previously noticed them OP. Confused

EduCated · 18/03/2018 13:09

Yes, Lifeline is as old as the hills! Didn’t really realise it was still going. I think it’s fairly harmless, they don’t exactly hide that it is a charity appeal. They also tend to use the slot to explain the cause and raise awareness of issues.

MrsJayy · 18/03/2018 13:10

Maybe you just don't like Anita Dobson op

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