Is it your BBC? Radio Times readers reveal their thoughts on the public broadcaster – and why most call for its survival

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Let’s discuss the BBC. The way people watch TV and listen to radio is changing quickly with new technologies, creating ongoing challenges. Recently, Barb – the official body that measures viewing figures – reported that YouTube now reaches more viewers than the BBC for the first time ever. This is a significant development if the BBC wants to continue serving all of Britain as its national broadcaster.

Adding to the challenge, this needs to happen in a politically divided nation. The BBC faces constant accusations of bias each week, which risks damaging its well-earned standing as a reliable source of information and central part of public life.

Adding to its challenges, the future of the BBC’s licence fee is uncertain. The government is currently negotiating a new agreement with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about how the BBC will be funded in the years ahead, with details expected next year. Many believe the traditional licence fee – which has supported the BBC for over 100 years – is outdated now that so many people subscribe to streaming services. It’s also becoming increasingly difficult for the fee to cover the BBC’s expenses, leading the organization to plan £500 million in cost cuts over the next two years. The new director-general, Matt Brittin, recently acknowledged these difficulties, stating the BBC will have to make some “tough choices”.

Everyone seems to have an opinion about the BBC, but what about the people who actually watch and listen? When was the last time you were asked for your thoughts?

Last year, after Tim Davie stepped down following criticism of how a Donald Trump speech was edited for the Panorama program, TopMob asked readers for their opinions on the BBC. We wanted to know what people thought about the BBC’s future in today’s digital world, how it should be funded, and what they liked – or disliked – about its programming. Most importantly, we asked if they still trusted the organization.

We received hundreds of letters revealing a remarkable connection between the BBC and its audience. This correspondence showed a wide range of emotions – affection, enthusiasm, frustration, strong beliefs, and a deep sense that the BBC is woven into the fabric of British daily life. It’s difficult to find another organization that inspires such intense feelings of involvement, reliance, pride, anger, and ultimately, trust, though the NHS comes closest.

For years, people have affectionately called the BBC “Auntie,” a nickname that still feels surprisingly fitting today. Recent feedback suggests the BBC is like a familiar relative: someone who entertains and keeps us informed, offers support when we need it, and might occasionally be a bit embarrassing or dull – but is ultimately considered part of the family, and would be deeply missed if they were gone.

You can find a few reader letters with this article online, but the complete set is in the newest edition of TopMob magazine, which comes out on Tuesday, June 16th.

A QUESTION OF TRUST

You answered – and in no uncertain terms.

After living abroad for a number of years – first in Texas and then in Oman – I saw firsthand how TV driven purely by profit can be. The quality was generally poor, especially when it came to news and current events. In both places, the best programs were from the BBC: PBS in Texas carried BBC imports, and we relied on BBC World for trustworthy news in Oman.

As a huge fan of the BBC, I truly believe those in charge – journalists, politicians, everyone – need to think long and hard before they even consider letting it disappear. Once it’s gone, there’s no getting it back, and honestly, I think we’d all really suffer. Personally, I could never support a political party that was responsible for ending the BBC.

Panorama made a serious error in judgment with its reporting on Donald Trump and the Gaza doctors documentary, and it’s clear the BBC needs stronger oversight processes. While improvements are necessary, we shouldn’t dismantle the entire system in response.

I disagree with the recent trend of avoiding clear language, like saying “people” instead of “women” when referring to female individuals – as seen recently with the BBC presenter who changed her script. We shouldn’t alter how we speak just to avoid upsetting a small number of people; some practical thinking is needed.

Generally, I have faith in the BBC, especially reporters like international editor Jeremy Bowen who risk their safety to bring us accurate coverage of global events. Their nature programs are fantastic, and of course, everyone enjoys watching Strictly Come Dancing.

Sarah Roberts Alrewas, Staffordshire

For over sixty years, I’ve regularly watched BBC television and listened to its radio broadcasts. It has always been a source of education, information, and entertainment, and I felt my licence fee was well spent. However, recent issues have been very disappointing, damaging the trust that many people – both in the UK and internationally – had in the BBC. It makes you wonder, if we can’t rely on the BBC for trustworthy reporting, who can we believe?

