Last updated 11:43, Tuesday, 06 May 2008

I BELIEVE the BBC’s infamous programme trailers are now 10 years old.

This would be the perfect time to ditch this wretched concoction for good.

How many perfectly decent programmes end prematurely or begin late because of time-wasting trailers, which have become trials of audience patience?

But listening is not the BBC’s forte, I’m afraid.

Someone invented this insult to intelligence in a “eureka” moment.

The idea should have been flushed out with the bath water.

Doesn’t the BBC know that ITV adverts always cause watchers to rush to the kitchen to make a quick cuppa before a favourite programme is resumed?

There was a golden age when the continuity announcer gave a voice over in the event of a gap in broadcasting.

No-one, I’m sure, objects to that. It’s logical.

I would love to know whether other viewers (and listeners to radio) like myself have been completely put off by particularly over-exhibited trailers.

Where is the element of surprise when the programme is eventually shown?

Changes to the way viewers can pay for their licence to watch the BBC is also responsible, in some part, for the demise of post offices.

Why on earth was the licence stamp facility, which you could buy at the post office, taken away? It was of great use to those on low income in terms of budgeting.

It is plain that the Government wants us to watch as much TV as possible so that we can be indoctrinated.

My hope is that lots of licence fee payers will eventually get so fed up with the mish-mash which is digital broadcasting that they will begin to read newspapers more earnestly, gleaning valuable information without having to endure hours of listening or watching what amounts to ... nothing.

John Warmingham
Wetheral