Renewing the BBC’s mission in a divided, digital world.
For more than 100 years the BBC has been at the heart of the UK’s democratic, cultural and social life. Despite recent crises, it remains one of the most trusted news sources in the world. This trust has not been won lightly.
The steadfast principles upon which the BBC was founded – universality of access, public accountability, political and commercial independence while providing content which reflects the UK, its nations and communities in all their diversity – are the bedrock upon which the BBC’s relationship with its audiences has been built.
In a world which appears to be becoming ever more polarised and where the media landscape, catalysed by the rapid growth of online and big tech platforms, ever more fractious and factionalised, the role of BBC has never been more critical.
The national press has long had a turbulent love/hate relationship with its broadcast cousin and there have been many headlines over the last few weeks featuring the BBC and of alleged ‘serious and systemic’ problems. But it’s interesting to note that during the recent House of Commons Culture Select Committee examination into the most recent allegations of bias, even the BBC’s most fervent critics claimed to be passionate supporters of the organisation and its ethos.
It’s against this background that the process of BBC Charter Renewal will soon commence. The Government’s green paper is expected to be published before Christmas with public consultations starting in the new year.
Given SSMT’s remit and the important contribution the BBC makes in the provision of programming which reflects and explores religion and belief, we will be active participants in the process. As part of this we have been talking and collaborating with a range of other civic organisations. Over coming weeks we will share here some of their work.
First up, is the Media Reform Coalition who recently submitted a letter – co-signed by SSMT and others – to the Secretary of State calling for UK-citizen consultations as part of the BBC’s Charter review process.
You can read their letter here or find out more and sign their petition to Lisa Nandy here.
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