Seems like the voters of Minnesota may have made a pawful decision.
Current Affairs
BBC Three – The fight is on to save the popular channel
As many of you are aware, the BBC have today announced plans to axe their third channel, with it going off air in the autumn of 2015.
The British Broadcasting Company bosses finally announced the closure of their sister channel, which started on air in 2003, today following days of rumours, revealing over half of the £50million savings will be used to enhance their main channel, BBC1.
While the savings will enable the corporation to launch a BBC1+1 service, £30,000 is expected to be invested in BBC drama.
What is safe to say is many, myself included, are not happy with the decision.
Since its introduction 11-years-ago, almost to the day, the channel has been responsible for a huge number of successful TV series, including Torchwood, Gavin and Stacey, Russell Howard’s Good News and Bad Education, all of which very popular amongst their targeted age demographic.
As Jono Reid, the creator of the online petition which is making all the headlines says: “Unlike other BBC channels it takes risks. It offers live debates and documentaries. It is also the channel for young people to go to for live music – something which is often relegated from the other main BBC television channels.”
On top of this, as I was tweeting about the other day, they create some gripping documentaries, including Reggie Yates’ current series on South Africa, all of which are worth catching up on, as well as series by the likes of Stacey Dooley and others, whose career has really taken off due to the channel.
These kind of shows, in my view, are a breath of fresh air to television and the main two BBC channels could learn a lot from the new, young presenters, like Rick Edwards for example, as they could inject life into what you may describe as two faltering channels – hence the BBC’s feelings that there is a need for change, and investment into their flagship channels.
For this reason alone, it shows just how out of touch the BBC are in the 21st century.
Furthermore, fans of incredibly popular American comedies such as Family Guy and American Dad (which I am coincidentally watching as I write this) will be disappointed as any move to an online channel will probably see the programs axed.
Unlike its commercial rivals, 90% of BBC Three’s output is from the United Kingdom and other European Union countries. 70% is original, covering all genres, from current affairs, to drama, to comedy to animation. BBC Three has a unique 60 Seconds format for its news bulletins, adopted so that operation of the channel could be completely automated. (Or moving into the 21st century as it is called).
Many celebrities, and actors, comedians and presenters who have seen their careers boom through the channel have shown their support for the cause.
These include the likes of Matt Lucas and David Walliams, Russell Kane, Greg James and Chris Stark and Rick Edwards who have called for the channel to be saved.
The online petition, which can be found here, has over 115,000 signatures and the Facebook page has over 170,000 likes, something in which the top personal at the BBC will surely soon have to listen to.
I think it is also important to note that BBC Three attracts more viewers than the BBC’s next channel, BBC Four, which also costs more money to air. (Again, I will mention the BBC being out of touch again).
Average daily viewers. (000’s) Stats by BARB.
Also, the audience age demographic is between 16-34 years of age and as a large number of the major cuts since 2010 have, it will affect them again – but that is for another day.
So it’s time to rally around and support the channel, watched by many, and enjoyed by many. A channel that provides a platform for young acts, whether they be comedians, reporters or musicians (not to forget that BBC Three airs a lot of live music) to blossom rather than some of the rubbish churned out on BBC One and Two (Mrs Brown’s Boys).
Keep fighting.
#SaveBBC3
THOMAS HITZLSPERGER – BRAVE ON AND OFF THE PITCH
Much has been said and made of Thomas Hitzlsperger’s decision to ‘come out’ as gay over the last few days – and a majority of it is a delight to read.
The reaction has been nothing but positive for the former German international midfielder, who spent time in England playing for Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton, signs that we are beginning to live in a far more tolerant world.
Hitzlsperger was known on the pitch for his bravery and strength in the tackle, as well as having a venomous shot and he has shown this bravery in his decision – a decision which he hopes will help others in the future.
All you have to do is rewind a few decades and to the case of Justin Fashanu, a promising, talented football who made the decision to make his sexual orientation public, eight years later he had killed himself.
The torment and ridicule he was forced to face from the terraces of football grounds the length and breadth of the country was nothing short of barbaric, a sign of the attitudes of the time.
The sexual orientation of a professional footballer, or any sports star, in fact any person, is irrelevant to the job they do and therefore should in theory not even be news but in this case, the positive reaction from around the footballing world has justified Hitzlsperger’s decision to come out.
But as mentioned, a positive reaction can only be a good thing and can only lead to more positive discussion about homosexuality and can hopefully create a climate where any footballer, if/when it comes down to it, feels safe and secure to come out whilst they are still in their playing days.
Another shinning example, is of former Leeds midfielder Robbie Rodgers, currently playing in America, who publicly revealed his sexuality last year. He received a great welcome on his return to England, and Elland Road over Christmas, a feature of which was shown on the Football League Show.
As I have mentioned, it should not have to be news but the only way for it to get to that place is with the positive reaction, the reaction which will continue to help to continue to change attitudes towards homosexuality, and hopefully create a change for the best.
Edward Seaman Journo 