25/02/2010 by Steve Barclay.

When the Conservatives proposed a freeze in the television licence fee, it was met with strong BBC protests that this would mean cuts to front line programmes.  So it is interesting to read today’s National Audit Office report.

The BBC have spent £1.6 million on a new statue by a Canadian artist, and a further £900,000 on another piece by a Spanish artist. Last time I was in the Cambs Times office, they seemed to manage to report the news well without such artist works.  Perhaps Mr Elworthy should be asking head office to splash out on expensive art as a key job requirement to brighten up his cigarette break?!

The report also reveals that the refurbishment of Broadcasting House is four years behind schedule and £55 million over budget. It will not be competed now until April 2013, costing £1,050,000,000. Likewise the refurbishment of their Scotish HQ is £62 million over budget, at a cost of £188,000,000.   Something to ponder when next paying your licence fee or watching a repeat on tv.

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23/01/2008 by Steve Barclay.

Lunch with a difference today as BBC Cambridgeshire had been in touch and wanted to conduct an interview on the phone.  So instead of the usual sandwich at my desk, I found myself chatting to listeners across Cambridgeshire about Saturday’s selection.

The BBC had heard that the Party had thrown open the doors to anyone from the area who wanted to attend and vote.  It did not matter if they were Conservative members or even Conservative voters. It is a new approach in UK politics - and a good one in my view (and not just because I was selected!) Everyone in the community had the opportunity to come along, ask a question, and vote for a candidate - rather than choosing only between political parties at the General Election. As a Conservative I think more choice is a good thing, and it is great to see this in action. After chatting on the radio about the process of becoming a candidate, and what tricky questions we were all asked, it is back to the day job.

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