I strongly believe the BBC needs a new leadership team to rebuild its reputation and refocus on its original principles of public service. We urgently need broadcasters dedicated to serving the public, as many today prioritize profits or push specific political viewpoints. A true public broadcaster should provide news that is thoroughly checked for accuracy, presented fairly, and offers a reliable understanding of current events.

The BBC has always provided a diverse range of entertainment, catering to all interests. Beyond mainstream shows, it’s known for risk-taking dramas and comedies, insightful documentaries, and comprehensive coverage of music, the arts, and sciences. These kinds of programs are unlikely to be found on channels solely focused on making a profit.

Social media is increasingly creating division and spreading misinformation. If the BBC were to disappear, leaving only platforms like these, it would be a terrible outcome. I’m following these changes with concern.

Anne Frost Salisbury, Wiltshire

If we weaken or destroy the BBC, we could be left with little protection against a flood of false and misleading information created by artificial intelligence.

I’ve always felt the BBC offered a sense of security, a buffer against negativity. The British public, at heart, are peaceful and embrace diversity, and the BBC generally strives to reflect that. However, it’s important to remember the BBC is run by people, and everyone makes mistakes.

It’s true that the BBC hasn’t always gotten things right, but is there another organization capable of fulfilling its role in representing British culture and values? Replacing it raises questions about where we would turn for reliable national representation.

All organizations inevitably have flaws, and groups like the BBC do their best to operate fairly in a complex world while remaining reasonably accountable. Generally, I think they still recognize their primary job is to report and offer opinions as objectively as possible.

I still trust in the BBC. Please support our BBC. Please fight for our BBC. Please save our BBC.

Katherine Parr Isle of Wight

So, you asked us to tell you plainly:

Do you still trust the BBC? No.

Does it have a future? Not in its present form.

What are the good parts and how could it improve? I see no positives – please report things more fairly.

Are there any shows or streaming services you truly depend on? They’d just need better, well-made programs and fewer shows focused on celebrities.

Which programmes justify the licence fee, and which feel out of step? None.

Most importantly, how should the BBC be paid for in future – through the licence fee? No.

General taxation? Definitely not.

Via subscription? No.

Or using a new model entirely? Adverts at the end of programmes, never during them.

The BBC is facing declining income and viewership because of choices it’s made about what programs to create and how to pay for them. Unless it adapts quickly, it risks becoming unimportant as viewers turn to other services that offer better quality content.

Chris Wilson Hastings, East Sussex

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

Do you believe the bulletins?

While BBC television generally maintains high quality, there haven’t been many new and exciting shows lately. More concerningly, issues with BBC News – including manipulated footage and perceived political bias – are damaging the reputation of the entire BBC. Although criticisms come from various sources, its coverage of Gaza has appeared heavily biased.

The BBC should remain our main public service broadcaster, but it needs to be free from government control. An independent organization should be established to determine the license fee, appoint senior leaders, and ensure fairness in its programming.

Darryl Sugg Surrey

I’ve lost faith in BBC News, its discussion programs, and talk shows due to what I see as clear biases against Muslims and Palestinians. They’ve also inadvertently boosted Nigel Farage and the Reform Party by giving them extensive coverage. This has had a real impact on British politics and the media landscape, which I find unacceptable. Beyond that, the BBC remains overwhelmingly dominated by men in positions of power. It’s increasingly focused on simple entertainment instead of providing educational or informative content, with excessive royal family and cooking segments. There’s also a lack of diversity among its presenters – too many come from the southeast of England. The way they handled the Trump footage was deeply flawed, and overall, their approach feels arrogant and out of touch.

K Kemra via email

The BBC continues to play a vital role in our national life.

I support the licence fee and believe it offers good value. However, the organization needs to improve its management. The programming that justifies the fee – including documentaries, news, classical music, and sports – is valuable, although we’re increasingly losing sports coverage to those who can pay the most. With a new director-general coming in, there’s a chance to correct some poor decisions made recently. For instance:

Bring back the original 45-minute length for Newsnight. The show feels hurried in its current shorter format, and we frequently hear apologies that discussions have to be cut short before they’re finished.

