What is the point of Feedback?
When I am asked that question I usually answer along the lines that it is to be a bridge between listeners and the BBC, allowing each side to communicate with each other. I also point out that, since the BBC is funded by a tax which almost everyone has to pay, then the Corporation has a duty to be accountable to its licence fee payers to whom it belongs. The programme is a key way of doing so. The Corporation decides what to broadcast, the audience decides what it wants to comment or cross examine the decision makers about, and when, and has the right to have its views heard.
However Feedback’s value is largely dependent on BBC bosses wanting to be accountable. Do they wish to be so, particularly at a time of their audiences’ choice, not their own?Sometimes, like this week, I have my doubts.
On Monday the BBC published its annual report, its formal report to its audience and to Parliament which explains what it has done with the public’s money and why.
The report received very limited coverage in the media, and of course we at Feedback wished to examine the report on behalf of listeners.So we asked for an interview with the Director General, Tony Hall, who has never appeared on Feedback since taking office.
He was not available.Well then, how about the Director of Radio, Helen Boaden, who also has not appeared on Feedback since taking up her present position.
She was not available either.
Well, how about the acting Chair of the BBC Trust, who job is to represent your interests?
No, can’t do it.
Fortunately the producer of the Moral Maze, Phil Pegum , came to our recue.
This week’s edition dealt with the concept of the Just War and Gaza and examined the morality, or lack of it, which underlines the conflict.
Inevitably the temperature in the studio was soon at boiling point and some listeners wondered what was the point of yet another programme on this most contentious of issues.
The producer gladly agreed to come and explain his decision and the way it was executed.Here is our feature which concludes with an interview with Phil Pegum.
Roger Bolton asks series producer Phil Pegum about criticism of this week's Moral Maze.
Back to accountability, do please keep contacting Feedback. We can’t guarantee that you will get satisfactory answers from the BBC but we can guarantee that you will be heard.
By the way, on Monday evening I will be on a boat in the middle of Lake Windermere watching Gardeners Question Time being recorded – yes, on a boat. I will try to find out why the team has chosen that unearthly location, and if you have any questions for my old school friend from Carlisle, Eric Robson, his producer and the panel of experts do please let me know.
Roger Bolton
Roger Bolton is the presenter of Feedback on BBC Radio 4
