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Stephen Fry slams BBC ‘culture of fear’
Corporation risks becoming ‘incredibly bland’ as BBC executives run scared in wake of Ross-Brand scandal
Stephen Fry has hit out at the BBC, saying that the Corporation has been hit by a "culture of fear" that is making it "incredibly bland".
Fry, who became a household name thanks to BBC shows like A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Blackadder, told the Radio Times that Corporation executives are reluctant to take risks. He warned that this case of "cold feet" could spell death for a creative institution like the Beeb.
In the past two years the BBC has been hit by a number of rows over taste and decency, including prank phone calls made by Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand and comments made by comedian Frankie Boyle. There has also been criticism of the salaries of top BBC stars and executives.
Since then, Fry said, "a lot of the adventure and excitement have gone out of television programming and a lot of it is just down to fear".
Fry, who still hosts BBC One comedy show QI, has gained a whole new fan base thanks to his love of Twitter and new technology.
He told the Radio Times that while he was treated very well by the BBC, the days when programme-makers were allowed to come up with ideas without interference from management appeared to be gone. ·
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Y'es i could'nt agree more,not only that kind of fear,but fear about saying anything,anything that sparks of the right thing like pulling it's nose out from under anything American.
Also turning so far to the right that even Clarkson would'nt go,well just about.
Chris Moyles is suffering the end of a long-term relationship. With the BBC.
No, not bland, just a bit more subtle in their nasty manipulativeness!