We now have 15 months left to save the BBC - Michael Dugher
Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, responding to the BBC’s report ahead of Charter renewal, said:
“The BBC has put forward an impressive vision of how it can, and should, remain a key cultural and economic asset to Britain.
“With fixed term parliaments, the BBC is right that we should consider an eleven year Charter to take the next renewal well beyond the 2025 election. The Government’s suggestion that the Charter should be reduced to just five years is a clear attempt to increase political influence over the BBC – something which must be fought all the way.
“The BBC is also right to concede that the BBC Trust should be scrapped and have its powers transferred to a new board and an independent regulator. This is something Labour has been calling for since it became clear in recent years that the BBC’s governance standards were not fit for purpose.
“Under this Government, the BBC is at real risk. Ministers want to cut down the size of the BBC and narrow its remit. This is not what the public wants nor is it in the best interests of the country. The Corporation needs to change and reform, but we still need a BBC that continues to inform, educate and entertain, and one that provides something for everyone.
“The BBC makes a huge contribution to our creative industries and to our economy. We now have 15 months left to save the BBC and Labour will fight any attempt by this Government to diminish or dismantle the BBC.”
(via labourpress)
