Why is the BBC also known as 'Auntie'?

Christine Whyte, Glasgow UK

• BBC Written Archives offers the following about the origin of the word "Auntie" to describe the BBC: "A phrase of obscure origin: presumably journalistic, possibly from cartoons. Increasingly used in 1950s to contrast BBC's prudish, cosy, puritanical "refained" image with that of the much brasher ITV. Certainly had wide currency by July 1959: see cuttings on Hugh Carleton Greene's appointment as Director-General. Greene himself told Peter Black (Daily Mail, 31.7.1959) that he thought it was "probably" a hangover from Reithian days."

  Tim, London

• "Auntie B" or "Aunt B" is the popular character from Mayberry RFD. Just as Aunt B was always sticking her nose in Andy's business and offering unsolicited tidbits of questionable advice, "Auntie B" (or "Auntie Beeb") for many years always look out for what was "best for us." There.

  Chevron, Basingstoke