Lee Edwards, Professor of Strategic Communications and Public Engagement at the London School of Economics, and Chair of the Media Reform Coalition, discusses in detail the government’s green paper on the BBC’s future: the consultation process and timetable; proposed changes to BBC funding—including the possibility of a household levy; principles of universality and public service; and questions about government involvement in BBC governance.

We also examine the balance between public purpose and commercial pressures, the BBC’s role in local media, ideas for public engagement and accountability, and consider the funding of the BBC World Service. There is also practical advice on how listeners can respond to the consultation and join the wider debate.

The problem is the lack of funding. That does not have to be resolved by advertising or subscription. The lack of funding is about the British government and public’s willingness to buy into and support a substantial public service media organisation.

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Sir Max Hastings, historian and former editor of the Daily Telegraph and London Evening Standard, discusses Donald Trump’s attack on the BBC, the roots of hostility toward the broadcaster, and the impact of ongoing financial cuts—including what the BBC should prioritise. We also explore editorial challenges, leadership dilemmas, the vital role of the World Service, media coverage of the Middle East, and the future of public service journalism. Drawing on his long career, Sir Max offers candid reflections and opinions on where British media must go next.

“I haven’t been allowed to write about Gaza or about what’s going on in Israel by several major British newspapers - and I have asked to do so - because my views would be unacceptable. That it is terribly depressing.”

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Michael Delahaye, veteran BBC journalist and author of "After the Fall: The Battle to Save Independent Media in the Post-Soviet World," joins us to share his firsthand experiences supporting independent journalism across Russia and the former Soviet republics.

We discuss the challenges faced by journalists in a country without a history of independent journalism, the impact of Putin, the lack of a media market, the role of the West, the significance of the BBC World Service and the ongoing fight for media freedom in increasingly autocratic environments.

“I did find, quite surprised me, that a lot of these young journalists thought, “Hold on,” they were saying to me, “But, but look, you know, this is a time of transition. We do have a patriotic duty here, and, you know, we should actually aid the transition. It’s all very fine going attack dogs against authority, but we've got to bear in mind that this is, quote, an emerging democracy. It is fragile.”

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@beebwatch.bsky.social

@BeebRoger

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LinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch

email: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.