The truth behind the Ross/Brand fisaco

Much has been said elsewhere about the unacceptable behaviour of Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand on the latter's Radio 2 show. But two points perhaps have not been stressed enough.

Firstly, Lesley Douglas resigned as Controller of Radio 2 last week. She has been praised by many people as a fantastic BBC executive. Yet it was she who employed Brand in the first place, despite the warnings of Paul Gambacinni, even though Brand was clearly unsuitable for Radio 2. Those praising her have often been those who were employed by her, or others who wanted to suck up to someone in a very influential position. But, in truth, virtually every scheduling change since she became Controller has been for the worse: Dermot O'Leary, Elaine Paige, Alan Titchmarsh, Brand, Brian D'Arcy, Pete Mitchell - all dreadful or at best mediocre. The only good appointments have been Mark Radcliffe, Chris Evans and (perhaps) Steve Lamacq.

Secondly, the BBC is under considerable pressure over this incident, and it needs people to defend it. But those who in the past would have rushed to the BBC's defence have been far more reluctant to do so this time. And here's why. The BBC has shown no loyalty to its viewers who have stuck with it for decades. Blue Peter has been dumbed down and had its budget cut, abandoning many of its traditions in the process. And Top of the Pops has now seen its Christmas Day edition abolished. If the BBC treats its loyal supporters with such contempt, it shouldn't be surprised when there's nobody left to speak up for it. BBC bosses, don't say you weren't warned.