BBC director general Tim Davie has told an audience at The Lowry in Salford that “the future of our cohesive, democratic society feels for the first time in my life at risk” due to social media and misinformation in a lengthy speech discussing the future of the BBC, the global media and democracy itself as the broadcaster keeps an eye firmly on the ongoing review of its funding model later this year and its charter renewal in 2027.
Davie highlighted the BBC’s role as the world’s leading public sector media organisation and its record of success with shows like Wolf Hall, Call the Midwife and its leading local and global journalism, but warned: “This speaks to issues way beyond party politics and one event, but to longer term factors such as the online revolution and globalization…how we can serve everyone everywhere to improve our chances of an inclusive, happier and more trusting UK it requires brave choices in terms of investment and policy.
He went on: “I talked last year about the seismic changes to the media industry as the internet upends business models. [The system of] broadcast institutions controlling through restricted distribution what you see and hear is truly over. Some of these changes, of course, have been positive. Think about how much choice you now have, or the ability to everyone, for everyone to have a voice. But there is no doubt that this new age is fostering polarization and threatening communal trust and putting more power in the hands of global social media platforms, disinformation is thriving, and free reporting and impartial content has never been under greater pressure…Journalism is in retreat. The latest World Press Freedom Index makes for grim reading, as shockingly, less than a quarter of countries are rated satisfactory or good in supporting free reporting. Less than a quarter press freedom is at its lowest point ever in history. For over half the world’s population, press freedom is totally absent. A few weeks ago, one of our journalists, Mark Lowen, was expelled from Turkey. The pressure on our brave teams continues to grow. Meanwhile, areas like local news and some of the UK production sector are under severe pressure. The whole sustainability of public service broadcasting is at stake. These are not just issues for the answering leaders of old institutions or legacy companies. They are issues for every family and every community.”
Davie added: “Isn’t there a shocking irony that in a globally connected age, loneliness is growing fast? Let’s remember that there are 8.4 million single households in the UK. That’s nearly a third. Of course, TV and radio provides vital companionship and the opportunity for connection and shared experiences linked to this is how our thinking skills are developing. We are building an information rich age. But is it an insight rich age?
It wasn’t all doom and gloom, however. Davie found time for a couple of football jokes too, at the expense of both the blue and red halves of Greater Manchester: “I believe the opportunity for the UK is huge based on our amazing strengths, a society underpinned by strong institutions and democratic values, the second biggest exporter of services in the world and the third largest exporter of creative services, a leader in foundational technology and upstream scientific development, a trusted place to do business, a soft power, or should that be hard power, super power that leads the world in high quality media, outstanding universities and the best Football League on the planet. Sorry about Man United,” he warmed the audience up with, before the notable Southerner added ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup final: “Am I allowed to cheer on palace in Manchester? Dangerous.”
Davie also suggested he expects the BBC to switch from traditional broadcast to IP and online delivery within the next decade.
*Tim Davie is still speaking at the time of writing and this story will be updated as required.
