Talk to the BBC Trust about the future of the BBC and you could win a £300 voucher NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

We've been asked by the BBC Trust to find out what Mumsnetters would like to see from the BBC in future.

The BBC Trust says "Over the next eighteen months, really important decisions are being made about the future of the BBC. The Government is reviewing the BBC’s Royal Charter, the foundation on which the BBC is built. This happens once in a decade, so it’s a rare chance for you, who pay for the BBC, to have your say on its future."

Please let us know your answers to the questions below:

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Please also feel free to add any other comments you have. If you’d like to share more of your views on the future of the BBC you can complete the BBC Trust’s short survey: www.bbc.co.uk/tomorrowsbbc

Everyone who posts on the thread will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher*

Thanks and good luck,
MNHQ

• provided by MNHQ

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I really like the BBC, I do watch a lot of BB programmes and use Iplayer a lot.

• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

I like the online programmes and think that more is needed for Iplayer and also catch up. I can access things online that I can't on catch up. It's annoying at times.

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

A greater variety of catch up programmes.

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

Nothing obvious springs to mind.

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Yes, lots of new programmes and also interesting ones. A good variety of programmes to suit all tastes.

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Yes, lots of new programmes as I said. Cutting edge issues are discussed and this is important.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I love the BBC!

• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

I think it is about right

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

More quality science documentary content -there are some great ones but in general they have dumbed down a little in recent years

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

Less trashy drama

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Variable.

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Overall, what do you think of the BBC? It produces some good programmes, but I resent paying a tv licence fee when I mostly watch Sky TV.

- Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee? I think that the licence fee should be scrapped, but currently they do not show enough programmes on iplayer.

- What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of? Have a Sky channel that shows old drama series from the very first series, like Casualty and Holby City, The Chase, Survivors, Sunburn, The Syndicate, all these great shows that are never seen again. There are many more that I can't remember, but it would be great to see them.

- What one thing would you like the BBC do less of? sport

- Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not? I like drama like Casualty and The Syndicate. Dr Who used to be great but not with the latest doctor. I watch Eastenders. That is about it really.

- Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not No, it isn't fresh. There are just too many channels that compete now and more and more people resent having to pay a licence fee that basically covers BBC, when they are paying a subscription to be able to watch hundereds of other channels. People now watch TV in so many different ways, Netflix, Sky, amazon etc. The BBC need to change with the times.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

It's great. I always look at what is on the BBC channels first before other channels. I listen to BBC radio. They have great programs and I love the fact there are no adverts.

• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

I think it is about right. Happy to pay the fee for what I get.

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

More dramas and series like Sherlock and Silent Witness

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

Less soaps and they could do with a few less celebs on travel adventure type programs

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Yes, usually good quality programs

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Some is, some isn't, but distinctive and fresh isn't always what everyone wants. A mix of old favourites alongside new things works well for me.

I love BBC News, BBC4, the DC watch Cbeebies and CBBC.

I think the number of services the BBC provides for the licence fee is enough.

I can't think of any types of programmes I'd like to see more or less of.

Yes, I think the BBC usually provides good quality programmes. I love anything with David Attenborough or Steve Backshall.

Yes, I think the BBC's distinctive and fresh, there are always wonderful new documentaries on.

I love the BBC. Having said that, I think there are some services that are unnecessary.

Several regional radio stations could be combined to match the larger TV regions. So radio Nottingham, Derby etc could join to make Radio East Midlands.

Children's programmes don't need to be on all day. Cut back the non-stop antiques repeats in the day on BBC1, put young children's shows on in the morning and CBBC on in the post-school slot as they used to be. With iPlayer there really is no need for the children's channels to be broadcast.

Having all of the BBC TV channels seems to dilute the quality a bit. Churning out enough programmes to fill the several schedules is a tough task, and the likes of 'Don't Get Done, Get Dom' and 'The One Show' being on every day are evidence of the creativity running out, in my opinion.

I'd prefer fewer services of better quality for the licence fee.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
I love the BBC and think that it does a good job in providing unbiased news, a wide variety of programmes on tv and radio. I think the licence fee should be increased to secure the future of the BBC.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
If you could link the licence fee to the catch up service, then I would like to see and hear more tv and radio programmes online.

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
Quality drama, be it original drama like Wolf Hall or bought in Scandi crime drama.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Less of John Hunphries please.

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
I consider a lot of BBC programming to be high quality, good news, good drama and a wide range of comedy. Radio 3, 4 and 6 provide a huge range of music and news and articles. There is a wealth of choice and interest across the BBC's platforms.

