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 think the BBC offers a big variety of shows for everyone at all ages and preferances.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
BBC has a lot of services for the fee of a licence and I believe that most of what is on offer is great however a lot of shows are not on iPlayer and I think if they where able to add all shows onto this that the service would be better value for money which is what most people are looking for now.

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
Like above I would like to see more of the programmes on Iplayer especially children's programmes.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
I feel that the BBC does cover so much for so many people and they seem to have found the balance between them .

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
I think the BBC does provide a good quality in their shows however I do think that they could improve by engaging their actors better or simply choosing better actors to convay a story better.

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

I think that they are getting there slowly. People seem to prefer reality TV more now than every before and the BBC simply don't offer enough of these shows to meet peoples needs. I also think that the BBC practices are old fashioned and out of date. These need updated to reach a younger adult audience.

I love the BBC I think it is the only television company producing quality children's television drama, factual and educational.
I enjoy drama on the BBC and programs such as bake off and sewing bee. Dramas I particularly enjoy Call the midwife, Silent Witness, Ripper Street
Past dramas Spooks, Silk, waking the dead.

Really!!!!

in the age of Internet u have u tube Netflix and so on which is cheaper and better than the bbc sorry, had to be said

I like the bbc iplayer

I think they should put more programmes on the Iplayer

I would like them to do more dramas

less repeats

yes they have some high quality programmes

no its dull and needs a liven up!

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I think it provides excellent programming and good value for money.

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

I would be in favour of more programmes available online for longer.

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

I'd like to see more film premieres.

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

I'd like to see fewer repeats.

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

BBC original dramas are always very high quality, both in terms of production and acting.

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

I do think it's distinctive because it doesn't have advertising, which I like. I don't feel as though the BBC is fresh - not many innovative programmes being shown.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
It's still generally what I expect it to be and worth every penny of what we pay. It's a service the rest of world should be jelous of. But it isn't quite perfect.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
I think there is too much veriety and you shouldn't spread yourselves less thin. Do less, but better. I do believe you need to move more onto modern digital services.

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
More of what ought to be on telly (documentries etc) rather than junk like reality TV. You do well on this, but do sometimes stoop too low. You're advanatge of not having to stoop low for advertising should show more.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Presenting anything as if the audience are stupid.The format is too often 1) Tell them what your going to say 2) say it 3) Tell them what you've told them. Someone thinks this is clever. I can't watch repeats - treat me like I have an IQ over 100 please.

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Yes. I know I've been a bit negative so far but the majority of the content id fantastic. You do go off course though.

I really like the BBC, I think they make good quality programmes and their childrens shows are second to none.

I think the service they provide is fine for the license fee,more is always nice though.

I'd like to see some more dramas.

There's nothing I'd like to see less of.

Yes I think it's high quality. Their cbeebies shows (which we watch the most) are fantastic. The kids love them and they teach good morals and are educational. What more do you need! I love that they arent brain washed by adverts as well.

Yes I think it is distinctive and fresh, for the reasons given above.

The only thing I would like improved is their iplayer app on the Roku. It is not user friendly at all. We end up watching netflix which is far inferior but the kids can do it themselves.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
I love the BBC & am happy to pay my licence fee.
Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
I feel the current provision is fine - as a parent, I don't have time to watch much as it is!
What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
I love the serial dramas - ones that spring to mind here are 'Last Remains', 'The Fall', 'Ordinary Lies', 'All or Nothing' & the current 'Dr Foster'.
What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
I know I am in the minority here, but I really don't like Strictly & have no interest in watching it whatsoever!
Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Absolutely - fantastic British drama with superb acting.
Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
They continue to move with the times & churn out unique & compelling programmes.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I'm proud that our country still has an institution like the BBC that is renowned for quality. It caters for a massive range of taste in a selection of medias. The journalism on the main BBC news is good and I am happy to pay the licence fee. I think it's good value for money compared with Sky.

• 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 BBC probably stretches itself too far. It would struggle to lose any of those things without a fight from certain groups though.

I don't think the BBC needs as many channels. Focusing on BBC 1 & 2 plus a news channel would create better quality as more money.

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

High quality drama. I think that's one of the things the BBC does best but appreciate the costs make this something that can't be done all the time.

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

Spin offs from shows like Eastenders, local news or Radio 1/3/5/6. Can't decide which...

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

Yes, generally. Some things are not as high quality as others and I wish they would stop trying to compete with the X Factor type of programme. The BBC has always been a different type of entertainment and I feel like programmes such as The Voice are a drain on the money and never achieve what they set out to. Do what you are good at!

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

I think it tries to change with tastes and mostly this is a good thing. Sometimes the sitcom type programming is just dire and TV has moved away from that. Ignore the poor excuses for talent shows and focus on amazing dramas, sound journalism (that actually covers all the news) and factual programmes.

Oh, and please keep CBeebies!

Overall, what do you think of the BBC? - I think given the money they charge it could be a lot better. TV has gone down hill lately & I often find myself wondering why I'm forced to pay for such rubbish.

