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

Having just caught up on The Scandalous Lady W and Lady Chatterly's Lover, I want to add that the BBC has still got it!

Also very much looking forward to Dr Who with the kids.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I love it, it's a truly British institution of the highest quality. Their News service is unbeatable. Media City brought so many jobs to the north west too.

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

More, really. Competition is fierce in the TV sector, and the likes of Netflix bring exciting things for a small price. I think box sets should be available on iPlayer.

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

More dramas like The Missing. More historical stuff and investigate documentaries.

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

Less self-promotion and agrandissement. You're not the messiah, it's just telly.

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

Yes, definitely. It has the top folk in the country working for it as it's so highly regarded. It is robustly monitored too because of the licence fee.

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

Not really, it tries to be hip but it's more of a heritage brand, but I'm happy for it to stay that way. It is distinctive because it is non-commercial, but fresh, not really.

i think the bbc really needs to up it's game to justify a continuing license fee in a market with so much free content of good quality and one in which so much can be accessed online.

less homes under the hammer and whatever those awful auction type trash filler tv type stuff is.

bbc is capable of making good drama and comedy but not enough of it and i have no idea why they shuffle their best comedy etc over to bbc3 and don't promote it - are they so sure that it's only very young people who want to watch it whilst crap is playing at primetime on bbc 1? who are they aiming at with bbc1 now? just the retired?

i hate that you start good things sometimes, they don't get put on 1 and then they get cancelled - that wonderful drama about a news programme - beautiful period piece, aesthetically lovely, interesting characters and worthy of export to US etc i'd have thought but poof gone to quick. i can't remember the name now - ah! the hour!! i don't understand the mindset of the company if it can cancel an excellent show like that that could have been picked up by other countries and paid for it was so good whilst still showing the level of dross that is churned out.

the bbc also has to do something about how politically biased and unrepresentative of the british people it has become (maybe the hour was hitting too close to home??). the refusal to show the demonstrations against last summer's attacks on gaza or the demonstrations against the cuts etc despite them being outside the bbc building made me lose any respect i had left for the service i'm afraid and i took out the ariel, cancelled my tv license and resigned to not watching any live television anymore - realistically who needs it anyway and i could not contribute further to what was appearing to be more propaganda than genuine newscasting anymore.

iplayer as others have said needs more content and needs better servers etc as it can be really clunky and slow at times and of course people are used to the excellent service of providers like netflix etc. potentially if the tv license went and you upgraded iplayer to the level it could be with enough catch up tv left on for long enough and back catalogues of old dramas and comedy etc it could be a subscription channel and available to those overseas (as i am now) who'd be willing to pay five pound a month to get access rather than have to go through vpns.

I don't think the BBC provides good value for money considering the licence fee. I pay ??5.99 per month for Netflix and I think it's far better value. I don't like BBC1 in general, other than the Bake Off. BBC4 is wonderful though - I love documentaries and I've watched some incredible things on Storyville. I like Radio 4, but don't listen to the other stations.

I think the BBC should have some kind of opt-in subscription service, reflecting what you want and how much you want to pay. iPlayer is good, but the fact its content is limited to a certain number of days is extremely frustrating.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
I do like the BBC they have alot of good channels and programs which really bring subjects to the forefront of my mind and get me thinking.

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

What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
I love the sort of programs produced for BBC three so more of this

What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Anything reality TV based!

Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
yes I do, when they do anything be it interactive service or tv they do it rught

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
yes I think it is, much more than the old stuffy station it used to be!

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC? = I like the BBC and enjoy a lot of it
• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?=I think there should be less free stuff for people who don't pay
• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?= new children's programmes and more dramas like lovejoy
• 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? = sometimes
• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?= not sure

PLEASE KEEP cebebies

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."

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

Love it.

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

I find the licence fee tricky to understand with the rise of iplayer. I think and online subscription for iplayer and more shows archived would be a better use of all your resources. Obviously, the online subscription could be covered in the tv licence fee and paid for seperately for those who don't watch TV normally.

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

Access to previously aired tv shows and films.

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

Nothing.

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

Yes. It's impartial, interesting, often biased but no more than other news/tv.

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

Because it has no corporate sponsorship. It's invaluable in its distinctiveness.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

Not worth the licence fee, would rather have adverts.

