FOR US. BY US. ABOUT US
How to protect the BBC in an age of information warfare and tech bro takeovers.
This BBC Charter Renewal is unlike any other. The threat to our democracy and institutions is very real, from growing mis/disinformation and the unprecedented consolidation of the technology and broadcasting platforms in the hands of privateers like Musk (Twitter/X), Ellison (TikTok USA/CBS), Bezos (Amazon Web Services), Zuckerburg (Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp), Page and Bryn (Google and YouTube). These 6 guys privately own or have controlling interests in the platforms through which most content is discovered, consumed and shared. All have shown weakness when threatened by the bully in the White House, and our broadcasting ecosystem risks falling into their hands.
The BBC is the only public service broadcast of scale that could withstand this onslaught and provide a universal service of quality and impartial news and entertainment content. To achieve this we believe it needs certain key changes, already foregrounded here in previous stacks. The government's Green Paper was broadly positive, and seems to have taken on board much of this thinking. They are now seeking input from individuals and civic society into a formal consultation process. It’s time to have your say.
At The British Broadcasting Challenge we believe in PSB, and we've prepared some model answers for you to consider, along with the supporting evidence (facts matter). If you believe in the BBC we hope you find time to consider the points we are making. We do make some bold suggestions, which you may agree with or disagree with.
Every voice is vital so please make sure yours in heard.At the end of the day any submission you make is your own - thats the power of the BBC and PSB: For Us. By Us. About Us.
Pat Y (on behalf of the British Broadcasting Challenge)
[footnote: Broadcasting isn’t the only industry that is realising it needs a firebreak between itself and its former US partners, so it can protect its core businesses. Canada and Europe are moving quickly to reduce their reliance not just on American leadership of NATO but also American military suppliers and supply chains. The International Criminal Court has announced plans to cease using Microsoft software following Microsoft’s decision to disable the email account of the ICC’s Chief Prosecutor, after he was personally sanctioned by Trump. Likewise the EU and others are rapidly seeking to create an alternative to Visa and Mastercard, lest their banking system is held hostage by fealty to Trump. This time round Charter Renewal isn’t just about better news content or more strictly come dancing or changes to local radio. Its about protecting the integrity of our democracy and civic institutions. Yes, it really is that serious.]