There is a decided air of time to fill about the whole channel. The presenter introduces one of the political editors and says, in an easygoing way, "Well, now, let's talk about Ed Balls." Worst of all, the second half of each hour has items that simply do not fit the idea of a rolling news channel at all-film reviews, or interviews with authors, at scheduled times. 

I admit that the default mode on my television is set at Channel 80, and I often turn it on. But the channel regularly angers me with its slackness and lack of ambition, when it could be so brisk and rich.

Perhaps James Harding, the BBC's new head of news, could take a hard look at it. But not offer it an interview.