Have you noticed how much of our radio and TV is filled with public opinion? To be honest, I am getting a bit bored with it. It's not that I don't like democracy or enjoy having my say, I just get a bit lost as to what value it has.

I have long been a fan of BBC Radio 4; enjoying hearing politicians squirm a bit is always good sport. Now, it seems, they have become obsessed with asking me (and when I say me, I mean everyone), what I think about any given subject.

I just about get up in the morning and remember to take my car keys with me as I leave the house, and they want my ideas on running the country. Quite frankly, I am not sure how qualified I am. Even if I remember my keys, I will forget my lunch.

A few days ago, they were having an energetic debate on the radio about stem cell research. They had invited an eminent professor to discuss matters with a leading philosopher. After asking the experts a few preliminary questions, the phone lines were opened to Eric from just south of Coventry. I am sure that he is a decent guy, but what on earth does he know about biology?

My objection was not to members of the public having an opinion, but to the disproportionate amount of time they were given compared with the experts.

You may be reading this and feel that my point is not valid, so in the interest of making my opinion clear, I will offer extra proof.

Strictly Come Dancing. Need I say more? Perhaps so. On this, and similar shows, the public are pleaded with to call in and vote for their favourite contestant. At times we are almost blackmailed to do so, as the host informs us that it will be our fault if a dancer is dismissed from the show.

The experts present their opinion and give scores according to whatever logic governs their world. The final result, however, relies on the voting public, most of whom would not know the foxtrot from the salsa.

I know this is true because the conversations in our house are, at times, unbelievable. The girls will comment as if they have been dancing for years.

I even fall under the spell myself at times; once making the comment that a contestants leg extensions were not defined enough. Not defined enough, what on earth was I talking about?

I need to point out here that I know nothing about dancing and yet I am commenting on others who have practised for weeks to perform.

It is almost as if we have been so encouraged to give our opinion that we think we are all experts.

This false sense of our own importance starts for many on the football terraces; I have stood next to 22st, 60-year-old men who have shouted at the millionaire professional who has just missed the goal. Without any sense of irony the comment has been "I could have done better than that!"

It would be hilarious if one day someone like Ronaldo would, after hearing such a comment, pick a ball up and, turning to the vocal, overweight fan, say "Come on then, your turn".

It never happens and I will tell you why; the fan can't do it better because he isn't the expert. The professionals get on with the game knowing that thousands of people are commenting on their abilities. Yet the fans are not allowed on the pitch.

Not so with TV and radio; we have allowed fans to come on to the pitch. It is as if the professor of micro-biology picks up the ball and turns to Eric from just south of Coventry and says, "Come on then, your turn".

I am not an expert on public opinion but this is my view and I am sticking to it... Oops! I think I may have just been hung by my own petard.