The Beeb is an epic lesson in why you don't want a government broadcast network. For the Yanks who do not know, every TV in Britain must pay a licensing fee EVERY YEAR and there are inspectors with equipment to detect operating TVs against payment records. Current rate is £142.50 for a color TV / £48 for B&W. A significant portion of that fee goes to the BBC and thus pays for dreck like this.
The BBC’s Charter and the BBC Producers Guidelines state that the BBC shall…
• “…contain comprehensive, authoritative and impartial coverage of news and current affairs in the United Kingdom and throughout the world…”
• “…treat controversial subjects with due accuracy and impartiality… and…not contain any material expressing the opinion of the corporation…”
• “…Due impartiality lies at the heart of the BBC. All programs and services should be open minded, fair and show a respect for truth…The BBC applies due impartiality to all its broadcasting and services, both to domestic and international audiences…”