Making viewers of all stripes pay for Auntie would maintain standards across the board

Former director general suggests return to decade-old plan to 'depoliticise' funding negotiations

Yesterday I attended the Ofcom Workplan 2025 meeting in London, where I raised concerns about the control of social media platforms by unfriendly oligarchs, the weakening of the BBC, and the hollowing-out of the UK's local media ecosystem. These issues demand urgent attention to protect our democracy and public interest. The UK’s media landscape is facing a critical moment. Years of decline in local and independent media, compounded by the dominance of global tech platforms, have left significant gaps in how we access information, foster social cohesion, and safeguard democracy. This is not just a media issue; it is a societal issue that impacts how we live together, make decisions, and protect our shared values.

Job cuts in the UK and US journalism industries halved in 2024 compared to the year before, according to Press Gazette analysis.

What challenges does BBC News face over the coming year?

Government plans to 'mutualise' the BBC aims to protect the broadcaster's future but could see pressure groups have a role in how its run