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

Not many of the programmes are relevant to me or my family so more.

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

Be politically impartial

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

Left wing socialism, bias labour support.

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

Not particularly, but I do like that there subtitles are often up to date which is great as we have a deaf member of our household.

Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Not really, not in comparison to other channels.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I watch the BBC quite often. I don't like soaps but it is good for childrens tv. I enjoy bbc iplayer

• 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 about right, I enjoy using the I player which allows me to catch up with programs I have missed.

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

Comedies

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

Soaps

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

Yes I believe that there are a good range of programs to suit all age groups. Programs are generally very good quality.

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

I think it is mixed. It has programs that suite the older generation but also programs that are cutting edge and appeal to a younger audience.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

Too big, unfair system for funding BBC

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

Less services, too many repeats and similar content can usually be found elsewhere

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

Education

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

Light entertainment, repeats, anything that can be found elsewhere

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

No, must admit to rarely watching anything on the BBC although I pay the licence fee.

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

No, it tries to do too many things. We can get news and entertainment from elsewhere. No longer reliant on one broadcaster.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

The BBC is an amazing organisation providing brilliant, original content for all ages. No-one is missed out and most things produced are high quality.

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

I think the BBC currently has it about right. There is no great need for more tv channels or services as those that exist cover the remit well.

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

What you are doing now!

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

Turn BBC One back into a family channel. All day it is aimed at elderly adults and the evenings are adult themed. There is nothing we can watch as a family at around 6pm. Although young people have their own channels they should be seen and heard on the national television station.

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

Some BBC output is very good, dramas, big weekend family shows, food and nature programming. It's the fillers I have an issue with, endless antiques hunts, quizzes, lost will, property porn and the benefits crime/council jobs shows. They are made to go onto satellite and cable channels, you can tell by the frequent breaks in the narrative for a call to action.

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

TV is in the evenings and at weekends. The rest of the time no. Radio is all of the time as is the internet and iplayer.

Please let us know your answers to the questions below:

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

Has its ups and downs but generally a good quality programme broadcaster

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

the same

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

radio comedy, more original drama

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

benefit bashing type programmes (saints and scroungers) - it feeds to a negative quality that I feel should be kept off the bbc.

• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not? Sometimes - fab dramas like sherlock, doctor who, good documentaries and most of the time good news coverage
• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

distinctive yes - as a national broadcaster it does somethings much better than the satellite/cable channels, bbc radio 4 comedy is particularly good and in a class of its own Unfortunately I think that its doing less of the stuff that makes it distinctive and good these days and trying to directly to compete with ITV/ sky etc The news seems to have more bias than it used to as well which means that i'm less likely to trust it than i used to.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

It's a beloved Natitional institution with a great history, but recently has become bloated with unneccesary services and an obsession with online content. It is striving too much to cover minority content at the price of delivering media the majority of the country like to see.

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

I think they should abandon all online services apart from their news and sport websites and just keep the main stations on radio such as 1,2,4 &5

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

Deliver more of the sport it has lost to Sky and BT and nightly new drama series.

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

Interactive services online when the majority of the country does not yet have 'unlimited' broadband to use it.

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

It's Sport and Drama is usually of the highest standard but it's current affairs programmes pander too much to opinion and less on facts.

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

No it's not fresh but why should it strive to be? Most 'alternative' content shown on BBC Three or online may well be but it's audience is quite small so seems like a bit of a waste?

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I love the BBC, I think it is something to be proud of and one of the great British institutions with a fantastic heritage and future.

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

I think the number of services provided is perfect for the license fee.

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

More drama series', the quality needs to be good to keep up with the great stuff coming out of the US at the moment.

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

There are some BBC services I don't use (such as radio), but I don't think they should do less of them. I appreciate that they are there and think they're valuable, just not for me.

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

I think a lot of it is excellent quality, CBeebies especially is totally unrivalled.

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

I think like any old institution there are some parts which are stale and some which are fresh. I do think it is distinctive in terms of its excellent quality and impartiality. It's a valuable resource and I hope it continues doing what it's doing for the foreseeable future.

- Overall, what do you think of the BBC?
They don't host my favourite channels, however, they started it all and contribute massively to our British culture.

- Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee?
I think the BBC already provide a huge variety of services. They need to focus on improvement rather than expansion.

- What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of?
More horror/thriller series. I am sick of period dramas and cookery shoes lol

- What one thing would you like the BBC do less of?
Period dramas and documentary about teens on holiday

- Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Like everywhere, some is good, some is not so good. Truthfully, I am moving further away from television and closer to subscription services such as netflix

- Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?
I think it is a bit stuck behind the times. It has caught up with BBC iplayer and covering music festivals and radio. However, in regards to television it's competitors are just beating them

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

They offer a great radio service but I think their TV service leaves a lot to be desired in some areas.

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

I think they should provide more services for the licence fee rather than using it to pay top celebrities ££££.

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

More live sport although I understand that they are competing with Sky/BT Sport etc for it and it all boils down to cost.

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

Not sure, I must admit I'm very selectivie regarding my TV viewing and don't watch very much BBC TV.

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

Of the programmes I do watch, yes it is of high quality, particularly the news which covers a wide range of news events in contrast to Sky TV News which concentrates on a small number of significant issues but the reporting is repeated over and over again.

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

Not really, no.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I like it. Especially the fact that it is a trusted brand worldwide and superior to what most other countries have.

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

Fewer. Focus on fewer things and do them better, to keep costs down.

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

Foreign language dramas with English subtitles, especially Scandinavian crime dramas that get shown on BBC4. There are many more available that we could buy into, such as Liza Marklund's Annika Bengtzon series produced in the early 2000s. These types of drama are becoming more popular, David Cameron mentioned in an interview how he watched one series of them every Saturday evening!

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

Less 'Reality' TV

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

Most of it.

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

Parts are, such as BBC4, with its international aspect, buying shows from other countries. I would like more of these.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I think the BBC provides a valuable service with quality entertainment.

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

More, in order to warrant the cost of the fee.

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

More programming for minorities.

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

Soaps!

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

Yes, as programming is varied and high quality.

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

Not especially, as I think other channels demonstrate innovation and individuality more readily, for example e4.

Finally I would like to be reassured that the BBC is making every effort to save costs and invest wisely.

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?: Although it still offers a lot of good quality programming, I think it is now in danger of becoming a little bloated and spreading itself too thin by offering too many services. That said, the introduction of BBC 3 (which I do hope will eventually be saved) and BBC 4 have been wonderful initiatives. The radio stations are still excellent and the introduction of Radio 6 a good thing. I'd like to see more original programming on Radio 4 Extra.
Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services? I wouldn't like to see it extended at the moment, as previously mentioned. A BBC +1 service as other channels have would be a real bonus however.
What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of? Intelligent, educational programming such as the science input.
What one thing would you like the BBC do less of? Eastenders
Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? Yes and no. When it is good, it is excellent but there are some magazine programmes that are patchy in places with presenters who aren't terribly engaging. I'll not name them.
Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? Again, it is in parts. Sometimes it seems to feel the need to copy what other channels are offering yet has a lot of unique features as previously mentioned.

Overall I like The BBC.

I think the BBC provides about the right amount of services for the licence fee.

I would like the BBC to do more shows like the Great British Bake Off and shows for Saturday nights like Doctor Who.

I would like the BBC to do less period dramas.

I think overall what the BBC provides is high quality, but like everything it can be hit and miss.

I do think the BBC is distinctive and fresh, but it has to stick to what it does well and not try too hard.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I like the BBC. I grew up on it and now so are my DC's.

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

I think the BBC has provided great services for the license fee. And let's not forget, it's not just the license fee but also all the money made from reselling series around the world - Dr Who, Life On Earth, Sherlock, Life On Mars to name a few, these have all added to the coffers. I think the BBC should keep investing in factual programmes, drama, comedy and children's. Admittedly, I am biased in the latter.

I player is good although it does take up a lot of space once you've downloaded programmes, even if you've removed them later. The search facility there isn't too great either. I also recommend directors to watch their programmes to see if there are sound problems on a normal TV. Like us!

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

We need more nature - David Attenburgh is fantastic and we need someone to carry on his mantle. Original comedy would fantastic. Channel 4/E4 did overtake to a certain degree there in the '90's and '00's whereas the BBC owned comedy in the '70's and '80's.