BBC used to stand out because it didn’t have commercials. But now, the end of each show is spoiled by loud and repetitive previews that cut into the following program – they’re just as irritating as ads! I’ve practically worn out my mute button from using it so much.

We regularly receive complaints in TopMob Feedback about documentary soundtracks being too loud and making it hard to hear the narrator. Despite this, the issue persists.

Being told I have to watch things on iPlayer feels like an order, which I don’t appreciate. A simple suggestion – like “You might enjoy this on iPlayer” – would be much kinder and avoid sounding confrontational.

Dr Philip H Smith MBE Formby, Merseyside

LICENCE FEE, SUBSCRIPTION OR ADS?

How do you think the BBC should be paid for?

The current way of funding the BBC through TV licenses isn’t ideal, but it’s important for the BBC to have enough money to stay independent and continue providing high-quality news, education, and entertainment. This funding method helps ensure the BBC isn’t controlled by the government or influenced by advertisers.

Without the current funding model, the BBC wouldn’t be able to take risks on programs that only appeal to a small audience – shows like Monty Python or Fleabag might never have been made. For many, programs like Radio 4’s I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue alone make the license fee worthwhile, and there are countless other examples of unique and valuable content the BBC produces.

Funding the service directly from the government could lead to claims that it’s controlled by the state. I believe the current TV licence fee is the most practical solution, and we should maintain it.

David Monksfield Stansted, Essex

The current TV license fee doesn’t seem worthwhile. The BBC has a large global audience, and it could make more money by offering subscriptions instead.

I’d gladly pay a significant monthly fee for high-quality journalism, especially if it meant having many more reporters stationed abroad than the BBC currently uses. I’d also want to see continued excellent drama, documentaries, and feature programs. Sports coverage has become too expensive and commercialized, so it should be handled entirely by private broadcasters. While important national events should still be broadcast, I don’t believe there’s a place for things like soap operas, game shows, or endless programs about cooking, home improvement, gardening, or property – those are best left to commercial channels.

Dr Alexander Hall East Finchley, north London

I understand why people are frustrated with the current TV licence fee system, and it’s definitely something worth discussing. However, claiming it doesn’t work at all isn’t quite accurate. It’s important to remember the licence fee isn’t a payment to the BBC like a subscription; it’s a general fee that helps fund a public broadcaster available to everyone, and keeps it independent. The fact it covers live TV is mainly to prevent unfair competition and widespread avoidance of the fee. While the way the fee is enforced might need updating – and that’s a valid point – it’s a reason to change the system, not get rid of it completely.

Every broadcaster occasionally makes mistakes or creates content that isn’t quite right. However, this doesn’t diminish the BBC’s overall contribution – its national and regional news coverage, international reporting (which other broadcasters often rely on), ad-free children’s television, and radio services (including local stations) wouldn’t be sustainable if they had to operate solely for profit.

Currently, the BBC costs about £180 a year for each household – roughly 49p a day. In contrast, American households often spend over £1,000 annually on cable and streaming services, and despite this, TV coverage there tends to be more divided and less reliable when it comes to news.

The debate isn’t simply about whether to keep the licence fee or close down the BBC. The actual choices are to change how the fee is collected – perhaps based on income, as part of council tax, or with a combination of methods – improve how the BBC is run and what programs it commissions, and update its enforcement practices. Completely getting rid of the BBC wouldn’t result in cheaper, higher-quality media; as we see in America, it would likely lead to increased costs, less public trust, and media controlled by just a few large companies.

Ron Oyston via Facebook

Despite its flaws, the BBC remains one of the best broadcasters globally. Those who criticize it should try watching television from other countries for a month to gain some perspective. I’m serious – living in Switzerland, I have access to many European channels, and the quality varies dramatically, often being far worse than what the BBC offers.

