BBC Breakfast News
A lack lustre, dower, miserable way to start your day.
Who on earth is responsible for the format of BBC Breakfast News? It must be someone who is devoid of personality and lacks a will to live. Do they have a history of depression?
There is plenty of choice in terms of what type of programme you want to watch or listen to in the mornings. On a wet, dull February morning I want to be informed, with plenty of varied content and a bit of lighthearted humour thrown in for good measure.
BBC Breakfast has become the dinosaur of morning news. Yes, they have changed the sofa every few years but it is time they revamped the format and lighten up the delivery. I could go on about the Presenters. I could say that Bill and Charlie lack any zest. They are like accounants trying to be funny, Starchy Prefects in a school play. Kate Silverton seems wasted on the programme. That the shackles of the format don’t allow her to be her self. The same shackles that hold back one of the most competant presenters on British TV, Susanna Reid. Just a waste of talent. Then there is Sian. Throughly pleasant, like a favourite Aunt but…?
But it boils down to the format. All of these presenters are capable but need to be allowed to breathe and be themselves. Get them, or indeed, allow them to debate, express opinions, not be continually walking on eggshells, too afraid to fall out of line, too afraid to make a mistake or laugh. Employ a ‘Loose Women’ approach. Coffee mugs, Newspapers, have a chat and be themselves.
Don’t be stifled by editorial control. The dower delivery also affects BBC News in general. It’s like a disease. The BBC News Channel is just plain dull.
Sky News goes a long way to delivering the perfect mix in the morning. Eamon (that’s if he is not on another holiday) along with his Hareem of young women do a good job. Newspapers reviewers such as Jon Gaunt and James Whale add a splash of lively opinion and debate. The programme is alive, it has a heart beat. It has a personality. Then they go and spoil it with that loud blaring music and even louder adverts every 5 minutes. Mark Longhurst is even better at the weekends. The best news presenter/anchorman on the box.
But for me Radio Five Live beats all of them hands down. The programme is varied, fast paced, allows banter, humour and the odd giggle. Maybe only radio allows for such a mix to be successful. Maybe it would not work on telly. Nicky Campbell and Shelagh Fogarty work extremely well together. The serious interviews and reports are stitched together with a lighthearted and well structured format that involves you. Makes you listen and makes you want to listen.
With Five Live you can have a strong coffee. BBC Breakfast News…a strong dose of anti-depressants.
