Absolutely right. Democracy is dependent on free and independent journalism. Billionaires are trying to own the broadcasting and newspaper Worlds to control the news that is put out and to slant it to their political view. Very dangerous hence why a public independent broadcaster is very important.
He made the Govt prime mover in selecting the BBC board, thus basically minimising the chance of independent appointments externally & internally. This mostly affected the news, politics & current affairs departments (drama, arts, music, etc less so)
The government appoints the chair and four non-executive "members for the nations" when a vacancy arises. The whole board of about 14 fills any other vacancies.
They don't start from zero, or five. The government appointments and all the others are appointed at different times.
The public appointments system needs a good stirring up, because it works too much on small circles of people who know each other, but most of the BBC board are employed for their experience and capabilities.
Is there any indication the new government will start putting this right? Without that - and Leveson - it's hard to see democracy breaking out in the UK.
Johnson was the one that placed some of them.
Do your remember Richard Sharp? He was made chairman of the BBC and was eventually forced to resign as he was revealed as a financial ‘enabler’ to Boris Johnson and was also Rishi Sunak’s ex-employer. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-65338490
He hung on for as long as he could and serving his notice felt like it would never end.
Acting BBC Chair replacement, Dame Elan Closs Stephens, was a huge disappointment, though she was in a caretaker role.
I'm happy to pay my licence fee for drama, arts, natural history, music & documentaries, but the news, politics & current affairs departments no longer seem to uphold the original BBC ‘Reithian’ principles -equal consideration of all viewpoints, probity, universality & a commitment to public service
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They don't start from zero, or five. The government appointments and all the others are appointed at different times.
There must be ways to add to or replace BBC board members as this situation cannot continue indefinitely.
Amend the rules.
Do your remember Richard Sharp? He was made chairman of the BBC and was eventually forced to resign as he was revealed as a financial ‘enabler’ to Boris Johnson and was also Rishi Sunak’s ex-employer. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-65338490
Acting BBC Chair replacement, Dame Elan Closs Stephens, was a huge disappointment, though she was in a caretaker role.