As haters and critics circle, will anyone speak up for the BBC? Yes, a huge, loyal army of ordinary Britons | Lindsay Mackie
The BBC debate seems dominated by its foes and commercial rivals, but a new survey reveals a hitherto silent majority in supportive voice The battle for the soul and future...
By Lindsay Mackie · The Guardian Opinion
The BBC debate seems dominated by its foes and commercial rivals, but a new survey reveals a hitherto silent majority in supportive voice The battle for the soul and future of the BBC is clearly under way. It’s charter decision year; Trump is after the corporation’s scalp ; parliamentary committees are embroiled in the vexed questions of how to pay for public service broadcasting and what to do about the relentless expansion of streamers; and the new director general is imprisoned in yet another round of cuts. Oh, and the Doctor Who Christmas special has been junked this year . Just to spice things up, Michael Grade has peppered this newspaper with the old charge that the BBC is part of the London metropolitan elite . It’s not looking good for Auntie. Where is the love? Why is this great British institution not in the same position as the NHS – criticised of course, but revered in a way that means no political party – not even Reform or Restore – would think of advocating abolition? Continue reading...