"What's the point of the BBC"

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Tomorrow in London, Belfast, Nottingham and Edinburgh there is a special debate taking place on the future of the BBC.

During the programme there will be a panel of influential figures giving key arguments, and the audience in the different centres will be asked to vote electronically on the matters arising. There is also an opportunity to give views on camera which may be included in the final programme.

I managed to get myself a ticket for this event. I don't suppose anyone round here might know who these "influential figures" are?

That sounds pretty cool. Do you know if the program will be available on the internet? And could you tell us on here what they said?

Actually, I have just returned from the taping of the programme. It was really quite fascinating. Couldn't say whether it will be available online, but it will be broadcast in the UK on Sunday at 10.30pm, BBC One.

Presentation fans will no doubt be thrilled to know that the 'video wall' background of the London studio was playing endless loops of channel idents from various eras, and opening titles of popular programmes. In addition, the video links from the four "focus groups", of which Edinburgh was one, were also in shot behind the panel throughout. "No picking of noses", we were told.

Gavin Estler presented the debate, which covered matters ranging from the continuing funding and governance of the organisation, and the substance and distinciveness of the overall output. The panel, including acting Director General Mark Byford, David Elstein and Sir David Attenborough, gave prepared pieces to the assembled audiences. We were then asked to vote on the questions given and this was compared to the original ICM polls we were party to some days ago. The results indicated there were some persuasive arguments made. I wont spoil the final outcomes, but if you are unable to view Phileas I will give you a summary after the broadcast.

I had an opportunity to speak at the beginning of the programme. I'm the handsome one in the black shirt, in case you are curious.

Overall a very interesting debate. Hope you catch a chance to see it.

Well so much for me keeping you in suspense - BBCi are now carrying the result of the polls taken on the evening of the debate. These, it should be said, are the post debate results, not of the original telephone poll.

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I would be interested to know where the swing of votes came from with regard to funding specifically. Most of the people I spoke to in our group manitained their positions throughout the debate. Only one in the Edinburgh group felt advertising was an appropriate revenue stream.

Trails for the show can be seen during Breakfast With Frost and before the 10 o'clock news tomorrow.

Something that made everyone laugh during the programme was the man who argued that the BBC does carry advertising. He said, "They advertise those dancing people between the programmes, don't they?"