who knicknamed the bbc aunty ?

[Paul]

It goes back to the days of its first DG, Lord Reith. Way back then the broadcaster had moral virtue and cultural values. Reith was determined to keep standards high rather than lower them just to get higher ratings. It was a policy contrasted with the emerging ITV which was quite happy to pander to the lowest common denominator, so the 'aunty' soubriquet meant that aunty knows best.

The BBC still believe it knows best; however what it regards as 'best' these days is usually of a low standard and/or foul mouthed.

Reith would not simply be turning in his grave but spinning.