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

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of? I love documentary's with more variety than the monarchy. I love animal documentary's so more of those.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of? Soaps & strictly style shows

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? I think the programs are high quality but I think what they offer isn't

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? No - nothings changed much in 20+ years

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
I rate the BBC highly - watch the channels daily and often listen to the radio too.
Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
I think its about right actually. I don't know what more they could offer!
What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
I would like to see more home grown dramas and crime tv shows. More classic comedies and history programmes. More variety at Christmas too - please stop putting all the same programmes on every year!
What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Benefit programmes, property programmes.
Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Yes - well thought out and well delivered.
Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Not really - I think it lags behind Channel 4 in this category. It needs to take a chance on new shows that appeal to the newer generation. It can be a bit fuddy duddy for the majority that is more applicable for the older generation.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I love the BBC; having lived in other countries were public service broadcasting was not a patch on it, I would hate to do without it.

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

I think the balance is pretty good on the whole.

- What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
I wish the online forums as they used to be would return: there was so much good interaction which I think would be good for the development of the BBC as a whole, apart from the added value for BBC users.

- What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Less shouting! Some of the interviews (tv, radio), it seems like many of the presenters are very loud or interrupt.

- Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not? Generally, yes. Particularly in documentary and drama.

- Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Distinctive, yes; fresh... I'm not sure. When the BBC tries to copy other formats (particularly reality tv), it seems tired. (But I'm not a reality tv fan.)

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

Can be outstanding but trying to please everyone is diluting its quality.

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

The website seems unnecessarily bloated and I bet it cost a fortune to run and maintain. No need for all that content that can be accessed in a more user-friendly way elsewhere. Beyond news, weather, listings and brief programme info I don't see the point of it.

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

News programmes for young people.

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

Shiny floor light entertainment for the lowest common denominator viewer.

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

Not everything. On current affairs, documentaries, drama and alternative comedy the BBC can be peerless. On mass-market sitcoms, dumbed-down quiz shows and the always-hideous lottery shows the BBC can be downright embarrassing.

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

There are certainly flashes of it. The recent Slow theme on BBC Four was an example of where the BBC can be brilliantly unique and engaging. The corporation fares less well when trying to ape the successes of commercial television.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
I love that it's there and the quality it represents but thinking back over the last few years I wouldn't say I watch it much any more. Apart from the dramas (Sherlock, Doctor Who, Luther) and the news channel I rarely have it on. But even if the subscription was optional I would still pay it happily.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
It's fine as it is but maybe BBC3 could go online. I would hate CBeebies to go online though. Ad free TV for children is great (even though mine have mainly outgrown it now) and the programmes for preschoolers are generally more inclusive and educational than some channels.

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
More documentaries (history, science, wildlife not about shops and bailiffs) and more quality dramas and adaptations (with more actual episodes of things like Sherlock).

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Daytime property/antiques programmes, reality shows.

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Some is but there's so much that is of lower quality now filling the huge gaps in between the good stuff.

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
The good stuff is distinctive but in general I don't find it fresh. I'm not sure fresh is what I want from the BBC though.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
Deliver good TV programmes however not all is accessible.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
There isn't enough choice to watching on iplayer such as films did not change/replace for a long time!.

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
Better accessible such as subtiltes. Need colour subtitle on iplayer as well. To produce more high quality documentaries/programmes such as nature, history, science etc.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Soaps and ridicule high wage payments such as pundits on MOTD, etc

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Mostly yes as BBC usually provides good unique programmes such as The Blue Planet, QI, etc

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Hmm, distinctive yes, there is no advertisments however I begin notice BBC bring thier own advertisement too many time now which is not fresh and annoying.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC? On the whole, excellent value for money and goo quality

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee? Less, but better. For example, do you really need to broadcast all day - leave that to commercial competitors

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of? Quality drama and documentary

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of? Crap cooking, makeover or lifestyle shows

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not? It can do quality, but too often does not - it tries to compete for ratings by going for the lowest common denominator.

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not? Again, it can be, but it needs to take more risks with talented people, while stopping putting people on the radio/TV just because they are fixtures

I dont watch alot of telly, Dave for an hour in the evenings. I don't think my light use is worth the licence fee but it is all or nothing with freeview. I would like to see more original dramas and less repeats. Christmas tv was terrible last year- no thought seemed to have been put into this.
why not?

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? NO We need new 'blood' managing the BBC with fresh new ideas

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
I think the BBC is a great company and has a lot of high quality and interesting shows which one can watch.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
I think that it is pretty much worth it for the current licence fee, however I do think that the BBC should ensure that they continue to provide good shows (like dramas) for us to watch and where possible improve tv shows as they are.

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
More deep story lines to keep up with.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Less negative portrayal of black people in Eastenders, some more equal and positive portrayals so that there are positive role models for young blacks.

