Re: How much better value the BBC catalogue is...
>children's programming that is distinguishable from merchandising and stuff that's distinctly "British".
This if nothing else is a reason for the BBC. The only kids' TV allowed in my house is CBeebies. No 10-minute commercial breaks screaming "Buy this! You must have this!" (Kroon along with Krusty springs to mind) and no low-quality American crap.