Constitutionalising the BBC

Abstract

This article argues that BBC policy needs a change of emphasis. In the last two BBC Charter periods the emphasis has been on marketisation and market failure. The aim has been to harness market discipline to hold the BBC to account and ensure it does not chill investment. In an era of almost limitless choice, faltering democratic institutions, and new business models based on monetising data and attention, this approach is no longer appropriate. Whilst media users will always be able to choose not to consume BBC services, policy makers should accept that the BBC should be a permanent, privileged part of the communications landscape and enact reforms that reflect this. Policy should focus on overhauling and improving the ‘constitutional’ checks and balances of the BBC rather than accountability through the market. This requires new policies that actively facilitate new forms of accountability to citizens.