BBC drama like Ashes to Ashes, Sherlock, Dr Who, Torchwood are top notch. The documentaries, especially in anti debt civilisation on BBC4 is great as well as their coverage of the proms. I really enjoyed the spaghetti western orchestra from a few years ago and the footage of the performance was great!

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

Sport. I understand the need to cater to everyone but not if you have to bid a silly shed load of money for the rights which can be used elsewhere. This also applies to bidding for American series etc.

Oh - and Nick Grimshaw. Yawn. Put Scott Mills in there instead. At least he doesn't always talk abut him selves or his famous mates all the time.

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

In certain areas, yes they do. Dr Who and Sherlock is fantastic! However there's been a lot of dumbing down, plus shows have also not refreshed themselves. Never Mind The Buzzcocks did really well then has lost its fizz in the latter years until its demise. However Mock The Week has managed to stay fresh whereas I now find Eastenders dire with its morbid look on life. It's a bit like Morse with how many murders in 30sq miles - how many dire things can happen around one square in the east end?

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

No. Sorry to say but I think E4 and channel4 have got that edge at the moment. Plus huge charity-thons make me switch over (I do participate and donate) as I find it too much to sit through. There do seem to be repeats - but not the right repeats. Dave has won red dwarf so that's out. Hitchhikers Guide hasn't been seen for an age and could well be revamped with a new cast. There also used to be a Saturday morning Harold Lloyd type movie on BBC2 or an old Hollywood/Pinewood classic in the afternoon at the weekend that could be relaxed to.

Less reality would be nice. Thank heaven you didn't big big brother. You do however have strictly and bake off which both make my teeth ache.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I think that overall the BBC currently provides a good service with a nice variety of content.

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

The current mix seems good value for money. Especially with BBC News apps included.

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

I think they could produce more original drama, instead of spending millions on existing series. Cut their budgets slightly, and use to create more web-based content (iPlayer exclusives, for example).

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

Agree with repeats; leave those to Dave . And fewer channel axing (BBC3, CBeebies...). We need variety. Don't they make enough from BBC Worldwide to keep those?

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

Mostly, yes. There are some awful programmes, but then that's subjective anyway. I am disappointed by them axing the Met Office though. Surely British institutions should be supporting one another?!

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

Ish. TV, yes. Radio 1, however, isn't. As a young professional in their prime target audience, I rarely listen. Grimshaw seems to be targeting 12-16 year olds on the school run with celebrity gossip nonsense. Newsbeat is repetitive, and although it tries to target sensitive topics it often dumbs them down to the point of banality.

Greg James is the only programme I regularly listen to, otherwise it's Radio 2.

• Overall, what do you think of the BBC? I enjoy a lot of the programmes they produce and think iplayer is fantastic.
• Do you think the BBC should provide more or less services (e.g. TV, online, iPlayer, radio) for the licence fee? It's about right.
• What one thing would you like to see the BBC do more of? Documentaries, history and dramas.
• What one thing would you like the BBC do less of? soaps, can' stand eastenders!
• Do you think what the BBC provides is high quality? If yes, why? If not, why not? Yes, we get a lot of our licence fee.
• Do you think the BBC is distinctive and fresh? If yes, why? If not, why not?

no fresh, channel 4 is fresh and innovative, BBC is still providing a similar service all these years, apart from iplayer!

Overall, what do you think of the BBC?

I don't really think the BBC is any better than any other station - some good programmes some not so good.

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

I do not think there should be a licence fee.

• 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?

Repeats.

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

No better than other providers -there are lots of new programmes and also interesting ones at the minute through other channels.

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

No - I think they could do better - sorry.

Over all the bbc is out dated it's the same old stuff week in and week out.

The bbc should provide more newer films ie up to date film not 4years old and already seen hundred times before as for the fee well don't get me started its a rip off, look at sky and bt less money and better service all round.

The bbc should give us a choice wether to pay the fee or not if u don't use the bbc at all,the bbc should get with the times and let us pay on demand for what we want to watch and not be forced because we have equipment to receive it!!

The bbc should less soaps

No the bbc does not give a high quality service as stated the bbc is old and out dated.

The bbc is no were near fresh more like old cars that need scrapping when there passed there best