Holy licence fees!

Zap! Pow! BBC Director of Television Danny Cohen stepped into his Robin outfit yesterday at the press launch of Christmas schedules, and devoted a third of his scripted remarks to biffing presenters and former staff debating Auntie's problems in the newspapers.

"I'm finding a little too often that people who work for the BBC and are well rewarded for it are quick to attack or criticise the organisation in public rather than deal with any issues or concerns internally. The BBC is an imperfect institution and 'critical friends' are an important way for us to keep improving. We must never be immune to criticism or unwilling to learn from others. But I know that BBC staff often wonder why some of our on-screen talent and some former members of staff choose to attack or undermine the BBC in public rather than express any concerns they have in private conversations within the BBC. In short, this drives BBC staff mad. 

"It is very important to say that the vast majority of the talented people we work with on screen are great supporters of the BBC and I want to put on record my thanks to them for their hard work, creative dedication and public support. But I would also like to call on those who are paid by the BBC but criticise it in media interviews and in public to think hard before they join the daily chorus of BBC bashing that takes place in some quarters. It is damaging to an institution that I'm convinced they love and would not actually want to harm. 

"From now, I'd like to call on everyone who believes in the BBC to get behind it, to speak up for it, to celebrate its successes and help us explain why the BBC really matters and sits proudly at the heart of public service broadcasting and Britain's creative industries - rather than find ways to undermine it. When problems do arise, let's deal with them in the most effective way we can and instead use the privileged platform enjoyed by those in public life to highlight the unique attractions of the BBC and help ensure it is as healthy, vibrant, impactful and creative in its 2022 centenary year as it has ever been. This does mean continuing to raise the creative bar, learning from our mistakes, driving efficiency and value for money. But those employed by the BBC should drive this change from the inside rather than undermining this wonderful organisation from the outside.