I guess that for most of the world, as it was for me, the famous British accent heard from the BBC broadcasters was the example to follow.  I remember one Italian friend saying:  I though that in England everybody spoke English like in the BBC news.  You come here and you realise that this is not true.  Well, we live and learn.  The TV news and current affair shows in this country are very intelligent and insightful.  You are always sure that it has excellent standards and that its content is objective.  You will have news from all over the globe and not only certain regions (we don't watch much news about Asia or Africa back in Mexico) and always both sides of the story will be presented without manipulated opinions from the broadcasters.

 Back in Mexico, on the same Media class, the professor wanted us to produce a TV documentary.  Being this a concept almost non existent in Mexican TV, it was quite difficult to deliver.  How I wished I could have the opportunity now that I have been exposed to dozens of them during years.  No just there are plenty, they are the best.  If you think that TV should be educational, British TV really achieves this.  It really is a window to the world.

 Here I have been watching and learning from the most exotic animals and its habitats (British love anything relating to nature), about History (actors re enacting events...It's so easy the way the facts are explained), about daily facts (people surviving extraordinary circumstances, how the criminals operate in this country), about incredible places all over the world (since Britons travel a lot is easy to see why), etc., etc.  You name it:  the topics are as variable as are interesting.

British TV has as well lots of comedy although, you really have to master a good level of English and tune into the national humour to really appreciate the jokes, which are told with such a speed and about any current affairs:  The renowned British humour! 

But as excellent as this TV can be, it can have as well its lows.  On the other hand, there is some sort of entertainment shows that still I cannot understand, for example, the never ending soap operas.  One of them, called Coronation Street, has been on air since 1960!!!  It's rival, Eastenders, broadcasted since 1985.  It was a big shock to know about this pop culture fact considering that in Latin America, they don't last longer than 6 months.

 But continuing with the parade in British TV and since Britons love statistics and records, some years ago, we had an influx of numerous countdown programmes to anything:  100 Best movies, 100 Best TV moments, 100 Best songs, etc.  Apart from the format, it was a good way to learn about the culture and what the British like and vote for.  Another fashion that fortunately is coming to an end, it is the reality show with or without celebrities.

But what it has been a constant since I arrived has definitely been the musical shows.  Saturdays and Sundays are always about music and talent.  It's overwhelming.  There is at all times a show about looking for a winner for a new musical, a singing contest, a new pop band, dancers, impersonators...The list is huge.  I guess Britain loves to watch constantly a new winner.

And just few years ago, everything was about personal improvement: TV shows to improve your style, your diet, your children's conduct...even your dog's behaviour!  But what it was shocking it was the amount of programmes to improve, redecorate, sell your home or even to re locate to another country.  There was always a show about the property market and how to make a profit out of it.  In Mexico they are non existent.

I have never been an avid TV watcher but being in Britain with such a variety of good programmes, it is hard not to browse the TV listings without finding a program worth watching.  No wonder in the first years here, my English listening and vocabulary improved immensely...Who says that TV doesn't teach?   So, my advice to any tourist, student or immigrant in long or short stay:  If you want to learn the language and culture in a fast, easy and entertaining way, watch the British TV.  You will learn something...There is always a good documentary on.  And if you don't believe me, tune the magic box in other countries.  You will then agree that, yes, Britain has one of the best TV selections in the world.