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Distinctive, yes. Fresh? In what sense? Continually offering new programmes and ideas? Not so much, especially when you see there are programmes like Mrs Brown's Boys.

I don't watch much on BBC ,mainly documentarys and news ,but I'm happy to pay the licence fee as I do think they make some quality programmes .
I would like to see some way of linking the use of I player to the licence fee as I think if you want to watch / use the BBC you should have to contribute . More sport would be good ,perhaps on the red button and less of Denise Lewis !

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I love the BBC - I think it offers a variety of programming on many platforms for all ages. I do think it's a shame that the cut-backs have led to cutting services within the BBC which mean that in-depth and accurate research are effected.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

No - I think the BBC is completely wrong to try an chase an imagined 'youth' market by chasing a digital/online audience. They need to stop spreading resources so thinly and concentrate on fewer but higher quality programming

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
More documataries

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Less half-baked half hour badly researched programmes

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Overall, yes but I do think quality is effected by cutting staff/cutting knowledge/cutting resources.

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not? 'Define distinctive and fresh' - do you mean youthful, do you mean that the BBC stands out? Yes the BBC stands out, it is much loved and admired with a great history but it can be ruined by shoddy research, programming and continual battles to gain a youthful audience.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I love it. I trust it. I am proud of it. I am occasionally frustrated by it. I am worried for its future as I do not think that the current Government (or the last Government) are fans. I want the BBC to be brave and stand-up to political bullying. I want the BBC to be protected from politicians axe. It should not be up to politicians to decide about the future of the licence fee, I feel this very strongly, it sounds crazy but I would want any proposal to axe the licence fee to be subject to a referendum because it is the people of Britain who own the BBC and not politicians.

• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

BBC content should be on every platform, if it is not then it will not keep up with the times and it will wither and die. If costs need to be cut then it should cut back on what it does on each platform but do not cut a whole platform.

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

Investigative journalism, in-depth news, original drama, documentaries.

The BBC education web pages are great. More should be invested in supporting the school curriculum through BBC online and through CBBC. Programmes like Newsround are invaluable educational tools.

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

Buying foreign programmes. I do not understand why the BBC spends money on US/Australian series. If they are good then a commercial channel will buy them and broadcast them here. If they are not good enough to entice commercial investment then the BBC should not be spending money on them.

I am not clear why the BBC does so much non-distinctive drama like Holby City and soaps. This type of programme is widely available on other channels so the BBC is not adding the variety available.

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

A lot of what the BBC provides is high quality but some of it is not (see my earlier comments on soaps and foreign imports). BBC documentaries, BBC news, BBC childrens' programming are all usually high quality products on all platforms. The BBC website is generally high quality too. R4 is unsurpassed.

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

It can be distinctive but sometimes the desire to appeal to the masses damages the distinctive nature of BBC services.

Please let us know your answers to the questions below:
Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
It's an international institution and worth so much to so many. I've been watching since the mid 1960s (when I was a very little'un) and despite the fact that there are so many TV channels to choose from now, I still 9/10 watch BBC ones - that's not loyalty but because of the quality and range of TV experience they offer!

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
As it stands they should probably be making more services available instead of being profligate with our money (on staff!).

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
More collaborations with other TV companies around the world and more cross-fertilisation.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Sitcoms - very few of them in recent years have worked.

Using very expensive TV dinosaurs who cost a fortune (such as Bruce Forsyth!)

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Yes totally agree!

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
I actually think it's adapted very well to the challenges of broadcasting in the 21st Century!

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC? I like the BBC and think it provides good quality tv, news and entertainment.
• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee? I'd like to see box sets of series through iplayer.
• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?More British dramas. Series through iplayer like a box set.
• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of? Repeated documentaries as you tune in to see it and realise you have watched it before.
• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not? Yes, covers up tp date issues and tv/radio worth watching/listening to.
• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not? Yes it stands out I believe because it is high quality.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I think there is some high quality drama programming. Sherlock is my favourite TV show of all time. The BBC has made some excellent comedies and dramas in the past. The Thick Of It is my second favourite show, and I expect most of my Top 10 would be BBC programmes to be honest. Peter Kay's Car Share was just brilliant this year! So funny, all my friends and family were watching it as well. Last Tango in Halifax was a gem too (until they killed off Kate, but never mind).

