I have been listening to local BBC for about 4 hours this morning and I have heard only 3 Christmas songs. Why does the BBC seem to be playing down Christmas this year?

Yes they are talking about the merits or otherwise of sprouts and they have a panto on tomorrow but hey its two days before the big day and listening to the music it could be any old day. :mad:

Is this an official policy and if so why?

Mo , it's because the British Broadcasting Corporation has been moving away from being British ---and particularly English---for a long time now.
On t.v. and Radio,these days,I feel sure that there's been a definite move away from "Englishness". Obviously ,this is very difficult to prove. You would have to sit there all day and night adding up all the references---negative and positive.
But, have you noticed how many villains in the various films and dramas are middle aged Englishmen.? If they happen to smoke as well,it's almost certain that they've also killed someone or robbed them.
In language too, announcers and presenters speak a sort of garbled ,dumbed-down version of the language.
I don't think language can be "frozen" but it can still be clear and fairly standard.What I find difficult to understand is that when the B.B.C do happen to put on anything traditional or historical,concernig England or Britain,it's usually very popular.
It'd be interesting if someone had the time and patience to watch B.B C.1 or listen to radio 4,for a full day, and then to analyse the musical,dramatical and language content.I think they'd find the British or English content pathetically low.Those who control the "B". B. C. only cater for various of their pet minorities a lot of time and that's why you are missing the Xmas music.Unfortunately if we wish to watch ANY television,we ALL have to pay.

Originally posted by Mo
I have been listening to local BBC for about 4 hours this morning and I have heard only 3 Christmas songs. Why does the BBC seem to be playing down Christmas this year?

Yes they are talking about the merits or otherwise of sprouts and they have a panto on tomorrow but hey its two days before the big day and listening to the music it could be any old day. :mad:

Is this an official policy and if so why?
On the contrary, I listen to Radio 1 and I think it has been playing loads more Christmas music than it usually does. It's even played Slade, Wizzard and Wham! this year which it doesn't normally.

Originally posted by sheffexpat
Mo , it's because the British Broadcasting Corporation has been moving away from being British ---and particularly English---for a long time now.

Most announcers on radio 4 are either scottish or northern Irish. As is the government these days. Of the rest most are estuary english and a smattering of welsh.

It's hardly surprising that you've noticed a difference. The only northern English voices I have heard the last week (out of about 40) are Barry Cryer, Mark Riley, Stuart Henderson and Craig charles.