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Yes, because I tend to see that it is provided in HD and also the shows that are given don't seem to be tacky but rather crafted by professionals and also acted by professionals.

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
I also think BBC is distinctive because it has a certain specific British feel that distinguishes from other non-BBC channels. I do to some degree think it is fresh because it continues to produce shows that more or less reflect today's society, however it does also seem quite old school in some areas like some documentaries, I think though that new shows or a new spin on old shows would make it seem fresher.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
I've always loved the BBC, they make some great programmes and I really dislike adverts during TV shows so that always encourages me to watch more shows on the BBC than other channels. I feel the BBC shows feel less 'Americanized' than other UK channels which is definitely a good thing! I also use the BBC website a lot for the news and I think some of their magazine articles on the website are really interesting.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
I think iPlayer should contain the majority of the BBC shows and be available for longer, but only for licence payers. I think the online BBC website is excellent and the range of shows on TV is pretty good. I don't listen to the radio much so cannot comment.

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
Continue making good drama. If I'm watching the news on TV I tend to watch the BBC news, I think the reporting is good so keep doing more of the same.

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
I don't really watch much on BBC3, not really my cup of tea.

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
On the whole, yes. Not necessarily on BBC3. The kids shows are pretty good as well.

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
I think the BBC has changed and adapted with the times. I hope it can continue and can make enough from licence fees to keep going strong.

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

More - I reckon theyre taking advantage good and proper!

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

Fun stuff like reality shows

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

News shows

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

I cant think of a single show except crimewatch that we all regularly tune into on this channel

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

Same reasons as above

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
• I definitely 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 think one thing the BBC should consider is maybe having access to more archived content that can be accessed online. I remember cartoons for example when I was a kid i.e Thundercats and programs that I have never seen since I was a child i.e Ghostwatch and to access some of these things would be brilliant.

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

As stated above, I think, more online content especially in regards to archived material. Even sporting events such as old FA cup games etc would be a good idea. Classic episodes of Eastenders would also go down a treat, or rather than an episode maybe a whole storyline.

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

I don't think there is anything the BBC should do less of if I am honest

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

Yes, I regularly watch BBC and think they provide high quality content.

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

I do, maybe not to the degree as say C4 or E4 but I do like watching some of the programs BBC aired especially new ones.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

--> Better than any other broadcaster that I have experience of. No ads, huge range of output from tv to learning. Some of the best trained people in the business. Essential to who we are as Brits. An extremely valuable resource.
BUT - "up its own arse" so to speak. I sense that it is smug, over invested in diversity/political correctness and has a mindset that there is a "right" way of thinking. This comes through in interviews with people in which hectoring tones, suppressed outrage that someone has said something "not pc" and bullying questions assume that we all agree.

Examples: Sneering commentary about UKIP during elections, (no, not everyone thinks they are bad guys - can we just listen???), slightly mocking tone and choice of comments about Jeremy Corbyn's speech today and his "refusal" to sing the National Anthem,(Really?? did you hear him "refuse"? Or observe his silence and project?) ; bullying putting down of Labour Party member on Today programme about women in the shadow cabinet, twee comments about "Bus driver's son v Billionaire's son in the battle for Mayor" - like we should all care about this "injustice" rather than think about the bigger questions. There is also fawning over people in interviews who are BBC favourites.

I sometimes feel that the way it is run is all smoke and mirrors, entitlement,cliques, pet projects and people, a bullying culture, things being pushed through because of who is pushing and how much power they have, money and time gets wasted.

However it produces some amazing stuff, (especially on radio), and makes huge amounts of money from programmes it sells - and should be given credit for that. It does a great job for us abroad. I would defend it with all I have.

Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee? Fine as it is. Very good value.

• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of? - There is already more than I can ever "consume" in my lifetime!! One thing - Maybe more educational resources - they are also not as good as they could be - TEFL programmes - badly thought out.

• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of? Maybe regional radio. Not sure how many people listen to that.

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not? Yes. No question. Better by miles than other broadcasters. Radio and TV. Production values show in every way, (scripting, shooting, sound quality, research, intelligence of presenters). Particularly obvious when doing outside broadcast and glaring when it lapses. (Don't get uneducated idiots to shriek and grin and ask repetitive inane questions in an attempt to be cool!). However same old faces can be a bit much - Clare Balding????

Radio comedy brilliant, (Cabin Pressure, Claire in the Community, News Quiz, Sorry I haven't a clue), Gems like The Life Scientific, Letter from America, occasional breathtaking drama, The Proms, Radio Five Live for the football, Any Questions, some current affairs.

• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not? Sometimes. Not usually fresh but fresh is sometimes over-rated. It isn't stale though; it is classy.! Don't dumb it down please.

Distinctive - Radio definitely. Website not really. TV not really. Channel 4 does drama and current affairs well. ITV does soap and razmataz. USA channels do formulaic "cop shows" -(love them)!

Overall I love it, watch it, listen to it, iPlay it, use the website, download podcasts, use the Learning English pages.

Thank you.