Points West

well, I did say ratings are not the main factor here, however lets lay this ITV west bashing to rest (for ratings at least!)

Fri 26th Overnights
ITV West 18:00 - 18:30 144,000
BBC West 18:30 - 19:00 179,000

Or put it another way ITV West News delivers over 80% of the ratings performance of BBC Points West.

Of course, the BBC has over double the resources - OUR cash lets not forget.

Although I would point out that those ratings fluctuate hugely in both directions. I don't think your rather limited analysis stands to much scrutiny.

So, are you going to answer what axe you have to grind with the BBC?

I did say that ratings are not the main point here. Also, I only posted them in response to a direct request, and frequent comments by one poster about the performance of ITV West. Of course it varies, but the point was to demonstrate (to those without access to regional ratings) the reality of the situation.

I hardly think that in the context of this discussion my analysis is limited? Wind your head in, or are you only prepared to countenance discussion on what the presenters are wearing?

My only criticisms are that the news agenda on PW has become too diary driven, with even those items not fully explored. I'm not the only one inside or outside the BBC to identify it the problem.

No axe to grind (if you really want to paint anyone with negative comment with that childish metaphor.)

But your 'reality' skewed the truth. Lies, damned lies and statistics. You can make them say anything you like to prove a point.



I've never entered into discussions about what presenters are wearing - I think you must be confusing me with somebody else.



My concern is that your criticisms come with an agenda that are unclear to other members of this forum.



I don't see how the metaphor was childish, I was merely asking if you had a axe to grind. What exactly is childish about that?

You appear to react to the comment about PW as if its black and white...brings to mind a line that made me laugh this week about the Bush approach to policy 'Your either for us or with the terrorists'

I dont rate the show at present, and made my comment. No axe required.

Your mising the points. I give the ratings ONLY to put some (yes, limited) context to Nick's oft repeted joke about ITV west's viewership. They do better than most people here give credit. Why Critisise me for that?

What about my views on the news agenda? Do you agree or disagree there is a problem?
Why are so many staff unhappy?
Why have TWO BBC Regional programme editors and a senior News24 bod (who's has relatives in Bristol) made their concerns clear?
Why has a long standing presenter left with a degree of animosity?
Why have both 999 (police. Fire etc) service, Bristol City Council and local political press officers expressed mutual suprise about the lack of questions into Press Releases they put out?

Yes, they get asked to voice the words, but facts are never questioned.
Is the way the newsroom run at the moment effective?

BTW, my agenda is no more or less clear than yours!

You're entitled to your views, and I respect that.

To be clear, I've expressed abssolutely no views or opinions on this subject in this forum, and I won't be.

I'm simply trying to make sure things are clear for anyone who might read this.

Lets be clear, in this market (West) I have no vested interest or agenda.

At least you've picked up the main point here, the word "joke".

Okay, "oft repeated". I'm sure from your side of the fence you'll say "TOO often repeated", but a joke none the less.

My view of the membership of TV Forum is that they're either mature enough, like you, to understand when a joke's a joke, or they simply aren't worth bothering with. And they can like that or lump it!

As regards news agendas, both Bristol local programmes are guilty. My first joke on here, some years ago now, was about Points West and the "Frog born in Gloucestershire" story. Both PW and ITVNW are too fond of just picking up the press releases, either the originals or the ones printed in the BEP.

As I've said elsewhere, I now bang in 957 on the old Sky box and watch Spotlight. Okay, I trained Marcus Wraight when he was at Chippenham, but the rest of the programme is good as well. They DO have people in and grill them. To a cinder in some cases, and it's damn good television.

Yes, I find PW somewhat better than ITVNW, but I think that IS reflected in the true average of the viewing figures. They both have a lot of work to do, in my opinion and until they've done it, I'm likely to continue to extract the urine.

Like Uncle Bruce, I'm intrigued by your true interest, so a PM with a bit more detail would be greatly appreciated.

[quote="Nick Harvey"]
At least you've picked up the main point here, the word "joke".

Okay, "oft repeated". I'm sure from your side of the fence you'll say "TOO often repeated", but a joke none the less.

My view of the membership of TV Forum is that they're either mature enough, like you, to understand when a joke's a joke, or they simply aren't worth bothering with. And they can like that or lump it!

quote]

As I said, Oft repeated... Not TOO repeated, Long should you continue to do so. What I wanted to do was give a bit of background for those who do post, and the many, many more who just read.

One thing I dont think I've made clear, I have great repect for the vast majority of staff in the newsroom at BBC West, and hear many share some of the views I put here. They are not in a position to have a public bash - I am!

Saw a shot of the Bristol newsroom on Working Lunch earlier and the work on the floor seems to have created what looks like a large area of roadworks in the middle of the newsroom

This thread was about Susan Osman's departure from BBC Bristol, and included speculation about her next move(s). Possible activities involving doilies were interesting, even faintly amusing. This drift to discussion about the development of a studio floor does not seem relevant, while the playground squabble that preceded this is surely better taken elsewhere (will you confirm, Mr Moderator?). So, revenons a nous moutons - does anyone know what has happened to Ms. Osman, and did she jump, or was she pushed? Maybe Master Hanson can ask his friend Master Osman.

The thread is called "Points West - Changes". Don't think anyone's posted this job advert?