Reasons? Wogan getting paid; big businesses getting free advertising with the associated PR that they couldn't buy anywhere else; pop stars, actors, actresses, famous people using 'charidee' status to flog records, books, TV shows etc.

The point of what it was is now hidden amongst a land of shallow thank yous and even shallower attempts at emotional blackmail.

My local childrens hospice gets feck all out of CiN despite applying so many times, so that might skew my judgment on this annual event a little, but the point still stands.

And isn't Alesha Dixon bloody appalling full stop?

I loathe it and everything it stands for; phoniness; hypocrisy; fake charidee; designer bonhomie; ghastly TV; bad radio; shit music... I won't even put BBC on until tomorrow.

Greggs the Bakers have just had a good 90 second - 2 minute advert - on the BBC, in the name of charidee. Jesus Christ, someone please privatise the BBC now.

I love it!!................












NOT! Does Wogan still get paid?

On the plus side, lots of children getting to live that wouldn't otherwise. millions going to charity and all the best bands and comedians on screen in one night.

Always hated it, always will.

There's much better things going on right now on BBC4

No, Wogan doesn't still get paid, thanks to the fearless campaigning efforts of the Daily Mail. Terrible, isn't it, to think the man ever did for holding together with wit and expertise a live broadcast for about 7 hours. He deserves it, though. I guess people find a Cowell programme, which is like an explosion of puss in the face, is more admirable. Or any other ITV programme. I don't. I'd rather the BBC does what it does, rather than put on 'I'm a Celebrity' or any other crap.

I basically hate all organised charities to a point especially when they have paid employees.

Give direct to those in need.

Every 10 quid you give to a charity, 6 or 7 get used up in costs and wages. Also all that 'international aid' you hear of that makes people think the Third World is getting your taxes...the majority stays in British hands.

I note now that news Corp is using every weasil word to imply the 'charity' the late Peter Roebuck set up..a house where South Africans could live while they studied at University (fees paid by him)was so he could meet 'boys' (even though they are all in their 20s) yet each one interviewed praises him to the hilt.

This reminds me of why I refuse to even own a TV in the UK.

robbiex wrote:
On the plus side, lots of children getting to live that wouldn't otherwise. millions going to charity and all the best bands and comedians on screen in one night.

As I said, the Hospice my son goes to gets nothing from CiN. It seems, as you saw last night, they concentrate on "deprived" areas such as East London or Liverpool. That's fine, you can't leave them out, but you don't concentrate all resources in those areas.

I own a TV but don't pay a licence. Why? I prefer to watch DVDs and there is no live signal coming in.

But how did I see bits of CiN? At my sisters. Although she doesn't pay it either.

robbiex wrote:
lots of children getting to live that wouldn't otherwise. millions going to charity

What utter rubbish ! Have you not heard of thew NHS ?

They've raised 600 million over the years - Children in Need?
They are all millionaires !!!!

We ensure the channel is not switched on for 24 hours.

What a bunch of bitter bastards. ONE day out the year where kids throughout the land are encouraged to do something worthwhile and charitable. Fuck Radio 2 and BBC 1 being shite for ONE day. If you don't like it turn over. All you ever hear on these boards are how this country's fucked and the ONE day something worthwhile and positive happens you're still moaning! When our 2 year old was diagnosed with cancer last year, a charity which receives CIN money was there to support us. Without that charity our experience would have been even more devastating.

angel wrote:
What a bunch of bitter bastards. ONE day out the year where kids throughout the land are encouraged to do something worthwhile and charitable. Fuck Radio 2 and BBC 1 being shite for ONE day. If you don't like it turn over. All you ever hear on these boards are how this country's fucked and the ONE day something worthwhile and positive happens you're still moaning! When our 2 year old was diagnosed with cancer last year, a charity which receives CIN money was there to support us. Without that charity our experience would have been even more devastating.

There had to be one!

I agree Angel..I am a bitter bastard.

But I still prefer to give direct.

veritas wrote:
I agree Angel..I am a bitter bastard.

But I still prefer to give direct.

As do I veritas. All the publicity generates more cash on top of that. Its not a bad thing is it? And if that means sacrificing normal scheduling of tv and radio programmes its hardly the end of the world.

veritas wrote:
I agree Angel..I am a bitter bastard.

But I still prefer to give direct.

And it's great we get the choice.

angel wrote:
veritas wrote:
I agree Angel..I am a bitter bastard.

But I still prefer to give direct.

As do I veritas. All the publicity generates more cash on top of that. Its not a bad thing is it? And if that means sacrificing normal scheduling of tv and radio programmes its hardly the end of the world.

true and that's the world we live in today..without a high profile you don't exist including charities.

Romulan wrote:
angel wrote:
What a bunch of bitter bastards. ONE day out the year where kids throughout the land are encouraged to do something worthwhile and charitable. Fuck Radio 2 and BBC 1 being shite for ONE day. If you don't like it turn over. All you ever hear on these boards are how this country's fucked and the ONE day something worthwhile and positive happens you're still moaning! When our 2 year old was diagnosed with cancer last year, a charity which receives CIN money was there to support us. Without that charity our experience would have been even more devastating.

There had to be one!

Seems it's often that way at the moment