Documents released today by the National Archives show that Maggie was not exactly happy with the way in which the BBC was funded.

Home Secretary, Leon Brittan, wrote to Thatcher in 1985 proposing a committee be set up to consider 'all the implications of advertising, and put forward alternative options rather than a single recommendation.' Maggie, who was a well known advocate of bringing advertising to the bureaucratic and wasteful monolith of the BBC, was not happy. Don't cross Maggie Thatcher ...

Maggie wrote in large letters at the top of Brittan's letter 'No, the terms of reference [of the committee] are far too limited. Perhaps I might be consulted?!'. She also strongly objected to the proposed chair, Alan Peacock, deliberately inserting in big letters 'NOT!' into the letter's sentence 'I propose, if you agree, to approach Professor Alan Peacock.' Very Clear ...

Sadly Maggie did not win this battle. But, given that she was busy saving the British economy, I think we can forgive her. Our new Culture Secretary today has a monumental task ahead of him, and he deserves our every possible support. The BBC needs to be radically more transparent, more in tune with the British public, and waste less money. Come on Whitters we're all with you...

This article is by Elliott Johnson the Political Editor of CWF.

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