The BBC does a sterling job, but I'd like to see it do more. ITV does four arts programmes a year; it used to be 28. At least Sky, with its two arts channels, is trying.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I deplore the loss of arts on BBC One and Two.
The challenge is the culture. You have to have a vision for the BBC-it can't merely be that it's big and has a place in the market.
I've been making arts programmes for almost 50 years, and every day, I can't believe my luck.
I've done panel shows, which I enjoy, and on those you're recording half-an-hour of TV and sometimes they film for two hours. But with 'Britain's Got Talent,' you're on camera for eight hours, with a large theatre audience watching - and in between you're being filmed for ITV2 as you eat your lunch.
In my opinion, the BBC are one of the best producers of drama in the world, and it made me incredibly happy to get the opportunity to be one of the leading men in one of their productions.
The BBC produces wonderful programmes; it also produces a load of old rubbish.
The BBC's television, radio and online services remain an important part of British culture and the fact the BBC continues to thrive amongst audiences at home and abroad is testament to a professional and dedicated management team who are committed to providing a quality public service.
Britain has enormous amount of talent, as we've seen from the BAFTAs. It's all here, and it has to be allowed to flourish.
I don't watch much British television at all. I mean, it's ironic because I used to work in it for years.
I'm not certain that the BBC can claim to be making a wide enough range of distinctive programmes to make the case convincingly.
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