PETER HITCHENS: I love what the BBC used to be, but I can't defend it any longer

This is Peter Hitchenss Mail on Sunday column

I don't think I can defend the BBC much longer. For years, I've been one of the few conservative patriots I know who still stand up for the licence fee.

But I'm losing the will to do so. I can't find it in myself to say they deserve it any more.

But I'll still pay it till the day I die. I was brought up partly by the BBC. I recall rapt 1950s moments with Listen With Mother.

If anyone says 'It's a quarter to two',...