Media: Talk of the Trade: Auntie's prognosis
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A REAL DEBATE about the long-term future of the BBC is finally starting up. It is inspired not so much by the rackety system of finance known as the universal licence fee, or by political malice, but by anxiety about whether, beyond the 1996 Charter renewal, the BBC will be able to punch its weight in the global communications market if it remains a government-controlled public body. The concern led to the decision by Michael Heseltine, President of the Board of Trade, to hold a seminar on the issue earlier this month. The problem for viewers and listeners is whether the programmes and values that make the BBC special would survive in an organisation partly funded by advertising, partly offering restricted services on subscription. Essential reading for the Auntie debate is the booklet by Ian Hargreaves, deputy editor of the Financial Times and a former head of news and current affairs at the BBC. Sharper Vision: The BBC and the Communications Revolution, pounds 5.95, is published by Demos. It's a better read than anything produced within the BBC.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments