We are not amused! Reading MP joins BBC's Jubilee critics
Published 5 Jun 2012 18:45
6 Comments
READING East MP Rob Wilson joined the chorus of critics attacking the BBC for its coverage of the Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant.
The Tory MP said on Twitter during Sunday's live four-and-a-half hour broadcast of the Royal flotilla in London: "Low grade, celebrity driven drivel. How did Beeb get it so wrong?"
Mr Wilson was just one of many public figures left unimpressed by the BBC, with camera angles, sound quality, commentary and interviews being labelled sub-standard.
But the BBC, which attracted nearly 12 million viewers, has said it is proud of the "quality and breadth" of the coverage - fronted by Sophie Raworth, Matt Baker, Fearne Cotton and Tess Daly, among others.
Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, who presents Radio 4's Any Questions and is the son of Richard Dimbleby - BBC commentator for Elizabeth II's coronation - was also critical.
He tweeted: "Dire reaction to BBC coverage of another great event. Am asked whether bigwigs have lost the plot. Good question to Any Questions. My father Richard would have loved this weekend. His coronation commentary touched the national mood then as it would now."
Others critics included the BBC's QI frontman Stephen Fry, who described the coverage as "mind-numbingly tedious", and former Beeb presenter Jonathan Ross, who dismissed it as "excruciating", "awfully patronising" and "nonsense".
This article appeared in Local Berkshire 05 Jun 12
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NotJohn
Unregistered User
Jun 6, 10:13
Report commentComment on the BBC coverage but not on the more important issue of the treatment of the River Pagent stewards. Rob getting his priorities wrong again.
Recommend?
Yes 5
No 11
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dickemery
Unregistered User
Jun 6, 13:07
Report commentyesjohn aleast our mp rob was elected by the people and you john who elected you closed doors again or maybe you took up the oath shhhhhhhhhhhhhh a wink and a nod no what l mean john great to watch the jubilee l agree the commentary was sub standard
Recommend? Yes 8
No 2
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Mischievous
Unregistered User
Jun 6, 14:17
Report commentThe Pageant was an excellent example of meticulous planning. However, it was also tedious - there are only so many boats you can take in before intense boredom sets in. The BBC did a very respectable job under the circumstances; particularly as the river is extremely wide, being pounded by rain and very blowy - a procession at 4 knots with sound being widely dispersed and naturally distorted does not make for good television and in terms of broadcasting presents its own difficulties. There was no practice run so it was fly by the seat of your pants all the way.
I am sorry the Queen was subjected to this prolonged display in cold, wet weather. I would not blame the BBC who had the unenviable job of making a repetition of boats sound glamorous and exciting and yes you can blame the presenters, but for what; try making the M4 stream of cars, lorries and coaches sound spectacular. It is kind of the same thing. And no, bunting does not make all the difference.
The pageant was a celebration and that it certainly was. Now let's get back to the issues of Reading.
Recommend? Yes 6
No 6
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Primobile
Unregistered User
Jun 6, 17:18
Report comment"Low grade, celebrity driven drivel. How did Beeb get it so wrong?"
They voted for the party you belong to Robert. They hook, line and sinker fell for the dung your masters serve up on that platter that is oh so very regular. On a plus one of us won't fall for that cobblers again. And it isn't you.
Recommend? Yes 3
No 10
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Mister Dog
Unregistered User
Jun 7, 15:30
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Bingo
Unregistered User
Jun 14, 15:22
Report commentI would like to add the choice of some of the entertainment was childish and old hat, the ex Beatle should take the title of Let it be and give up on vocals,it was awful.
Recommend? Yes 0
No 0
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