02.19.04
Believing in the Beeb
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Yes, I do, to some extent because of the Today programme, Newsnight, Have I Got News For You?, I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, the incredible depth of web presence, and the odd decent documentary. More than that, I believe in the Beeb because it is still, at some level, an organisation relaxed enough to allow creative people to be creative, rather than allow creative people to serve advertisers.
Also because, if it comes to a choice between Alistair Campbell and the Beeb, there really isn’t a choice. (Nota bene Alistair, BBC coverage of the war in Iraq was indeed biased - towards the government.)
Mostly, however, I believe in the Beeb because it’s a good sort of a thing to have. In truth, I don’t just believe in the BBC. I believe in the idea of the BBC, which is both better (because it’s an ideal) and worse (because it’s just an ideal).
That’s why I’ll be having my say in the BBC charter review consultation. I suggest that you have your say as well. Send your comments by March 31st.