Currently I'm enjoying Great British Bake Off. It's often the only thing I switch the TV on for all week. I also like that you continue to screen some snooker tournaments, even though the viewing figures are probably shrinking year on year!

Generally I have a positive opinion of the BBC.

• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

I don't really listen to the radio.

I would like to access shows for longer on iPlayer. Peter Kay's Car Share for example, I wanted to rewatch it on iPlayer, but two of the episodes were gone. I haven't checked, maybe you do this already, but it would be nice to watch classic shows in iPlayer too. Basically I would like it if iPlayer was like a BBC version of Netflix.

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

First thing that comes to mind - more Sherlock please!! Nine episodes in over five years, it's really not fair!

And just more drama and more comedy, you do that very well.

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

Well, I was going to say shows like The Voice, Strictly Come Dancing, etc, and then I remembered that Bake Off would probably fit in that category too...

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I think of all the channels the BBC probably produces the most high quality entertainment. There's some lower quality stuff too of course, but if that subsidizes the likes of Sherlock and Doctor Who then I can live with it.

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Distinctive, I'd say so, yes.

Does it have to be 'fresh'? Mmm, that's not a word I'd hope the BBC would be chasing after... It sounds like something Channel Four would be aiming for really!

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
I love the BBC. They consistently deliver a wide range of programmes of really good quality

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
The BBC provides a lot of channels. I feel that we get good value for the fee paid

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
close the loop hole that enables people to not pay the license fee if they are only watching 'catch up' services

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
less episodes of Eastenders

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Yes - the BBC comes out with some great original programmes

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
I think that the BBC is on the ball with new programmes and is willing to tackle issues that other providers might avoid. It ticks the boxes for me

Love iplayer, it is the best designed of the catch up services, but I would like to see what is on there changed much more frequently.
Love Radio 4. Would like to see more content of BBC 4 on iplayer.
More high quality dramas and history programmes. I am not interested in the entertainment programmes at all, but appreciate you also need a decent audience share.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC? I think its great - when you compare to other channels/groups in the UK and overseas you really notice the quality difference

• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee? I'd be willing to pay more license fee to maintain the quality as it is. But maybe local radio is an area where I'm not sure of cost effectiveness

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

Dr Who, Sherlock type quality drama

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

Things like Masterchef - I really am tired of that format of cooking programs

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

yes - it is well thought out, well delivered

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not. Yes

Forgot to add, I really dislike the advertising of BBC programmes we get. And I absolutely hate the features on BBC News which are basically advertising a documentary. I think the standard of BBC news has fallen and that Al Jazeera now sets the standard.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I love the BBC. The best channels there are are all BBC channels. Fantastic and varied programming for all ages. I was brought up on the BBC.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

I think for the license fee it should focus on quality programmes. I don't get it that someone can access online info, yet no pay the fee. It seems unfair to me.

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

Just to keep making fantastic nature series'. I also love 6Music and would love to see more World films on BBC 4.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

Some of the items on channels like BBC3 are a little bit Channel 4 ish. It seems to have some poor content.

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Yes. The camera work on a programme such as Atlantic was out of this world and far better than anything I've ever seen on another channel. Keep it up!

The BBC news website and weather are my favourites also.I can't find anything to rival them so far.

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh?

Yes. It has it's own style and is a leader.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
I love the BBC

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
I think online services should be restricted to those who pay the fee and not for everyone. Radio should be free for all. BBC Three/ four channels can be online only and be part of the subscription service.

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
Good quality drama

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Eastenders, paying people too much money when others are just as good,

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Some is high quality, some is absolute rubbish (snog/marry avoid is poor, anything on during the day)

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
It can be, and some programmes like blue peter and doctor who my children are loving even though the shows are older than me.

- Overall, what do you think of the BBC? Great. We watch more BBC channels than all other channels combined, in our house. We have Freeview with a pretty basic range of channels.

- Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee? Definitely more iplayer. Why are programmes only available for such a short period? This is one area where other channels (particularly channel 4) are way ahead. Aside from selected, presumably imported programmes, you can watch almost anything, from ages ago, on the Channel 4 version. Father Ted, anyone? Not so with iplayer. Why?

- What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of? More decent, high quality drama, and variety of documentaries - nature programmes, music, history, science etc. Aimed at all levels, from children up.

- What one thing would you like the BBC do less of? I have to choose one!? Less of the cookery programmes please! Boring! And yes, I cook. It's "chewing gum for the eyes". Likewise property programmes. Depressing for those who can't afford to buy; those who can, probably aren't watching. It might be better if they focused on owner occupiers occasionally...

- Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not? It varies. When BBC does it right (Doctor Who, Death In Paradise, League Of Gentlemen, Little Britain), it's fabulous. In comparison to the other channels we have, I'd have to say yes. Not a glowing recommendation from me, I'm afraid.

- Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not? Mostly distinctive, in that it's rather better than the competition, however that's quality, not style. Fresh - no. Stuck in a rut. ITV get X Factor, BBC responds with The Voice. Why copy? They should get their own ideas, attract different audiences, instead of just becoming stale. Even Doctor Who, wonderful as it is, is not exactly groundbreaking - it's an almost guaranteed ratings winner, & the show has been going for decades, on & off.

Seems like a channel run by a committee.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I love it! We don't watch loads of TV but BBC1 & BBC2 are probably the most watched channels and they have some great programmes. I've also used the iPlayer too.

• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

I think people who don't pay the licence fee shouldn't be able to access programmes online for free; seems a little unfair. There should be more stuff available on the iPlayer - and for longer.

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

Good quality drama - a series that would be a 'must-see' (and subsequently turned into a box set on dvd!!). Along the lines of Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey...

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

Repeats! Especially at Christmas time when the same old programmes (Only Fools & Horses) and films (Bond) are rolled out.

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Yes I do - though I think it can do better to keep up with rival channels esp. those on SKY.

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Hmm, yes and no. Part of the reason I like the BBC is because it is traditional and firmly 'British'. However, some of this can mean it is a bit 'stale'; ie. the same sorts of programmes on, series running for too long, or repeats being shown. It needs some gritty drama and intense thrillers to keep it cutting edge.

I love the BBC, I felt like a right middle class twat filling in that survey. I would like to see more art history and less panel shows.

I do think they provide a good service for everyone. Keep up the good work!

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I really rate the BBC highly.

• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

More iPlayer content and for longer please. BBC1+1 and BBC2 +1hr would be useful.

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

More live sport please. And more quality original drama.

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

Not sure as I watch selectively and don't see most content.

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

I do think BBC is generally high quality.

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

I don't think of it as fresh, it is dependable and not faddy. These are core strengths.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
For the most part it is still the broadcaster that I look to first.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
I think that there needs to be a rethink about the variety. More iPlayer content. More Red Button/online interaction for the Strictly/GBBO style shows but less chopping and changing. Example: that Brain quiz thing... maybe use BBC3 for trialling shows like this, if you want to keep it, BBC3 that is not the show, it was awful!

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
I would like to see more educational stuff, history, drama (Wolf Hall for example) much if the BBC 4 history and music programming is also much valued here.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Wildlife documentaries with overly 'meaningful' voiceovers, too much anthropomorphism, which is such an insult to what has gone before. Show me the animal and its behaviours, please spare me the 'wandering the globe lonely after his mate sadly died' - that is wrong on so very many levels.

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
My last comment leads me to: please, could you try and check scripts before said fluffiness occurs? The slow erosion in the spoken language is infuriating. Grammar, please. Other than that I do like much of the content but am another that finds the constant hiring of showbiz dinosaurs irritating.
BBCNews: I do still like and trust much of the BBC News content. But this too is something that seems to be slipping - not to mention the proposed dumbing down of the weather??!!

Radio: I am not the best person to ask. R2, 4/extra are all I access.

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
A bit like a Curate's Egg, I think. Where content is unusual, less lowest common denominator is where the BBC shines. So, OK, The Voice, but stop with the sob stories, leave that to Simon Cowell's lot. Your USP should be the talent rather than the short tale of misery and woe.

As for the cost, I am a bit of a luddite, no Sky, no Netflix etc. So I am quite happy with the current situation. But I would anticipate that this will change, maybe subscription for some content, that I will probably never access

More succinctly: I grew up with and love the educational bent of much of the BBCs output. I object to the current dumbing down of narration, so much so I have not watched any wildlife programme in years.

Should subscription fees come in I am unlikely to access much of it, over and above the main channels and some exceptionally rare iPlayer access.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

i like bbciplayer for the science and nature programmes however i dont watch anything on actual tv my son however loves cbbeebies to which im very thankful to the bbc !!

• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?

no not really

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?

documentries and dramas you guys are great at dramas !

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?

nothing really.

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?

yes but it isnt anything different compared to other channels out there.

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

no not really there are other channels that offer the same the best thing for me is i player and the cbbeebies channel