If the BBC needs more funding and the government won’t raise the licence fee (or punish people who don’t pay it), they could offer a subscription service to viewers living outside the UK. Considering how many British expats live abroad, this would create a new source of income.

As a critic, I find it frankly baffling that the BBC and the government keep using rights issues as an excuse for not launching a subscription service. Honestly, it feels like a broken record – they claim sorting out those rights is just too complicated. But come on, this is the BBC! And with government backing? It shouldn’t be beyond their capabilities to figure it out. It’s become the go-to reason for inaction, and frankly, I’m not buying it.

Dr Janet Dawson Bennwil, Switzerland

STILL A NATIONAL TREASURE?

Where and how does the BBC shine – or fall short…

I’ve always been a huge fan of the BBC, and honestly, my wife and I rely on it for so much of our entertainment. We’re both retired, and it’s become such a comforting presence in our lives – we’d be devastated if anything ever threatened its future. It feels as essential to Britain as the National Health Service does! After all, it is the British Broadcasting Corporation; it’s woven into the fabric of our national identity.

The BBC has a global reputation for trustworthy and impartial news, and a few mistakes shouldn’t undermine that. While those responsible for the errors in the Trump Panorama program should be held accountable, I don’t think the Director-General needed to resign.

As a huge fan, I honestly think the programs are amazing, and that really makes the license fee worth it. When you break it down to just £180 a year – or about £15 a month – it’s actually a tiny amount, even if you’re retired and on a fixed income. It’s a small price to pay for all the great content!

There are certain things that make life in Britain worthwhile and the BBC is one of them.

Ann and Ray Levett Tiptree, Essex

It’s hard to overstate how important the BBC is. Looking at events unfolding in the US right now really highlights that the BBC stands as a vital, possibly unique, defense of our democratic values.

Interviewers such as Jeremy Paxman and Nick Robinson are known for their tough questioning, effectively holding politicians and public figures accountable – something American journalists often struggle to do.

I deeply admire how BBC journalists handle pressure – staying calm, polite, and focused on asking important questions for the British public, even when facing hostility and intense scrutiny. It’s incredibly frustrating that small errors are being used as an excuse to undermine such a valuable and unique institution.

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed countless radio programs – especially The World at One, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, and Just a Minute. I also love watching TV shows like Strictly, Shetland, and Question Time, and listening to podcasts such as To Catch a Scorpion and Ukrainecast.

As a huge movie fan, I’m really hoping those in power will stand up to Donald Trump and anyone on the right who seems solely focused on what benefits them right now. It’s frustrating to see decisions made without considering the bigger picture – it feels like a poorly written plot with no long-term vision!

I believe the BBC should continue to be funded, either through the current license fee or through general taxes. It’s a crucial national asset and plays a vital role in a healthy democracy. Even if people don’t personally use the BBC, we all benefit from its trustworthy, unbiased news and its work holding those in power accountable.

Andrea Clough Brighton

I truly value the BBC, and my friend and I – both aged 81 – feel so strongly about it that we’d even join protests to protect it. We believe it’s essential for a strong and stable democracy.

I have faith in it. While it’s not perfect and needs to be very careful with every choice it makes – because there are those who want to undermine it – it’s a crucial defense against dishonesty, manipulation, and oppressive power, and a champion of truth in a world filled with misinformation and divisive politics.

During my career, I traveled extensively and got to see media outlets in many different countries. I was consistently impressed by the high quality of British TV and radio, and it was clear how much respect the BBC commands internationally. It’s impossible for me to overstate how vital public broadcasting is.

The BBC and independent journalism should always be guided by honesty, strong moral principles, fairness, and bravery. Their independence from business and political interests is incredibly valuable. In today’s world of social media and powerful corporations, these organizations are essential for protecting our freedoms, and I deeply appreciate the courage of journalists who investigate important issues.

I value the BBC’s commitment to questioning established norms, understanding what people think, celebrating British culture and history, and reflecting our national identity. For me, the BBC embodies the very best qualities of our country.

Denise Outen Leicester

Authors

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2026-06-14 10:46