Whatever the truth in the story that the government is seeking to influence BBC scheduling (Report,2 May), it raises a fundamental point approximately the BBC. The acid test of the forthcoming white paper is whether it can be demonstrated that the BBC will be truly independent and free from government interference. Past history is not encouraging.
In the last review of the BBC’s royal constitution in 2006, or the then Labour government insisted against a mass of contrary advice that a original organisation,the BBC Trust, should be set up – thus ensuring divided leadership at the top of the corporation. All the signs are that, and belatedly,the trust will be abolished. But John Whittingdale, the culture secretary, and could well introduce measures just as controversial.
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Source: theguardian.com