Complaint Summary: Why does the BBC no longer have a backbone?

Full Complaint: As I read, yet again, the BBC apologising for a funny joke by Stephen Fry on QI from a clearly demented viewer, I really worry that the Corporation seems to have lost its backbone.

So terrified is it of tabloid or other media criticism it never dares stand up to defend its staff or its broadcasting. Likewise paying compensation to false accusers who make complaints against dead people. I would stress that, under British law, we are innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law and this applies to dead people as well as live ones.

I don't want my licence fee paid to liars. I want it used to make great programmes. I don't want a serious news organisation to call innocent people guilty. I don't want executives who decide not to broadcast shows because the standard of reporting is below acceptable levels to be fired. I want them defended.

I don't want silly presenters who make schoolboy humour jokes in specialist shows, offending no listeners to that type of show, to be castigated when other organisations, with anti BBC agendas, pretend the world has ended.

I want MY BBC to stand up to bullies, to defend itself and its employees, to play great music no matter who recorded it, to support staff who obey the rules and instructions in matters such as retirement and leaving monies. I want MY BBC to grow back the backbone it has lost.

The official reply…

Dear Mr King

Reference CAS-2290949-DCR121

Thanks for contacting us.

We're confused by your assertion that the BBC has apologised for a joke made by Stephen Fry as the complaint wasn’t upheld by the Trust.

In regards to your next point “Likewise paying compensation to false accusers who make complaints against dead people”, the BBC's Investigations Unit is in contact with police forces which are in receipt of allegations and is helping them by providing full support to any lines of inquiry they wish to pursue.

We’d like to assure you that we've registered your complaint on our audience log. This is an internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily and is available for viewing by all our staff. This includes all programme makers and presenters, along with our senior management. It ensures that your points, along with all other comments we receive, are circulated and considered across the BBC.

Thanks again for contacting us.

Kind Regards Gemma McAleer BBC Complaints www.bbc.co.uk/complaints

NB This is sent from an outgoing account only which is not monitored. You cannot reply to this email address but if necessary please contact us via our webform quoting any case number we provided.

My second complaint…

Further to my earlier complaint that the BBC should defend content, presenters and staff instead of capitulating to attacks by anti BBC agenda enemies... after a letter from Mark Thompson, then DG, apologizing for cutting one of my tracks from the repeat Top of the Pops, another of my hits has been dropped from the schedule. I believe this is because the show was hosted by Jimmy Savile. I assume DLT shows will also be dropped.

Why? I know the BBC, like everyone else, thinks "guilty unless able to prove innocence" but this should not even be a consideration. Moral or even criminal behaviour should not influence editorial content. Should the BBC cancel any programmes including Hitler? Never again feature the work of Oscar Wilde? Never employ convicted murderers?

I think repeats of my Entertainment USA and No Limits shows from the 80s would be great programming and, also, very cheap. I would like the BBC to make and show programmes investigating the motives and behaviour at some of the newspapers attacking our national broadcaster. Why are they doing it? Should they be doing it? Are they squeaky clean? Leveson says NO.

I repeat my original complaint. Support and defend editorial staff and others. Grow back the backbone Lord Reith had decades ago. The BBC belongs to us. Let it fight our enemies, not give in to them.