University of Westminster experts Steven Barnett, Professor of Communications, and Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History, have contributed to a well-attended briefing session at the House of Lords on the future of the BBC. The discussion covered a wide range of issues, including the need to strengthen the BBC’s independence, the importance of a fair and universal funding system and the vital role of the BBC in combating disinformation in a polarised world.
Professors Barnett and Seaton have been instrumental in the setting up of a small campaign group, the British Broadcasting Challenge, and the House of Lords briefing session was an opportunity to discuss their recently published report in advance of the publication of a government Green Paper on the BBC’s future.
The event was hosted by Lord McNally and was attended by a number of peers and MPs across all political parties. An engaged audience of parliamentarians and senior industry figures included major journalistic figures such as former Financial Times editor Lionel Barber and former Guardian and current Prospect editor Alan Rusbridger, as well as a wide range of NGO's and industry experts.
The panel was chaired by Pat Younge, formerly Chief Content Officer at the BBC and now Chair of Cardiff University’s governing board. It also featured acclaimed TV writer Armando Iannucci, former BBC Controller of Radio 4 Mark Damazer, and Chief Executive of Demos Polly Curtis.
This event marked the beginning of a long process of the next BBC Charter Review which will start formally with the imminent publication of a government Green Paper. As part of the Broadcasting Challenge campaign, Professors Barnett and Seaton will be contributing to further reports and briefings over the course of the next 18 months, stressing the vital and unique contribution that the BBC makes to Britain’s cultural, democratic and economic welfare, as well as to Britain’s place in the world.
About the event Professor Seaton said: "That this is a moment of peril for the BBC and public service information more widely was evident in the mood in the room. But also that the unprecedented attack on a national institution by an external power (President Trump) also represents an opportunity to ensure the future of the system more ambitiously.”
Professor Barnett added: "This is a critical moment for the future of the BBC, and we are pleased to be playing an important role in bringing together concerned civil society groups in advance of the government's Green Paper on a new BBC Charter.”
Professors Barnett and Seaton’s work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Media and Communication courses at the University of Westminster.
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