The BBC is supposed to belong to you – now’s your chance to be heard

by

As a lifelong cinema and music fan, Joni Mitchell’s ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ has always resonated with me – especially that line about not appreciating something until it’s gone. Lately, I can’t help but wonder if that sentiment might soon apply to the BBC. It feels like we might not fully realize what we have until it’s potentially no longer there.

As a film and TV fan, I’ve been thinking a lot about the BBC lately, and honestly, I’m worried. Even if it does manage to stay afloat, will it still be the same BBC we know and love, or will it just become another big commercial company? I’m not sure if it’s truly safe with politicians calling the shots, or even with the people running things right now. It’s easy to forget, but the BBC is supposed to be for us, the public – they even used to say ‘It’s Your BBC!’ – and now, we actually have a chance to make our voices heard about its future.

As a huge fan of film and TV, I’m really concerned about the future of the BBC. The government’s consultation on what happens next closes on March 10th, and honestly, it’s worth taking the time to fill out their online survey – even though it’s a bit lengthy. It feels like this is our last real chance to have a say in what we’re actually getting for our money. Big changes are definitely on the way, and I’m worried that if everyone doesn’t speak up, the push to go fully digital could leave those without reliable internet access completely cut off when they potentially switch off traditional TV signals in 2034. They’re currently rewriting the rules – the BBC Charter – that dictate what the Corporation should be doing, so it’s a critical moment.

What should the BBC prioritize? As the BBC faces further funding cuts – around £700 million over three years, or 10 percent – it’s important to consider its future public service role. Who gets to decide which programs continue and which are cut? Shouldn’t those who pay the license fee have a voice in the process? We risk losing programs we enjoy while still being forced to fund things we don’t want. The decision-making shouldn’t be left solely to BBC management or politicians – we deserve to have a say, just like the principle of ‘no taxation without representation’ suggests.

Now’s your opportunity to share your views. Think beyond just the content itself – consider how it’s managed and how we can maximize its independence from government control, while still ensuring it’s open and accountable to the public. Don’t limit yourself to this consultation; reach out to your Member of Parliament, share your ideas with the BBC Board (they’re there to represent you), and even organize local public discussions.

The current discussion about the BBC’s future lacks a clear idea of what public service content could be. We need to be talking about important areas like local news, international reporting, children’s programs (beyond just American cartoons), and coverage of arts, science, and religion. Should the BBC focus on creating unique, high-quality British dramas and nurturing new talent, rather than trying to compete with streaming services like Netflix? The BBC should start a national conversation not only about the kind of public service programs we need, but also about its own role in delivering them, working alongside other organizations. While the BBC can’t do everything on its own, it’s well-positioned to lead the way, inspire others, and foster collaboration.

The BBC should be a place for everyone in the UK to connect, learn, and explore new ideas – and to inspire future generations. Before we decide how to fund the BBC, let’s agree on what we want it to be. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts, so please don’t miss out.

Authors

Roger Bolton

Read More

2026-02-23 20:44