Unlike Argentina, the BBC went on the attack during the World Cup final on Sunday. During the half-time interval, a short, star-studded promotional film was aired. The film was a contemporary reimagining of a similar advert broadcast 40 years ago in which John Cleese props up a bar and bemoans the cost of the licence fee.

The film itself unintentionally shines a light on a range of programmes that have been poisoned by the progressive proselytising that has been the hallmark of so much of the BBC’s content in recent years

The film itself unintentionally shines a light on a range of programmes that have been poisoned by the progressive proselytising that has been the hallmark of so much of the BBC’s content in recent years

The 2026 version sees the ubiquitous comedian Romesh Ranganathan at the bar of the Queen Vic, the pub at the heart of the BBC soap opera EastEnders. 

Looking up from a copy of the fictitious Walford Gazette, which is headlined with the question, ‘Is the BBC really worth it?’, Ranganathan asks, ‘What has the BBC ever done for me?’ 

We are then given an answer, as Ranganathan moves through the bar, accompanied by jaunty, theatrical singing and flanked by celebrities and actors who feature on flagship BBC shows, while he lists the corporation’s top programmes and other achievements. 

As a piece of whimsical, high-production promotion, it is worthy of praise. The fundamental problem, however, is that it asks the wrong question. 

Like many people who have turned from fierce advocates of the BBC to scornful critics, I recognise that it makes some great programmes. I also know it contributes significantly to the creative economy.

I enjoy a range of BBC programmes, from the Traitors to the Today programme. I remain in favour of well-run,........

© The Spectator