True to it's modernist values, the BBC is apparently on the point of doing away with one of the longest running and best television programmes in the world - 'The Sky at Night'. It would seem that while the programme's creator and star, Sir Patrick Moore, was alive, it was untouchable but now he's gone it's fair game.
The Beeb will probably claim that audiences have dropped since Sir Patrick's departure from this earthly realm, but that may be as much to do with its scheduling - viewers now have to scour the schedules to find it at midnight or midday, plus its only regular slot on the minority channel, BBC4.
'The Sky at Night' is not only an institution, it is an inspiration; it has been an inspiration to generations of potential young scientists for decades and has been lauded by many, including the Astronomer Royal, Sir Martin Rees. While they produce dumbed-down audience-grabbing tripe such as 'Eastenders', 'Strictly Come Dancing', and assorted other programmes for the illiterate masses, 'The Sky at Night' is an oasis of brilliance in this sea of mediocrity; sadly, the Beeb has no interest in brilliance, only in celebrity.
Perhaps if Professor Brian Cox volunteered to take over the presentation of the programme, it would have a better chance of survival; he is, after all, a celebrity scientist which neither of the current presenters are. Chris Lintott and Lucie Green are both experts and fine presenters but they are not, yet, celebrities and don't pretend to be such; nonetheless, the programme remains every bit as good as it ever was under their care and it would be a shocking act of vandalism if the BBC were to carry through its plan.
The ghost of Sir Patrick Moore must be screaming with anguish. Anyone who feels the need to scream with him may do well to sign the 'Sky at Night' petition set up by 'Change.org'.
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