That would explain why I was asked my opinion of the Beeb in some detail in my last survey from Yougov. I basically said that I was proud of them as a Brit, but that pride would only last for as long as they continued to show integrity, didn't dumb down, and didn't use advertising.
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It's interesting that when MI5 wanted to cut the budget for vetting BBC staff, the BBC persuaded them to keep it up.
It's amusing that when Thatcher was ranting about the BBC being a load of lefties, the BBC wrote to her and said "40% of our staff are vetted by MI5, so if they are, it's not our fault!" 
Apparently Thatcher wanted them to go up market and produce better quality programs and go down market and attract advertising.
At one point Labour were debating funding the BBC on weekly handouts, or forcing them into bankruptcy.
@2h48m15s
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