Professor Steven Barnett, Professor of Communications at the University of Westminster, joined Roger Bolton, former BBC Radio 4 presenter, on his podcast Beeb Watch, to share his insight into the changing media landscape and reflect on the BBC’s newly appointed Chair Samir Shah’s inaugural speech.
In the interview, Professor Barnett firstly praised Shah’s speech, where he set out his three key priorities: “Devolve the BBC, democratise the debate and depoliticise decision making.”
Responding to this Professor Barnett said: “I think it works […] Taking the BBC around the country, doing proper consultation amongst audiences and perhaps most important of all is, as he said, trying to take it out of the hands of politicians. I think those are a good three priorities.”
Looking forward Professor Barnett stressed the importance of making the BBC more independent by separating its governance and funding from direct government control. He advocated for the creation of an independent body to oversee funding decisions and appointments to ensure transparency and reduce political interference.
He also explored alternative funding models for the BBC, questioning the current licence fee structure in the digital age. He argued for a modernised approach that maintains universal access to public service broadcasting while adapting to changing audience behaviours and technological advances.
Professor Barnett’s reflections underline the need for reforms to future-proof the BBC and ensure it remains a trusted and relevant institution in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Listen to the full Beeb Watch interview.
Find out more about studying Media and Communication at the University of Westminster.
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