who knicknamed the bbc aunty ?

I'm aged 70 and 'Auntie BBC' has been a sort of affectionate term used for as long back as I can remember.

Most take it to mean 'prim and proper' - a tad old-fashioned - reflecting the somewhat patronising way programmes were originally broadcast.

The BBC's Charter specifies the main aims as being - to inform, to educate - and to entertain, with the latter originally rather more 'refined' than what we get nowadays.

The introduction of ITV/Commericial TV was seen by many as 'lowering standards' - especially with 'game shows' for Joe Public winning big prizes before squealing, easily excitable audiences.

Audience ratings made Auntie raise her skirts to match, especially in the Swinging 60s - when satirical programmes challenged 'old-fashioned' attitudes, such as respect for authority, politicians, religion, the monarchy etc.- and the sexual revolution loosened the restrictions on what was deemed 'suitable' to be broadcast.

Some believe that politically, the Beeb has become anti-establishment, rather left-wing, but then the Lefties argue the opposite - so one can assume Auntie has the balance just about right.

According to Guardian see first link below.

In the early years of its development ( BBC Incorporated ) the administrators were largely of middle class origins and demonstrated daily that they knew what was best for listeners and later on the viewers.This was derided by critics as the "Auntie knows best" syndrome. Hence the shortened version of "Auntie".

Patronising, much.

It goes back to the days of its first DG, Lord Reith. Way back then the broadcaster had moral virtue and cultural values. Reith was determined to keep standards high rather than lower them just to get higher ratings. It was a policy contrasted with the emerging ITV which was quite happy to pander to the lowest common denominator, so the 'aunty' soubriquet meant that aunty knows best.

The BBC still believe it knows best; however what it regards as 'best' these days is usually of a low standard and/or foul mouthed.

Reith would not simply be turning in his grave but spinning.

Its just an affectionate name for the service that gave the people of Europe and the world in 1940 hope to carry on the fight against Hitler. I think it still applies.

The bbc.

jimmy savile..

It was the Man From Uncle........